Cytotoxicity of a new tirucallane derivative isolated from K. Schum stem bark.

One new tirucallan derivative, leutcharic acid () was isolated from stem bark together with the known compounds 3-oxo-22-hydroxyhopane (), 3,4-secotirucalla-4(28),7,24-trien-3,21-dioic acid (), 3-oxotirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid (), lupeol (), -sitosterol () and stigmasterol (). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopy in combination with literature data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the cytotoxic properties' constituents of .

In vitro antifungal, antibacterial activities and nutritional value of nine Cameroonian edible vegetables.

Background: The high medicinal potential of plants, including edible vegetables, is well documented. Vegetables can afford significant health benefits to consumers, depending on their medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study analysed the antimicrobial activity and nutrient contents of nine commonly consumed Cameroonian vegetables and spices for which such information is at present limited.

Microbial, phytochemical, toxicity analyses and antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant bacteria of some traditional remedies sold in Buea Southwest Cameroon.

Background: Traditional medicine remedies are commonly used for treatment of diverse ailments including bacterial infections. The activity against resistant bacteria and safety of some remedies sold as anti-infective treatments in market places in Buea, Southwest Cameroon were investigated as potential alternative treatment to counter increasing antibiotic resistance.

Methods: Ten remedies were purchased, their components documented and microbial load estimated.

Brevipedicelones D and E, Two C-O-C Flavonoid Dimmers from the Leaves of Garcinia brevipedicellata and Anti-onchocercal Activity.

A novel isoflavone-chromone flavonoid C-O-C dimmer, brevipedicelone D (1), along with one new C-O-C biflavonoid derivative, brevipedicelone E (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Garcinia brevipedicellata, a medicinal plant used in folk medicine in parts of Cameroon. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D- NMR, MS experiments, as well as comparing their spectral data with those of known analogues. Anti-onchocercal screening of 1 showed moderate inhibition of adult worm motility of Onchocerca ochengi by 60% at the highest concentration (20 µg/mL) and inhibited motility of both the juvenile worms of O.

Antiparasitic Sesquiterpenes from the Cameroonian Spice Scleria striatinux and Preliminary In Vitro and In Silico DMPK Assessment.

The antiparasitic activity and preliminary in vitro and in silico drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) assessment of six isomeric sesquiterpenes (1-6), isolated from the Cameroonian spice Scleria striatinux De Wild (Cyperaceae) is reported. The study was prompted by the observation that two of the compounds (1 and 2) exhibited varying levels of antiparasitic activity on Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania donovani. The in silico method employed a total of 46 descriptors, calculated using Schrödinger QikProp software.

Isolation and Characterization of Sclerienone C from Scleria striatinux.

Herein, we report the isolation and characterization of sclerienone C, a novel sesquiterpene isolated from the methylene chloride/methanol (1:1) extract of Scleria striatinux that we have deduced to have structure 1. This medicinal spice of Cameroon has been shown to display antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities. The isolation and purification involved a combination of methods including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-prep HPLC separations.

Anti-Onchocerca activity and phytochemical analysis of an essential oil from Cyperus articulatus L.

Background: The lack of a safe and effective adult worm drug and the emergence of resistant animal parasite strains to the only recommended drug, the microfilaricide, ivermectin put many at risk of the devastating effects of the onchocerciasis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the acclaimed anti-Onchocerca activity of the roots/rhizomes of Cyperus articulatus in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis in North Western Cameroon and to assess the plant as a new source of potential filaricidal lead compounds.

Methods: Crude extracts were prepared from the dried plant parts using hexane, methylene chloride and methanol.

Bioassay-guided discovery of antibacterial agents: in vitro screening of Peperomia vulcanica, Peperomia fernandopoioana and Scleria striatinux.

Background: The global burden of bacterial infections is high and has been further aggravated by increasing resistance to antibiotics. In the search for novel antibacterials, three medicinal plants: Peperomia vulcanica, Peperomia fernandopoioana (Piperaceae) and Scleria striatinux (Cyperaceae), were investigated for antibacterial activity and toxicity.

Methods: Crude extracts of these plants were tested by the disc diffusion method against six bacterial test organisms followed by bio-assay guided fractionation, isolation and testing of pure compounds.

Selective activity of extracts of Margaritaria discoidea and Homalium africanum on Onchocerca ochengi.

Background: The current treatment of onchocerciasis relies on the use of ivermectin which is only microfilaricidal and for which resistant parasite strains of veterinary importance are increasingly being detected. In the search for novel filaricides and alternative medicines, we investigated the selective activity of crude extracts of Margaritaria discoidea and Homalium africanum on Onchocerca ochengi, a model parasite for O. volvulus.

Occurrence of sesquiterpene derivatives in Scleria striatonux de wild (Cyperaceae).

Scleria striatonux (Cyperaceae), a spice traditionally used in Cameroon, displayed an antiplasmodial activity. Two new sesquiterpenes, 1 (sclerienone A) and 2 (sclerienone B), have subsequently been isolated from the methylene chloride/methanol extract of the rhizome. Their separation involved a combination of methods including repeated silica gel open column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC.

Okundoperoxide, a bicyclic cyclofarnesylsesquiterpene endoperoxide from Scleria striatinux with antiplasmodial activity.

Okundoperoxide (1) was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation of extracts from Scleria striatinux (syn. S. striatonux).

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of extracts of selected medicinal plants from North West Cameroon.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Helicobacter pylori, a gram negative microaerophilic bacterium is a major etiological agent in duodenal, peptic and gastric ulcers. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by the organism demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources.

Aim Of Study: The present study is aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of some selected medicinal plants on clinical isolates of H.