Exploration of the Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Profile of a Polyherbal Formulation used to Manage Covid-19 in Kajiado, Kenya

 

Kepiro Faith Tumelei, Keriko Joseph Mungai, Kareru Patrick Gachoki, Waliaula John Ndala, Wanakai Sammy Indire

Department of Chemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,

P.O Box 62000 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: tumeleikepiro@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed at exploring the phytochemical composition, anti-microbial activity, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxicity of different crude extracts of a herbal formulation proposed for its potential therapeutic efficacy against COVID-19. The formulation, a dried powder of selected medicinal plants known for treating respiratory ailments, underwent extraction with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical tests revealed alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and tannins in the methanolic extract. Hexane tested positive for all except for tannins and glycosides while ethyl acetate extracts only tested negative for tannins. Quantitative analysis showed significant levels of terpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi was observed in all three extracts, comparable to positive controls. The formulation displayed antioxidant potential via DPPH free radical scavenging, comparable to ascorbic acid. Cytotoxicity assessment using brine shrimp lethality assay indicated an acceptable profile when compared to Vincristine sulphate. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the prospects of this formulation as a potential source of novel anti-biotics against the rising cases of multi-drug-resistant organisms which subsequently peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research is required to understand its mechanisms, efficacy, and safety in clinical settings.

 

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Herbals, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant and Cytotoxic Properties.

 

 


 

INTRODUCTION:

The COVID-19 pandemic that stemmed from the advent of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to consequential mortality morbidity on a global scale1. The disease presents with various symptoms like dry cough, headache, fever, fatigue, chest pain, sore throat, shortness of breath and muscle pain among others2. These symptoms can progress to severe respiratory insufficiency and adversely affect critical organs such as kidney, heart, nervous system and the liver and eventually leading to the demise death of patients, especially the ones with pre-existing health conditions3. As of July 2023, the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 stood at over 6.9 million people worldwide with Africa having over 200,000 deaths4. The global pandemic has had profound impacts on societies, economies, and health. Despite the current strong push for vaccination, many among the population are still hesitant to take the vaccines5. Additionally, despite the improvement in the dissemination of quality information from medical and scientific source, the pandemic continues to generate feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and stigmatization due to numerous narratives that have been circulated in social media as well the traditional media platforms6,7. Furthermore, despite the availability of vaccines and the mobilization by governments to get their populations vaccinated, the continuous appearance of new strains and mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 has resulted into a continued focus on finding effective pharmacological agents that would effectively manage and control the spread and infection rates of the virus8,9.  The pandemic prompted numerous communities across the globe to search for palliative methods aimed at either preventing or easing the disease's symptoms. In Africa, for example, the fear of the disease resulted into numerous communities resorting to self-care, self-help and self- administered remedies8. Numerous communities utilized medicinal plants and various self-care solutions to prevent the infection or alleviate symptoms10,11. In Africa and elsewhere across the globe, medicinal plants usage and recognition as an integrative approach in the control and management of various infections is deeply ingrained within cultural, religious and traditional customs12,13. However, this dependence on herbal medicine rose even more during the COVID-19 pandemic due to absence of accurate and efficient treatments for SARSCoV-2 hence, the shift towards exploring plant-based methods and approaches for potential herbal medicines to combat COVID-1914. This was not different in Kenya and other African countries as steaming, herbal decoctions, herbal concoctions and infusions were predominantly used as the first line of defence in the fight against COVID-1915. Most of the plants used in these formulations were those with historical uses in management of common flu, influenza and other respiratory ailments and are known to contain bioactive ingredients that possess anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and also antimicrobial activities14. In Kajiado County, in the Southern region of Kenya, there was a notable herbal formulation that was purported to have the ability to manage COVID-19. Some of the plants used to make the formulation as revealed by the source herbalist included Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Croton dichogamus, Salvadora persica, Osyris compressa and Eucalyptus globulus. From previous studies, most of these plants have potentially strong anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities and therefore their combination in a formulation could provide an avenue for new anti-microbial drugs in the wake of the rise in multi-drug resistant strains of microbes recently ignited by the unnecessary use of anti-biotics to control and manage the COVID-19 pandemic16,17. The available evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the rate of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) due to the misuse and overuse of anti-biotics18. Furthermore, there has been a dearth in the development of new antibiotics which is referred to as “discovery void” which is primarily due to the scarcity of research to find new anti-microbials19. The outbreak of COVID-19 further exacerbated this situation by disrupting the production, distribution, and research related to antimicrobials. The pandemic, shifted the focus of the research community and resources toward finding new antivirals and vaccines treatments for COVID-19 instead of anti-biotics18,20. This deficiency of specific antibiotics can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance, further complicating their use and the control of infectious diseases21. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for new lead compounds with novel modes of action against both of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to combat the drug resistance challenges22. In this study, we aimed at assessing the chemical composition, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of crude extracts of a herbal formulation now registered as Covidak4 that’s proposed for potential use in COVID-19 management.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sample collection:

The study sample was a raw plant formulation consisting of various plants collected in February 2021 from a herbalist in Loodoariak, Kajiado County, Southern Kenya. This location lies at a latitude of 1°05'8.57" South, a longitude of 36°46'36.59" East, and an altitude of 1,189 meters above sea level.

 

Solvent extraction:

The plant powdered formulation (500g) was extracted using cold maceration with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol in increasing order of polarity at a 1:10 ratio. The extracts were concentrated using a rotary evaporator, dried at room temperature, and stored in a refrigerator for later use23,24.

 

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening:

Screening for the presence of different phytochemicals was done using standard phytochemical procedures described by Faraq et al25.

 

Quantitative Determination of Phytochemicals:

a)    Estimation of Alkaloids:

2.5g of each extract was mixed with 200mL acetic acid in ethanol, left for 4hours, concentrated, filtered, and treated with ammonium hydroxide to complete precipitation. The solutions were washed, filtered, and weighed. This process was repeated three times26.

b)    Estimation of Total Saponins:

Experiment was carried out by the method described by Harrizul Rivai et al27 was applied with modifications from Pai VR, Hegde28. 2.5g of sample was heated with 100mL of 20% ethanol for 4hours at 55°C. The residue was filtered, re-extracted, and evaporated to 40mL. Diethyl ether was added, the aqueous layer was separated, and n-butanol was extracted twice with 5% sodium chloride. The solution was heated, dried, and recorded. This was done in triplicate.

c)     Estimation of Terpenoids

Terpenoids were determined gravimetrically using a modified method from Oncho D.A et al29. 1.5g of sample was soaked in 100mL ethanol for 24hours, filtered, and the filtrate was extracted with 100mL petroleum ether. The extract was dried, weighed, and the process repeated three times.

d)    Estimation of Total Phenolic Contents:

Total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. 50µL of extracts were mixed with 0.5mL Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and 2.5mL sodium carbonate, vortexed, and incubated for 40minutes. Absorbance was measured at 725nm using gallic acid as the standard. Results were calculated in mg of gallic acid equivalents30.

e)     Estimation of Flavonoids

Flavonoid content was analysed using rutin as the standard substance31. 500µL of extract was mixed with sodium nitrite, aluminium chloride, and sodium hydroxide, with water added to make 5µL. The mixture was vortexed, incubated for 15 minutes, and absorbance measured at 510nm. A standard curve with rutin was used to calculate flavonoid content as mg rutin equivalents per gram of sample.

 

Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay:

The brine shrimp lethality bioassay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the herbal formulation's n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts32. Each extract and the positive control (vincristine sulfate) were dissolved in DMSO to prepare stock solutions (1000 mg/mL)33. 10-fold serial dilutions were made to obtain varying concentrations (1000µg/mL to 0.01µg/mL) using distilled water. These solutions were added to vials containing 10 live brine shrimp nauplii each, and after 24 hours, the number of surviving nauplii was counted. Mortality was assessed based on the absence of controlled movement for 30 seconds. Lethality concentrations (LC50) were determined using probit analysis by plotting percentage mortality against concentration34.

 

Anti-Oxidant Assay:

The free radical scavenging activity of the herbal formulation's extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) was assessed using the DPPH assay, with ascorbic acid as the positive control and methanol as the negative control35. Stock solutions (1mg/mL) were prepared for each extract and standard, followed by 2-fold serial dilutions. A 1 mM DPPH solution was prepared and mixed with the extracts, then incubated in the dark for 15minutes. Absorbance was measured at 517nm using a UV spectrophotometer, and radical scavenging activity was calculated using the formula 1. The lower absorbance of the reaction mixture the higher free radical scavenging activity36.

 

                                   (Abs control- Abs sample)

% of radical = ---------------------------------------- x 100

scavenging activity               (Abs control)

 

Equation 1:

IC50 values, representing the concentration needed to inhibit 50% of DPPH radicals, were obtained from the plotted graph of % radical scavenging activity versus extract concentration.

 

Anti-microbial Assay:

Bacteria Test organisms (gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi; gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans; and fungus: Candida albicans) were cultured in appropriate media (Muller Hinton Agar for bacteria, Potato Dextrose Agar for fungi), and standardized suspensions were prepared. Extracts were dissolved in 99.9% pure dimethyl Sulfoxide DMSO to a concentration of 1mg/mL. Using the disc diffusion method, extracts and standards (Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, Fluconazole) were applied to inoculated agar plates. Plates were incubated at 37°C for bacteria and 27°C for fungi, and the inhibition zones were measured and recorded37–39. All tests were performed in triplicate, and results were expressed as mean±SD.

 

Reported Method of Administration of Covidak4:

To use Covidak4, add half a teaspoon to a half cup of hot water, mix in a pinch of eucalyptus crystals, and stir well. Inhale the resulting fumes through the nose and mouth, then gargle and swallow the warm concoction. This is administered twice a day for three or four days.

 

Statistical analysis:

Each experiment was conducted in triplicate, with results reported as mean values ±standard error of the mean (SEM)40. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Microsoft Excel 2016.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Phytochemical composition:

Phytochemical screening:

Medicinal plants contain biologically active compounds with diverse chemical structures that contribute to disease protection41, making preliminary phytochemical screening essential for identifying potential bioactive components42. This study revealed that flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, and quinones were present in all three crude extracts, while glycosides were absent in the n-hexane extract and tannins were only detected in the methanol extract, which likely explains the methanol extract's greater potency due to its ability to extract bioactive compounds more effectively.

 

Table 1: Qualitative analysis of the phytochemicals in the herbal formulation extracts

Phytochemicals

Hexane extract

Ethyl acetate extract

Methanol extract

Flavonoids

+

+

+

Alkaloids

+

+

+

Terpenoids

+

+

+

Phenols

+

+

+

Steroids

+

+

+

Saponins

+

+

+

Tannis

_

_

+

Glycosides

_

+

+

Quinones

+

+

+

(+) = Presence, (-) = Absence

 

When used alone or in combination, phytochemicals are essential in determining the medicinal value of a plant. Saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, and many more represent important botanical compounds, each offering a diverse range of biological roles. The pharmacological activity of a plant can be predicted by the identification of the phytochemicals43. The method of extraction, including the choice of solvent, is a key factor in determining the efficacy of extracting these bioactive compounds from plant materials. Different solvents target specific compounds, influencing the overall yield and effectiveness of the extracts.

 

Quantitative Analysis:

Based on the qualitative tests, quantitative analysis was conducted using standard methods to measure the concentration of key phytochemicals. The analysis was done in triplicate, and the results were processed using Microsoft Excel.

 

a)    Total Phenols:

The total phenol content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of the sample.

·       Ethyl Acetate Extract: 238.51±2.83mg GAE/g dry weight

·       Methanol Extract: 167.20±5.32mg GAE/g dry weight

·       Hexane Extract: 125.30±8.63mg GAE/g dry weight

 

Standard Curve Equation:

y = 0.1004x-0.0056,

R2 = 0.9316; Figure 1.

 

Figure 1: Standard Calibration Curve of Gallic acid for Total Phenolic content

 

Phenols, characterized by a hydroxyl group bonded to an aromatic ring, are known for their diverse biological activities, including anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties44.

 

b)      Flavonoids

The flavonoid content was determined in terms of rutin equivalent (RuE) and the result are as shown below:

·       n-Hexane Extract: 31.87±2.41mg RuE/g dry weight

·       Ethyl Acetate Extract: 197.08±4.17mg RuE/g dry weight

·       Methanol Extract: 84.58±2.41mg RuE/g dry weight

 

Standard Curve Equation: y = 0.0012x+0.0187, R2 = 0.9054; (Figure 2).

 

Figure 2: Standard Calibration Curve of Rutin for Flavonoid content

 

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that are predominantly found in vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits, cereals, stems and herbs with potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities45,46. Several flavonoids have been explored to determine their potential as anti-viral agents, with some demonstrating significant antiviral effects in both in-vitro and even in-vivo studies46.

 

c)     Saponins:

The highest total saponins content was observed in the methanol extract as shown below:

·       Methanol Extract: 95.56±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

·       Ethyl Acetate Extract: 57.78±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

·       n-Hexane Extract: 48.89±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

 

Saponins represent a diverse group of chemical compounds that contain a triterpene or steroid aglycone group combined with at least one sugar chain and are abundant in dicotyledonous plants and certain marine animals47. They are known for their antimicrobial properties and various biological functions, including hypoglycemic effects, antimicrobial properties, lowering serum cholesterol levels and exhibiting anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities48.

 

d)    Alkaloids:

Quantity of alkaloid was lowest in the methanol extract and highest in the n-hexane extract as shown below, which can be attributed to its low polarity49.

·       n-Hexane Extract: 171.11±3.85 mg DE/g dry weight

·       Ethyl Acetate Extract: 137.78±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

·       Methanol Extract: 124.44±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

 

Alkaloids, characterized by their heterocyclic nitrogen-containing structures, are known for their medicinal properties, including anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer effects50,51.

 

e)     Terpenoids:

Terpenoids, derived from the mevalonic acid pathway, exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory effects52,53. Its variation in the extracts is as show below:

·       n-Hexane Extract: 77.78±3.85mg DE/g dry weight

·       Ethyl Acetate Extract: 100.00±6.67mg DE/g dry weight

·       Methanol Extract: 120.00±6.67mg DE/g dry weight

 

The quantitative analysis indicated that the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest concentration of total phenols and flavonoids, suggesting it has potent antioxidant activity. The methanol extract exhibited the highest saponin content, while the n-hexane extract had the highest alkaloid content. These findings highlight the diverse phytochemical profile of the herbal formulation and its potential for various therapeutic applications.

 

Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay:

The brine shrimp lethality assay, a cost-effective method to evaluate cytotoxicity54, revealed that all the herbal formulation crude extracts exhibited toxicity, with LC50 values ranging from 0.01μg/mL (ethyl acetate extract) to 0.545μg/mL (n-hexane extract), indicating high cytotoxicity according to Clarkson’s toxicity scale55,56. The methanolic extract (LC50 = 0.2287μg/mL) also showed significant toxicity, though all extracts were less toxic compared to the positive control, Vincristine sulphate (LC50 = 0.0000772μg/mL) as shown in table 2.

 

The difference in toxicity observed among the three crude extracts of the herbal formulation could be attributed to the phytochemical distribution such as alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins and flavonoids within the extracts, which are influenced by their different polarities55,57,58.

 

Anti-oxidant Assay:

The current study used DPPH assay as the exclusively chosen model because of its stability and reproducibility of the results. The basis of the DPPH assay is the capacity of extract or compound to donate a hydrogen atom, which then turns DPPH from a purplish color to a yellowish or colorless state59. Table 3 displays the respective data of the DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the crude extracts. IC50 is used to determine the concentration of the sample that is capable of scavenging 50% of the DPPH free radicals and the lower the IC50 value the higher the antioxidant activity of the sample35

 

Table 2: Effect of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of herbal formulation and positive control vincristine sulphate on brine shrimp

Conc. (µg/mL)

% Mortality

LC50 (µg/mL)

Hexane

Ethyl acetate

Methanol

Vincristine Sulphate

Hexane

Ethyl acetate

Methanol

Vincristine Sulphate

0.01

20

40

23.33

60

0.545

0.01

0.2287

0.0000772

0.1

30

63.33

33.33

73.33

 

 

 

 

1

53.33

80

70

93.33

 

 

 

 

10

80

100

93.33

100

 

 

 

 

100

100

100

96.67

100

 

 

 

 

1000

100

100

100

100

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3: Anti-oxidant activity [DPPH free radical scavenging] of Ascorbic acid and the three extracts of the herbal formulation

Extract

IC50 μg/mL

n-Hexane

48.43±0.39

Ethyl acetate

19.87± 0.34

Methanol

28.23±0.38

Ascorbic acid

11.52±0.08

 



Table 4: Anti-microbial activity (zone of inhibition in mm) of extracts and controls

Conc. (µg/mL)

E. coli

S aureus

P. aeruginosa

C. albicans

S. typhi

B. subtilis

S. mutans

Hexane extract

1000

9.33±0.58

13.00±1.00

8.33±0.58

9.33±0.58

8.33±1.15

9.33±0.58

11.67±0.58

100

8.67±0.58

8.67±0.58

8.00±1.0

9.33±0.58

7.00±0.00

7.67±0.58

7.67±0.58

10

8.33±0.58

7.67±0.58

7.67±0.58

8.33±0.58

7.00±0.00

7.33±0.58

-

1

7.67±0.58

7.33±0.58

7.00±0.00

7.67±1.15

-

-

-

0.1

7.00±0.58

7.00±0.00

-

7.33±0.58

-

-

-

Ethyl acetate extract

1000

8.67±0.58

13.00±1.00

11.00±1.00

12.00±1.00

15.00±1.00

10.67±1.52

12.00±1.00

100

7.33±0.58

11.00±1.73

11.00±1.00

11.00±1.00

10.33±1.52

9.33±0.58

11.67±0.58

10

7.33±0.58

10.00±1.00

9.67±0.58

10.00±1.00

8.67±0.58

8.67±1.15

11.00±1.73

1

-

9.00±1.00

9.33±1.52

10.00±1.00

7.33±0.58

7.67±0.58

10.33±0.58

0.1

-

8.67±0.58

8.67±0.58

8.33±0.58

-

7.33±0.58

8.33± 0.58

Methanol extract

1000

10.33±0.58

14.00±1.00

11.67±1.00

10.33±1.53

12.33±0.58

12.33±1.53

10.00±1.00

100

10.00±1.00

12.67±0.58

11.00±0.58

10.00±1.00

10.67±0.58

10.00±1.00

8.00±1.00

10

8.33±0.58

10.00±1.00

10.00±1.00

9.33±0.58

10.33±1.53

10.00±1.00

7.33 ±0.58

1

8.00±1.00

10.00±1.00

10.00±1.00

7.33±0.58

9.33±0.58

9.67±2.08

7.00±0.58

0.1

7.33±0.58

9.67±1.15

8.67±0.58

7.33±0.58

7.33±0.58

8.33±0.58

-

Positive Controls (Anti-biotics)

CTR

32.67±1.53

12. 33±1.53

23.67±0.58

28.67±0.58

26.67±0.58

16.00±1.00

16.67±0.58

GEN

-

-

19.00±1.00

-

17.00±1.00

-

19.33±0.58

FCZ

-

-

-

27.00±0.00

-

-

-

Negative Control

DMSO

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

7.00±0.00

KEY: GEN – Gentamicin, CTR – Ceftriaxone, FCZ—Fluconazole, DMSO – Dimethyl Sulfoxide

 


Among the results, the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 19.87±0.34 μg/mL, followed by methanol (28.23±0.38μg/mL) and n-hexane (48.43±0.39μg/mL), while ascorbic acid had an IC50 of 11.52±0.08μg/mL. The strong antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate extract, potentially due to its high content of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids, is supported by its higher phenolic and flavonoid content in phytochemical analysis. Flavonoids and phenolics possess considerable anti-oxidant activity 60,61. These compounds, known for scavenging free radicals, offer protection against oxidative stress and related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, and may also help strengthen the immune system, especially relevant in managing COVID-1962,63.

 

Anti-microbial Assay:

The results of the antimicrobial assay (Table 4) showed different levels of antimicrobial activity for each extract against various test organisms. The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts were measured in terms of the diameter of zones of inhibition64.

 

Candida albicans exhibited the highest susceptibility to the ethyl acetate extract, showing a zone of inhibition of 12.00±1.00mm at 1000µg/mL, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds that inhibit fungal growth. These bioactive compounds are likely phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which contribute to the extract's antifungal properties65.

 

 

The methanolic extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis, with zones of inhibition of 10.33±0.58mm, 14.00±1.00mm, 11.67±1.00mm, and 12.33±1.53mm, respectively, at 1000µg/mL. These bacteria are generally known to give rise to a wide range of infections and these results suggest the presence of potent antibacterial compounds, likely secondary metabolites such as saponins, alkaloids, and tannins66,67. For Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus mutans, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 15.00±1.00mm and 12.00±1.00mm, respectively, indicating its effectiveness against pathogens causing typhoid fever and dental caries68. The study found that the antimicrobial activity was concentration-dependent, suggesting potential optimization through dosage control, although further research is required to establish the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to prevent toxic effects69,70.

 

The hexane extract exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity compared to the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, likely due to hexane being a non-polar solvent, which may not efficiently extract polar antimicrobial compounds. This difference in activity suggests that the formulation’s key bioactive components are polar, such as flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinones, and glycosides, known for their antimicrobial properties49. The study indicates that methanol and ethyl acetate extracts are more effective, highlighting the herbal formulation’s potential as a source of novel antibiotics, particularly against multi-drug-resistant organisms that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic71,72.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the herbal formulation demonstrated significant anti-microbial activity, strong antioxidant potential, and an acceptable cytotoxicity profile compared to the standards used. These findings suggest its potential as a source of novel antibiotics, especially in light of increasing multi-drug-resistant organisms during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research is needed to explore its mechanisms of action, optimize dosage, assess safety and efficacy in vivo and clinical trials, and identify the active compounds responsible for its effects.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

We are grateful to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for providing facilities and the support accorded to K. F. Tumelei.

 

REFERENCES:

1.      Choudhary M, Gopichandran L. Post Covid-19 Complications: A New Dimension of Awareness for Healthcare Workers. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2021;11(04):455-458. doi:10.52711/2349-2996.2021.00110

2.      Michael C. Psychological impact on people Due to Pandemic of Covid-19 in selected Areas of Mumbai. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2021;11(04):541-551. doi:10.52711/2349-2996.2021.00128

3.      Ahmadivand A, Gerislioglu B, Ramezani Z, Kaushik A. Since January 2020 Elsevier has created a COVID-19 resource centre with free information in English and Mandarin on the novel coronavirus COVID- 19. The COVID-19 resource centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, the Company’ s Public News and Information. Biosens Bioelectron. 2020.

4.      WHO? WHO coronavirus (COVID-19) dashboard. World Health Organization. Published 2023. Accessed July 29, 2023. https://covid19.who.int/

5.      Ackah BBB, Woo M, Stallwood L, et al. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa: a scoping review. Glob Heal Res Policy. 2022;7(1):1-20. doi:10.1186/s41256-022-00255-1

6.      Wu Z, McGoogan JM. Characteristics of and Important Lessons from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in China: Summary of a Report of 72314 Cases from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. JAMA - J Am Med Assoc. 2020;323(13):1239-1242. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.2648

7.      Kontoangelos K, Economou M, Papageorgiou C. Mental health effects of COVID-19 pandemia: A review of clinical and psychological traits. Psychiatry Investig. 2020; 17(6):491-505. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0161

8.      Boufkhed S, Namisango E, Luyirika E, et al. Preparedness of African Palliative Care Services to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Assessment. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2020; 60(6): e10-e26. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.018

9.      Kumar Balai M. UK Variant COVID-19. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2021;11(04):601-604. doi:10.52711/2349-2996.2021.00140

10.   Villena-Tejada M, Vera-Ferchau I, Cardona-Rivero A, et al. Use of medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention and respiratory symptom treatment during the pandemic in Cusco, Peru: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One. 2021; 16(9):1-18. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257165

11.   Husaini DC, Orisakwe OE, Mphuthi DD, Garba SM, Obasi CN, Nwachukwu IE. Phytotherapies for COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): Implications for present and future pandemics. Arab Gulf J Sci Res. doi:10.1108/AGJSR-08-2022-0144

12.   Chali BU, Melaku T, Berhanu N, et al. Traditional medicine practice in the context of covid-19 pandemic: Community claim in jimma zone, oromia, ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist. 2021; 14: 3773-3783. doi:10.2147/IDR.S331434

13.   Mlozi SH. The role of natural products from medicinal plants against COVID-19: traditional medicine practice in Tanzania. Heliyon. 2022; 8(6): e09739. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon. 2022.e09739

14.   Alam S, Sarker MMR, Afrin S, et al. Traditional Herbal Medicines, Bioactive Metabolites, and Plant Products Against COVID-19: Update on Clinical Trials and Mechanism of Actions. Front Pharmacol. 2021; 12(May): 1-20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.671498

15.   Demeke CA, Woldeyohanins AE, Kifle ZD. Herbal medicine use for the management of COVID-19: A review article. Metab Open. 2021; 12: 100141. doi: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100141

16.   Falaknaaz Shaikh DP. Invitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Salvadora persica (Meswak) Roots, Leaves and Stems Extracts. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2021; 10(9): 498-509. doi:10.20546/ijcmas.2021.1009.058

17.   Petrova D, Yocheva L, Petrova M, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of microalgal extracts. Oxid Commun. 2020;43(1):103-116. doi:10.17350/HJSE190300001

18.   Malik SS, Mundra S. Increasing Consumption of Antibiotics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Patient Health and Emerging. Antibiot 2023. 2023; 12(45). doi: doi.org/10.3390

19.   Getahun H, Smith I, Trivedi K, Paulin S, Balkhy HH. Tackling antimicrobial resistance in the COVID-19 pandemic. Bull World Health Organ. 2020; 98(7):19-20. doi:10.2471/BLT.20.268573

20.   Ukuhor HO. The interrelationships between antimicrobial resistance, COVID-19, past, and future pandemics. J Infect Public Health. 2021; 14(1): 53-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.10.018

21.   CDC. Antimicrobial resistance: About antimicrobial resistance. Centers Dis Control Prev. 2022; 1:1-2. https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html

22.   Khushboo K, Saloni B, Singh RK. A Briefing of a Global Crisis: Antibiotic Resistance. Asian J Res Pharm Sci. 2020; 10(4): 264-272. doi:10.5958/2231-5659.2020.00047.8

23.   Borquaye LS, Doetse MS, Baah SO, Mensah JA.  Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae). Cogent Chem. 2020; 6(1): 1743403. doi:10.1080/23312009.2020.1743403

24.   Namitha R, Ampily J. Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial screening of Murayya koenigii Extracts. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2020; 12(2): 94. doi:10.5958/0975-4385.2020.00017.5

25.   Farag RS, Abdel-Latif MS, Abd El Baky HH, Tawfeek LS. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants’ crude juices. Biotechnol Reports. 2020; 28: e00536. doi: 10.1016/j.btre. 2020.e00536

26.   Santhi K, Sengottuvel R. Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical analysis of Moringa concanensis Nimmo. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2016; 5(1):633-640. doi:10.20546/ijcmas.2016.501.064

27.   Harrizul Rivai; Liza Asbari Hasni; Zulharmita Zulharmita. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the content of chemical compounds from extracts of hexane, acetone, ethanol, and water from avocado leaves (Persea americana Mill). World J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2019; 8(6):149-167. doi:10.20959/wjpps20196-14049

28.   Pai VR, Hegde S. Research Article Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Members of Lamiaceae Family: Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2013; 21(1): 131-137.

29.   Oncho DA, Ejigu MC, Urgessa OE. Phytochemical constituent and antimicrobial properties of guava extracts of east Hararghe of Oromia, Ethiopia. Clin Phytoscience. 2021; 7(1). doi:10.1186/s40816-021-00268-2

30.   Sagdic O, Ozturk I, Ozkan G, Yetim H, Ekici L, Yilmaz MT. RP-HPLC-DAD analysis of phenolic compounds in pomace extracts from five grape cultivars: Evaluation of their antioxidant, antiradical and antifungal activities in orange and apple juices. Food Chem. 2011; 126(4): 1749-1758. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.12.075

31.   Trifunschi S, Munteanu M, Ardelean D, Orodan M, Osser G, Gligor R. Flavonoids and polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of Ficus carica L. extracts from Romania. Zb Matice Srp za Prir Nauk. 2015; 128: 57-65. doi:10.2298/zmspn1528057t

32.   Apu AS, Muhit MA, Tareq SM, Pathan AH, Jamaluddin ATM, Ahmed M. Antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of the leaves extract of Dillenia indica linn. J Young Pharm. 2010;2(1):50-53. doi:10.4103/0975-1483.62213

33.   Okumu MO, Mbaria JM, Gikunju JK, Mbuthia PG, Madadi VO, Ochola FO. Enzymatic activity and brine shrimp lethality of venom from the large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) and its neutralization by antivenom. BMC Res Notes. 2020; 13(1): 1-7. doi:10.1186/s13104-020-05167-2

34.   Waghulde S, Kale MK, Patil V. Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Selected Species of Medicinal Plants. 2020; 2:47. doi:10.3390/ecsoc-23-06703

35.   Jadid N, Hidayati D, Hartanti SR, Arraniry BA, Rachman RY, Wikanta W. Antioxidant activities of different solvent extracts of Piper retrofractum Vahl. using DPPH assay. AIP Conf Proc. 2017; 1854(June 2017). doi:10.1063/1.4985410

36.   Venkatachalam T, Kumar VK, Kumar PS, Kalaiselvi P, Chitra M, Kumar NS. In-vitro Anti Oxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Evodia lunu-Ankenda (Gaertn) Merr. Bark. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2009; 1(3):201-203.

37.   Kumar DS. Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Aristo lochia Tagala Leaf Extract against Selected Human Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi. 2018; 5(2):344-347.

38.   Habtom S, Gebrehiwot S. In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Crude Extracts of Two Traditionally Used Ethiopian Medicinal Plants against Some Bacterial and Fungal Test Pathogens. Int J Biotechnol. 2019; 8(2): 104-114. doi:10.18488/journal.57.2019.82.104.114

39.   Abuto, Muchungi, Mburu, Machocho. Variation in Antimicrobial Activity of Warburgia ugandensis Extracts from Different Populations across the Kenyan Rift Valley. J Microbiol Res. 2016; 6(3): 55-64. doi: 10.5923/j.microbiology.20160603.02

40.   Sheela ST, Poonam JP.  Phytochemical Analysis and Pharmacological Screening of Caralluma fimfriata wall. Whole Plant Extract. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2019; 11(4): 217. doi:10.5958/0975-4385.2019.00037.2

41.   Onwudiwe N.N., Njoku O.U., Joshua P.E. Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Toxicity/ Lethality Study of Ethanol Extract of Eugenia uniflora Pulp Oxidative stress View project Protein Chemistry View Project Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Toxicity/ Lethality Study of Ethanol Extract of Eugenia un. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2010; 2(4): 336-339. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322084750

42.   Madike LN, Takaidza S, Pillay M. Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extracts from the Leaves, Stems, and Roots of Tulbaghia violacea. 2017; 9(10): 1300-1308. doi:10.25258/phyto. v9i10.10453

43.   Shaikh JR, Patil M. Qualitative tests for preliminary phytochemical screening: An overview. Int J Chem Stud. 2020; 8(2): 603-608. doi: 10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i2i.8834

44.   Perveen S, Al-Taweel AM. Phenolic Compounds from the Natural Sources and Their Cytotoxicity. Intech. Published online 2017:1-33.

45.   Ullah A, Munir S, Badshah SL, et al. Important Flavonoids and their Role as a Therapeutic Agent. Published online 2020:1-39.

46.   Zakaryan H, Arabyan E, Oo A, Zandi K. Flavonoids: promising natural compounds against viral infections. Arch Virol. 2017; 162(9): 2539-2551. doi:10.1007/s00705-017-3417-y

47.   Olas B, Urbańska K, Bryś M. Saponins as Modulators of the Blood Coagulation System and Perspectives Regarding Their Use in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Incidents. Molecules. 2020;25(21). doi:10.3390/molecules25215171

48.   Bone K, Mills S. Principles of herbal pharmacology 2. Princ Pract Phyther (Second Ed. Published online 2013: 17-82.

49.   Assob JCN, Kamga HLF, Nsagha DS, et al. Antimicrobial and toxicological activities of five medicinal plant species from Cameroon Traditional Medicine. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011; 11: 1-11. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-70

50.   Rosales PF, Bordin GS, Gower AE, Moura S. Indole alkaloids: 2012 until now, highlighting the new chemical structures and biological activities. Fitoterapia. 2020; 143: 104558. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104558

51.   Dey P, Kundu A, Kumar A, et al. Analysis of Alkaloids (Indole Alkaloids, Isoquinoline Alkaloids, Tropane Alkaloids). Elsevier Inc.; 2020. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-816455-6.00015-9

52.   Yang W, Chen X, Li Y, Guo S, Wang Z, Yu X. Advances in Pharmacological Activities of Terpenoids. Nat Prod Commun. 2020; 15(3). doi:10.1177/1934578X20903555

53.   Guangyi W, Weiping T, Bidigare R. Robert. Terpenoids As Therapeutic Drugs and Pharmaceutical Agents. (L. Zhang and A. L. Demain, ed.). Humana Press Inc. 2005. doi:10.1007/978-1-59259-976-9

54.   Kathare JM, Mbaria JM, Nguta JM, Moriasi GA. Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemical Screening of the Aqueous and Methanolic Stem-Bark Extracts of Croton megalocarpus Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae). J Phytopharm. 2021; 10(2): 117-125. doi:10.31254/phyto.2021.10208

55.   Ali H, Nguta J, Musila F, Ole-Mapenay I, Matara D, Mailu J. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Phytochemical Composition of Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae). Evidence-based Complement Altern Med. 2022; 2022. doi:10.1155/2022/6484578

56.   R. Hamidi M, Jovanova B, Kadifkova Panovska T. Toxicological evaluation of the plant products using Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina L.) model. Maced Pharm Bull. 2014; 60(1): 9-18. doi: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2014.60.01.002

57.   Matara DN, Nguta JM, Musila FM, Mapenay I. Phytochemical Analysis and Investigation of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Croton dichogamus Pax Crude Root Extracts. Evidence-based Complement Altern Med. 2021; 2021. doi:10.1155/2021/2699269

58.   Nguta JM, Mbaria JM, Gakuya DW, Gathumbi PK, Kabasa JD, Kiama SG. Cytotoxicity of antimalarial plant extracts from Kenyan biodiversity to the brine shrimp, Artemia salina L. (Artemiidae). Drugs Ther Stud. 2012; 2(1): 12. doi:10.4081/dts. 2012.e12

59.   Mongalo NI, Dikhoba PM, Soyingbe SO, Makhafola TJ. activity and cytotoxicity of South African medicinal plants against mycotoxigenic fungi. Heliyon. 2018; 4: e00973. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon. 2018.e00973

60.   Ghasemzadeh A, Jaafar HZE, Rahmat A, Edaroyati P, Wahab M. Effect of Different Light Intensities on Total Phenolics and Flavonoids Synthesis and Anti-oxidant Activities in Young Ginger Varieties (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Published online 2010: 3885-3897. doi:10.3390/ijms11103885

61.   Hajimehdipoor H, Shahrestani R, Shekarchi M. Investigating the synergistic antioxidant effects of some flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Res J Pharmacogn. 2014; 1(3):35-40.

62.   Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010; 4(8): 118-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902

63.   Sharifi-Rad M, Anil Kumar N V., Zucca P, et al. Lifestyle, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases. Front Physiol. 2020; 11(7): 1-21. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00694

64.   Hossain S, Zakaria CM, Kudrat-E-Zahan. Structural and biological activity studies on metal complexes containing thiosemicarbzone and isatin based schiff base: A review. Asian J Res Chem. 2017;10(1):6. doi:10.5958/0974-4150.2017.00002.5

65.   Kengne IC, Fankam AG, Yamako EK, Tamokou JDD. Phytochemical Analysis, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Properties of Two Herbs (Tristemma mauritianum and Crassocephalum bougheyanum) and One Tree (Lavigeria macrocarpa) Species. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci. 2023; 2023. doi:10.1155/2023/2565857

66.   Nigussie D, Davey G, Legesse BA, Fekadu A, Makonnen E. Antibacterial activity of methanol extracts of the leaves of three medicinal plants against selected bacteria isolated from wounds of lymphoedema patients. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021; 21(1): 1-10. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03183-0

67.   Othman L, Sleiman A, Abdel-Massih RM. Antimicrobial activity of polyphenols and alkaloids in middle eastern plants. Front Microbiol. 2019; 10(5). doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.00911

68.   Kebede B, Shibeshi W. In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts and fractions of leaves of Ricinus communis Linn against selected pathogens. Vet Med Sci. 2022;8(4):1802-1815. doi:10.1002/vms3.772

69.   Balouiri M, Sadiki M, Ibnsouda SK. Methods for in vitro evaluating antimicrobial activity: A review. J Pharm Anal. 2016; 6(2): 71-79. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2015.11.005

70.   Vaou N, Stavropoulou E, Voidarou C, Tsigalou C, Bezirtzoglou E. Towards advances in medicinal plant antimicrobial activity: A review study on challenges and future perspectives. Microorganisms. 2021; 9(10): 1-28. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9102041

71.   Patra AK. Dietary Phytochemicals and Microbes. Vol 9789400739.; 2012. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-3926-0

72.   Tagousop CN, Tamokou J de D, Kengne IC, Ngnokam D, Voutquenne-Nazabadioko L. Antimicrobial activities of saponins from Melanthera elliptica and their synergistic effects with antibiotics against pathogenic phenotypes. Chem Cent J. 2018; 12(1): 1-9. doi:10.1186/s13065-018-0466-6

 

 

Received on 18.04.2024      Revised on 13.09.2024

Accepted on 16.01.2025      Published on 10.05.2025

Available online from May 14, 2025

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2025; 17(2):83-90.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2025.00014

©A&V Publications All right reserved

 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.