Abstract:
Background: The Vhembe region of the Limpopo province has a rich tradition of medicinal plants use. Traditionally,
boiled roots of Ziziphus mucronata are used in the treatment of boils, general swelling and other skin infections. A
combination of leaf paste and root infusion treats measles, dysentery, chest complains, and gland swelling. Pterocarpus
angolensis is famous for the treatment of menorrhagia, infertility in women, wounds and pain management. The
purpose of the present study was to compare the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory potential and anti-microbial activities
of Ziziphus mucronata and Pterocarpus angolensis from the Vhembe region.
Method: U937, MeWo, Vero and RAW 264.7 cells were treated to various concentrations (50, 100, or 125 or 250 μg/ml
depending on assays) of Ziziphus mucronata and Pterocarpus angolensis. Cytotoxicity assay was done using MTT; Antiinflammatory activity was assessed using NO production; Anti-bacterial activity was done using the Micro-Broth dilution
method and Anti-mycobacteria activity was determined using the Alamar Blue Method while RT activity was measured
by ELISA.
Results: Cytotoxicity results showed that Pterocarpus was more toxic than Ziziphus as observed in the Vero and MeWo
cells; however both displayed toxicity towards a Human cancer cell line. Both extracts did not inhibit nitrate production
but induced significant increase in macrophage activation. The plant extracts have shown anti-tuberculosis activity at
concentrations >500 μg/ml and there was moderation inhibition of HIV replication.
Conclusions: The results obtained indicated that the extracts have pro-inflammatory properties, and the observed
toxicity on malignant cell lines must be investigated further for promising anti-cancer drug therapy.
