Thesis (M. Sc. (Microbiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Sexually transmitted infections represent one of the main health problems related to
reproductive and sexual function, constituting one of the main causes of infertility.
Plants have been employed traditionally in treating diseases for centuries.
Elephantorrhiza burkei, Securidaca longepedunculata and Wrightia natalensis
medicinal plants were selected for this study based on their use in traditional medicine
to treat sexual health problems in Limpopo Province. The aim of the study was to
determine antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the selected plants. Different
extraction procedures coupled with solvents of varying polarities were used in the
extraction of the plant materials. Possible microbial contaminants were identified using
the VITEK 2 instrument. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was determined using
standard chemical tests and Thin-Layer Chromatography. Total polyphenol content
was quantified calorimetrically. Antioxidant activity was quantified using 2, 2-diphenyl-
1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing power assays. In vitro antimicrobial
activities were determined using a broth micro-dilution assay and bioautography.
Combinational effects of the addition of multiple plant species on antimicrobial activity
were investigated for additive, synergistic and antagonistic interactions. The plant
species phytochemical profile contained polyphenols that are known to have
antimicrobial effects against two Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus
(ATCC 29213) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), a Gram-negative bacterium,
as well as the fungus, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Elephantorrhiza burkei
exhibited high antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against the test pathogens,
although most of the interactions were antagonistic and indifferent. Toxicity was found
in the herbal treatment and acute toxicity was found in the selected plants. Based on
the good correlations which were found in E. burkei, it was selected for bioactivity
guided by an isolation of antibacterial compounds. Elephantorrhiza burkei was not
successfully isolated, but the fraction collected showed exceptional biological activity
that validates its usage against disease-causing pathogens related to sexually
transmitted infections, which compromises male sexual health. This study suggests
that the evaluated plants are potential sources of novel anti-infective agents. Further
in vivo and in vitro studies are recommended for all the plants, respectively. / University of Limpopo and CSIR
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/3894 |
| Date | January 2022 |
| Creators | Nelwamondo, Munyadziwa Rosette |
| Contributors | Masoko, P., Mphosi, M. S. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | xxvi, 182 leaves |
| Relation |
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