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Table 3 Previously reported traditional uses, documented pharmacological/chemical activity, and toxicological data on the medicinal plants indicated for managing diseases of the respiratory system by herbalists in Kisumu East Sub County

From: Medicinal plants used in managing diseases of the respiratory system among the Luo community: an appraisal of Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya

Plant name

Previously reported traditional use

Reported pharmacological/chemical activity

Type of study

Toxicological data

Acanthus polystachyus Delile

Malaria [12], scorpion bite 

[13]

Antimalarial activity [14]

In vivo (Swiss albino mice) [14]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be non-toxic in mice with a median lethal dose of > 2000 mg/kg [14]

Aloe kedongensis Reynolds

Malaria [15]

Antiplasmodial activity (aqueous leaf extract), leishmanicidal activity (aqueous and methanol extracts) [16]

In vitro (semi-automated microdilution assay, anti-leishmanial assay, anti-promastigote assay, anti-amastigote assay, MTT assay) [16]

The aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were reported to have low cytotoxicity against human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cell lines (CC50 > 500 µg/mL) [16]

Allium sativum L.

Malaria, wound disinfectant, intestinal infections [17], cold [18], aphrodisiac

[19]

Chemoprophylaxis against lead nitrate induced toxicity in mice [20], increase in the weight of seminal vesicles and epididymis of male animals and elevation of sperm count [21], antibacterial and antifungal activity (essential oil extracts)

[22]

In vivo (Swiss albino mice) [20], in vivo

(Swiss albino mice) [21], in vitro

(disc diffusion and yeast glucose Chloramphenicol Agar method) [22]

The LD50 in rabbits was reported to be 3034 mg/kg with a maximum tolerated dose of 2200 mg/kg [23]. Mortality in rabbits was recorded at 3200 and 4200 mg/kg. Anorexia and paralysis were observed in rabbits at high doses [23]

The aqueous extract at a 300 mg/kg dose was reported to have mild toxicity symptoms in Wistar rats, but doses of 600 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg were reported to elevate biochemical parameters. No toxicity was reported up to a dose of 2500 mg/kg and LD50 was reported to be > 5000 mg/kg [24]

Rhus natalensis Bernh.

Diarrhea, influenza [25] Respiratory disorders, Malaria [26]

Antinociceptive activity (dichloromethane-methanol extract) [27], antibacterial activity

(aqueous extract) [25]

In vivo (Swiss albino mice) [27], in vitro

(Standard plate count method) [25]

3-(Z)-heptadec-14-enyl) benzene-1-ol isolated from the ethyl acetate root extract of R. natalensis was reported to be toxic in brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 7.25 µg/mL), induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest [28]

Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst.

Skin diseases [29], tuberculosis [30]

Antibacterial activity (aqueous and methanol root extracts) [31], uterotonic activity in uterine strips of pregnant rats [32], diuretic activity (aqueous, methanol, and ethanol stem bark extracts)

[33]

In vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [31], ex vivo (Wistar rats; organ bath) [32], in vivo (Wistar rats)

[33]

The 80% ethanolic stem bark extract was reported to be cytotoxic against MDA-MB-231 (breast), PANC-1 (pancreas), and HT-29 (colon) cancer cell lines [34]

Dibenzocyclo-Octadiene, a lignan constituent was reported to have antimitotic activity [35]. Steganacin (an isolated compound) was reported to inhibit the polymerization of tubulin and to slow the depolymerization of pre-formed microtubules in the sea urchin egg assay [36]

Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl

Respiratory infections [37], chest pains [38, 39]

Anti-bacterial activity (S. aureus, E. coli) [40]

In vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [40]

No acute toxicity was observed in mice at oral therapeutic doses of up to 250 mg/kg [41]. The methanol root bark and the aqueous and methanol root extracts  

were reported to be cytotoxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 255.06 µg/mL, 260.34 µg/mL, and 186.71 µg/mL respectively) [42, 43]

Artemisia annua L.

Fever [18]

Antimicrobial activity [44]

antioxidant activity [45], 

cytotoxicity [46,47,48,49]

In vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [44]

In vitro (total phenolic content assay, total flavonoid content assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay) [45], in vitro

(Resazurin assay, cytogenetic assay) [46,47,48,49]

The dichloromethane and methanol extracts were reported to be cytotoxic against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (TC221 cells) [50]

Artemisinin and quercetagetin 6,7,3′,4′-tetramethyl ether were reported to be cytotoxic against P-388, A-549, HT-29, MCF-7, and KB tumor cells [47]. The ethanol extract was reported to be cytotoxic against Molt-4 human leukemia cells and normal leukocytes [48]. The methanol extract was reported to be cytotoxic and genotoxic against meristem cells of Allium cepa [49]

Microglossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze

Ovarian cysts [17], 

malaria [17, 51]

Antioxidant activity (leaf extracts) [52],

cancer cell line cytotoxicity [53],

antiplasmodial activity (dichloromethane leaf extract) [54]

In vitro (2,2-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay) [52], 

In vitro (Resazurin assay) [53], 

In vitro (lactate dehydrogenase assay) [54]

The organic leaf extract was reported to be cytotoxic against CCRF-CEM leukemia and decreased cell growth by 48% [53]

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray

Diabetes, malaria [55, 56], 

abscesses, snake bite [56]

Antiplasmodial activity (ethanol leaf extracts) [57],

antibacterial and antifungal activity (aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts) [58],

antiplasmodial activity [59]

In vivo (Swiss albino mice) [57], 

in vitro (Agar diffusion method) [58], 

In vitro (Semi-automated microdilution technique) [59]

Sesquiterpenoids isolated form the 80% ethanol extract of aerial parts were reported to be cytotoxic against HL-60 leukemia cells [60]

Acetyltagitinin E and Tagitinine-F (leaf isolated compounds) were reported to be selectively cytotoxic against Hep G2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells [61]. Tagitinin C (isolated from the leaves) was reported to be cytotoxic against colon cancer, other malignant cell lines [62, 63], and brine shrimp larvae [64]

Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.

Pneumonia [65], 

tuberculosis [30], 

measles in children [39]

Antibacterial activity (ethanol stem bark and fruit extracts) [66], 

antifungal activity [67], 

antibacterial, antifungal, antigiardial, and anticancer properties (Aqueous and methanol fruit extracts) [68]

In vitro (Micro titre plate bioassay) [66], 

in vitro (Agar diffusion method) [67], in vitro

(Modified disc diffusion method) [68]

A 2000 mg/kg oral dose of the aqueous extract of the fruit was reported to cause hepatorenal toxic effects in Wistar rats [69]

An 80% methanol extract of the fruit and roots was reported to be cytotoxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 240 µg/mL and 7.2 µg/mL respectively) [70]

The aqueous bark extract was reported to be toxic to the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) [71]

The aqueous fruit extract was reported to be toxic to Artemia franciscana nauplii toxic with an LC50 value of 477 µg/mL [68]

Compounds isolated from the hexane fraction of the stem bark were reported to be toxic against LLC/MK2 (monkey kidney epithelial cells) [72]

The aqueous stem bark extract had a dose-dependent mortality on culet mosquito larvae [73]

The ethanol stem bark extract was reported to be nontoxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 > 1000 µg/mL) [74]

Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl.

Malaria, fever [75], 

swollen testicles, and abdominal pains [39], 

pneumonia [25]

Antifungal and antibacterial activity (Ethanolic root extract) [76]

in vitro (Agar diffusion technique) [76]

The 95% ethanol extract was reported to be nontoxic in mice and no mortality was observed even at concentrations of up to 5000 mg/kg. However, drowsiness in doses between 1200 and 5000 mg/kg was reported [77]

The compounds isolated from the methanol stem bark fraction (resveratrol derivatives) were reported to have low cytotoxicity on prostate cancer cell lines [78]. The ethanol root extract was reported to be nontoxic in brine shrimp larvae [74]

Warburgia salutaris (G.Bertol) Chiov

Chest complaints, cough, fever, pneumonia [79], 

yellow fever [80], common cold, malaria [81], 

Aspergillosis [82]

Fungicidal activity against Fusarium species (Acetone extract) [83]

antimycobacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. epidermis, M. luteus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae) [84]

in vitro (Hole plate diffusion method, microdilution method) [83], in vitro

(Bioautography assay) [84]

The acetone leaf extract was reported to be cytotoxic against cancer cell lines [85]

Carica papaya L.

Malaria, liver disease [12], tuberculosis

[30], malaria, [86, 87], fever

[18]

Antibacterial activity

(Methanol root extract) [88], antitumour

activity and immunomodulatory effects (Aqueous leaf extract) [89]

in vitro (Cup plate agar diffusion method) [88], in vitro

(Cell viability assay, caspase assay, microarray analysis) [89]

The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts were reported to be cytotoxic on human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC25 cell lines [90]

The aqueous leaf extract was reported to disrupt cell division and to induce mitotic spindle disturbance in Allium cepa [91]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be cytotoxic against LLC-MK2 cell lines [92]

The aqueous leaf extract was reported to be non-toxic in Sprague Dawley rats at a 2000 mg/kg dose [93]

No morphological alterations were reported in Sprague Dawley rats treated with a 28-day repeated oral dose of 2000 mg/kg [94]

Aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts were reported to be nontoxic at doses of up to 5000 mg/kg [95]

The methanol leaf, root, and stem bark extracts were reported to be nontoxic against MRC-5 cell lines (CC50 > 32 µg/mL) [96]

Terminalia brownii Fresen

Cough, bronchitis [97, 98], allergy, diabetes, malaria [25, 98], 

clotting agent, coughs and joint stiffness [99]

Anti-fertility effect (Ethyl acetate extracts) [100], antibacterial activity

against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis (Aqueous bark extract) [25]

in vivo (Swiss mice) [100], in vitro

(Standard plate count method) [25]

Doses of between 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the methanol root bark extracts were reported to cause dullness and decreased activity of Swiss albino rats [101]

Ipomoea kituiensis Var

Constipation, digestive disorders [99]

Acaricidal activity (Methanol:DCM (1:1 v/v) leaf extract) [102]

in vivo (Modified larval packet test) [102]

The aqueous extract was reported to be moderately toxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 136.96 µg/mL) [102]

Euclea divinorum Hiern.

Stomachache [103], bleeding [104], diarrhea, typhoid

, stroke [105], toothache [99]

Contractile activity of isolated rabbit uterine strips (aqueous and ethanol root bark extracts) [106]

ex vivo (Organ bath; Swiss white rabbits) [106]

The aqueous and organic root extracts were reported to cause retarded growth and altered biochemical parameters in mice [107]

The methanol root extract was reported to be cytotoxic against MEC-5 fibroblast cells (IC50 = 27.5 ± 3.6 µg/mL) [108]

Croton megalocarpus Del.

Influenza, pneumonia, wounds, family planning, typhoid, over bleeding during menstruation cycle and birth [105]

Antibacterial and antifungal activities (petroleum ether and aqueous leaf extracts) [109], antifungal activity

(The methanol leaf extract) [110]

in vitro (Agar well and disc diffusion assays) [109], in vitro

(Agar well diffusion technique) [110]

The LC50 was reported to be < 250 µg/mL in the brine shrimp lethality assay [111]

Croton dichogamous Pax

Chest congestion (wheezing) [112]

Polio like-symptoms, gonorrhea, chest pains [39]

Threatened abortion, infertility [113]

Pesticidal activity [114]

No reports

No reports

No reports

Harungana madagascariensis Lam. Ex Poir

Gastrointestinal disorders [115]

Antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa (Aqueous leaf extract) [115], antibacterial

activity against S. typhi, S. paratyphi, S. paratyphi B and S. typhimurium (Aqueous extracts) [116],

antibacterial activity (Astilbin or 3-O-α-l-rhamnoside-5,73,4′-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol) [117]

in vitro (Modified agar well diffusion method) [115]

In vitro (Broth dilution technique) [116], in vitro

(Solid dilution method, bioautography) [117]

The aqueous leaf extract was reported to induce liver damage at high doses of > 100 mg/kg and > 200 mg/kg in female and male rats respectively [118].

A 400 mg/kg dose of the iso saline leaf extract administered intraperitoneally in Sprague-Dawley rats significantly elevated serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and significantly lowered the blood glucose levels [119].

Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel

Epilepsy, diarrhea, nasopharyngeal infection, intestinal spams [120]

Antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes, K. pneumoniae (95% ethanolic extract) [121]

Antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (1:1 dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract) [122]

in vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [121], in vitro

(Disc diffusion method) [122]

Reported to contain cytotoxic substances that affect mitotic active tissue [123]. There was no indication of mutagenesis when dichloromethane and 70% ethanol extracts were tested on S. typhimurium (Ames test) (TA98) [124]

Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) R.Br.ex Vatke

Malaria [125]

Febrile convulsions, Abdominal colic [126] Respiratory infections [37]

Pneumonia [25]

Antibacterial and antifungal activity (Organic root extract) [127], antibacterial

activity (Aqueous and methanol leaf extract) [128], 

antiplasmodial activity (Methanol leaf extract) [129]

in vitro (Agar disc diffusion method) [127], in vitro

(agar diffusion method) [128], in vivo

(Swiss albino mice) [129]

The dichloromethane root bark extract was reported to be nontoxic on L6 cells (IC50 > 90 µg/mL) [130].

The methanol root extract was reported to be toxic to brine shrimp [131]

Plectranthus barbatus Andr.

Abdominal pain, diarrhea [132],

tuberculosis [30], malaria

[133], wounds, swelling, 

joint pain, stomach problems, malaria [134], ashtma [135]

Larvicidal properties (Eugenol, α-pinene and β-caryophyllene l) [136],

anticonvulsant activity (Hydroalcoholic leaf extract) [137],

inhibition of HIV-1 enzymes, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities (Ethanol leaf extract) [138]

in vivo (Third instar mosquito larvae) [136], 

in vivo (Swiss albino mice) [137], in vitro

(MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, HIV-1 protease fluorogenic assay, HIV-1 transcriptase colorimetric assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay) [138]

The ethanol extract was reported to have low cytotoxicity against PBMCs and TZM-bl cell lines (IC50 values = 83.7 and 50.4 µg/mL respectively) [138]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be toxic to Artemia salina (LC50 = 186.33 µg/mL) [139]

The chloroform aerial part extract was reported to reduce the viability of undifferentiated/anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines [140]

Vitex doniana Sweet

Hypertension, diabetes, ulcers [141], malaria, measles

[142], gastroenteritis, diarrhea

[143], diuretic, diabetes

[144]

Antimicrobial activity (Methanol stem bark extract) [145, 146], antioxidant

activity (Aqueous leaf extract) [147], wound healing

properties (Hydroalcoholic stem bark extract) [148]

in vitro (Paper disc assay method, Agar well diffusion method) [145, 146], in vitro

(DPPH assay) and in vivo (Swiss albino mice) [147], in vivo

(ICR mice) [148]

The organic leaf and bark extracts were reported to be non-toxic to mammalian L6 cell lines (IC50 > 90 µg/mL) [149]

Acacia robusta Burch.

Malaria [150], fibroids [113]

Antifungal activity (Methanol root bark extract) [151]

in vitro (Broth dilution) [151]

The methanol stem bark extract was reported to be toxic to brine shrimp (LC50 = 108.5 µg/mL) [70]

Albizia zygia (DC.) J.J.Macbr.

Antimalarial activity [152, 153], anticancer [154], cough, fever, 

aphrodisiac, counter female sterility [155], bronchial disease, fever

[156]

Antimicrobial activity (Methanol and hexane extracts) [155], anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

(Ethanol stem bark extract) [157]

in vitro (Agar diffusion) [155], in vivo (chicks),

and in vitro (DPPH) [157]

The ethanol stem bark extract was reported to be nontoxic against MRC-5 cells (> 64 µg/mL) [96]

The methanol extract was reported to be more toxic to brine shrimp than the non-polar n-hexane extract (LC50 1.70 µg/mL compared to 174.19 µg/mL) [155]

Rhynchosia elegans var. elegans

Malaria, common cold, fever [12]

No reports

No reports

No reports

Tamarindus indica L.

Malaria [158, 159], constipation, 

jaundice [97], aphrodisiac

[19], general wellbeing

[18], sexually transmitted infections [99]

Antibacterial activity against P. mirabilis (Acetone stem bark extract) [160], 

antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P.aeurigenosa (Aqueous pulp extract) [161]

in vitro (Paper disc diffusion method) [160], 

in vitro (disc diffusion method) [161]

The LD50 values of various crude extracts and 25–50% fractions were reported to be in the range of between 832 and 5019 µg/mL [162]

The acute oral toxicity studies of the pulp extract at 3000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg body weight resulted in no mortality in Wistar albino rats [163]

Tylosema fassoglense (Kotschy ex Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc.

Epilepsy, infertility in women, renal disease, cancer [132]

Antibacterial activity (Methanol extracts) [164], antifungal activity, and cytotoxicity

(Ethyl acetate extracts) [165]

in vitro (disk-diffusion assay) [164], in vitro

(Broth microdilution method) and in vivo (brine shrimp cytotoxicity) [165]

The dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts were reported to be toxic to brine shrimp (LC50 = 203.66 µg/mL, 7.58 µg/mL, and 17.57 µg/mL respectively) [165]

Azadirachta indica (L) Burm.

Malaria [159, 166], scabies, 

control blood sugar levels [167], tuberculosis

[30]

Antibacterial activity against S. typhi and antifungal activity against C. albicans (n-hexane extract) [168], antioxidant and antibacterial

properties (50% ethanol leaf extract) [169]

in vitro (Ditch well diffusion method)

[168], in vitro

(Agar well diffusion method [169]

The aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were reported to be non-toxic against MRC-5 cells (CC50 > 32 µg/mL) [96]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be toxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 233.061 µg/mL) [42]

The aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were reported to be toxic to brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 101.26 and 61.43 µg/mL respectively) [43].

Khaya senegalensis Desr. A. Juss

Diabetes, hypertension [170], 

hepatic inflammations, sinusitis [97]. malaria

[87]

Antibacterial activity against S. enterica subsp. Enterica serovar typhi

(50% ethanolic leaf extract) [171], in vivo

hypoglycemic activity (Ethyl acetate extract) [172], 

hepatoprotective effects [173], 

antioxidant activity (Ethanolic extract) [174]

in vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [171], 

in vivo (rats) [172], 

in vivo (rats) [173], 

in vitro

(DPPH radical scavenging assay, deoxyribose assay, Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay) [174]

Orally administered ethanol stem bark extract in rats at a dose of 2 mg/kg for 18 days was reported to induce the synthesis of liver enzymes [175].

The subchronic administration of the aqueous stem bark extract to rats was reported to affect the cellular integrity of vital organs of the body [176].

Sub-chronic administration of the aqueous stem bark extract in albino rats was reported to cause the elevation of liver enzymes, and to

Increase plasma total protein, blood urea, and creatinine [177].

Mollugo nudicaulis Lam.

Whooping cough and jaundice [178]

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity(Methanol leaf extract) [179], 

antidiabetic properties (Ethanolic whole-plant extract) [180]

in vitro (Total phenolic content assay, total flavonoid content assay, ABTS scavenging activity assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, agar disc diffusion assay) [179]

in vivo (Wistar rats) [180]

No reports

Moringa oleifera Lam.

Malnutrition [75], 

tuberculosis [30], 

loss of memory, prostate cancer [105], 

flu, asthma, hypertension, malaria [181]

Antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (Fresh leaf juice and aqueous seed extracts) [182], 

chemoprophylaxis against Artesunate-amodiaquine induced liver damage (aqueous-methanol leaf extracts) [183]

in vitro (Paper disc diffusion method) [182], 

in vivo (Wistar rats) [183]

The aqueous leaf extract was reported to increase the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer cells [184]

The organic leaf extract was reported to be toxic to brine shrimp larvae [185]

The aqueous extract was reported to be strongly cytotoxic on Hela cells [186]

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh

Tuberculosis [30], 

malaria, liver disorders [75], 

respiratory tract congestion, chronic bronchitis, coughing, tuberculosis [187]

Antibacterial activity (Essential oil from the leaves) [188], 

antibacterial activity against H. pylori (N-hexane and chloroform leaf extract) [189], 

antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis and M. bovis strains (Methanol extracts) [190]

in vitro (Aromatogram, micro atmosphere test, broth dilution method [188], 

in vitro (Agar disc diffusion) [189], 

in vitro (Resazurin microtiter assay) [190]

The aqueous-acetone extract was reported to be cytotoxic on MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines [191]

The essential oils from fresh leaves were reported to inhibit egg hatchability and to suppress the second stage juvenile viability of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita [192]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be cytotoxic against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines [193]

The methanol leaf extract was reported to be cytotoxic on P19 embryonal carcinoma cells [194]

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels.

Asthma, bronchitis, sore throat [195], coughing, diabetes, 

dysentery, ringworms, inflammation [196],

diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, constipation [167]

Anti-inflammatory activity in mice (Ethanol bark extract) [197], 

hypoglycemic activity (Aqueous bark extract) [198]

in vivo (mice) [197]

in vivo (rats) [198]

The methanol extract was reported to have an LD50 value of > 5000 mg/kg in mice [199]

The ethanol extract was reported to be nontoxic to rats at doses of up to 5000 mg/kg [200]

The ethanol bark extract was reported to be nontoxic in mice at doses of up to 10.125 g/kg [197]

Ximenia americana L.

Throat infection, amenorrhea, wound healing, pain [201]

Antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and P. vulgaris (bark, leaf, and root extracts) [202], antioxidant

activity (Methanol stem bark extract) [203]

in vitro (cup-plate agar diffusion method) [202], 

in vitro (DPPH radical scavenging assay) [203]

The methanol stem bark extract was reported to be nontoxic against MRC-5 cell lines (CC50 = 64 µg/mL) [96]

Clematis hirsuta Guill. & Perr

Colds, cleanser [105], chest problems [134]

Antifungal activity against C. albicans [204]

in vitro (Liquid dilution method) [204]

The oral administration of an 80% methanol leaf extract did not result in any physical signs e.g. depression, decrease in feeding activity, and hair erection in Swiss albino mice [205]

Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. & Thonn.

Hypertension [170]

Treat dysentery, urinary tract infections [206]

Antimicrobial activity against C. coli, C. jejuni, S. aureus (Aqueous extract) [206], antiplasmodial activity

(80% methanol root bark extract) [207], 

viricidal activity against African Swine Fever Virus (Ethanol root extract) [208]

in vitro (disc diffusion method) [206], in vivo

(Swiss albino mice) [207], in vitro

(Plaque titration technique) [208]

The ethanol root extract was reported to be non-toxic on human carcinoma cell lines [209]

Keetia gueinzii (Sond.) Bridson

Malaria [166]

Antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacterium species [210]

in vitro (Bioautography and the modified two-fold serial dilution microplate method; anti mycobacterial activity) [210], in vitro cytotoxicity; MTT assay [210]

The acetone leaf extract was reported to have an LC50 of 0.142 in vero cell lines and 0.063 in SI C3 A cell lines [210]

Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv.

Arthritis, sexually transmitted infections [26], stomach ache, 

coughs, malaria [99] Malaria [133]

Antifungal activity [211], antiviral, 

antifungal, antibacterial, and molluscicidal activity [212]

in vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [211], 

in vivo (Molluscs) [212]

The methanol root bark extract was reported to be cytotoxic in brine shrimp (LC50 = 198.498 µg/mL) [42]

Teclea nobilis Del.

Antipyretic [213], malaria, 

headache, joint pains, common cold, pneumonia, intestinal worms, chest pain [134], 

arthritis [39]

Antipyretic and analgesic activity and found to be weakly active against carrageenan edema (Ethanol leaf extract) [214], anti-inflammatory, analgesic, 

and antipyretic activities (Acetonitrile leaf extract, hexane leaf extract, and Lupeol) [215], anti-caseinolytic activity against B. arietans venom (Methanol root extract) [216]

in vivo (Wistar-Nossan rats) [214], in vivo

(Wistar rats) [215],

in vitro (Spectrophotometry) [216]

The dichloromethane and ethanol extracts of aerial parts were reported to be cytotoxic to brine shrimp (LC50 = 75.5 µg/mL and 156.6 µg/mL respectively) [217]

Toddalia asiatica L.

Sore throat, Malaria [218], fever, 

stomach ache [219], 

abdominal pains, gynecologic disorders including infertility, common colds, cancer, renal disorders [132], tuberculosis, 

[30], common cold, fever, malaria, pneumonia, chest pain [134], colds, respiratory diseases e.g. cold, asthma, chest pain, toothache [105], malaria and bark for respiratory disorders [39]

Larvicidal activity (Hexane, acetone, and methanol leaf extracts) [220], 

antifungal activity against Candida albicans (Ethyl acetate leaf extracts) [221], antinociceptive and

anti-inflammatory effects (1:1 dichloromethane-methanol root extract) [222]

in vivo (Aedes egyptii and Culex quinquefasciatus) [220], in vitro

(Agar well diffusion method) [221], in vivo

(Swiss albino mice) [222]

Compound 13 isolated from the root was reported to be cytotoxic against the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 8.7 µg/mL) but was inactive on Vero cells. Alkaloid 11 was reported to be cytotoxic against KB, NCI-H187, MCF-7, and vero cell lines (IC50 values ranging from 0.8 to 11.6 µg/mL) [223]

Essential oils from the leaves were reported to be cytotoxic against breast (MCF-7) and colorectal (HT-29) cancer cell lines [224] (IC50 values = 7.80 µg/mL and 100.0 µg/mL respectively).

Benzo[c]phenanthridine and secobenzo[c]phenantridine alkaloids isolated from the ethanol root extract was reported to be cytotoxic on tumor cell lines [225]

The acute toxicity and cytotoxicity of the aqueous, ethyl acetate, and methanol leaf extract and root extracts were reported to be > 1000 mg/kg (LD50) and > 100 µg/mL (CC50) respectively [219]

The alkaloid (1,3)benzodioxolo(5,6-c)phenanthridine, 12,13-dihydro-2,3-dimethoxy-12-methyl-(dihydronitidine) was reported to be highly cytotoxic to human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells [226]

Zanthoxylum chalybeum (Eng) Engl.

Tuberculosis [30], malaria

[166], pneumonia,

[134], cough,

cervical cancer [227]

Antibacterial activity against S. aureus (Methanol extracts) [128], 

antihyperglycemic activity (Aqueous stem bark extract) [228], 

antimicrobial activity against B. cereus and MRSA (Aqueous root bark extract) [229], antiplasmodial

activity (Aqueous root bark extract) [230]

in vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [128], in vivo

(Wistar rats) [228], 

in vitro (Agar well diffusion method) [229], in vivo

(Swiss albino mice) [230]

The methanol root bark extract was reported to be toxic to brine shrimp (LC50 = 68.9 µg/mL) [70]

The ethanol root extract was reported to be toxic in brine shrimp larvae (38.51 µg/mL) [74]

The organic root extract of Zanthoxylum chalybeum (Eng) Engl. (Rutaceae) was reported to be cytotoxic in brine shrimp (LC50 = 11 µg/mL) [231]

A 2000 mg/kg dose of the aqueous and organic extracts were reported to be nontoxic in mice [230]

The organic extract was reported to be toxic in brine shrimp larvae (LC50 = 42.73 µg/mL) [230]

Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P.G.Waterman

Malaria [51]

Antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum (50% MeOH in CH2Cl2 extract) [232]

in vitro (non-radioactive Malaria SYBR Green I assay) [232]

Lupeol (an isolated compound) was reported to be cytotoxic against a panel of drug-sensitive and MDR tumor cells via multiple mechanisms with marginal or no effect on normal cells at similar doses [233].

The ethanol stem bark extract was reported to be cytotoxic on leukemia CCRF-CEM cells (IC50=9.04 µg/mL) [234].

Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl

Threatened abortion/contraception [113]

Pain [128] Malaria, liver disease and otitis [235] Malaria [159]

Antibacterial activity (Buffered methanol (80% methanol and 20% PBS) and acetone) [236], hypoglycemic

activity(Aqueous leaf extracts) [237]

in vitro (Agar well disc diffusion assay) [236], in vivo

(Wistar rats) [237]

The methanol (70%) extract of aerial parts was reported to be more cytotoxic on MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines than doxorubicin (IC50 = 0.77 µg/mL and 3.45 µg/mL respectively) [238]

Rhoicissus revoilii Planch

Pneumonia, tonsillitis [239]

Antifungal activity against C. albicans (Ethanol extract) [239]

in vitro (Agar well disc diffusion assay) [239]

No reports