Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
Amoo, S.O., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Finnie, J.F., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Van Staden, J., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Various parts of Barleria prionitis L. (Acanthaceae) are used in traditional medicine to treat infection-related ailments. A comparison of their activities and knowledge of their mechanisms of action are important for drug development and conservation. Aims of the study: This study investigated the antibacterial effects and underlying mechanisms of action of the anti-inflammatory activities of different parts of three Barleria species of South African origin. Materials and methods: Crude extracts of different parts of three Barleria species were investigated in vitro for their biological activity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the micro-dilution assay against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 assays. Results: All the extracts showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.059 to 6.25 mg/ml. Twelve out of 21 crude extracts evaluated showed good activity (>70%) in the COX-1 assay while 10 extracts showed good activity in the COX-2 assay. All the petroleum ether extracts (except B. prionitis stem) exhibited good inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in COX-1. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of these plants as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. Their anti-inflammatory properties are mediated by the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzymes. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Barleria albostellata extract; Barleria greenii extract; Barleria prionitis extract; cyclooxygenase 1; cyclooxygenase 2; petroleum ether; plant extract; unclassified drug; Acanthaceae; antibacterial activity; antiinflammatory activity; article; controlled study; dilution; drug activity; enzyme inhibition; Gram negative bacterium; Gram positive bacterium; in vitro study; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; plant leaf; plant root; plant stem; prostaglandin synthesis inhibition; South Africa; species difference; traditional medicine; Acanthaceae; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cyclooxygenase 1; Cyclooxygenase 2; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Medicine, African Traditional; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts; Prostaglandins; South Africa; Acanthaceae; Barleria; Barleria prionitis; Negibacteria; Posibacteria