C. K. Fletcher

Immunomodulatory activities of Petiveria alliacea L.

The hexane extract of Petiveria alliacea increased the phagocytotic index of human granulocytes from 4.0 to 6.2, while a cyclohexane–methanol fraction gave a maximum value of 5.6 at 0.5 mg/mL. These values were not significantly different (p <0.05) from the modified immunostimulatory dipeptide: N‐formyl‐methionyl‐phenylalanine at the same dose.

Mode of action studies of the acaricidal agent, epingaione

Summary Activity directed isolation studies of the ethanol extract of Bontia daphnoides L (Myoporaceae) leaves and stems led to the isolation of epingaione, a sesquiterpene furan. This compound was previously described by Chinnock et al. (1987) from the same plant. The compound showed growth regulatory activities on gravid adult female Boophilus microplus Canestrini (the southern cattle tick). The dose required for inhibiting the hatching of B. microplus eggs by 50% (Fid50)was 0.4±0.06 mg/g of the tick body weight. The Fid50 dose inhibited the sequestration of protein into eggs oviposited by 80%. These eggs were non-agglutinated and wrinkled. Histological examination of ovarian sections from the treated ticks revealed significant degeneration of funicle cells and reduction in yolk content.

Extracts from Blighia sapida (Koenig) produce neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in mice

Neutrophil and platelet counts were significantly lowered (p<0.05) in mice treated with aqueous and lipid extracts of the unripe fruit of Blighia sapida. The percentage reduction in neutrophil and platelet counts relative to the controls for the aqueous and lipid (data in parentheses) extracts were 63.4% (59.3%) and 37.46% (32.44%) respectively after 6 weeks of treatment.