3^rd World Congress on Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research October 02-03, 2017 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Biography:

Mahanem Mat Noor is currently working as a Associate Professor and researcher at the School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her current research interests include development of potential herbal supplement for fertility and libido effect in male; molecular characterization of sperm protein that crucial in fertilization and development of contraceptive agent. She is member of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health. Her current focus is to enhance and strengthen research in herbal medicine towards reproductive health. She believes that natural product including medicinal plant is one of natural resources that has a huge potential in contributing the development of bioeconomy industries.

Abstract:

Gynura procumbens (GP) and kelulut honey are known for their benefits in treating various types of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, and fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of co-administration of GP and kelulut honey on the sperm quality and spermatogenesis in diabetic induced male rats. The rats were induced with 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin to imply diabetic condition. All of the rats were divided into four groups, orally co-administered for seven days with four combinations: (450 mg/kg GP: 300 mg/kg honey), (450 mg/kg GP: 600 mg/kg honey) and (450 mg/kg: 1200 mg/kg honey) respectively. Meanwhile, the control group was administered with normal saline. On the 8^th day, the rats were sacrificed for sperm quality and testes histology analyses. The co-administration of GP and kelulut honey showed that the sperm quality of the treated groups increased significantly compared to the control group. The sperm count of the treated groups also showed significant increment as well as the sperm motility; in dose-dependent manner. Testes histology showed that there were significant damages on Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testes of the control group. However, co-administration of GP and kelulut honey showed regeneration of Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testes. In conclusion, the co-administration of GP and kelulut honey is a potential pro-fertility agent for diabetic patients. 

Biography:

Hyunbeom Lee earned his BS degree in chemistry in 2008 from Illinois Institute of Technology, in Chicago, Illinois. He received his Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry at Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, under the supervision of Professor Richard B. Silverman. His graduate research was focused on the investigation and elucidation of the mechanism of inactivation of GABA aminotransferase as a target for the treatment of epilepsy. He also was involved in design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel GABA analogs as a drug candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma. After obtaining his Ph.D. degree in 2014, he joined as a researcher at Korea Institute of Science and Technology. Currently, appointed as a senior researcher, he is working on drug mechanism studies through metabolomics and developing enzyme assays to aid target identification. 

Abstract:

Aster glehni Franceht et Sckmidt (AG), a natural product known to have anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant effects. To understand the underlying mechanistic role of the natural product for its antiadipogenic effects, the active fractions of the AG extract were tested for their inhibitory effects on HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), two of the most important enzymes involved in the cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, respectively. We found that dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl esters present in AG are responsible for the inhibition of HMGR and thus we have demonstrated that the overall inhibitory effects of the AG extract against HMGR can be improved by simple methylation of the extract. Subsequent cell-based study found that AGEM70M also have an effect of lowering the rate of cancer cell proliferation.

In addition, global metabolic profiling of an in vivo model using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS after consuming the natural product, we have observed various changes in lipid metabolites such as lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and amino acids that are involved in energy metabolism. We believe the natural product AG holds promising therapeutic potentials for not only for cholesterol- and lipid-lowering effects through HMGR and FAS inhibition, but also for anti-proliferative activities against cancer cells.

Biography:

Abstract:

Endophytic actinomycetes has been known as a promising source of new antibiotics against susceptible and resistant forms of microorganisms. In this study, we isolated, identified endophytic actinomycetes that isolated from Neesia altissima based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence. The antibacteria bioactive compounds was also isolated from the endophytic actinomycetes based on elucidation of the structure. The endophytic actinomycetes isolated from roots, barks, and fresh leaves of Neesia altissima collected from Halimun-Salak Mount were screened their potential against pathogenic bacteria using crude extract dilution and diffusion disc methods and then identified. The crude extracts obtained from two endophytic actinomycetes that exhibited potential antibacterial activity by showing clear zone surrounding the pathogenic bacteria. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using a nearly complete sequence within the 16S rRNA gene. Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds were carried out using TLC, NMR and MS analyses. Identification of the potential endophytic actinomycetes based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence generated from 16S rRNA region determined as Streptomyces sp. UICC B-92. Crude extract of Streptomyces sp. UICC B-92 showed antagonistics activity against Gram positive bacteria, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The bioactive compound that isolated from endophytic actinomycetes was phenazine derivative. The novel bioactive compound of phenazine derivative, would be expedient to modify the same in view of another implication, such as anticancer, antifungi, and antioxidant.

Biography:

Madhavi Apte has completed her M. Pharmacy from Mumbai University , K.M Kundnani college of Pharmacy and  pursuing Ph.D programme  from SNDT University. C.U. Shah College of Pharmacy. Madhavi has six year of industrial experience in companies like USV Ltd and Cipla as a executive scientic services, in Indi Pharma as a prodct manager.  At present  working with SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati college of Pharmacy as a assistant professor in Pharmacognosy department. Madhavi has five publications and Mumbai university research grants to her credit and research area of interest is studies on medicinal plants and herbal formulations.

Abstract:

As stated by GLOBOCAN 2012 the global  burden of cancer is increasing. Despite availability of advanced therapeutic modalities and treatment still the cancer cure remains challenging in area of arrest of tumor growth and relaps after surgical removal.  Hence a another therapeutic approach is required. Angiogenesis plays an important role in development  and  progression of tumor cells. Growth of the tumor can be arrested by inhibiting the tumor angiogenesis. Substantial effort has been made to identify compounds that can be used to either prevent insurgence of primary tumors in subjects at high risk to develop cancer or prevent tumor relapse after surgical removal. The various phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, pigments, polysaccharides which have been reported to possess the antiangiogenic property. Natural compounds have shown  antiangiogenesis property and  may be acting through different pathway.  Many of the drugs have been extracted from the plant origin and being used globally in allopathic medicine. Medicinal plants plays an important role for pharmaceutical research and new drug development. One of such trees  belonging to family Fabaceae  has been widely used in the traditional Indian medical system of ‘Ayurveda’ for the treatment of a variety of ailments. Hence the research work undertaken to study and compare the anti-angiogenic activity of extract of various parts like flowers , bark, leaf, seeds by conducting various studies like chorioallantoic membrane assay method along with other pharmacognostical studies.

Biography:

Mohammad Saaid Dayer has completed his PhD in 2004 from University of Newcastle upon Tyne in UK and since then he working an a lecturer in the Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology of Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran (Iran). As an insect pathologist, one of his research field of interest is biological control of medically important arthropods using natural products including medicinal plants. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals and presented paers in many international scientific events.

Abstract:

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iran and many parts of the world. The pentavalent antimonials as first-line drugs are losing efficacy because of side effects, disease relapse and drug resistance. Application of Lucilia sericata maggots to diabetic and refractory wounds approved to be satisfactory for accelerating healing process. L. sericata larvae secret a mixture of antimicrobials and a group of proteolytic enzymes including serine, aspartate and metalloprotease by the digestive system, as well as salivary glands, which are effective on a wide range of bacteria and help healing process of wounds. In this study, therapeutic effects of L. sericata maggot and its salivary secretion were evaluated in vivo and in vitro against leishmanial ulcer and agent respectively using BALB / c mice as animal model. Mice were inoculated with promastigotes and kept for 28 days until the emergence of early ulcers. The mice were then underwent 3 treatments; with glucantime only, glucantime plus maggot and maggot alone. The control and treated mice were monitored for 5 weeks during and wound diameters were measured on a weekly basis. Also, the effects of L. sericata salivary secretion at different concentrations were tested on amastigote contaminated macrophage and promastigots after 24 hours incubation. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and ANOVA T- test. Significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between treated groups in terms of wounds diameters. Control mice had actively progressing ulcers, while treated mice had shrinking and healing wounds upon maggot therapy. The results showed that the use of salivary secretion of L. sericata significantly reduced the average number of infected macrophages as well as the number of amastigotes in them compared with the control group (P <0.05). The mean percentage of infected macrophages at the highest concentration of 250 μl / ml, the lowest concentration of 25 μl / ml and the control group were 16, 42.6, and 70.4 respectively. The average number of amastigotes in 100 macrophages at the highest concentrations (250 μl / ml), the lowest concentration (25 μl / ml) and the control group were 80.4 163.3, and 204.9 respectively. Maggot therapy can not only reduce parasitic burden of ulcers but also accelerate wound closure and healing. Salivary secretion of Lucilia larvae is more likely to reduce macrophage contamination and the number of amastigotes present in them. Further clinical trials are required to evaluate the efficacy of maggot therapy for leishmanial ulcer treatment should we recommend it as alternative therapy to chemical drugs.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Alla Khosrovyan has her expertise in freshwater ecotoxicology and software engineering. Her main research is in evaluating the effects of environmental parameters on sediment toxicity to freshwater organisms. She has developed a software tool for sediment quality assessment based on weight-of-evidence approach and registered it as an intellectual property in Spain. Her new recent experience has been the evaluation of the medicinal properties of a plant’s proteins on two types of organisms. Currently, she is involved in proposal writing, teaching, PhD student supervision. She is interested in exploring further the plant potential for medicinal purposes.

Abstract:

This preliminary study is the first to evaluate the influence of small-weight proteins and peptides extracted from the bulb of Ornithogalum transcaucasicum on the inhibition of growth of E.coli K-12 and neural activity of the vasomotor center on Albino rat. Gel filtration chromatography was used for separation and collection of protein and peptide fractions based on 30-min time intervals. As a sorbent, sephadex (G-25) was applied. Samples were filtered and those having molecular weight less than 10 kDa were further used in biotests for examining medicinal potential. Biotest with E.coli K-12 revealed no suppressing effect on bacterial growth. Biotest with Albino test revealed stimulating and suppressing effect, dependent on fractions, on the spike activity of the vasomotor center (suppression reached 0.25 spikes/s). While the mechanism of the action of these peptides is not clear (e.g., direct effect on the diameter of vessels or through hormonal activity) and further investigation is necessary, the results demonstrate potential for the application of these extracts in a relevant medical case. 

Biography:

Prof. Nabil El-Wakeil has completed his PhD at the age of 32 years from Georg August- Goettingen University in Germany and postdoctoral studies from Martin Luther University. He is Professor of biological control of insect pests in National Research centre in Cairo, Egypt since 2013. He has published more than 37 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He has contributed in 9 books in frame of integrated insect pest management that published in international publishers

Abstract:

Medicinal plants (MP) are variable and planting over the world in different geographical locations and climatic conditions.  These plants are a rich source of novel natural substances that can be used to develop environmental safe methods. From entomological point of view, some of MPs have insecticidal activity however; others are subjected to insect attacks. Insecticidal activity of many plants against several insect pests has been demonstrated. These activities may include antifeedant, repellent, oviposition deterrent, growth regulatory, reduction of fecundity and fertility and lethal activities. In insecticide market, there are many products derived from MPs that approved to use in many countries worldwide. More than 1000 plant species belonging to different families and genera have been reported to contain potential toxic principles. Plants contain a large number of secondary metabolites and those categorized under terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols and tannins play a major role in plant defense and insect control.

Medicinal plants like other plants are attacked by insects; leaf feeders, leaf miners, flower insects and soil insects. A study case: Chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.) is an ancient healing plant; it is used for a sore stomach, a mild laxative, anti-inflammatory and a gentle sleep aid. In a survey study in chamomile fields in central Germany throughout summer 2014, Chamomile plants are infested by chamomile stem-weevil Microplontus rugulosus (Col., Curculionidae) and chamomile smooth beetle Olibrus aeneus (Col., Phalacridae), which could lead to a high reduction in chamomile yield. In a study conducted on biological control of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) were used to control M. rugulosus and O. aeneus.  Management of both insects was conducted using three strains of EPNs. Three treatment dates were applied in 1000 IJ/ ml in May, June and July; the first date was mainly for controlling stem weevil, while the other two dates were for smooth beetle. The results showed that 70-80% of stems had damage and symptoms of stem weevils. Thirty percent from the investigated plants were larvae free of smooth beetle; whiles 70% was infested. Steinernema carpocapsae had more efficiency than S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in controlling both insects.

In general, these products derived from MPs become more attractive alternative insecticides to organic farming. However, it requires a strong cooperation, committed, inter and multidisciplinary experts team consist of entomologist, ethnobotanist, expert in phytochemisty, microbiologist and eco-toxicologist, to progress from active ingredient to agricultural and commercial product lines. It also demands a strong as well as long-lasting joint venture between the scientific centers and the insecticide companies.

Keywords: Antifeedants, botanical insecticide, insects, lethal effect, medicinal plants, repellents

Biography:

Ayesha Javed has completed her Pharm D in tenure of 2010-2015 from University College Of Pharmacy from University of The Punjab and presently studying in program M.Phil Pharmacolgy from Riphah International University,Township Campus Lahore.

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus is endocronological disease which involves a disbalance between organ functioning and body response to hormones. Many herbal drugs are claimed to have therapeutic efficacy in managing elevated blood glucose level and lipidemic biomarkers. Organic solvent based preparations of Aloe vera were analyzed for its efficacy in controlling lipidemic markers , blood glucose concentration and liver protective activity. Medications available in the market for giving hypoglycemic effect may have dangerous side effects like increased incidence of liver toxicologic effects, obesity, and heart diseases. Moreover high concentration of LDL-cholesterol in blood increases the risk of atherosclerosis. The tenacity of existing research is to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of Aloe vera in managing diabetic and pre diabetic conditions (insulin dependent & non-insulin-dependent).Studies revealed the some chronological changes in the morphology of liver tissues. The results clearifies that by using extract of Aloe vera leaves has therapeutic effectiveness against high blood & plasma glucose level, bad cholesterol LDL, cholesterol and also on decreased plasma level of good cholesterol (HDL) different diabetic based mice models

Biography:

Enwa Felix Oghenemaro is a Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology Faculty of Pharmacy at the Delta State University and a Doctoral student at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. He is the Faculty Examination officer of Pharmacy Faculty. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals. 

Abstract:

The antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanol extract of folkloric medicine (turmeric, ginger, garlic) against staphylococcus aureus were studied. Bacterial culture used were sixteen randomly selected strains of staphylococcus aureus isolated from one thousand six hundred sputum of clinically diagnosed pneumonia patient of selected health institutions in the southern part of Nigeria. Cultural and biochemical tests were used to identify the test organisms. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were evaluated based on the inhibiting zone using agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration. The aqueous extract of the plants at concentrations ≤300mg/ml had no inhibitory effect against the test organisms. Ethanol extract of turmeric with inhibiting zone ranging from  4-14mm and average MIC of 30.37mg/ml was more effective and potent than both ginger with inhibiting zone ranging from 2-9mm and average MIC of 394.92mg/ml) and garlic with inhibitory zone of 3-6mm and average MIC of 274.22mg/ml) ethanol extract against the test organisms. SAP82 was resistant to all extract except ethanol extract of turmeric. Rifampicin a control positive drug for the study was significantly more effective than all plants used with a higher average zone of inhibition of these findings are very important in providing scientific justification for the use of herbs in ethno-medical practice in Nigeria.

Biography:

Dr. Bushra Ahmad is the Assistant Professor at G.C. Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan. She has completed her PhD in May, 2015 from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. She has visited University of Oxford to conduct part of her PhD research. She has published 11  papers in well reputed journals.

Abstract:

Free radicals e.g. reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are key hazards for the living cells because biochemical changes provoked by ROS led to the onset of a number of chronic diseases such as cancer, aging, diabetes, arthritis and inflammation. Carissa opaca is traditionally used in Pakistan for the treatment of liver ailments e.g. jaundice and hepatitis. This research project was designed to isolate the active compounds and to further demonstrate the antioxidant proficiency. Prunin, a flavanone glycoside, was isolated first time from C. opaca leaves following repeated column chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Structural elucidation was done using various 1D and 2D  NMR techniques. Bioassay-guided fraction scheme was adopted to get pure compound. Antioxidant capacity was monitored through various in vitro radical based screenings e.g. DPPH, ABTS, OH, phosphomolybdate, superoxide anion and H₂O₂ radicals. Prunin has demonstrated appreciable quenching proficiencies with IC₅₀ values against DPPH (22.1±1.07 µg/ml), ABTS (29.6±0.81 µg/ml), phosphomolybdate (29.6±0.37 µg/ml), superoxide anion (11.1±0.49 µg/ml) and OH (17.4±0.16 µg/ml) and H₂O₂ (11.2±0.47 µg/ml). IC₅₀ values of Prunin were competing standards. Prunin exhibited strong reducing ability with absorbance of 2.78±0.13 at 100 µg/ml to that of standard (3.24±0.11) ascorbic acid at the same concentration. Production of lipid peroxides was estimated in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Prunin was found very efficient against TBARS (97 µg/ml) to that of ascorbic acid (95 µg/ml) during the in vitro system. We concluded from this research project that Prunin was a very active antiradical and potent antioxidant flavonoid that can be very helpful for the development of pharmaceutical drugs. 

Biography:

Dr. Harshata Pal has her expertise in DNA fingerprinting of medicinal plant and post harvest melocular biology. Her research focus is on bioprospecting of medicinal plant compound and plant genomics ,metabolomics and proteomics under post harvest stress. This research work the genus Panax by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism in DNA sequencer is highly applicable to resist the adulteration in drug discovery from medicinal plant, development of passport data for the indigenous medicinal plants for curative medicine  and molecular documentation of the medicinal plant genetic resources of endangered species. This is very important for industry which are developing drugs from medicinal plants.

Abstract:

Panax assamicus R. N. Banerjee and Panax bipinnatifidus Seem are two most important endangered species rarely found in North-East India. Due to overexploitation this medicinally valuable plant, it is under the threat of extinction in North-East India. Therefore, molecular documentation of few accessions of Panax assamicus and Panax bipinnatifidus from different locations in Meghalay and Arunachal Pradesh was carried out to develop species specific Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) marker in automated DNA sequencer. Unique set of common alleles generated from electropherogram in AFLP analysis, depending on primer pairs viz. EcoRIACA*/MSeI-CTA, EcoRIAAG*/MSeICTC, EcoRIACG*/ MSeI-CTG and EcoRI-AGC*/MSeI-CAA, for different accessions of same species are regarded as species specific molecular markers. Both the species Panax assamicus and Panax bipinnatifidus showed 85.25% and 94.55% polymorphism, respectively. The similarity coefficient matrix reflected genetic relatedness among Panax landraces of two species. Cluster I is comprised of four land races of Panax bipinnatifidus and Cluster II is consisted four land races of Panax assamicus in the dendogram, depicting the significance of molecular taxonomy over classical taxonomy to resolute taxonomic complexity of Panax species in NE India. Along with the information on molecular authentication to resist adulteration of these two endangered species the recent research also provides species specific DNA marker relating to catalogue these plant genetic resources

Biography:

Abstract:

Medicinal and Aromatic Plant species (MAPs) have been an important resource for human health care from prehistoric times to the present day. These plant species are especially useful in traditional medicine, in the treatment of various diseases. Up to 90% of the population in developing countries rely on the use of medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs. MAPs also play a vital role in health care of domestic animals. Kashmir Himalaya with great heterogeneity in its topography, altitude and climate, harbors diverse habitats which support a rich floristic wealth that has been used as a resource-base by its people since times immemorial. Owing to the rich and unique floristic diversity, a good proportion of plants are used as medicine in one or other form. The exhaustive field explorations in different areas of Kashmir valley and extensive literature survey revealed that about 833 plant species are being used as medicine in the Kashmir Himalaya. These MAPs belong to 378 genera in 112 families; of the latter, 90 belong to dicotyledons, 13 to monocotyledons, 4 to Gymnosperms, and 4 belong to Pteridophyta. Majority of these plants revealed different threat status due to over-exploitation thereby necessitating development of conservation protocols using various methods. The present study will provide data about the diversity and status of MAP wealth of Kashmir Himalaya, India and highlight different measures reflecting suitable plans for conservation and commercialization.

Biography:

Mrs.P.Karpagam has Life Memberships in ASM, IAAM, and RSC. She was awarded M.Sc in Biotechnology during March 2005 and B.Sc Microbiology in April 2003 from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, TN, India. She attended several International Trainings. She joined as Lecturer in Microbiology, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria in 2013. Her major field of research includes Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Profiling and Medicinal Plant Research, She, was awarded Best Poster Presentation Award in the National Academy of Sciences India & CFTRI – Mysore, December 2007. To her credit, she has 4 publications in peer reviewed journals

Abstract:

The incidence of Candida infections is increasing worldwide. The serious nature of these infections is compounded by increasing levels of drug resistance. Pure cultures of the Candida sp. was obtained from clinical isolates and fresh garlic extracts were obtained by extraction techniques. The antifungal activity of garlic extract was investigated in an in vitro system. The extract (100%, 75% and 50%) showed significant antifungal activity against Candida, whereas, low concentration (25%) of the extract showed less antifungal activity against the test organism. Antifungal activities of honey and lemon juice were tested against the Candida; however, the growth was not inhibited by these extracts. On the other hand honey and lemon when combined with garlic exhibited a good antifungal activity. The study thus confirms the antifungal properties of garlic extract along with additives like honey and lemon have significant antifungal activity against isolates of Candida species.

Biography:

Abstract:

The photoprotective potentials of methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa “zobo” leaves from UV light was studied using albino mice. A total of ten albino mice weighing between 26 g – 31 g were grouped into five of two mice each. Group A received distilled water ad libitum and were protected from UV light, group B received water ad libitum and were exposed to UV light, group C were orally given 0.1mg/kg body weight of the extract and exposed to UV light, group D received 0.1mg/kg body weight orally and complete topical body application of the extract, while group E received complete topical body application of the extract only. The treatments lasted for five days. Erythema and haemoglobin levels were used as indices to assess the photoprotective potentials of the methanolic Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves extract. Progressive degrees of erythema were observed on all the groups exposed to UV light compared to the one protected from UV light. While Hb levels were also affected significantly compared to the groups protected from UV light and topical application of the extract. The study suggests that methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves might be of protective importance from UV lights, especially topical application.

Biography:

Research Professor hability in the Department of Botany and Plant Ecology, Scientific Institute, Mohammed 5 University in Rabat, author and co-author of several scientific publications (24 publications in international revues: Acta Botanica Malacitana, Flora, Plant Ecology, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society etc.) in ecology, flora, vegetation and biodiversity conservation. Expert followed many projects related to biodiversity assessment and conservation.

Abstract:

With its geographical situation (true crossroads between Europe and Africa and the Mediterranean and the Atlantic), with the diversity of its climate and its habitats, Morocco shelters a particularly varied natural vegetation, as well by its structure and its aspect, as by the diversity of the species. The floristic richness of the country is mainly related to the ecological heterogeneity of its biotopes. Indeed, of the desert to the high mountain and the littoral to the most continental borders, Morocco offers very varied ecological conditions which allowed the installation of species of various stocks.

The most important formations of the Moroccan vegetable carpets are the forests and the matorrals which extend on approximately 5 million hectares. Then the formations come to esparto (Stipa tenacissima) which cover nearly 3 million hectares.

The vascular flora of Morocco has 5211 species and subspecies distributed among 155 families and 981 genera. The number of endemic taxa amounted to 951 (18%). The rare or endangered flora species is estimated to be 463 and 1284 subspecies.

The number of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in Morocco is estimated at about 800 species. These plants represent an important business in Morocco. The most important species are economically Thymus spp., Artemisia herba alba, Rosmarinus officinalis, Argania spinosa.

The use of Rosmarinus officinalis provides approximately 81.000 day work / year which correspond to a value of 4.050.000.00 MAD. On the global level, Morocco produces:

- 1 000 tones of essential oils: Dh 150 million
- Approximately 80 tonnes of medicinal plants: 100 million MAD
and generates about 500,000 Men day work.

Biography:

Sanjay R. Biradar, has extended his valuable service as an Assistant Professor in Department of Botany in Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji College, Osmanabad, India. His experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. His research interests reflect in his wide range of publications in various national and international journals. 

Abstract:

The present investigation aimed Centella asiatica L is a small herbaceous plant belonging to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and is native to India. It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine for high memory enhancing activity. The herb was reported as antidiabetic, antiviral, antiulcer, antibacterial, and antitumor. This paper reports the induction of somatic embryogenesis. An efficient protocol was designed for successful regeneration of Centella asiatica (L.) from in vitro derived callus through somatic embryogenesis. Leaf explants were isolated and cultured on MS medium fortified with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 & 2.0 mg/l 2,4- D. The callus formed, compact, light green to greenish coloured. It was observed that the increased concentration of 2,4- D induced the formation of embryoids. Some differences in the morphology of callus such as changes in the colour and texture was also observed with increasing the concentration of 2,4- D. Maximum frequency of callus induction was noticed on 2.0 mg/l 2,4- D.

The calli were separated and further cultured on fresh media containing BAP alone and in combination with auxins such as NAA and IAA. The maximum shoots were recorded on KIN & BA 1.5, 2.0mg/L with combination of 0.2 mg/l IAA and NAA. The well regenerated healthy micro shoots were separated and transferred to rooting medium for rooting. MS medium supplemented with IAA 2.0, mg/L & NAA 2.0 showed maximum rooting frequency. The well rooted plants were transferred to field conditions. 

Biography:

Jude Nwaogu has completed his PhD in Biochemistry at the age of 40 years from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. He has published more than 18 papers in reputed journals and has served as an examination officer in the department of Biochemistry of Kebbi State University of Science  and Technology Aliero Kebbi State Nigeria.

Abstract:

Most medicinal plants have not been thoroughly evaluated for their Hypotensve profiles; Hence, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, is one such plants.

The antihypertensive effects of methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, was evaluated in salt induced hypertensive rats using 8% salt. Blood pressure was monitored using Ugo Basile Blood Pressure Recorder. A total of 36 albino rats were used and were divided into six (6) groups of six (6) rats. Control group received distilled water orally 5 ml/day. Second group was induced but not treated. Group (3-5) received doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/ kg/ day of the extracts for 8-days while group 6 received 10 mg/ kg/ day of the Captopril drug. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0. The level of significance was set at p <0.05.

Results: The results indicated that the 200mg/kg of methanol extracts of these plants showed appreciable antihypertensive activity in treated rats when compared to control group.

Biography:

Christine is a lecturer at Kyambogo University in the Department of Chemistry, in the field of Organic Chemistry. She is continuing with natural products Chemistry with two more papers under review covering anti-cancer and antiplasmodial potential of some natural products.

Abstract:

As the search for alternatives to synthetic medicine goes on, several plants have been identified as possible natural insecticides, among which is Tagetes minuta. In this study Essential oil from Tagetes minuta was obtained by Hydrodistillation. It was tested against the 3rd and 4th instar Anopheles gambae to determine the larvicidal activity. Six different concentrations of this essential oil were studied and compared with that of Methyl Parathion, a synthetic organophosphorus insecticide for 24 hours. GC-MS results indicated the presence trans-ocimen 15.90%, I-verbanone 15% of limonene 8.02%, tegetone 3.56%, and 2-pinen-4-one 7.84% as the major compounds in the essential oil. The LC₅₀ was 2.9mg/l while the LC₉₀ was 3.29mg/l after 2 hours of exposure. After 6 hours of exposure, the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were 2.31mg/l and 2.68mg/l, respectively, while after 12 hours, it was 1.49 and 1.82mg/l, respectively. After 24 hours, the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were not determined because the mortality was 100%. Therefore effectiveness of essential oil from Tagetes minuta is comparable to that of synthetic insecticides and can be studied further in lieu of becoming a possible alternative.

Biography:

Abstract:

Objective: The purpose of the paper was to investigate the in-vitro antibacterial activity, preliminary phytochemical screening and cytotoxicity [3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide-MTT assay] of methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (calyxes).

Material and Methods: The methanol extract of H. sabdariffa was tested against 11 clinical isolates bacteria and 3 standard bacteria, that is: 5 Gram positive bacteria (Corynebacterium diphtheria, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis,Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus), 9 Gram negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumonia and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 70063) using the cup-plate agar diffusion method, preliminary phytochemical screening and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) was also performed with different concentrations (500, 250 and 125 μg/ml) and compared to the reference control Triton-x100.

Results: The methanol extract of H. sabdariffa (calyxes) exhibited inhibitory effects against most of the tested organisms with the zone of inhibition ranging from 14 to 36 mm in length. The largest inhibition zone was obtained for the Gram-positive against bacteria L. monocytogenes (36 mm), E. faecalis (33 mm), B. cereus (28 mm), C. diphtheriae (26 mm) and S. aureus (24 mm) while in case of Gram negative highest inhibition was observed against P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) (28 mm), K. pneumoniae (ATCC 70063) (25 mm), P. aeruginosa (23 mm), E. coli (20 mm), E. coli (ATCC 25922) and P. vulgaris (19 mm), K. pneumonia (18 mm), S. marcescens (17 mm) and P. mirabilis (14 mm). Preliminary phytochemical screening investigation for the methanolic extracts showed the presences of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, sterols triterpens and phenols, while saponins was absent. In addition cytotoxicity (MTT-assay) verified the safety of the examined extract with an IC₅₀ less than 100 μg/ml.

Conclusion: The study concluded that H. sabdariffa (calyxes) proved to have potent activities against antibacterial activity in vitro with verified safety evidence for use.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity, preliminary phytochemical, cytotoxicity, Hibiscus sabdariffa.