Sylvia Mitchell

Psidium guajava: a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Psidium guajava, is an important food crop and medicinal plant in tropical and subtropical countries is widely used like food and in folk medicine around of the world. This aims a comprehensive of the chemical constituents, pharmacological, and clinical uses. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have been carried out. Also have been identified the medicinally important phyto-constituents. A number of metabolites in good yield and some have been shown to possess useful biological activities belonging mainly to phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, terpenoid and triterpene. Extracts and metabolites of this plant, particularly those from leaves and fruits possess useful pharmacological activities. A survey of the literature shows P. guajava is mainly known for its antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Has also been used extensively as a hypoglycaemic agent. Many pharmacological studies have demonstrated the ability of this plant to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotection, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, antigenotoxic, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, cardioactive, anticough, antidiabetic, antiinflamatory and antinociceptive activities, supporting its traditional uses. Suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment of infantile rotaviral enteritis, diarrhoea and diabetes.

A review of medicinal plant research at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, 1948-2001.

This review summarizes research carried out on Jamaican medicinal plants at the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica, between 1948 and 2001. The plants identified as being medicinal are listed along with their folk use and a summary of the scientific research done at UWI leading to the identification of natural products (NPs) and determination of their bioactivity. Natural product research on Jamaican medicinal plants began with the inception of UWI in 1948, leading to many postgraduate degrees being awarded (22 MPhil and 31 PhD). At least 334 plant species growing in Jamaica have been identified as having medicinal qualities, 193 of these have been tested for their bioactivity. Crude extracts from 80 of these plants have reasonable bioactivity and natural products (NP) have been identified from 44 plants. At least 29 of these NPs were found to be bioactive. Only 31 of the plants tested at UWI are endemic to Jamaica. Of these 23% were bioactive, as compared to 11% of the non-endemics. Based on these results, patents have been obtained and drugs have been developed. This review represents the first attempt to gather this information together in one place.

The prevalence of herbal medicine home use and concomitant use with pharmaceutical medicines in Jamaica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The work described in this paper aimed to study the prevalence of herbal medicine use in treating illness and concomitant use with pharmaceutical medicines in Jamaica. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey using a structured questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer to randomly selected adults in systematically selected households within randomly selected urban and rural clusters. Categorical data analysis was performed using Stata version 10 software. RESULTS 91.4%(372/407) of selected people agreed to participate. 72.6%(270/372) self-medicated with herbs within the previous year. Commonly treated were illnesses of the respiratory system (RS, 77.8%(210/270)), gastro-intestinal tract (GIT, 53.3%(144/270)) and health maintenance using tonics (29.6%(80/270)). 26.7%(72/270) of respondents used pharmaceuticals concomitantly with medicinal plants. Commonly treated were illnesses of the RS (20.4%(55/270)), GIT (13.7%(37/270)) and hypertension (10.0%(27/270)). 19.4% (14/72) of physicians knew of such practices. There was significant association of herb use with/without drugs with age (p<0.001), employment status (p<0.001), religion (p=0.004), gender (p=0.02) and educational level (p=0.031). Thus prevalence of herb use alone was greatest amongst people aged 35-44 and 45-54 years; those employed; Rastafarians; those without health insurance; males and people who had completed secondary education. Whilst prevalence of concomitant herb-drug use was greater amongst people aged 65 years and older; those retired; those of religions other than Rastafarians and Christians, females and people who had attained primary education and below. CONCLUSIONS Self-medication with herbs in Jamaica is highly prevalent and highest for self-limiting conditions of the RS, GIT and health maintenance with tonics. Concomitant herb and drug use is highest for self-limiting conditions of the RS, GIT and hypertension, and the use of combined therapy highlights the need for investigations on potential drug-herb interactions. Physicians have limited awareness and knowledge of such concomitant usage, further highlighting the need for increased dialogue with patients, knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses and a heightened pharmacovigilance to avoid adversities that may arise from potential drug-herb interactions.

Extraction, Processing, and Storage Effects on Curcuminoids and Oleoresin Yields from Curcuma longa L. Grown in Jamaica

Aromatic diarylheptanoid compounds from Curcuma longa Linn grown in Jamaica were quantified by UV-vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analyses. The oleoresin yields from ethanolic extracts were quantified and evaluated with regard to the effects of the type of postharvesting process and the type of extraction method conducted on the plant material. Fresh samples that were hot solvent extracted provided the highest oleoresin yields of 15.7% +/- 0.4 ( n = 3), and the lowest oleoresin yields of 7.8% +/- 0.2 ( n = 3) were from the dried milled samples that were cold solvent extracted. Data from the ASTA spectrophotometer assay confirmed that dried samples contained the highest curcuminoid content of 55.5% +/- 2.2 ( n = 6) at the fifth month of storage, and the fresh samples showed a curcuminoid content of 47.1% +/- 6.4 ( n = 6) at the third month of storage. A modified HPLC analysis was used to quantify curcumin content. Data from the HPLC analysis confirmed that the dried treated, hot extracted, room temperature stored samples had the highest curcumin content of 24.3%. A novel high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method provided a chemical fingerprint of the C. longa with the use of a commercial curcumin standard.

Hyptis verticillata Jacq: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hyptis verticillata Jacq. (Lamiaceae) (John Charles) is an important medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use, originating in Central America and now extending from Florida to Colombia and across the Caribbean. Records of its earliest use date back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures of Mesoamerica. There is no indication that this plant is being used outside of the Americas. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicology of Hyptis verticillata and to highlight the opportunities for greater development of the plants medicinal properties at a local and international level. MATERIALS AND METHODS An extensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken and all relevant abstracts and full-text articles analysed and included in the review. KEY FINDINGS A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature, from internal uses for conditions affecting the respiratory system, digestive tract and gynaecological system to external uses for conditions affecting the skin and musculoskeletal system. Pharmacological studies to date have demonstrated significant activity which support the traditional use of the plant as an antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antisecretory agent and hormone modulator. In addition studies have identified anti-cancer, acaricidal, insecticidal and molluscicidal activity. No clinical trials had been completed at the time of this review. A number of key phytochemicals have been isolated, identified and published to date including: 17 lignans; 4 triterpenes; 11 diterpenes, 3 sesquiterpenes, 3 monoterpenes, 2 flavonoids, 1 polyphenol and 1 alkaloid. Nine of these phytochemicals are novel to Hyptis verticillata. Plant extracts and isolated phytochemicals exhibit a broad range of activities that include: antimitotic; antiproliferative; cytotoxic; antioxidant; antiinflammatory; antibacterial; antifungal; antiviral; anti-HIV; antisecretory; hepatoprotective; insecticidal and acaricidal. CONCLUSIONS Hyptis verticillata is a medicinal plant with current widespread traditional use in the Americas that warrants further research, clinical trials and product development to fully exploit its medicinal value.

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS FROM LEAF AND ZYGOTIC EMBRYO EXPLANTS OF BLIGHIA SAPIDA ‘CHEESE’ ACKEE

SummaryThis study investigated factors affecting the production of somatic embryos in Blighia sapida (ackee). Explants obtained from fully expanded leaves or cotyledons of immature zygotic embryos excised from brown (BSCZE) or green seeds (GSCZE) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 9, 18 and 36μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4.4 or 22.1 μM benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 0.2–19.9 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). Leaf explants grown on media supplemented with the different combinations of 2,4-D and BAP formed callus, but they were non-embryogenic, while explants were not responsive on TDZ-supplemented media. GSCZE explants grown in the presence of 2,4-D/BAP combinations of 9/4.4, 18/4.4 or 36/4.4 μM formed non-embryogenic callus profusely, but explants gave rise to organized globular protuberances (GPs) and non-embryogenic callus on media containing TDZ, with the best concentration at 0.4 μM. BSCZE explants grown on TDZ-supplemented media also formed callus, but no GPs were detected. When GPs were cultured on media containing TDZ and abscisic acid they (ABA), gave rise to the highest number of somatic embryos. The medium was also beneficial for the development of somatic embryos from the globular to cotyledonary stage.

The Effects of Blanching, Harvest Time and Location (with a Minor Look at Postharvest Blighting) on Oleoresin Yields, Percent Curcuminoids and Levels of Antioxidant Activity of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) RhizomesGrown in Jamaica

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) grown in Jamaica was studied for its naturally occurring linear diarylheptanoid compounds namely curcumin, Bis-Demethoxy Curcumin (BDMC), Demethoxy Curucmin(DMC) and for its antioxidant activity. Evaluations were conducted on the basis of whether or not there were any potential effects of blanching, harvest time and location of growth on the quantity and quality of turmeric oleoresins. The highest antioxidant activity of 92.86% was obtained from turmeric rhizomes grown in the parish of Hanover while the highest turmeric oleoresin yields of 14.87% were obtained from the 15 minute blanched-treated turmeric rhizomes. With a new analog-selective RP-HPLC method, the curcumin, DMC, and BDMC were qualified and quantified. It was found that the highest yield of curcumin content of 22.69% was obtained from the 15 minute ‘blanched’ samples grown in the parish of Hanover from the first harvest period for the study. An analytical method validation with linear equations and correlation of regressions of R2=0.9991, R2=0.999.3, R2=0.9998 and R2=0.9992 for inter-day precision analyses were performed to validate the HPLC method.

TRAMIL ethnomedicinal survey in Jamaica.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A survey was undertaken in Jamaica to document medicinal plants frequently used in the treatment or prophylaxis of illness and trends in their use, following the methodology established by the TRAMIL network. TRAMIL, a Caribbean-wide applied research programme, scientifically evaluates and documents the efficacy and safety of medicinal plant remedies used for primary health care. Initial results from this survey, on an aspect of safety, focusing on the concomitant use and prevalence of medicinal plant use in combination with pharmaceutical drugs in Jamaica, were published in an earlier paper in 2011. This paper now reports survey results on the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants by Jamaicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey using a structured and modified TRAMIL questionnaire was administered to 407 adults selected randomly from systematically selected households within randomly selected clusters. The clusters were selected from each of the three areas that were purposefully selected. KEY FINDINGS Respondents identified their use of 107 botanically identified medicinal plants distributed in 51 plant families to treat illnesses or maintain health in the previous twelve months. Fourteen plants, with significant use equal to or greater than 20% for a specified health issue were shortlisted, representing Jamaica׳s first submission to the TRAMIL database. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Rice Bitters) was reported as a plant remedy with significant use for the first time in a TRAMIL survey. Informant consensus factor (ICF) values were high for a number of health issues such as mental health (nerves, insomnia, etc.), respiratory system (cold/flu/cough etc.) and for health maintenance with tonics (washout and blood cleanse), indicating strong cultural coherence in medicinal plant selection for these categories. Forty two per cent (113/270) of medicinal plant users utilised mixtures, combining more than one plant. Leaf material was the most commonly used plant part (69%), with fresh material (98%) most commonly prepared as a tea for internal use by decoction (87%). The majority of medicinal plant respondents sourced plants from their backyards (75%) and cited grandmothers (33%) and mothers (32%) as their main sources of information. Jamaicans reported limited use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), supporting the assertion that a significant number of citizens in developing countries continue to rely on the use of medicinal plants for primary healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Medicinal plant use continues to play an important role in primary healthcare in Jamaica. Fourteen plant remedies with significant use are reported, five previously reported elsewhere and recommended (REC) for the same health condition. Eight plant remedies, including one Jamaican endemic, are reported for different health issues for the first time to TRAMIL and will be investigated (INV) for the new health conditions, together with one plant remedy reported for the first time. This latest survey will be followed by literature reviews, appropriate laboratory screens (TRIG) and community outreach activities (TRADIF) in Jamaica.

Morphological changes of Dioscorea trifida cv. Short Neck Yampie and D. cayenensis cv. Round Leaf Yellow Yam linked to the number and size of harvested tubers

SummarySuccessful use of tissue culture to propagate Dioscorea spp. depends on maximizing subsequent growth in vivo. This paper describes the growth of in vitro plantlets of the Jamaican yams D. trifida L. cv. Short Neck Yampie (SNY) and D. cayenensis Lam. cv. Round Leaf Yellow Yam (RLYY) after transfer to in vivo conditions, from day zero (day of transfer) to harvest of the first generation tubers at 314 d, and sprouting of these tubers. As the SNY and RLYY plants grew in vivo, abrupt changes occurred in the type of shoot (changed from type I to type II) and underground organ (from primary nodal complex to tuber), and in the rates of stem and root growth. Gradual changes occurred in the number of roots. The first observable morphological feature of the SNY and RLYY plants to change was the shoot tip. This changed from a lateral position at the node at the base of a terminal leaf (lateral tip), to the shoot apex (apical tip). It is suggested that the change in shoot tip position and associated features ma...

A Review of Coralilla ( Antigonon leptopus ): An Invasive and Popular Urban Bush Medicine in Jamaica

Antigonon leptopus is a smothering, habitat-transforming vine with showy pink flowers. Originating in Mexico, it is now widespread or invasive on tropical islands around the world, including the West Indies, as a consequence of active human dispersal and disturbance. Using mixed methods research, we assessed the species’ (1) historical geographic spread throughout the Americas, (2) local ethnobotanical importance in Jamaica, and (3) biomedical potential as an herbal medicine. Methods included georeferencing of time-stamped herbarium collections from pre-1900 to 2016, literature review, and ethnobotanical research in rural and urban Jamaica (n = 58 participants). Results demonstrated that A. leptopus has spread aggressively in the West Indies since the 1950s. It has become a problematic invasive species in urban Jamaica, which has likely facilitated its local popularity as an herbal medicine. In urban Jamaica, ethnobotanical interviews ranked the species as the fourth most frequently reported medicinal plant. In contrast, A. leptopus was present but did not dominate the vegetation in rural Jamaica, and was never mentioned during interviews. The biomedical literature offers limited support for its biological activity, while showing no acute toxic effects. The ethnobotany of A. leptopus showcases the dynamic interplay between people, plants, and the environment.Antigonon leptopus es una enredadera sofocante con vistosas flores rosadas que transforma hábitats. Originaria de México, ahora está diseminada o invasora en las islas tropicales del mundo, incluso en las Indias Occidentales, como consecuencia de la perturbación humana y su dispersión activa. Utilizando métodos mixtos, evaluamos de la especie su: (1) distribución geográfica en las Américas a través del tiempo; (2) importancia etnobotánica local en Jamaica; y (3) potencial biomédico como remedio natural. Los métodos incluyeron la georeferenciación de las colecciones de herbario desde antes de 1900 hasta 2016, la revisión de la literatura, y la investigación etnobotánica en una comunidad rural y urbana en Jamaica (n = 58 participantes). Los resultados demostraron que A. leptopus se ha extendido agresivamente en las Indias Occidentales desde la década de los 1950s, y se ha convertido en una especie invasora problemática en el ámbito urbano de Jamaica, lo que probablemente ha facilitado su popularidad local como planta medicinal. Entrevistas etnobotánicas en la comunidad urbana en Jamaica clasificaron a la especie como la cuarta planta medicinal reportada con más frecuencia. En contraste, A. leptopus estaba presente en la comunidad rural de estudio, pero sin dominar la vegetación, y nunca fue mencionada durante las entrevistas. La literatura biomédica ofrece evidencia limitada sobre su actividad biológica, mientras que no parece exhibir efectos tóxicos agudos. La etnobotánica de A. leptopus demuestra la interacción dinámica entre el ser humano, las plantas, y el medio ambiente.