African plants reveal potent healing activity

Scientists have identified significant antibacterial and
antioxidant activity in two plant extracts, used traditionally in
Ghana to heal wounds, they reported at a conference last week.

Plants used traditionally in Ghana to heal wounds have proven beneficial compounds, said a research team from the UK and Ghana last week.

The researchers, investigating the properties of some plants used by the Ashantis, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, have identified two plants with considerable antibacterial and antioxidant activity, they reported at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Harrogate.

A literature search and interviews with traditional healers showed that the stembark of Spathodea campanulata​ (African tulip tree) and the shoot of Secamone afzelii​ are commonly used as wound healing agents, being applied as a paste to the wound.

To assess whether there was scientific justification for these treatments, the researchers tested the plant extracts onprotection against infection and protection against tissue damage caused by oxygen free radicals, two actions key to the wound healing process.

Dr Abraham Mensah, from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, said that extracts from the two plants were tested against four bacterial species and the yeast Candidaalbicans​. Both showed considerable activity against C albicans​. Spathodea campanulata​ also showed a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity.

In addition, both extracts showed antioxidant activity in chromatographic tests.

Further examination showed that the major compound in Secamone afzelii​ was vitamin E, a natural chemical with established antioxidant properties. The activecompounds in Spathodea campanulata​ are currently being analysed.

Professor Peter Houghton, from the King's College research team, said: "Medicinal plants complement more orthodox medicines and it has to be accepted that there is little alternative for many people in countries like Ghana. We are aiming to identify those plants that have a scientific rationale for their reputation, and this should help local people to know which plants to recommend."

The research was funded by a Tropical Development Research Grant from the Wellcome Trust.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Gut and mental health struggles affect consumers

Gut and mental health struggles affect consumers

Content provided by Verb Biotics | 23-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Verb Biotics, a biotech company focused on improving health through the gut microbiome, recently completed its second annual consumer survey to assess...

Explore Probiotic Adventure in Weight Management

Explore Probiotic Adventure in Weight Management

Content provided by CJ BIO | 02-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Curious about how you can deliver standout solutions? Dive into our trend report for valuable insights into current weight management market trends and...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars