In this study, methanolic extracts of 14 traditional plants in Malaysia were screened for insulinotrophic properties, using rat pancreatic B-cell lines, BRIN-BD11 cells. In 30min acute static incubation test, all 14 plants showed varying degree of responsivess in insulin release with Labisa pumila, Morinda charantia and Tinospora crispa having high insulinotrophic activities. These plants also displayed appreciably low cyotoxic activities. These results show a promising avenue for development of novel insulin secretagogues.

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Anti-inflammatory activity of a crude extract of Piper magnibaccum (Piperaceae) and of compounds isolated from it was established using the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model and an in vitro quantitative lipoxygenase inhibition assay. Five compounds were isolated from P. magnibaccum [β-sitosterol, N-isobutyl-(2E,4E)-tetradecadienamide, linoleic acid, 13-(4', 5'-dimethoxytridecanoyl)piperidine, and piperine]. The light petroleum extract of the plant exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in both models. N-isobutyl-(2E,4E)-tetradecadienamide showed significant activity, with an IE % value of 70.2 + 5.4 in the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model and 87.2 + 0.11 in the in vitro quantitative lipoxygenase inhibition assay.

This research was carried out to determine the antimalarial efficacy of Cassia sieberiana against Plasmodium parasites isolated from patients attending Nassarawa Specialist Hospital, Kano Nigeria. The research revealed that the leaf extracts of C. sieberiana are highly effective in killing Plasmodium parasite belonging to falciparum species. It was also established that the extracts are not harmful and are safe for human consumption. Accordingly, the study recommended pharmacological screenings with fractions of methanol extract as well as the isolation and identification of active compounds from the plant. The leaf extracts of C. sieberiana could be used for antiplasmodial therapy; however, it is imperative to carry out further tests to ascertain the effects on human organs such as heart and liver in order to determine the level of safety.