No abstract

Background:Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng is one of the spice plants commonly found in almost every part of South Africa. Apart from its culinary uses, it is also traditionally used as an insect repellant and infusion for fever, flu, kidney stone treatment, cough, common cold, and chest pain.Materials and Methods:The antioxidant activities of the aqueous and acetone extracts were determined by measuring their effects against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2’azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), nitric oxide, phosphomolybdate, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and reducing power. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated against four bacterial (two Gram-positive, two Gram-negative) strains and 9 fungal pathogens using the agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining the inhibition against protein denaturation and membrane stabilizing effects.Objective:The polyphenolic content, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of the aqueous and acetone extracts of the plant were evaluated.Results:A significantly high total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activities were observed in the acetone extracts of the plants. The study also revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization effects by both the aqueous and acetone extracts at the concentrations studied. The ability of L. javanica extracts to inhibit protein denaturation and maintain membrane stability could be responsible for its folkloric use. The overall antimicrobial activity indicates that both extracts were active against the bacterial strains but the acetone extract exhibited the most potent antifungal activity higher than even the reference drugs.Conclusion:Overall, the acetone extract of L. javanica exhibited a more pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects than the aqueous extract.SUMMARY The polyphenolic content and biological activities of the spice plant, Lippia javanica from South Africa was evaluatedSignificantly high polyphenolic content and free radical scavenging activities were observed for both extractsModerate antimicrobial action, concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane haemolysis were also observed. Abbreviations used: AA: ascorbic acid, ABTS: 2,2’azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene, DPPH: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, NBT: 2,2’-di-pnitrophenyl-5,5’-diphenyl-(3,3’-dimethoxy-4,4’-diphenylene)- ditetrazolium chloride, PMS: Potassium metabisulfite, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, TCA: Trichloroacetic acid.

Background: Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng is an aromatic indigenous South African plant with culinary and medicinal values. This study investigated the foliar morphology and elemental composition of the plant because not much data concerning the anatomical and micro-morphological features can be found in literature Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of the plant were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental composition of the leaf was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The leaves of L. javanica were amphitrichomic while the stomata distribution was amphistomatic. These stomata were more or less randomly distributed over the epidermis lying almost close to each other and were fewer in number in between the veins and over the finer veins. The major constituents of crystals found in the plant were Ca, Na, S, Al, P, Cl, K, Mg and Fe. The presence of long glandular trichomes on the leaf surfaces of the plant could indicate secretory sites where secondary metabolites are produced. Conclusion: Secretions from the glandular trichomes and the presence of these elements, which are vital in maintaining good health, are probably responsible for the culinary and medicinal properties of L. javanica.

The two South African spices named Lippia javanica (Izinziniba) and Foeniculum vulgare (Imbambosi) were studied for its proximate principles, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutrients properties. The experiment shows that L. javanica had higher figure in its lipids, fibres and carbohydrates contents. This implies that L. javanica may help the body to maintain an internal distention for proper peristaltic movement of the intestinal tract than F. vulgare will do. While, the protein, ash, moisture contents were more in F. vulgare, this may be the reason, more elemental composition were observed in it because the level of ash, moisture and protein contents determines its minerals or inorganic components. Elements such as Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were observed to be more to mentioned few, the Ca/P levels of both plants was observed to be more than 0.5 which is the minimum ratio required for favourable calcium absorption in the intestine for bone formation. Likewise both plants shows no significant differences in its anti-nutrients levels such as the phytate, oxalate and tannin contents, but L. javanica had more of Vitamin A and E levels, compared to F. vulgare with better Vitamin C, Cyanide and Saponin contents. In general, spices have been reported to contribute to the average requirement for different nutrients. Polyphenols such as tannins have anticancer properties, so beverages such as green tea that contain large amount of these compounds might also be good for maintenance of human health despite its anti-nutrient properties. Comparatively, L. javanica has a better nutrient composition than F. vulgare.

Background: Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng is an aromatic indigenous South African plant with culinary and medicinal values. This study investigated the foliar morphology and elemental composition of the plant because not much data concerning the anatomical and micro-morphological features can be found in literature Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of the plant were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental composition of the leaf was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The leaves of L. javanica were amphitrichomic while the stomata distribution was amphistomatic. These stomata were more or less randomly distributed over the epidermis lying almost close to each other and were fewer in number in between the veins and over the finer veins. The major constituents of crystals found in the plant were Ca, Na, S, Al, P, Cl, K, Mg and Fe. The presence of long glandular trichomes on the leaf surfaces of the plant could indicate secretory sites where secondary metabolites are produced. Conclusion: Secretions from the glandular trichomes and the presence of these elements, which are vital in maintaining good health, are probably responsible for the culinary and medicinal properties of L. javanica.