Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Medicinal Plants Used against Snakebite Envenomation in Cameroon: Ethnobotanical Evidence, Research Gaps and Perspectives

Dongock Nguemo Delphine — 2026-06-12

Tropical countries harbor the majority of the world's venomous snakes. The medicinal plants used for the treatment of snakebite are rare due to inaccessibility in hospitals and poor storage facilities for Antivenom. The review synthesises knowledge on antivenom plants of Cameroon and provides a critical analysis of gaps and future research avenues for the valorisation of these plants, which constitutes an encouraging and promising alternative in the management of snakebite treatment in Cameroon. The Google search engine was consulted, using keywords such as "snakes in Africa", "snakes in traditional practices", "anti-snake venom activity", "anti-snake activity", "ethnobotany", "medicinal plants" and "snake bite" in Cameroon. A review of scientific articles on plants used to treat snake envenomation Articles, books, reports and others scientific documents on ethnobotany, ethnobiology, pharmacology and ethnomedicine related to the antivenom domain were was undertaken to identify information on traditional knowledge of medicinal, consulted and reviewed with regard to the antivenom activity of plants. A total of 21 species belonging to 15 families were identified. The common botanical families were Asteraceae (19%), Apocynaceae (9%), Burseraceae (9%) and Rubiaceae (9%). Different morphological types were used against snakebites. The most represented botanical types was grasses 38%, follow by trees (33%), shrubs (24%) and lianas (5%). The various plant organs used as antivenins include leaves (43%), bark (24%), roots or bark (9%), leaves or flowers (9%), bark and leaves (5%), leaves or stems (5%) and fruit or barks (5%). Decoction, powder and maceration were the most commonly used extraction methods. The type of administration varies with the species of plants. Oral administration of plant extract, which is the product of decoction, maceration, infusion or trituration, was the most commonly used method of administration. The knowledge of these antivenom plant species will be useful to the population in the event of snake bites and can constitute a basic data to the scientific community which can permit to improve research on the degree of their toxicity.

An Updated Comprehensive Review on Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential of the Genus Cissus (Vitaceae)

Prem Nagrale — 2026-06-23

The genus Cissus (Vitaceae) is widely recognized in traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, African traditional medicine, medieval Islamic medicine and Chinese medicine. Species within the genus contain diverse bioactive constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds and phytosterols, which are associated with a broad range of reported biological activities. This review summarizes the traditional uses, phytochemical features and therapeutic potential of selected Cissus species, with particular attention to Cissus quadrangularis, Cissus cornifolia, Cissus sicyoides and Cissus repanda. Cissus quadrangularis is the most extensively investigated species and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, neuropharmacological and antioxidant activities. Cissus cornifolia has shown antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities, together with favourable acute toxicity findings in experimental studies. Cissus sicyoides has been associated with neuropharmacological, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimitotic, gastroprotective and antidiabetic activities, although reported effects vary according to the extract type. Cissus repanda remains comparatively less explored, but available studies indicate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and phytochemical potential in its roots and leaves. Other medicinally relevant species, including Cissus rubiginosa, Cissus rotundifolia, Cissus aralioides, Cissus assamica, Cissus debilis, Cissus hamaderohensis, Cissus hypoglauca, Cissus ibuensis, Cissus populnea and Cissus verticillata, have also been linked to traditional and experimental biological activities. The review further highlights uneven research coverage across the genus, as several species are supported mainly by preliminary or traditional-use evidence. Overall, the available literature supports the pharmacological relevance of the genus Cissus while indicating the need for further phytochemical profiling, isolation of active constituents and systematic biological evaluation, particularly for under-investigated species such as Cissus repanda.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. and Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.: A Comprehensive Review

Rajashree Das — 2026-06-27

Curcuma aromatica Salisb. and Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. are medicinally important members of the family Zingiberaceae with established roles in traditional healthcare and nutritional practices. This review comparatively examines their diversity, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and GC–MS-based chemical profiles. The available literature indicates that C. aromatica is mainly associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer properties, whereas C. angustifolia is particularly valued for its digestible starch, gastroprotective relevance, and use in functional food preparations. Both species contain bioactive constituents such as curcuminoids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, and essential oil components, which may contribute to free radical scavenging, modulation of inflammatory pathways, inhibition of microbial growth, and tissue-protective effects. GC–MS studies have reported several volatile and semi-volatile constituents, including germacrone, curdione, curzerene, camphor, cineole, β-elemene, and related terpenoids. The comparative evidence suggests that these species have potential relevance for phytopharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food applications. However, many reported activities remain dependent on preliminary phytochemical and experimental studies. Further standardised pharmacological evaluation, toxicity assessment, bioactivity-guided isolation, and controlled clinical investigations are needed to support evidence-based use and product development.

Moringa oleifera: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, Therapeutic Potential in Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity, and Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Toxicological Perspectives

Khan Ramiz Viquar — 2026-07-02

Moringa oleifera Lam., a fast-growing tree native to the sub-Himalayan tracts of South Asia and now cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics, has attracted sustained scientific interest owing to the breadth of bioactive constituents distributed across its leaves, seeds, pods, flowers, bark and roots. Polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, alkaloids, carotenoids and a distinctive group of thiocarbamate glycosides confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and multi-organ protective properties that have been explored across a wide range of non-communicable diseases. This narrative review synthesises contemporary evidence on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of M. oleifera, with particular emphasis on its therapeutic potential in diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity and neurodegenerative disorders, while critically appraising the toxicological literature underpinning its safety profile. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate glucose-lowering, lipid-modulating, antihypertensive, anti-adipogenic and neuroprotective actions mediated chiefly through modulation of the nuclear factor kappa B and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways, attenuation of oxidative stress, and improvement of insulin signalling. Clinical evidence, although expanding, remains limited in scale, duration and methodological rigour, and meta-analytic findings have not yet established consistent cardiometabolic benefit in humans. Toxicological data derived from acute and subchronic rodent studies indicate a wide margin of safety for aqueous and ethanolic leaf preparations at commonly used doses, although hepatic and renal effects have been reported with higher doses and with extracts derived from other plant parts, underscoring the importance of standardisation. The review concludes that M. oleifera represents a biologically plausible adjunct in the management of metabolic and neurodegenerative disease, but that translation into clinical practice is presently constrained by heterogeneity in extract preparation, dosing and trial design.

A Review on Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Properties, and Food Security Potential of Leafy Wild Edible Plants

Vedika Warankar — 2026-07-03

Green and wild leafy vegetables are important components of traditional diets and accessible sources of nutrients, phytochemicals, and culturally significant food resources. This review summarises information on the nutritional composition, phytochemical properties, antioxidant potential, anti-nutritional factors, traditional utilisation, and food security relevance of leafy wild edible plants. The manuscript indicates that these vegetables may provide proteins, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides. Reported examples show wide variation in nutrient composition among species and regions, including differences in protein, fibre, iron, calcium, vitamin C, and β-carotene contents. Phenolic compounds are associated with antioxidant activity, although the magnitude of this activity depends on plant species, extraction methods, and analytical conditions. Anti-nutritional constituents, including tannins, oxalates, phytates, saponins, alkaloids, nitrates, and cyanogenic glycosides, are discussed as factors that may influence nutrient bioavailability, while conventional processing methods such as boiling, blanching, soaking, fermentation, drying, and cooking may reduce their levels. Beyond nutrition, leafy wild edible plants contribute to dietary diversification, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of traditional knowledge. The review also recognises their relevance during seasonal food scarcity and in communities where cultivated vegetables may be less accessible. Overall, the manuscript emphasises the need for systematic nutritional evaluation, phytochemical profiling, conservation, sustainable cultivation, value addition, and responsible integration of these plants into food and nutrition systems.

Impacts of Salt Stress on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

I. C. Nkaire — 2026-06-06

Numerous studies on some plants have shown that plant growth, development and yields are affected by salt stress. This study was carried out at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology (PSB) in Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria between August to October, 2024. having latitude and longitude of (4.804^oN and 6.980^oE), annual rainfall of (200.45mm) and annual temperature range of (25^oC - 27^oC), to investigate the impact of salt stress on the growth and yield parameters of maize which. Sandy-loamy soil used for this study was collected from the above study area. Maize grains (SAMMAZ-51 cultivar) were subjected to viability test and germination percentage was determined. Viable seeds were sown into polybags filled with 18kg of soil at the rate of 2-seeds per bag having 4 treatments (10mM-T1, 30mM-T2, 50mM-T3, Control-T4) replicated 8-times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, days to tasseling, days to cobbing, number of cobs, weight of cob with and without husk. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) in the data collected. Although, Control had higher values in plant height, number of leaves, number of cobs, and weight of cob with and without husk compared to other treatments.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Profiling of Selected Medicinal Plants: Emilia sonchifolia, Bridelia ferruginea, and Rhizophora racemosa

Chukwuma, S. Anakwe — 2026-05-30

Medicinal plants remain a vital source of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is widely practiced. This study aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of aqueous extracts of Emilia sonchifolia leaves, Bridelia ferruginea leaves, and Rhizophora racemosa stem bark in order to provide scientific evidence supporting their ethnomedicinal uses. Standard phytochemical screening methods were employed to identify major classes of secondary metabolites, while spectrophotometric and gravimetric techniques were used for quantitative determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of key phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, carbohydrates, and proteins across the three plant species, with notable variations in their distribution. Quantitative results showed that E. sonchifolia possessed the highest levels of total phenolics (166.07 ± 1.88 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (287.18 ± 8.42 mg QE/g), indicating strong antioxidant potential. R. racemosa exhibited the highest concentrations of saponins (133.75 ± 1.34 mg/100 g), tannins (212.36 ± 3.40 mg GAE/g), and alkaloids (126.78 ± 1.39 mg AE/g), suggesting potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. B. ferruginea demonstrated moderate but balanced levels of phytochemicals, particularly alkaloids and carbohydrates, supporting its combined nutritional and medicinal relevance. Overall, the study highlights significant interspecies variation in phytochemical composition, which may influence the biological activities and therapeutic applications of these plants. The findings provide a scientific basis for their traditional uses and underscore their potential as sources of natural bioactive compounds. Further studies focusing on the isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of individual constituents are recommended to fully explore their medicinal potential.

GC–MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of the Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae)

E. N. Akpan — 2026-06-03

Background: Achyranthes aspera is a traditionally important medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial properties, whose hydroethanolic leaf extract warrants phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation to identify bioactive compounds and support its therapeutic applications.

Aims: This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera L. by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and to evaluate its in vitro antimicrobial activity against selected clinical pathogens.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of A. aspera were collected, shade-dried, and extracted using a hydroethanolic solvent system. GC–MS analysis was performed on a GCMS5975 instrument using an Agilent DB-5 capillary column, and compound identification was carried out by library matching against the NIST11 mass spectral database. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar well-diffusion method against Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined by the broth dilution method.

Results: GC–MS analysis revealed 20 phytoconstituents, dominated by 11-Octadecynoic acid, methyl ester (74.78%), followed by falcarinol (5.71%) and 7,10-hexadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (4.65%). Other pharmacologically relevant compounds included myricetin (0.78%), α-tocopheryl acetate (1.37%), phytol (0.69%), stearic acid (0.95%), and myristic acid (0.62%). The extract exhibited broad-spectrum, concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. At 500 mg/mL, inhibition zones ranged from 27.7 mm (Klebsiella sp.) to 38.0 mm (C. albicans), surpassing the chloramphenicol control (28.0 mm) against several organisms. MIC values ranged from 25 mg/mL (E. coli) to 100 mg/mL (Klebsiella sp.).

Conclusion: The hydroethanolic leaf extract of A. aspera is rich in bioactive phytoconstituents, particularly fatty acid methyl esters, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and vitamins. Its strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including exceptional antifungal potency against C. albicans, supports its ethnopharmacological use in treating infectious diseases and validates the plant as a candidate for further pharmacological investigation.

Effect of Salt Stress on the Proximate Composition of Zea mays L. Seeds

I. C. Nkaire — 2026-06-12

Zea mays L. (Maize) is an annually growing plant of the Poaceae plant family. It is an essential and most consumed staple food as it is consumed around the world because of its nutritive values and it also serves as a source of biofuel production. Various researchers have attributed the varying plant quality and proximate composition to various environmental/abiotic factors of which salt stress is one. This study aims at assessing the effect of salt stress on proximate composition of Zea mays seeds and was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology in Rivers State University. The soil used for the study was collected from the study area. Maize grains (SAMMAZ-51) were subjected to viability test and subsequently sown into polybags filled with 15kg of soil at the rate of 2-seeds per bag with 4 treatments (10mM-T1, 30mM-T2, 50mM-T3, Control-T4), replicated 8-times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatments were applied at intervals of two days and allowed for two months before harvest and the harvested seeds were analyzed for proximate (protein, moisture, ash, carbohydrate, lipid and crude fibre) compositions using the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Proximate composition of the treated maize seeds differed significantly (P<0.05). The results revealed T3 as compared to other treatments to have highest values in protein, ash and lipid (7.59+0.2, 1.22+0.00, 2.90+0.00) respectively with T1 having less values in ash, carbohydrate, lipid (0.10+0.00, 42.22+0.03, 1.60+0.00) respectively compared to all other treatments. This study shows that the quality of maize plant when exposed to salt stress can affect its quality contents and variability in proximate composition can therefore be attributed to the salt stress at different concentrations of salt treatments used.

Species- and Organ-dependent Variation in Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants from West Pokot, Kenya

Gershom Ayora Nyasimi — 2026-06-13

Medicinal plants remain important sources of bioactive compounds; however, comparative evidence on how plant species and organs influence phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential remains limited for several traditionally used taxa in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) profiles and antioxidant activity of Lannea fulva, Ochna insculpta, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Schrebera alata and Teclea pilosa across leaves, stem bark and roots collected from West Pokot County, Kenya. Methanolic extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction, followed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, TLC profiling and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were estimated using a four-parameter logistic model and data analyzed using analysis of variance at p < 0.05. Qualitative screening revealed tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroids, with clear interspecific and inter-organ variation. The TLC analysis showed 2-6 separated bands with distinct retention factor (Rf) values (0.18-0.92), indicating variability in phytochemical complexity among extracts. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant differences in secondary metabolite concentrations across species and plant parts (p < 0.001), with flavonoids and alkaloids generally higher in leaves and stems than in roots. Antioxidant activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner across all extracts (p < 0.001). IC₅₀ analysis showed that P. viridiflorum (32.19 µg/mL) and S. alata (34.99 µg/mL) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity among the plant extracts, whereas L. fulva, T. pilosa and O. insculpta showed higher IC₅₀ values of 53.73, 53.79 and 57.93 µg/mL, respectively. Root extracts consistently exhibited higher IC₅₀ values than leaves and stems. Hierarchical clustering grouped the species into three antioxidant activity clusters corresponding to IC₅₀ patterns, with P. viridiflorum and S. alata clustering with the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid), while T. pilosa formed a distinct low-activity group. The findings demonstrate that phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity in the studied medicinal plants are strongly influenced by species identity and plant part, providing baseline evidence for future isolation of bioactive compounds and pharmacological evaluation.

Impact of Pollution on the Phytosociology of Aquatic Macrophytes

Harvi Patel — 2026-06-26

The impact of water pollution on aquatic macrophytes was investigated during the post-monsoon season in selected lakes of Valsad district, Gujarat, India. The hypothesis was tested to assess the pollution-macrophyte relationship and to evaluate the role of polluting factors in the distribution and composition of macrophyte flora. Physicochemical parameters of the water were analysed to assess water quality. A total of 45 macrophyte species belonging to 26 families were recorded. Cluster analysis, used as a classification method, yielded two conspicuous groups (X and Y). Group X indicated the polluted wetland based on its water quality, whereas group Y indicated the non-polluted wetland, which had comparatively better water quality. Thirty-one macrophyte species were present in the polluted wetland (group X), 40 species were present in the non-polluted wetland (group Y), and 26 species were present in both groups. The species percentages of various groups reflected the ecological status of the selected lakes. Araceae was the most abundant invasive family and tolerated serious water pollution levels at the selected study site. Therefore, it can be considered an indicator family for water-polluted areas and may also be used for phytoremediation. Plants used as indicators can support lake restoration.

Solvent-Dependent Phytochemical Profile of Nypa fruticans Wurmb Leaf Extracts

Lauretta Chikere-Chinwe — 2026-07-06

This study evaluated the influence of extraction solvent on the phytochemical profile of Nypa fruticans Wurmb leaf extracts. Fresh leaf samples were collected from Sandfill, Eagle Island Waterside, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and authenticated at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, with accession number RSUPBH0231. The leaves were washed, oven-dried at 60–70 °C, pulverised and extracted separately with methanol, ethanol and distilled water. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, oxalates, phytates and cyanogenic glycosides using standard laboratory procedures. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance at p < 0.05. Qualitative screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics and oxalates in the extracts, whereas phytates and cyanogenic glycosides were not detected. Quantitative analysis showed that aqueous extraction produced the highest alkaloid concentration (8.70 ± 0.00 mg/ml), while ethanol extraction produced the highest flavonoid concentration (3.72 ± 0.00 mg/ml). Methanol extraction gave the highest values for saponins (2.92 ± 0.01 mg/ml), oxalates (2.29 ± 0.01 mg/ml) and tannins (0.16 ± 0.00 mg/ml). Phenolics were recorded at 0.03 ± 0.00 mg/ml in both methanol and ethanol extracts. Phytates and cyanogenic glycosides were 0.00 ± 0.00 mg/ml in all extracts. Overall, the findings show solvent-dependent variation in phytochemical recovery from N. fruticans leaves, indicating that solvent selection influences the recovery of specific phytochemical groups.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and 6-Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) on the Yield and Yield Parameters of Groundnut (Samnut 23) in Port Harcourt

A. A. Alambo — 2026-07-13

This study was conducted at the Botanical Garden, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of GA3 and BAP on yield and yield parameters of groundnut (Samnut 23). Seeds of the improved variety were cleaned with 70% ethanol for 5 minutes and pre-soaked for 24 hours in seven treatments: 50 ppm GA3, 50 ppm BAP, 100 ppm GA3, 100 ppm BAP, 50 ppm GA3 + 100 ppm BAP, 50 ppm BAP + 100 ppm GA3 and control. Treated seeds were sown in polybags containing 15 kg of sandy-loam soil at four seeds per bag. The treatments were replicated four times, giving 28 experimental units arranged in a completely randomised design. Data were collected on pod number, seed number, and fresh and dry seed weights. Average pod number differed significantly (P < 0.05), with 100 ppm BAP producing the highest pod number (42) and 50 ppm BAP + 100 ppm GA3 producing the lowest (18). Seed number, fresh weight and dry weight did not differ significantly among treatments. However, 50 ppm GA3 recorded the highest seed number (50), fresh weight (17.98 g) and dry weight (11.35 g). The control and 50 ppm BAP + 100 ppm GA3 recorded the lowest seed numbers (27 and 28, respectively), while 100 ppm GA3 recorded the lowest fresh and dry weights (12.47 g and 7.33 g). The findings indicate that GA3 and BAP influenced selected yield-related traits in Samnut 23 groundnut, but responses varied among treatments and should be interpreted cautiously.

Histology of Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott Rhizome

Poonam Sethi — 2026-07-13

Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott is a non-flowering medicinal fern used as fodder and recognised in traditional medicine for its anthelmintic relevance. The rhizome, also known as male fern and locally referred to as Iruvi or Hirvi in Tamil, is used in the Siddha system of medicine but is also associated with toxicity when administered without appropriate caution. This study evaluated the morphological, anatomical and preliminary phytochemical characteristics of the rhizome. Hand sections of the plant material were prepared, stained with safranin and mounted in glycerine for microscopic examination. Aqueous, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were also prepared by cold maceration and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. The rhizome was thick, cylindrical and dark brown to black, with persistent frond bases and ramenta. Anatomically, it showed a single-layered epidermis with a thick cuticle, sclerenchymatous hypodermis, parenchymatous ground tissue containing starch grains and circularly arranged meristeles. Each meristele showed xylem centrally placed and surrounded by phloem. Powder microscopy revealed scalariform tracheids, starch grains, ramental hairs, sclerenchymatous cells and glandular structures. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites, particularly in the ethyl acetate extract. These findings provide useful pharmacognostic parameters for identification and authentication of this medicinal fern.