DSpace Collection: 1 - 120

A Review: Searsia genus and Its Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A Review: Searsia genus and Its Potential Anti-Cancer Properties Authors: Rampana, Dijeng Euginiah; Makhoahle, Pakiso Moses Abstract: The Searsia genus, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, comprises small trees and evergreen shrubs primarily found in Southern Africa, with some species extending to East Africa and the Mediterranean. While these species are well-known for their ecological roles in stabilizing soils and providing habitat for wildlife, they also possess significant medicinal value, particularly in traditional African medicine. Searsia plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This has drawn scientific interest, especially regarding their potential in cancer treatment. Notably, Searsia chirindensis and other species have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, attributed to compounds like gallic acid and other polyphenolics. This review delves into the phytochemical profiles of selected Searsia species, exploring their medicinal properties with a particular focus on their anticancer activities. The anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, coupled with their antioxidant activities, suggest a promising role in cancer prevention and treatment, although further research is necessary to confirm these benefits in clinical settings.

Health Action Process Approach in Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Health Action Process Approach in Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review Authors: Sahmad, Sahmad; Abdullah, Andi Zulkifli; Syafar, Muh.; Sidin, Indahwaty; Mallongi, Anwar Abstract: Background: Epidemiological research has indicated that the deleterious effects of non-communicable disease can be prevented through participation in health behaviour. The HAPA is a dual-phase model that identifies the determinants of the initiation and maintenance of health behaviour. The aim of this study was to systematically map the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA)- based interventions in non-communicable diseases in relation to the type of intervention, the target groups and the constructs of the HAPA model that are used in the study and to assess the clinical relevance of the studies. Methods: This review study complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) version 2020. The search for relevant literature involved PubMed, Sciencedirect, Willey online Library and Proquest databases for the studies published in 2000 to 2023 period. Quality of the study was assessed using CASP, and the Risk of Bias using Cochrane RoB tool. Results: In data bases search, there are 912 studies. The results for eligibility resulted in 18 articles consist of 13 observational studies, and 5 experimental studies. Discussion: Physical activity, healthy diet behaviour, and medication adherence were the targeted behaviour. In the majority of the studies, the targeted intervention was physical activity and the population consisted of adult patients. Conclusion: All studies used only a selection of the HAPA constructs. Therefore, only a minority of the studies can be considered real HAPA intervention studies.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity, In-Silico Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Profile of a Phytosterol Isolated from The Leaves of Carissa Bispinosa

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: In Vitro Antibacterial Activity, In-Silico Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Profile of a Phytosterol Isolated from The Leaves of Carissa Bispinosa Authors: Shekwa, Wanda; Matotoka, Mashilo Mash; Maliehe, Tsolanku Sydney; Masoko, Peter Abstract: Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. Ex-Brenan is a medicinal plant widely used in South Africa. The study reports on the isolation of a phytosterol from C. bispinosa along with molecular docking and pharmacokinetic studies. The phytochemicals were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, acetone and methanol. The compound was isolated following a bioactivity-guided isolation protocol using column-chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used for compound characterisation. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using bioautography and micro-broth dilution assays. AutoDock vina, SwissADME and ADMET lab were used for molecular docking, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties, respectively. Drug-likeness was evaluated based on Lipinski's rule of five (Ro5). The isolated compound was identified as β-sitosterol. It had an anti-S. aureus activity of (0.31 mg/mL). It revealed binding scores of -7.2 and -6.4 kcal/mol against penicillin-binding protein and DNA gyrase, respectively. It violated one of Ro5 (MLOGP > 4.15). It has no inhibitory effects against isoforms of cytochrome P450. Moreover, it demonstrated no adverse effect on skin, non-carcinogenic and non-hepatotoxic effects. Based on the results, β-sitosterol can be considered as potential anti-S. aureus drug. Further studies may focus on ascertaining the mechanism of action in-vitro and investigating the synergistic effects of the compound with conventional drugs.

Comprehensive Antioxidant Evaluation of Tiliacora triandra Extracts: Assays of Leaf, Stem, and Root

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Comprehensive Antioxidant Evaluation of Tiliacora triandra Extracts: Assays of Leaf, Stem, and Root Authors: Kwuansawat, Thidarut; Sriplee, Suwakrit; Meelek, Phattharawadee; Sujayanont, Patcharawan Abstract: This study evaluates the antioxidant potential of Tiliacora triandra (locally known as “Yanang”) extracts from the leaves, stems, and roots using three established assays: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power). The extracts were prepared using 95% ethanol, and their antioxidant activities were assessed in terms of IC50 and Trolox equivalents. The DPPH assay yielded IC50 values of 187.91±28.09 μg/ml, 85.93±10.91 μg/ml, and 71.31±11.29 μg/ml for the leaf, stem, and root extracts, respectively. Similarly, the ABTS assay showed IC50 values of 181.78±22.96 μg/ml for the leaf extract, 70.07±6.40 μg/ml for the stem extract, and 48.09±8.77 μg/ml for the root extract. In both assays, the root and stem extracts exhibited comparable antioxidant activity, whereas the leaf extract showed significantly lower activity (p < 0.05). The FRAP assay revealed no significant differences among the extracts, with Trolox equivalent values ranging from 190 to 211 mg TE/g extract. These findings suggest that the root and stem extracts possess strong antioxidant activity and may be used interchangeably in applications requiring such properties, whereas the leaf extract has comparatively lower potential. Further studies are recommended to explore the therapeutic properties and potential health benefits of these extracts.