European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Comparative In vitro Antioxidant Potential of Leaf, Bark, and Stem Extracts of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.

Zoofishan Kazi, Vijaya Lobo — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. is a high-value species known for its phytochemical richness, although the comparative bioactive potential of its different plant parts remains underexplored. The present study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of ethanolic leaf (ELDL), stem (ESDL), and bark (EBDL) extracts of D. latifolia. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of major secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and sterols. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed minor, non-significant variation among extracts (P > 0.05), with ELDL showing the highest phenolic content (8.09 ± 1.12 mg GAE/g) and ESDL showing the highest flavonoid content (3.68 ± 0.01 mg QE/g). Antioxidant activity was assessed using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power assay (RPA), DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging assays. TAC differed significantly among extracts, with EBDL showing the highest activity (323.83 ± 3.70 mg AAE/g), followed by ESDL and ELDL (P < 0.05). In contrast, RPA values were statistically comparable among extracts (p = 0.1621). In DPPH, ELDL and ESDL showed comparable IC₅₀ values (16.00 ± 0.76 and 16.18 ± 0.18 µg/mL) and significantly stronger activity than EBDL (31.26 ± 3.67 µg/mL; P < 0.0001). Similarly, in ABTS, ELDL and ESDL showed lower IC₅₀ values than EBDL (P < 0.0001), with ELDL comparable to the standard Trolox (P = 0.0563). The findings demonstrate assay-dependent antioxidant variation in D. latifolia, with bark showing stronger total antioxidant capacity and leaf and stem extracts showing superior radical scavenging activity. This study can help understand tissue-specific bioactivity and its therapeutic use to guide extraction as well as spatial isolation and characterization of the phytoconstituents.

Phytochemical Profiling and Characterization of the Ethanol Leaf Extract of Buchholzia coriacea (Wonderful Kola) Using GC–MS Analysis

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Buchholzia coriacea is a medicinal plant widely used in West African traditional medicine for treating ailments such as diabetes, malaria, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders. Its leaves contain bioactive phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making it a promising natural alternative to synthetic drugs.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, anti-nutrient content, antioxidant activity, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characteristics, and GC–MS profile of ethanol leaf extracts from fresh and freeze-dried Buchholzia coriacea.

Study Design: An experimental laboratory-based study involving qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, spectroscopic characterization, and chromatographic profiling.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in a laboratory setting of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti, over a defined experimental period.

Methodology: Ethanol extracts were prepared from both fresh leaf extract (FLE) and dried leaf extract (DLE) of Buchholzia coriacea. Standard procedures were employed to determine phytochemical constituents (qualitative and quantitative) and anti-nutrient levels. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Functional groups were identified using FTIR spectroscopy, while GC–MS analysis was used to characterize the chemical constituents of the extracts.

Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones in both extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations in DLE compared to FLE, with alkaloids (7.92 ± 0.17 mg/g), saponins (5.28 ± 0.10 mg/g), and flavonoids (4.61 ± 0.15 mg/g) being predominant. GC–MS analysis identified 13 compounds in FLE, mainly caffeine (8.78%), n-hexadecanoic acid (7.68%), and octadecane (6.59%), while 19 compounds were detected in DLE, dominated by n-hexadecanoic acid (28.82%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (28.40%), and lupeol (7.17%). The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH scavenging values of 84.45% (FLE) and 85.81% (DLE) at 30 mg/mL. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, ether, and amine functional groups.

Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnomedicinal relevance of Buchholzia coriacea and highlight its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds, supporting its prospective application in pharmaceutical development.

Comparative Metabolite Profiling of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merril: Influence of Hydroponic and Soil Cultivation on Alkaloid and Triterpenoid Composition

Shital Chaukhande, Mangesh Dagawal, Vinay Khare — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merrill is a medicinal plant that holds significant therapeutic value. This study investigates the impact of hydroponic cultivation on the phytochemical profile of Sauropus androgynus (L). Merrill, in comparison to traditional soil-based farming. The main emphasis is on the compositions of alkaloids and triterpenoids. The plants were cultivated in controlled hydroponic and potting soil conditions, and the harvested leaves underwent analysis through High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) for fingerprint profiling and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantitative assessment. Results indicate that hydroponic cultivation significantly modifies the secondary metabolite composition of S. androgynus. LC-MS findings revealed elevated levels of important alkaloids, including pseudoephedrine, 10-hydroxycamptothecin, and L-(1-naphthyl) thiourea and identified prominent triterpenoids such as betulinic, ganoderic, and oleanolic acids in both cultivation systems, although their concentrations differed based on the growing method. HPTLC fingerprinting supported these variations, displaying unique banding patterns for samples grown hydroponically versus those grown in soil. Overall, these findings emphasise the significant impact of cultivation methods on the phytochemical profile relevant to medicinal benefits and safety in S. androgynus, advocating for hydroponics as an effective approach to cultivating valuable, metabolite-rich medicinal plants sustainably.

Chemical Composition and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from the Leaves and Bark of Alstonia boonei De Wild

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Alstonia boonei De Wild is used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases according to the literature. This study aimed to characterise the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from the leaves and bark of Alstonia boonei De Wild acclimatised in Congo and to evaluate their antioxidant potential. In this study, the essential oils of the leaves and bark of Alstonia boonei were analysed by GC-MS and GC/FID, and their antioxidant activity was tested by TLC. Fifty and sixty-one chemical compounds were identified, including alkanes (24.60%), fatty acids (17.59%), aldehydes (12.01%), sesquiterpenes (4.10%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (6.16%) as major families in the essential oil of the leaves, and fatty acids (32.32%), oxygenated monoterpenes (12.96%) in that of the bark. n-heptane (15.25%), palmitic acid (13.72%), pentadecanal (8.68%), n-nonacosane (5.79%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (2.94%) and phytol (2.15%) are the most abundant compounds in the essential oil of the leaves, and hexadecanoic acid (32.32%), α-terpineol (7.66%) and eugenol (6.28%) in that of the bark. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the essential oils from Alstonia boonei. revealed spots with retention factors (Rf) of 0.44 for the leaves and 0.83 for the bark, confirming the presence of antioxidant compounds.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Leaf Extracts of Manihot esculenta Crantz

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This study investigated the phytochemical profile of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts of Manihot esculenta Crantz and evaluated their antifungal activity.

Study Design: The phytochemical composition and antifungal properties of the extracts were assessed using in vitro methods.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo, from June to November 2024.

Methodology: Phytoconstituents were screened using staining and/or precipitation tests. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents were determined by spectrophotometric assays. Antifungal activity was assessed by serial microdilution against selected yeasts, dermatophytes, and filamentous fungi, and the data were analysed at p < 0.05.

Results: Saponins, alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and sterols were detected, except for saponins in the aqueous extract. The hydro-ethanolic extract had higher contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins (160.39 ± 20.18 GAE/g DE; 130.93 ± 3.69 QE/g DE; 102.84 ± 13.48 CE/g DE) than the aqueous extract (80.65 ± 14.22 GAE/g DE; 90.16 ± 3.41 QE/g DE; 28.31 ± 5.91 CE/g DE). MIC values ranged from 1.25 to >40 mg/mL.

Conclusion: The hydro-ethanolic extract showed comparatively stronger phytochemical recovery and selected antifungal effects, although both extracts showed weak activity compared with reference antifungals.

Influence of Pre-extraction Leaf Modifications on Lemongrass Essential Oil Recovery and Thermo-Energetic Efficiency in Steam Distillation

B. M. Khandelwal, Varsha Kanojia — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the influence of simple pre-extraction leaf modifications on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil recovery and thermo-energetic efficiency during steam distillation. Experiments were conducted at JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, using a completely randomised design with four treatments and three replications, giving 12 experimental runs. The treatments were whole leaves without soaking (WWOS), whole leaves with soaking (WWS), chopped leaves without soaking (CWOS), and chopped leaves with soaking (CWS). Each run used 0.5 kg of lemongrass leaves and 2 kg of distilled water, with observations recorded at 15-minute intervals up to 120 minutes. Oil recovery, thermal energy consumption, specific gravity, refractive index, material balance and burner efficiency were assessed. No oil was recovered during the first 30 minutes. Oil extraction began at 45 minutes and increased until stabilisation. CWS produced the highest oil volume (2.4 ml), followed by CWOS (2.1 ml), WWS (1.8 ml) and WWOS (1.6 ml). Chopping reduced the optimum extraction time to 90 minutes for CWOS and CWS, compared with 105 minutes for WWOS and WWS. ANOVA indicated significant differences in oil recovery among pre-treatments (p < 0.05). The lowest thermal energy consumption per ml of oil was observed for CWS (2129.50 kJ/ml), whereas WWOS required the highest value (3654.68 kJ/ml). Specific gravity and refractive index ranged from 0.876 to 0.910 and 1.477 to 1.488, respectively. Burner efficiency ranged from 40.23% to 41.94%. The material balance confirmed conservation of the 2.500 kg input mass. Overall, chopping combined with water soaking improved oil recovery and energy use under the tested conditions.

Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Cortical and Hippocampal Biochemical Pathways and the Restorative Potential of Attalea phalerata Pulp Oil

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vitamin A deficiency may affect brain function by altering metabolic and neurotransmission-related pathways. This study evaluated the effects of vitamin A deficiency on biochemical markers in the cortex and hippocampus of rats and examined whether treatment with Attalea phalerata pulp oil, a source of provitamin A carotenoids, could support recovery. Male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet or a vitamin A-deficient diet for 45 days. Afterwards, vitamin A-deficient animals underwent a 30-day recovery phase with A. phalerata pulp oil or synthetic β-carotene. Behavioural assessments were performed on day 72, and cortical and hippocampal tissues were collected for analysis of acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, ATP-citrate lyase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and lactate levels. After 45 days, vitamin A deficiency increased hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity and altered cortical metabolism, as indicated by reduced monoamine oxidase activity and increased ATP-citrate lyase activity. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and lactate levels were not significantly altered at this stage. During recovery, A. phalerata oil was associated with increased cortical citrate synthase activity, while hippocampal monoamine oxidase activity remained reduced compared with controls. Synthetic β-carotene produced biochemical values closer to control levels for some parameters but was associated with reduced rearing in the open-field test. These findings indicate that vitamin A deficiency affects specific brain biochemical pathways and that recovery with A. phalerata pulp oil or β-carotene may partially modulate these alterations.

Medicinal Plants in Migraine Management: A Narrative Review

G. Sujatha — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Migraine is a prevalent chronic neurovascular disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, and it substantially impairs quality of life. Migraine is broadly categorised into migraine with aura and migraine without aura, while diagnosis depends primarily on clinical history, symptom assessment, and the International Classification of Headache Disorders guidelines. Conventional pharmacological therapies, including ergot alkaloids, analgesics, triptans, calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, beta-blockers, and antidepressants, are widely used for acute and preventive migraine management. However, prolonged use of these synthetic agents is commonly associated with adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiovascular complications, dizziness, and medication-overuse headache. This narrative review evaluates the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents in migraine management. Data were collected from Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Springer Link, Oxford University Press, MDPI, and Taylor and Francis Online. The reviewed literature indicates that selected medicinal plants may influence migraine-related pathways through modulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalance, nociceptive signalling, and vascular dysfunction. Key phytoconstituents discussed include parthenolide from Tanacetum parthenium, petasin and isopetasin from Petasites hybridus, valerenic acid from Valeriana officinalis, linalool from Lavandula angustifolia, and withanolides from Withania somnifera. These compounds are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, vasorelaxant, and neuromodulatory activities. Overall, medicinal plants may offer complementary, multitargeted options for migraine management. Nevertheless, the limited availability of large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials restricts definitive conclusions regarding their long-term efficacy, safety, dosage standardisation, and integration with conventional therapy.

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Herbal Remedies Used for Stomach Disorders, Diarrhoea and Dysentery: A Critical Global Review

Saraswati Majhi, Prerna Soni, Premchandra Oinam, Sanjeet Kumar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhoea and dysentery, remain significant contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. Across diverse cultural traditions, herbal medicine has long served as the primary or supplementary means of managing these conditions, and a substantial body of ethnobotanical research now documents the plant species employed, the modes of preparation, and the communities that use them. This review critically examines the ethnobotanical evidence base underpinning the use of medicinal plants for stomach disorders, diarrhoea, and dysentery, synthesising findings from studies published between January 2010 and February 2026. The review evaluates the congruence between traditional knowledge and pharmacological validation, considers the methodological quality of ethnobotanical surveys, identifies the most consistently reported plant families and species, and assesses the degree to which bioactive compounds have been characterised and attributed mechanistic activity. Across the literature, families such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae emerge as predominant sources of antidiarrhoeal and antiulcer remedies, with preparations typically involving aqueous or hydro-alcoholic extracts administered orally. In vitro and In vivo studies corroborate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antisecretory mechanisms for many of the reported species, yet critical gaps persist in clinical translation, standardisation, and safety assessment. The review also addresses conservation concerns, intellectual property tensions, and the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into primary healthcare frameworks. It concludes with a call for methodologically rigorous, interdisciplinary, and community-engaged research to bridge the substantial distance between field documentation and therapeutic application.

A Phytochemical Review of Healing Plants Used in West Africa

Safiatou TRAORÉ, Kampadilemba OUOBA , Salfo OUÉDRAOGO, Rasmané SEMDÉ — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The skin is a protective, multifunctional organ that plays key roles in immunity, thermoregulation and fluid balance, and it consists of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Wound healing, especially in chronic cases, is a complex, costly, multiphase process that is often managed using modern treatments as well as traditional medicinal plants.

Aims: This review aimed to review and update information on selected medicinal plants with wound-healing properties that are traditionally used in West Africa.

Methodology: Relevant literature was obtained from databases and search engines, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Google, using the keywords "plants", "wound healing", "West Africa" and "phytochemistry". Articles published within the last 15 years were selected and reviewed.

Results: Thirteen plants belonging to seven families were identified, with established phytochemical profiles. The families represented were Fabaceae (53.85%), Anacardiaceae (7.69%), Apocynaceae (7.69%), Malvaceae (7.69%), Meliaceae (7.69%), Moringaceae (7.69%) and Olacaceae (7.69%). Phytochemical screening was conducted on aqueous, hydro-ethanolic, methanolic, ethanolic, n-butanolic, acetonic and oxalic-acetate extracts. The plant parts most frequently used for extraction were bark (41.6%), leaves (33.4%), fruits (16.7%) and, rarely, seeds (4.16%) and branches (4.16%). Major phytoconstituents identified included alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and sterols. Constituents were more concentrated in the bark, and most of the plants showed little or no cytotoxicity, except Calotropis procera, which showed high cytotoxicity in cells.

Conclusion: Knowledge of these plants may support further studies to elucidate the role of each compound in wound healing and, subsequently, the development of new medicines for wound treatment.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Apiaceae): A Critical Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activity, Clinical Evidence and Prospects for Therapeutic Development

P. V. Sindhu, M. K. Leena — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, a creeping herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae, has long occupied a prominent place in traditional medicine systems across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Renewed scientific interest over the past two decades has generated a substantial body of evidence on its phytochemical composition, pharmacological mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. This review critically examines the current state of knowledge on C. asiatica, encompassing its botanical characteristics and geographical distribution, the chemistry and biosynthesis of its principal bioactive constituents—most notably the triterpenoid saponins asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid—and the mechanistic basis for its reported activities in wound healing, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory responses, antioxidant defence, and dermatological applications. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of its key constituents is assessed alongside available preclinical and clinical evidence, the latter of which remains patchy and methodologically variable. Attention is also given to quality and standardisation challenges, cultivation and sustainability concerns, and emerging approaches to bioavailability enhancement. The review identifies significant gaps in the clinical evidence base and highlights areas where mechanistic understanding remains incomplete, concluding with a research agenda oriented towards robust clinical investigation, sustainable sourcing, and the integration of multi-omics approaches to advance the therapeutic development of this widely used medicinal plant.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used for Arthritis Management: A Critical Global Review

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Arthritis, encompassing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory joint disorders, remains one of the principal causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide, with prevalence rising in tandem with population ageing and increasing rates of obesity. Conventional pharmacotherapy, while effective for many patients, is constrained by incomplete symptom control, treatment non-response and a recognised burden of gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids and biologic agents. Against this backdrop, ethnomedicinal plant use for arthritis management persists across virtually every inhabited continent and continues to inform both complementary practice and pharmaceutical innovation. This review synthesises evidence drawn from ethnobotanical surveys, phytochemical investigations, preclinical pharmacology and clinical trials concerning plants traditionally used for joint disorders, with particular attention to South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. Recurrent taxa across geographically and culturally distinct healing traditions include turmeric, frankincense, ginger, devil's claw, guduchi and ashwagandha, among numerous regionally specific species. Mechanistic convergence is evident at the level of nuclear factor-kappa B signalling, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition, cytokine modulation and osteoclastogenic suppression, suggesting that independently developed traditions have, in many instances, identified pharmacologically plausible remedies. Clinical evidence for several priority species is encouraging, although heterogeneity in extract standardisation, dosing and trial design limits definitive conclusions. Safety considerations, herb–drug interaction risk, sustainability of wild-harvested resources and the absence of harmonised quality control remain substantial barriers to safe integration into mainstream rheumatological care. The review concludes that ethnomedicinal knowledge constitutes a scientifically valuable, though still incompletely validated, resource for arthritis management, warranting rigorous, adequately powered clinical investigation and parallel efforts in conservation and standardisation.