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. 2024 Feb 29;13(5):690. doi: 10.3390/plants13050690

Table 5.

In vitro and in vivo biological studies on Lannea species.

Species Plant Part Extract Test Results Refs
Lannea acida Wp EtOH In vitro: antibacterial activity Potential source of new antibacterial agents against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosas) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis); crude extract showed bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity (IC50 values between 12 and 94 µg/mL). [64]
Wp H2O, MeOH In vivo: reproductive toxicity of colibri in adult male rats Treatment with L. acida extracts was significant (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) because it reversed the reproductive system-induced damage, especially after 28 days of treatment with aqueous solution (340 mg/kg) and methanol extracts (170 mg/kg). [83]
Wp EtOH In vivo: antibacterial activity by microdilution in broths of bacterial strains Selective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (S. aureus, E. faecalis, S. pyogenes, and B. subtilis), including against resistant strains, with MICs/MBCs ranging from 7.80 to 125 µg/mL. The highest sensitivity was seen against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [62]
B EtOH In vitro: Folin Method–Ciocalteu (antioxidant activity) Determination of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids by the Folin Ciocalteu method, expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalents and quercetin equivalents, respectively (total phenols vary between 34.4 to 40.55; total flavonoids vary between 6.4 and 11.02). [40]
B EtOH In vitro and in vivo: evaluation of oestrogenic activity and anti-osteoporotic potential in ovariectomized Wistar rats L. acida bark extract induced proliferation of MCF-7 cells. At 200 mg/kg, prolonged treatment with the extract prevented ovariectomy-induced body weight gain and loss of bone mass and/or density. The ethanol extract induced a significant increase in MCF-7 cell production at concentrations of 10 (p < 0.05), 100 (p < 0.05), and 200 (p < 0.01)/g/mL compared to control DMSO. [84]
StB Hx, Chl, Ace In vitro: antimicrobial activity The antimicrobial test result showed that stem bark extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes), with clear zones of inhibition ranging from 6 mm to 21 mm. [85]
StB H2O In vivo: anti-inflammatory activities by method PGE E-2-induced paw oedema The extract inhibited paw oedema significantly (F(3,96) = 25.02; p < 0.05) and (F(5,96) = 16.46; p < 0.01) at doses of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively. However, the extract did not show significant inhibition at 30 mg/kg (F(15,96) = 1.12; p = 0.3505). Aqueous extract inhibited prostaglandin E2-anti-inflammatory activity. [61]
B EtOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH Antioxidant activity through DPPH method using quercetin and gallic acid as positive controls. The IC50 value of each extract was determined and all tests were performed in triplicate. The bark extract of Lannea acida showed IC50 = 345.72 ± 7.76 μg mL−1 while that of Lannea velutina IC50 = 478. 68 ± 8.55. [40]
R B DCM In vitro: antiproliferative activity The XTT assay was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the extract, fractions, and compounds on three multiple myeloma cell lines: RPMI 8226, MM.1S, and MM.1R. Fractions were considered active when they inhibited at least 50% of cell growth at 20 μg/mL; two compounds showed activity on all cell lines with IC50 values < 5 µM. Bortezomib was used as a positive control. [44]
Wp EtOH In vitro: cytotoxic and anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv activities The rate of monocytes at different stages of mitosis was corrected in the absence and presence of the extract as follows: G0/G1 58.83–59.83%; synthesis 21.95–18.64%; mitosis 16.67–15.97%; necrosis 2.65–5.64%. The percentage of inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis proliferation was 77.6 and 36.8%, respectively, for 1.2 and 0.6 mg mL−1 of extract. [62]
Lannea barteri L and St MeOH In vitro: antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method MBC determination showed that the MBC ranges for methanolic and ethanolic extracts of L. barteri leaves were 6.25 to 50 mg/mL and 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. The rapid death of S. aureus was verified in the range of 1.45 × 106 CFU of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of methanolic leaf extract of L. barteri. [66]
L, StB DCM, MeOH, H2O In vitro: anticancer activity The extracts and fractions were tested for anticancer activity by using the crystal violet cell proliferation on four adherent human carcinoma cell lines. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of fractions IH, 1I, 2E, and 2F were: 3.75 ± 1.33, 3.88 ± 2.15, 0.53 ± 0.41, and 0.42 ± 0.45 µg/mL against KYSE 70 and 1.04 ± 0.94, 2.69 ± 1.17, 2.38 ± 3.64, and 2.17 ± 1.92 µg/mL against SiSo cell lines, respectively. Fraction 2E showed weak apoptotic activity at double the IC50 and some sign of cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase [86]
Lannea coromandelica L EtOAc, MeOH, H2O In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method The ethyl acetate fraction had stronger DPPH scavenging activity than the methanolic extract and aqueous extract fractions. The DPPH clearing effect of both standards and plant extracts occurred in the order of BHT > EAF > CME > AqF and was 91.9%, 71.4%, 56.2%, and 42.2% at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, respectively. [87]
Wp EtOH In vivo: hypotensive activity The ethanolic extract of L. coromandelica was administered to dogs and rats at doses 5–100 mg/kg and 1–25 mg/kg, respectively, and a reduction in blood pressure was observed. [88]
L EtOH:H2O In vivo: anti-ulcer activity model L. coromandelica anti-ulcer activity was evaluated in two different in vivo models of induced gastric ulcer. Leaf hydroethanolic extract showed significant levels of ulcer inhibition and gastric protection. [89]
L MeOH In vitro: neuropharmacological and antidiabetic activity Rats received doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of body weight in an elevated plus maze and motor coordination; 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight in sleep time, hole crossing, hole plate, and open field testing; and 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in the antidiabetic activity test. The results obtained were all significant and dose dependent. L. coromandelica extracts possess significant neuromodulatory properties, had no significant effect on normal blood sugar levels, but corrected alloxan-induced changes in blood sugar and pancreas. [90]
B MeOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method The percentage of free radical scavenging by the DPPH, with IC50 12.12 ± 0.48 µg/mL compared to the ascorbic acid standard 8.66 ± 0.11 µg. [84]
L EtOH In vitro: antidiabetic activity in rats Blood glucose levels in normal rats reached high levels 60 min after oral glucose administration (3 g/kg) and gradually decreased to 125 mg/dL in 2 h. Groups pretreated with ethanolic extract of L. coromandelica (100 and 200 mg/kg) and metformin (250 mg/kg) had induced decreased blood glucose levels significantly (p < 0.05) compared with that of the control group. [56]
B MeOH In vivo: castor oil-induced antidiarrhoeal activity The extract considerably reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes compared to control animals. The bark extract of L. coromandelica at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of 68.86% in the number of faecal episodes, compared to the antidiarrheal drug, loperamide which has 89, 14% protection. [69]
L MeOH In vivo: aspirin-induced antiulcer activity The test was performed on albino rats weighing between 150 and 200 g, using an aqueous suspension of aspirin at a dose of 200 mg/kg orally for 8 days. The result was a significant decrease in the ulcer index, with the percentage of gastric protection of 17.3% (standard), 78.29% (positive control), 30.57% (low dose), and 62.76% (high dose), and a significant reduction in the volume of gastric juice and acidity and increase in pH. [91]
B MeOH In vitro: antibacterial activity Methanolic extract of L. coromandelica revealed a significant moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli; there was no activity against Shigella boydii, however, there was a greater zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (inhibition zone of 15.59 ± 0.22 mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysenteriae. [69]
B EtOH In vivo: thioacetamide-induced hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in rats Hepatotoxicity was induced by thiocetamide 100 mg/kg subcutaneously in male Wistar rats, causing marked changes in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and serum bilirubin and reduced serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, sodium, and potassium compared to those in the control (p < 0.05). The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extracts of the bark of L. coromandelica used at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) reduced AST ((138 ± 5.1) IU/L) to the maximum ((71 ± 5.1) IU/L), ALT ((71 ± 2.7) IU/L), ALP ((140 ± 1.9) IU/L), and serum levels of bilirubin, cholesterol, sugar, and LDH. [72]
L EtOH In vivo: antidiabetic activity in rats induced by alloxan The ethanolic extract of L. coromandelica (100 to 200 mg/kg) reduced the glucose level (123 ± 2.2 and 115 ± 2.6, respectively) both in diabetic animals and in those induced with alloxan when compared to normal animals (74 ± 1.7 and 70 ± 1.4). [92]
R EtOH In vitro: antioxidant activity The crude extract of ethyl acetate at concentrations 200; 100; 50; 25; 12.5; and 6.25 µg/mL, in 3 mL of methanolic DPPH solution. Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. The compound isolated from the extract (citrinin) showed moderate antioxidant activity (AAI 0.671 and IC50 145.9 ppm). [93]
Wp EtOAc Antimicrobial activity agar diffusion method The antimicrobial activity demonstrated that the isolated compound was not active against Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC: 1000 μg/mL). [93]
Lannea edulis Wp H2O In vitro: mutagenicity test The mutagenicity test was performed using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, and TA100, and marginal-type displacement mutations (marginal mutagenicity) were observed in the TA97a strain. [73]
L H2O Antidiabetic activity by alloxan induction method Daily dosing of L. edulis resulted in significant reductions in blood glucose levels compared to those in the diabetic control from day 3; only the 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg L. edulis diabetic positive control groups had significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean blood glucose levels. The 100 mg/kg diabetic positive control group kg of L. edulis showed significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to diabetic control group from day 5. [75]
H2O In vitro: cytotoxic activity The cytotoxic effect of aqueous extracts was evaluated on U937, MeWo, and Vero cell lines tested. L. edulis at the highest tested concentration was seen to be significantly toxic (p = 0.007). L. edulis (p < 0.007) showed a similar toxic effect in the MeWo and Vero cell lines. [94]
Wp H2O In vitro: anti-inflammatory activity The anti-inflammatory potential of the extract was evaluated on RAW 264.7 cells, and there was no anti-inflammatory activity observed for the plants tested. However, in the absence of LPS stimulation, there was an increase of NO production, indicating that the extracts might have pro-inflammatory properties. [94]
Lannea humilis B MeOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP methods DPPH = 9.3 (EC50 µg/mL); FRAP = 19.77 (mM FeSO4 equivalent/mg sample). [53]
Stem bark MeOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method The antioxidant activity of plant extracts demonstrated dose-dependent behaviour. The ethyl acetate extract displayed the most noteworthy antioxidant activity of 98% at 240 µg/mL, followed by the hexane extract with antioxidant activity of 92% at 240 µg/mL. Methanol extract showed antioxidant activity of 71% at 240 µg/mL. [95]
Lannea nigritana R H2O In vitro: proportional method for MIC determination Leaf decoction showed activity on 7 M. ulcerans strains and isolates with mean MIC values of 40 μg/mL. [63]
StB EtOH In vitro: cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract by the HeLa method Extracts can be classified as being of low cytotoxicity, showing less than 40% activity at 500 µg/mL. [96]
Lannea rivae B DCM/MeOH In vivo: anti-inflammatory activity by method paw oedema in Wistar rats Extract of L. rivae roots and epicatechin gallate and (4R, 6S)-4,6-dihydroxy-6-((Z)-nonadec14’-en-1-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1 -one at 200 mg/kg using Indomethacin as the standard showed anti-inflammatory activity; both the extract and the 2 compounds moderately inhibited the oedema induced by carrageenan, however, none of them reached the level of inhibition of the Indomethacin standard. [36]
R DCM/MeOH In vitro: antibacterial activity The new compounds isolated (4R,6S)-4,6-dihydroxy-6-((Z)-nonadec-14′-en-1-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one and (2S*,4R*,5S*)-2,4,5-trihydroxy-2-((Z)-nonadec-14′-en-1-yl)cyclohexanone were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Compound 1, taraxerol, β-sitosterol, taraxerone, and lupeol showed moderate activity against E. coli (56.64% inhibition), while only compound 2 and β-sitosterol showed activity against S. aureus (43.56%). [36]
R, St Hx, DCM, EtOAc, MeOH In vitro: antibacterial activity of selected compounds The hexane extracts of L. rivae exhibited intermediate antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, while the DCM extracts showed intermediate activity against both Gram-positive bacteria E. faecalis and S. aureus, but no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The EtOAc and MeOH extracts demonstrated a broader spectrum of activity, with better activity being observed with the Gram-positive bacteria. [46]
Lannea schimperi Ap EtOH In vivo: effect of ethanolic extract on ethanol/HCl-induced gastric ulcers in rats Doses of ethanolic extract of 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were tested in rats against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol-HCl and the effects were compared to those of pantoprazole 40 mg; after removal and analysis of the stomach, it was found that the ethanolic extract of L. schimperi showed an average protection of 81.7% compared to 87.5% for the drug pantoprazole. [55]
L MeOH In vitro: anticoccidial activity in Eimeria tenella oocysts This activity was carried out using oocysts isolated from infected chicks, and three doses of methanolic extract of L. schimperi leaves were used, 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL. Anticoccidial activity was determined by counting lysed and non-sporulated oocysts and sporulated oocysts. The extract dose at 100 mg/mL exhibited 98% higher anticoccidial activity and an inhibition of 97.92%. Doses 25 and 50 mg/mL of extract showed activities and inhibitions against non-sporulated oocysts of E. tenella of 68% and 89% and 66.65 and 88.5, respectively. [37]
R, St MeOH, H2O In vitro: cytotoxic activity colorimetric test MTT was used to measure all growth and cellular chemosensitivity. The samples were prepared for a stock solution of 20 mg/mL in 100% DMSO, and emetine was used as a positive control. The 5-[alkenyl]-4,5-dihydroxycyclohex-2-enone mixture (1a-d) exhibited good in vitro cytotoxicity against the Chinese Hamster Ovarian mammalian cell line. [97]
MeOH MeOH In vivo: anti-inflammatory activity The test was carried out using the egg albumin induction method in rats. Tested doses were 12 and 24 mg/kg, and acetylsalicylic acid 80 mg was used as standard. The anti-inflammatory response was significant (p< 0.05); however, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the extract-treated groups and the standard drug-treated group (positive control). [98]
Lannea schweinfurthii Wp Hx, MeOH, EtOAc In vitro: antibacterial and antifungal activity The extracts were tested against S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, P. aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Measured inhibition zone showed significant differences: 7 mm hexane extract (α = 0.05); methanolic and ethyl acetate showed high activity (13 mm inhibition and above). Both extracts showed moderate activity, with inhibition between 7 and 14 mm against bacteria and fungi. [77]
R EtOAc In vitro: ACHE inhibitory activity The ethyl acetate extract of L. schweinfurthii showed an IC50 value higher than that of galanthamine (standard) 0.00053 mg/mL. The extract has ACHE inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.0030 ± 0.000 mg/mL. [78]
R Hx In vitro: antibacterial activity The extract was active against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium with10 mm zone of inhibition. [31]
R, St MeOH In vitro: antibacterial activity Active against Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus with zone of inhibition ranging from 8 mm to 15 mm. [31]
B MeOH In vitro: anti-HIV-2 activity The methanolic extract of the stem bark of L. Schweinfurthii was active against HIV type 2, with IC50 values < 10 µg/mL and 9.9 µg/mL against HIV-1, respectively. [99]
Lannea velutina R B MeOH, EtOH In vitro: DPPH radical scavenging activities and 15-LOX inhibition The concentrations of extracts and fractions that provide 50% radical scavenging are (12 ± 2 and 17 ± 2) and 50% enzyme inhibition (14 ± 1 and 18 ± 2), respectively; scavenging activity and inhibitory effect were statistically very significant; p < 0.001. [74]
R B EtOH:H2O In vitro: antioxidant activity DPPH method 50% radical scavenging, at concentrations of 5–7 micrograms/mL, and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors (50% inhibition at 10–18 micrograms/mL). L. velutina extract possessed a weak DPPH radical scavenging action. [40]
Wp EtOH, DCM, MeOH, H2O In vitro. Antimicrobial activity tested on mosquito larvae; molluscicidal activity with molluscs Positive results were obtained for antioxidant activity (methanolic extracts of bark and roots), antifungal activity (dichloromethane extract active against Candida albicans and Cladosporium cucumerinum); larvicidal activity against the malarial mosquito Anopheles gambiae (dichloromethane extract of bark and methanolic extract of leaves); and molluscicidal activity directed at the snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi, transmitter of schistosiasis. The ethanol extract of the bark showed greater antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative). [57,100]
R B, StB EtOH, MeOH, H2O In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method Petroleum ether, chloroform, and dichloromethane extracts are inactive as DPPH radical scavengers; the aqueous extract had moderate activity while the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of root bark and stem bark were very active. [57]
B EtOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method For the test on the free radical potential on the radical DPPH, o L. velutina, which showed a percentage inhibition of 52.8125 ± 2.16% lower than that of the gallic acid, was used as reference substance. [79]
B EtOH In vitro: antimicrobial activity by inhibition method Shigella dysenteria, S. aureus were sensitive to Lannea velutina extracts with inhibition diameters of 10 mm; Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli were also sensitive to the extract with 8 mm and Salmonella thyphi with 7 millimetres. [79]
L Hx, EtOAc, DCM, MeOH, H2O In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method The L. velutina leaf methanol extract showed IC50 15.42 g/mL. [80]
L Hx, EtOAc, DCM, MeOH, H2O In vivo: acute toxicity The acute oral toxicity test of ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts on mice exhibit a lethal dose (LD50) estimated to be higher than 2000 mg/kg body weight. [80]
Lannea welwitschii B H2O In vivo: anti-diarrhoeal activity in mice Bark aqueous extract (50–400 mg/kg) caused a significant delay (p < 0.05) in the onset of profuse diarrhoea, decreased purging frequency, wet stool weight, and diarrhoea severity. Oral administration of castor oil produced an intestinal fluid volume of 2.33 ± 0.17 mL; Lw bark aqueous extract at 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) reduced intestinal fluid volume to 1.40 ± 0.25. [60]
B H2O In vivo: anti-diarrhoeal activity in mice The acute toxicity tests carried out showed a well-tolerated effect of the drug via oral route, a dose of 20 g/kg produced no death in the animals. LD50 was estimated to be 631 mg/kg. [82]
L MeOH In vivo: analgesic activity In doses of 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg, L. welwitschii extract caused a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the mean reaction time of treated mice (49.67 ± 2.18%, 63.20 ± 2.54%, and 59.42 ± 0.84%) respectively compared to the control group, while the total analgesic effect (AUC) was significant (p < 0.0001) and the dose-dependent increase was to 159.20 ± 19.65, 202.30 ± 12.44 and 228.8 ± 11.29, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the analgesia produced with 100 mg/kg aspirin. [60]
L MeOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by DPPH method MeOH extract showed antioxidant activity with IC50 81.8 µg mL−1 compared to α-tocopherol 1.5 µg/mL. [81]
L MeOH In vitro: antimicrobial activity by agar diffusion and microdilution methods The extract showed activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and some strains of Escherichia coli resistant to pefloxacin. The methanolic extract of L. welwitschii showed MICs of 5, 10, 5, 2.5, and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively, against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis compared to Ciprofloxacin which was 0.025; 0.055; 0.025; 0.02 mg/mL while the MICs of methanolic leaf extract and clotrimazole against C. albicans were 2.5 and 0.025 mg/mL, respectively. [60]
StB EtOH:H2O In vivo: anti-inflammatory activity by method carrageenan-induced paw oedema The L. welwitschii extract was administered at doses of 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The 200 mg/kg dose had an inhibition of 14.49 ± 2.43% compared to the control, while the total oedema induced over 6 h was 37.19 ± 4.38% The maximum inhibitory effects were seen with 400 mg/kg dose. [60]
Wp DCM, MeOH In vitro: antioxidant activity by spectrophotometric methodology The antioxidant activity of identified Compound 4 (IC50 18.6 ± 4.5 µg/mL) and 2 (IC50 20.0 ± 0.1 µg/mL) showed better activity than the controls, ascorbic acid (IC50 23.17 ± 2.02), and quercetin (IC50 31.67 ± 2.88 µg/mL) [42]

Aerial part—Ap; Ace—acetone; AgNps—green silver nanoparticles; AP—aerial part; Ba—bark; Be—berries; ButOH—butanol; C6H14—petroleum ether; CFU—Per milliliter colony forming unit; Chl—chloroform; DCM—dichloromethane; DMSO—dimethyl sulfoxide; Et2O—diethyl ether; EtOAc—ethyl acetate; EtOH—ethanol; Fl—flower; Fr—fruit; H2O—water; Hx—hexane; IC50—median inhibition concentration; Iz—inhibition zone; L—leaf; MBC—minimum bactericide concentration; MeOH—methanol; MIC—minimum inhibitory concentration; NA; Na2SO4—sodium sulfate; N-Hx—N-hexane; P—pulp; R—root; Se—seed; Sf—supercritical fluid; St—stem; StB—stem bark; StO—steam distilled oil; whole plant—Wp.