ORIGINAL ARTICLE Discovery Phytomedicine 2018, Volume 5, Number 3: 34-42

Microscopy features, Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Original Article of whitei L. (Hook F.) (): A mini-review CrossMark Doi: Discovery Phytomedicine.2018.67 Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua,1,3,4* Clément Inkoto Liyongo,1 Gédéon Ngiala Bongo,1 Lufuluabo G. Lufuluabo,2 Nathan Kutshi Nsimba,5 Colette Masengo Ashande,3,4 Volume No.: 5 Santos Kavumbu Mutanda,1 Benjamin Z. Gbolo,3,4 Dorothée D. Tshilanda,2 Pius T. Mpiana2

ABSTRACT Issue: 3 Aim: To provide update knowledge on phytochemistry and bioactivity phytochemistry and pharmacognosy. The chemical structures of of . the A. reticulata naturally occurring compounds were drawn using Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys, ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software package. First page No.: 34 utilization of ChemBioDraw software package and dissemination of Results: Findings revealed that this is traditionally used as the resulted knowledge. stimulant or pain reliever. This plant is reported to possess various Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa biological properties like anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and Department of Environmental Science, University of Gbadolite, the antihelmintic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic, analgesic, wound RH_Author: XXX Democratic Republic of the Congo, between January and March 2018. healing, antisickling and cytotoxic effects. These properties are due Methodology: A literature search was conducted to obtain to the presence of numerous naturally occurring phytochemicals like information about the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of A. tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. reticulata from various electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Conclusion: The present review can, therefore, help inform future Science Direct and Google scholar). The scientific name of this plant scientific research towards the development of novel drugs of relevance species was used as a keyword for the search, along with the terms from M. whitei for the improvement of human health and wellbeing.

Keywords: Mondia whitei, Phytochemistry, Proximate analysis, Bioactivities,

*Corresponding Author: INTRODUCTION of this medicinal plant species of high relevance in Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua, African populations. Department of Biology, University Background of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Botany, ecology and geographical Republic of the Congo, Department that traditional and complementary medicines distribution of Mondia whitei of Environmental Sciences, 1 University of Gbadolite, (TCM) are a vital part of global health care system. Mondia whitei L. (Hook F.) is a forest floor plant Nord-Ubangi, Democratic Republic In Africa, it is estimated that over 80% of the popu- having aromatic rhizomatous roots belonging to of the Congo, Ubangi Bioxplore lation goes on relying on the traditional to the Asclepiadaceae family. It grows up to 6 m of Project (Biodiversity Exploration meet their basic health care needs.1-3 Significant height and its leaves are broadly ovate having a base of Ubangi River Basin and Carbon economic benefits in the development of this medi- cordate, apex acuminate and corona of 11 – 12 mm Assessment), Nord-Ubangi Province, 5 Democratic Republic of the Congo. cine are in the use of medicinal plants for the treat- long. It is a perennial woody climber with twining [email protected] ment of various diseases giving a bright future for stems which exudes white latex while it is cut and the management of several ailments.4 it possesses. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo M. whitei is a perennial woody climber reaching Cite this Article: Ngbolua, K.N., (DRC), medicinal plants represent the main 3–6 m high with twining stems which exudes white Liyongo, C.I., Bongo, G.N., Lufuluabo, L.G., Nsimba, N.K., product for both urban and rural populations for latex when cut. It has characteristic large,oppositely Ashande, C.M., Mutanda, S.K., their health care needs because the high costs of positioned heart-shaped leaves. The surfaces of the Gbolo, B.Z., Tshilanda, D.D., conventional drugs. leaves are endowed with soft hairs and distinctive Mpiana, P.T. 2018. Microscopy The present review aims to provide updated star-shaped stipules.6 The attractive flowers are red features, Phytochemistry and information on the phytochemistry and bioactivities dish purple in colour and are borne in branched Bioactivity of Mondia whitei L. (Hook F.) (Apocynaceae): A mini-review. Discovery Phytomedicine 1Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 5(3): 34-42. DOI:10.15562/ 2Department of Chemistry, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo phytomedicine.2018.67 3Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Gbadolite, Nord-Ubangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo 4Ubangi Bioxplore Project (Biodiversity Exploration of Ubangi River Basin and Carbon Assessment), Nord-Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 5Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

34 Discovery Phytomedicine 2018; 5(3): 34-42. doi: 10.15562/phytomedicine.2018.67 www.phytomedicine.ejournals.ca Microscopy features, Phytochemistry and ... Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua

inflorescences. Flowers are assumed to be polli- naturally occurring compounds were drawn using nated by flies and are relatively short-lived surviv- ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software package. ing for 3–4 days. The flowering season ranges from October to March (peaking between November and RESULTS AND DISCUSSION January) in the south of the equator and from May to August (peaking in June to July) in the north of Ethnobotany and Microscopic features of the equator.7 M. whitei grows from a large, tuberous M. whitei rootstock and the roots have a very distinct vanilla In traditional medicine, various parts of M. whitei aroma which has been attributed to the presence are used for the management of several diseases and of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde. The roots ailments such as impotence and sexual dysfunc- grow laterally and may spread out just beneath the tion11,12 constipation, abdominal pain, appetite soil surface covering large areas, making them easy stimulant13 urinary infections, gonorrhoea,14 pains, to harvest.6,8 The fruit is an ovoid follicle which and inducement of labor. In addition, the roots dehisces to release an estimated 180–320 seeds that are chewed to treat stress, blood pressure.13,15 It is are wind-dispersed.6,7 also used in the management of paralysis, epileptic M. whitei predominantly occurs in moist to wet attacks in children,15,16 and milk production in forests and it is easily found in vegetation types lactating mothers.17 It is used as well for the treat- which range from swamp forest, swampy shrubby ment of Kidneys, gastritis, backache and guts in grassland and riverine forest to disturbed forest at the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).18 In 1800 m of altitude.7 M. whitei is endemic in almost Central African Republic, seeds are used as antima- all African regions except in the Northern part larials,19,20 antiheminthics as well in the preparation while in the western region this species is commonly of arrow poisons.13,15 Roots are used either as spices, found in Guinea, Ghana and Nigeria. In the central aphrodisiacs or for the treatment of urinary tract region, it is found in Democratic Republic of the infection, jaundice and headache, while the whole Congo and in Cameroon meanwhile in the eastern plant is used to treat diarrhea21,22 region, this species can be found in Kenya, Tanzania Inkoto et al.3 reported the microscopic features and Uganda.7,8 In the southern region, M. whitei of M. whitei which revealed the presence of para- was reported in South Africa, Malawi, Angola, cytic stomata, fibers, fragments of spiral bundles, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.7 In South Africa, tecton hairs, parenchyma with numerous starch M. whitei is mainly found in the KwaZulu-Natal and grains, secreting hairs, fragments of Punctated Limpopo Provinces. In KwaZulu-Natal, the species vessels, as well as lignified fibers. is restricted to the midlands as well as lower, frost- M. whitei is a climbing shrub medicinally used free elevations; often near the coastal areas where in tropical Africa. The root and root bark have a colonies are becoming scarce in protected swamps.9 vanilla-like odour. The roots are valuable as aphro- disiac, to prevent premature ejaculation, increase Taxonomy sperm production and generally, to treat sexual Mondia whytei (Hook .f.) skeels belongs to the family weakness. A decoction or infusion of the roots formerly Asclepiadaceae sub family is widely used to treat malaria, gastro-intestinal now Apocynaceae. It is commonly called ‘White’s problems, pains and as restorative and appetite ginger’ (English), ‘La racine’ (French),9 ‘Umondi/ stimulant.10 Mundi/Mindi’ (Zulus in South Africa). In Izzi land As food, the pulverised bark of M. whitei is eaten (an Ibo speaking clan) in Ebonyi State, Nigeria it is with fish or peanuts in Democratic Republic of called ‘Akoro’. Mondia whitei is endemic to South, Congo. The fresh or dried leaves are cooked with Central, East and West Africa.10 peanut butter, and eaten as a vegetable in Central and East Africa.23 METHODOLOGY Proximate analysis of M. whitei A deep literature search was carried out in order to The study on the nutritional and therapeutic values obtain information about the phytochemistry and of forest foods is very much important as it will bioactivities of M. whitei from various electronic encourage people to consume substantial quantity databases namely PubMed, PubMed Central, of food and provide them with a better balance Science Direct and Google scholar. The scientific of nutrients. Wild fruits contain higher amount name of this plant species was used as the keyword of nutrients and bioactive compounds than many for the search, along with the terms phytochemistry, cultivated species while fruits and vegetables bioactivities, pharmacology and pharmacognosy. contain abundant dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals Different chemical structures ofM. whitei and large quantities of phytochemicals.

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Figure 1 (A) Whole plant (B) Leafy stem (C) Young buds and flowers entirely opened (D) Roots of M. whitei (Source : Bongo et al.2)

Figure 2 Chemical structures of some compounds isolated from Mondia whitei8,31

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Table 1 Proximate, Mineral and Vitamins composition of M. whitei therefore contribute in supplying energy needed for fruit on fresh weight basis the body’s normal function. Another study conducted in Cameroon by Bouba Parameters Expression Experimental Values et al.24 reported the proximate, mineral and vitamin Proximate composition composition of M. whitei dried root (table 2). Moisture % 88.2 ± 00.00 Phenolic and vitamin content of foods are known Ash % 0.60 ± 0.14 to have positive effects on health. Epidemiological studies have shown high intakes of phenols, vit C, Crude fat % 1.20 ± 0.00 vit E and carote- noid-rich vegetables to be asso- Crude fiber % 1.40 ± 0.00 ciated with decreased in- cidence of some cancers Crude protein % 2.50 ± 0.00 and cardiovascular diseases.24 Carbohydrate % 5.00 ± 0.14 Total sugar % 15.70 ± 0.00 Phytochemistry of M. whitei Reducing sugar % 9.63 ± 0.32 Inkoto et al. reported the presence of phenolic Non-reducing sugar % 6.13 ± 0.25 compounds, coumarins, anthraquinones, anthocy- anins, tannins, irridoids in the roots of M. whitei Energy value kCal/100 g 40.80 ± 5.56 while alkaloids were absent using thin layer chro- Mineral composition matography.3 The ethanolic fresh root bark extracts Magnesium mg/100 g 15.00 ± 0.00 of M. whitei showed strong presence of saponins, 25 Potassium mg/100 g 68.50 ± 0.00 phenols, alkaloids and tannins. 10 Sodium mg/100 g 65.33 ± 0.18 However, Amaechi and Egesi reported the pres- ence of tannins, phenol, phytate, sterol, carotenoid, Calcium mg/100 g 18.80 ± 0.00 oxalate, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and even Phosphorus mg/100 g 5.85 ± 0.21 measure the level of hydrogen cyanide (mg.kg-1) Zinc mg/100 g 1.25 ± 0.00 from the fruit of M. whitei on fresh weight basis. Iron mg/100 g 4.48 ± 0.39 Reported that the leaves of M. whitei contain saponins, flavonoids, tannins, resins and they are Vitamin composition devoided of cyanogenetic glycosides, anthraqui- Thiamine mg/100 g 1.53 ± 0.11 none, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. From the Riboflavin mg/100 g 0.22 ± 0.00 root, Wacho et al.26 reported the presence of reduc- Niacin mg/100 g 3.04 ± 0.00 ing sugars, triterpenes and steroids in aqueous and Vitamin A µg/g 8.35 ± 0.09 hexane extracts. This proves the variability of compounds Vitamin C mg/100 g 14.50 ± 0.28 in different parts of the plant. The compound Vitamin E µg/g 2.45 ± 0.00 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde was identified (Source: Amaechi and Egesi10) as the artifactual alkaloid precursor. Its isomers (vanillin and isovanillin) do not show detectable Amaechi and Egesi.10 carried out the proximate anal- reactivity towards ammonia. Mass spectrome- ysis of M. whitei fruit pulp by determining the prox- try and TLC analyses confirmed the reactivity of imate, mineral and vitamin composition (table 1). 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde to dopamine, Their study revealed thatM. whitei fruit pulp γ-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine and sero- which is consumed as a wild edible fruit contain all tonin. The structures of these isolated compounds necessary macromolecules, vitamins and minerals. are presented in the figure below. M. whitei fruit has high moisture content and low This variation in different parts ofM. whitei could energy value while the quantity of thiamin present be due to certain environemental factors, seasonal can contribute to daily requirement in human nutri- variations or differences in varieties of the species.27 tion. However, it was also indicated that its fruit had Identification of compounds was from gas high potassium and sodium contents than every chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) other mineral analyzed. There was an insignificant spectra, using retention time and mass spectrum, amount of antinutritional phytochemicals (oxalates, *RI = Retention indices on HP-5 ms capillary phytates and hydrogen cyanide) when compared column, **RI = Retention indices from literature32,33 to some antinutritional factors of some wild fruits, on DBS capillary column. hence the fruit is not toxic for human consumption. The author concluded that the volatile oil of From the above table, the authors concluded M. whitei root is very rich in (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and that with what was found in M. whitei fruit would heptacosane. These compounds are responsible

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Table 2 Proximate, Mineral and Vitamin composition of M. whitei of the strong antibacterial activity. Fred-Jaiyesimi root on dry weight basis and Ogunjobi27 carried out as well as fluorescence screening on the leaves of M. whitei which reacted Parameters Expression Experimental Values with different chemicals reagents displaying colour Proximate composition reactions in normal daylight and under the UV Moisture g/100 g 10.5 ± 0.1 light at both 254 nm and 366 nm. These reactions Ash g/100 g 8.7 ± 0.1 exhibited enabled the characterization and identi- fication of the purity of the leaf ofM. whitei. The Proteins g/100 g 4.7 ± 0.1 table below presents these data. Non protein Nitrogen g/100 g 0.47 ± 0.01 Fats g/100 g 4.2 ± 0.3 Bioactivity of M. whitei Carbohydrate g/100 g 21.4 ± 0.1 Antimicrobial activity 34 Energy value kCal/100 g 40.80 ± 5.56 Idayat and Sakiru reported the antibacterial activity of methanol extract of the root against Mineral composition Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Calcium mg/100 g 1060 ± 53 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Another study showed Magnesium mg/100 g 532 ± 27 that it has the extracts of M. whitei exhibited good Sodium mg/100 g 21.4 ± 0.9 antimicrobial activities against Salmonella typhi Potassium mg/100 g 593 ± 23 and Escherichia coli which are among the major bacteria associated with diarrhea.35 Meanwhile Iron mg/100 g 102.1 ± 5.3 Idayat and Sakiru 34 showed that, only aqueous Selenium mg/100 g 0.00 extracts displayed a significant antimicrobial activ- Manganese mg/100 g 6.6 ± 0.3 ity whereas the root part was more active than 2 Zinc mg/100 g 3.9 ± 0.1 the leaf. Moreover, Bongo et al. reported that the Copper mg/100 g 0.16 ± 0.01 ethanolic extract and the dichlorométhane fraction of M. whitei (Root bark) showed a very low anti- Total phenol, total carotenoid and Vitamin composition microbial activity against laboratory strains namely Total phenols mg/100 g 1.9 ± 0.0 Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli Vitamin A µg/g 8.4 ± 0.1 ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeroginosa ATCC 9027. (Total carotenoids) Gbadamosi and Aboaba33 reported as well Vitamin E µg/g 3.6 ± 0.1 the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the root of Vitamin C mg/100 g 0.4 ± 0.0 M. whitei based on the activity of essential oils of the root against nine clinical strains of pathogens (Source: Bouba et al.24)

Table 3 Model system used, pharmacological action and plant part of biologically active compounds isolated from M. whitei Phytochemical components present/ identified Parts of the plant Experimental model Bioactive effects or the pharmacological use References Saponins Root bark Wistar albino rats Antidiarrheal activity and antiepileptic activities 25 Phenolic alkaloids Root bark Wistar albino rats Antidiarrheal activity and antiepileptic activities 25,28 Tannins Root bark Wistar albino rats Antidiarrheal activity and antiepileptic activities 25,28 Flavonoids Leaves Wistar albino rats Antidiarrheal activity and antiepileptic activities 28 9-Hexacosene Root Adult Swiss albino mice aged Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities 29,30 Stigmasterol Root Adult Swiss albino mice Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive 29,30 aged ; Male Swiss albino activities mice weighing

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Table 4 Components of essential oil of M. whitei root namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, S/N Compound *RI **RI Composition (%) Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus 1 Cyclohexylmethane 781 - 2.09 cereus, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. 2 Toluene 794 785 0.87 They concluded that the root was the most active 3 (E)-2-Hexenal 814 846 4.29 part of the plant and it is the part which is highly consumed. 4 1-Hexanol 862 863 8.94 5 (E)-2-Hexen-1-ol 868 859 25.96 Anti-diarrheal activity 6 m-Xylene 907 893 1.56 Ndukui et al.25 reported that the ethanolic fresh 7 p-Xylene 907 893 0.77 root bark extract of M. whitei has anti- diarrheal activity and it’s safe for use, thus corroborates with 8 1-Octen-3-one 943 969 1.25 its traditional use. The anti-diarrheal action may be 9 3-Octanone 952 962 1.37 linked partly to direct inhibitory effect of the extract 10 1-Octen-3-ol 969 974 2.24 on the propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal 11 3-Octanol 979 989 2.68 tract smooth muscle, increased electrolytes and 12 Benzaldehyde 982 999 0.21 fluid absorption and infiltration in the tissue. 13 Linalool 1082 1088 3.02 Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities 14 2-Methyl-2-nonen-4-one 1136 - 0.69 Githinji et al.29 reported that Stigmasterol 15 Fenchol 1138 1147 0.21 (15 mg/kg) and 9-hexacosene (30 mg/kg) signifi- 16 Safranal 1186 1196 0.39 cantly (p<0.05) inhibited chemical nociception 17 β-Cyclocitral 1204 1200 0.21 induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid. Stigmasterol (7.5, 15, 30 and 100 mg/kg) dose dependently 18 4,4,7a-Trimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,7a- 1371 - 0.41 reduced the time spent in pain beha-vior in both hexahydro-1H-inden-1-one the early and late phases of the formalin test. 19 2-Hydroxy-p-anisaldehyde 1392 - 4.21 9-hexacosene dose dependently caused significant 20 Megastimatrienone 1454 1462 0.28 (p<0.001) antinociceptive effect on the late phase of 21 β-Ionone 1457 1460 2.1 the formalin test. The Co-administration of nalox- 22 Dodecanoic acid 1570 1550 0.46 one failed to antagonize the analgesic activity of stig- masterol and 9-hexacosene in the formalin test. They 23 Apiole 1705 1697 0.48 concluded that both stigmasterol and 9-hexacosene 24 Hexahydrofamesylacetone 1754 1751 0.62 possess potential analgesic effects which are most 25 Isobutyl phthalate 1908 - 0.36 likely mediated by their anti-inflammatory activities 26 Phytol 2045 2045 15.6 rather than through opioid receptor system. 27 Heptacosane 2705 2705 20.94 Antinociceptive activity 28 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic 2965 - 4.96 Stigmasterol reduced the time spent licking, biting acid dinonyl ester and/or lifting the injected paw in both the early and Total 99.92 late phases of the formalin test. This reduction was Monoterpene 0.00 found to be dose dependent and statistically signif- hydrocarbons icant (p<0.001) at a dose of 30mg/kg body weight. Oxygenated 3.62 9-hexacosene produced dose-dependent and statis- monoterpene tically significant (p<0.001) antinociceptive effect Sesquiterpene 0.00 on the late phase of the formalin test at a dose of hydrocarbon 7.5mg/kg body weight. No motor, neurological or 30 Oxygenated 2.59 other behavioral deficits were observed. sesquiterpene Antisickling and antioxidant activities Diterpene 15.60 The ethanolic extact and dichlorormethane frac- Non-terpenes 78.12 tion of the root bark of M. whitei exhibited strong Total 99.92 antisickling activity in vitro.2 From our previous

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Table 5 Fluorescence Analysis of the leaves of M. whitei to directly activate cGK1 that can be an interest- ing target for pharmacological intervention in the UV management of Erectile Dysfunction.36 Treatment Normal daylight 254 nm 366 nm 5% NaOH Army green Ash Ash Toxicological activity 38 5% KOH Brown Green Coffee brown Gakunga et al. reported the LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg while no signs of toxicity and mortality 5% FeCl Deep green Black Black observed in the various treatment groups within Na2CO3 Green Green Grey 7 days of observation post single dose exposure. 5% H2SO4 Light green Black Black Doses above 5000 mg/kg in plant experiments are AgNO3 Dark green Grey Brown considered to be experimentally safe according to Dil. NH3 Dark green Deep green Black EPA and OECD toxic substances classification. The study was carried out as recommended by (25-29). Conc. H2SO4 Foaming red Black Black Dikibo et al.39 showed that while normal brain 5% HCl Brown Lemon Orange cells were presented in the control (group A), group Dil. HNO3 Light green Light green Brown B presented cellular pyknosis, necrosis, degener- Conc. HCl Dark green Green Dark brown ative vacoulations, and mild infarction without gliosis. Group C showed cellular degeneration, Source: Fred-Jaiyesimi and Ogunjobi27 pyknosis, gliosis/astrocytosis, vacoulation, while group D showed cellular degeneration, pyknosis work, it was stated that the dichlorormethane frac- and parenchymal erosion. The observed histologi- tions of M. whitei showed different IC50 values cal changes were duration dependent and suggest <100 µg/mL with the ABTS test. Gbadamosi and that Mondia whitei is toxic to the brain and may Erinoso also reported that the percentage of inhi- induce neurotoxic damages in a duration depen- bition of DPPH free radicals was 32.57% for the dent manner. Hence, there is a need for further leaf and the root had 47.23%. The high antioxidant research on the effects of M. whitei on other organs activity of the root could be attributed to its poly- and system. phenolic content.34

Antiepileptic activity CONCLUSION Adediwura and Oluwatosin28 stated that the extract and fractions exhibited a dose-dependent effect in Medicinal plant species are rich in secondary metab- the delay of the onset of seizures and reduction in olites of pharmaceutical relevance. The advantages the duration of a seizure. of their therapeutic uses in various ailments are their safety besides being economical, effective Aphrodisiac activity and their availability. The present mini-review was Some studies showed the anecdotal evidence of undertaken with the aim of providing highlight and M. whitei effectiveness as an aphrodisiac. Motility updated information on the medically and scientific parameters on Aqueous extract administration to evidence supporting the multiple uses of M. whitei human spermatozoa in vitro showed significantly in Traditional Medicine. Chemically, this plant enhanced total motility as well as progressive motil- contains a wide range of secondary metabolites as ity in a time dependent manner.36 As reported, these well as minerals which could be responsible for findings support the use of M. whitei especially different reported therapeutic activities. Therefore, in men affected with asthenozoospermia,37 but its M. whitei could be of considerable interest for the mode of action is not clear. The effect of aqueous development of plant-based new anticancer drugs and hexane extract of Mondia whitei have also been for human health and wellbeing according to it shown to sexually enhanced sexually inexperienced richness in annonaceous acetogenin. Plant species male rats.36 from Annona genus are also good drug candidates Enough scientific evidence have support the for external use like wound healing medicines. anecdotal use of M. whitei as an aphrodisiac and Medicinal plant species are rich in secondary it may be working synergistically by activating metabolites of pharmaceutical relevance. The advan- NOS that increases the level of cGMP that can tages of their therapeutic uses in various ailments cause cross activation for the generation of cAMP are their safety besides being economical, effective as well as hyperpolarization.36 Since the in vitro and their availability. The present mini-review was studies proves that M. Whitei can cause blockade undertaken with the aim of providing highlight and of voltage-operated calcium channels, it is likely updated information on the medically and scientific

40 Discovery Phytomedicine 2018; 5(3): 34-42. doi: 10.15562/phytomedicine.2018.67 www.phytomedicine.ejournals.ca Microscopy features, Phytochemistry and ... Koto-te-Nyiwa Ngbolua

evidence supporting the multiple uses of M. whitei Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 3(4):1-9 in Traditional Medicine. Chemically, this plant 11. Watcho P., Fotsing D., Zelefack F., et al.(2006). Aphrodisiac contains a wide range of secondary metabolites as effect of MH2 and MH6 isolated from hexane extract of well as minerals which could be responsible for Mondia whitei in sexually inexperienced male rats. J S Med. 382-452. different reported therapeutic activities. Therefore, 12. Segawa P., Kasenen JM. (2009). Medicinal plant diver- M. whitei could be of considerable interest for the sity and uses in the Sango bay area, Southern Uganda. J development of plant-based new anticancer drugs Ethnopharmacol.; 113:521-540. 13. Kokwaro JO. (1976). Medicinal Plants of East Africa. for human health and wellbeing according to it Nairobi, Kenya: East African Liter- ature Bureau. richness in essential oils. 14. Matu EN., Van Staden J. (2003). Antibacterial and anti-in- Findings from previous studies lead to further flammatory activities of some plants used for medicinal purposes in Kenya. J Ethnopharmacol. 87:35-41. research on bioactivities of volatile oil of M. whitei 15. Neuwinger HD. (2000). African traditional medicine: precisely on its therapeutic values in the manage- a dictionary of plant use and applications. Medpharm ment of infectious diseases (diarrhea, bronchitis, Scoinetific, Stugart, Germany. p589. 16. Stafford GI., Pedersen ME., van Staden J., Jäger AK. urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infec- (2008). Review on plants with CNS effects used in tradi- tions and skin infections) tional South African medicine against mental diseases. J The root ofM. whitei was proven to be very Ethnopharmacol. 119:513-537. 17. Agea JG., Kantongole B., Waisama D., Nabanoga GN. active and rich in essential oils; this justifies the (2008). 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