Description

The work involves the investigation of 6 indigenous Ghanaian plants P. pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum, A. nobilis, F. asperifolia and B. aegyptiaca used for the treatment of bacterial infections and wounds. It also describes the isolation and characterization of the active principles from P. pinnata. Extracts were assessed for in vitro antibacterial activity, usingwild-type and resistant strains of Staph.aureus. P.pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia showed antibacterial activity. The active compounds in P. pinnata were isolated, using chromatographic techniques and identified with the aid of NMR spectroscopy. The wound healing action of the plant extracts were assessed using in vitro models. P.pinnata, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia at concentrations from 1 to 25µg/ml had a significant stimulatory effect on the proliferation of HDF (142BR) cells. Paullilupeol and paullilupeone isolated from P. pinnata, showed a dose-dependent increase in proliferation of the up to 3µM. All extracts at concentrations 1 to 50µg/ml, had a statistically significant antioxidant protective effect against hydrogen peroxide induced damage to 142BR cells.