Name: Mohamed Bahgat

PHD Course: Medical Plants

Term paper subject:

Sutherlandia frutescens

Under supervision:

Dr. Amira Shawky

Medical Plant

Sutherlandia frutescens

Introduction

Most of the modern medicines have their origins in plants that were

often used in the treatment of illness and disease. Invariably, plants

and their derivatives contribute to more than fifty percent of all

medicine used worldwide. Without plants, most medicine prescribed

now would not exist. In Africa there are over 500 species of medicinal

plants that have been reported to date. Medicinal plants are not only

vital for curing diseases but are a potential source of income to the

community. In spite of scientific advances made by modern medicine,

75-80% of the world’s population turns to traditional medicine for

healthcare with a rising increase in the interest and use of medicinal

plant products being witnessed. Traditional medicine has remained

the most affordable and easily accessible source of treatment in the

primary healthcare of poor communities with local therapy being the

only means of medical treatment for such communities. However,

some side effects which may arise by the use of traditional medicine

could be due to irregularities such as adulterated or inadequate

research of the herbal plant. Despite scant evidence on the

effectiveness and safety of medicinal plants, health ministries of

several African nations have recommended traditional medicines for

treating HIV/AIDS and its related diseases. It has therefore become

necessary to validate medicinal claims with scientific research and

clinical studies to establish the safety and efficacy of traditional

medicine. Indigenous medicinal plants are used by more than 60% of

South Africans for health care needs or cultural practices. In South

Africa, as in most developing countries of the world, traditional herbal

medicine still forms the backbone of rural health care. Approximately

3000 plant species are used by an estimated 200 000 indigenous

traditional healers. Amongst these numerous plants is S. frutescens,

on which this search will focus.

Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the most well known indigenous

medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. In South Africa,

decoctions of the plant material are considered an effective and safe

medicinal remedy used by traditional healers for the treatment of

many ailments some of which include cancer, diabetes, anxiety and

stress. S. frutescens has also been reported to stimulate the immune

system, thus benefiting cancer and HIV patients.

The bioactive compounds in the leaves of S.

frutescens, identified through chemical

analyses, include canavanine, pinitol,

triterpernoids and GABA. The biological activities

of these compounds have identified S. frutescens

as an important medicinal plant.

Definition

Sutherlandia Frutescens Herba consists of the

fresh or dried above-ground parts of Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R.

Br. (Fabaceae).

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Plantae

Traditional healers have been using it for decades

Subkingdom: Viridaeplantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Subphylum: Euphyllophytina

Infraphylum: Radiatopses

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Superorder: Fabanae

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Spiraeoideae

Tribe: Spiraeeae

Genus: Sutherlandia

Synonyms

Colutea frutescens L.

Vernacular names

kankerbos, gansies, Jantjie Berend, klappers, kalkoentjiebos,

keurtjies (A), cancer bush

Description

Figure 1 – Live plant

Macroscopical

Lax spreading shrubs to 1,2m high, with prostrate to erect stems;

leaves compound pinnate with leaflets oblong to linear-elliptic, mostly

3 or more times longer than wide, slightly to densely hairy, the latter

silvery in appearance; flowers (Jul-Dec) bright scarlet, borne in

terminal racemes; fruit an inflated leathery pod, 1.3-2 times as long

as wide, bearing a persistent upturned style; seeds black, flattened, ±

3mm in diameter.

Sutherlandia frutescens is one of five currently recognised

Sutherlandia species, all of which are confined to Southern Africa.

The species are difficult to distinguish because they often grade into

each other and some botanists consider them to be merely different

forms of a single large and variable species. Three of the species,

Sutherlandia frutescens, S. microphylla and S. tomentosa have

overlapping distributions in the Western Cape Province and are

probably used interchangeably in this area as kankerbos.

Recent taxonomic studies have suggested that Sutherlandia be taken

into synonymy in Lessertia on the grounds that there is insufficient

basis for recognition of two separate genera. Following this treatment

Sutherlandia frutescens is now Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt and

J. C. Manning. The reader is referred to the relevant literature for

details. For the purpose of the present work, the name Sutherlandia

frutescens is retained to avoid possible confusion by non botanists.

Figure 2 – line drawing

Geographical distribution

Figure 3. The shaded area, marks the geographical distribution of S. frutescens in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.

Quality standards

Identity tests

Figure 4 – TLC plate

Thin layer chromatography on silica gel using as solvent a mixture of

toluene:diethyl ether:1.75M acetic acid (1:1:1). Reference compound

cineole (0,1% in chloroform). Method according to Appendix 2a.

Rf values of major compounds: 0, 50 (yellow-green); 0, 63 (purple); 0,

91 (purple); cineole: 0, 81 (blue-purple)

HPLC on C18 column, method according to Appendix 2b.

Major compounds:

Figure 5 – HPLC spectrum

Methanol extract: (Figure 5)

Retention times (mins): 19.88; 20.68

Ethanol (70%) soluble extractive value: not less than 27% (range:

27.22-38.90%)

Secondary Plant Metabolites (Active ingredients)

There are several chemical compounds which can be found in the

cells of plants. These compounds may be divided into primary and

secondary plant metabolites. The primary plant metabolites include

carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Secondary plant metabolites

include organic compounds, and are generally regarded as not

having a direct role in plant growth and development. They are

produced by pathways derived from primary metabolic pathways.

Although the term secondary metabolite could present these

compounds as a type of plant by- product, they are nevertheless

essential as they play a major role in the survival of the plant.

Many bioactive compounds have been discovered and many drugs

prescribed today are derived from secondary plant metabolites.

These compounds vary widely in chemical structure and function and

are classified accordingly. A list of these secondary plant products

includes compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics,

glycosides, carotenoids and alkaloids. Although these secondary

plant products are common, they are, however, plant species

specific.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids have also been identified in S. frutescens. These compounds are some of the most effective anti-oxidant compounds available to humans. They exert their anti-oxidant effects by neutralizing or by chelating different types of oxidizing radicals which includes the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.

Figure 6- Flavonoides

Pinitol

Pinitol has also been used for the treatment of diseases related to

insulin resistance such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes

mellitus. The presence of pinitol is thought to be one of the

contributory factors of the anti-inflammatory activity shown by S.

frutescens extract against acute edema in rat models.

Figure 7 – Pinitol

Triterpenoid

The triterpenoid commonly known as SU1 and SU2 have been

identified in S. frutescens. These compounds are known to have

some biological activities and are commonly used against bacteria,

fungi and viruses, however the mechanism of action of these

compounds is unknown.

Figure 8- Triterpenoid

Studies have been carried out to investigate the immune-stimulating,

anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of these compounds.

Results obtained from a study on the anti-viral activity of the

triterpenoid saponins indicate that these compounds could interfere

with the virus replicative cycle within the cell which may thus support

the use of this plant material in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Alkaloids

A microchemical assay done on S. frutescens revealed that there are

no alkaloids in the plant material.

Gama amino butyric acid (GABA)

GABA is found at levels of 14 mg per gram in S. frutescens dried leaf.

An in-vitro study on the anti-proliferative effect of GABA in S.

frutescens showed that this bioactive compound can inhibit the

migration of tumor cells. In the human body, it functions as an

inhibitory neuro-transmitter in the central nervous system as well as a

modulator of brain dopamine.The potential activity of GABA, against

the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression has also been

reported.

Figure: 9- GABA

Major chemical constituents

L-canavanine (non-protein α-amino acid) has been identified as one

of the major bioactive compounds in S. frutescens. There is

approximately 30-40 mg per gram dried Sutherlandia leaf, whereas S.

frutescens tablets manufactured by Phyto Nova contain 3 mg of

canavanine per gram of tablet. Other small amounts of secondary

plant metabolites such as methyl parabens, propyl parabens,

hexadecanoic acid, gamma sitosterol, sigmast-4-en-3-one, and

several long-chain alcohols are also present in S. frutescens.

Figure 10 – chemical constituents

Commercially

Commercially available S. frutescens is produced from organically

cultivated plant material. During harvesting, only leaves and

sometimes tender stems are selected. After the harvesting of S.

frutescens, the selected leaves and tender stems are dried at a

temperature of 40 °C or directly under sunlight for a few days. The

flowers, pods and seeds are discarded. The dry product is stored

under controlled conditions (dry, hygienic and ventilated) before it is

processing. During processing, the dried leaves and tender stems are

ground into powder using a suitable mill. The powder is subsequently

sieved, removing any hard pieces of dried stems.

Sutherlandia frutescens is commercially available as capsules that

contain the raw plant material in powdered form. These capsules are

gamma irradiated to achieve microbiological stability.

Phyto Nova, a pharmaceutical company in South Africa is the majordistributor of both the powdered and capsulated plant material.

Figure 11 Sutherlandia capsulated

The recommended therapeutic dosage of the plant material is

9mg/kg/day.

Medicinal uses

Internal

For the treatment of cancer, gastric ailments, gynaecological

problems, backache, rheumatism, oedema and fevers; also as a

bitter tonic or blood purifier.

External

For the treatment of eye infections and wounds; as a douche for

prolapse of the uterus.

Contraindications

The use of this herb is not recommended during pregnancy.

Adverse reactions

The use of excessive amounts of this herb are reputed to cause

emesis. Side effects of moderate use include sweating and mild

purgation.

Crude drug

Supplied in bundles of fresh or dried material, consisting of leaf and

stem only or including flowers and fruit. The foliage is grey-green in

colour, the fruits green flushed with red; the herb has a characteristic

bitter and slightly aromatic odour.

Indications:

Cancer and SIDA (Security Identification Display Area)

These days, Sutherlandia is used as a auxiliary treatment which

improves the quality of life of patients with malign tumors and for

sicknesses related to immune depression such as SIDA. These benefits

are explained by the action mechanisms of canavanine (immune

stimulant, anti-inflammatory, cytostatic, cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic and

inducer of heat shock proteins).

Gastrointestinal system:

The chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal apparatus, as it occurs

in the cases of peptic ulcer, irritable colon, Crohn disease,

gastroesophagic backflow, improves with Sutherlandia, due to its anti-

inflammatory effects explained by the reduction of the nitric oxide

synthesis.

Diabetes:

Sutherlandia is used to treat diabetes mellitus type II. Its hypoglycemial

effect depends on pinitol which produces an effect similar to insulin,

increasing the capture of glucose.

Central nervous system:

Sutherlandia has been used as an auxiliary treatment of mental and

emotional stress, including irritability, anxiety and depression. This

action depends on its contents of GABA.

Locomotive apparatus:

The anti-inflammatory properties of Sutherlandia explain its benefits in

cases of gout, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Respiratory system:

Traditionally, Sutherlandia has bee used for its positive effects to fight

symptoms of flue during 1918 (pandemic influenza) an is used in cases

of flue to shorten its duration and severity, and also as a tonic during the

convalescence for post-flue weakness. Traditionally, it has been used as

a prevention and a treatment for the symptoms of asthma, tuberculosis

symptoms, including weakness and bronchitis. These benefits are due

to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating action.

Cardiovascular:

Although its mechanism of vasodilatory action have not been precisely

stated yet, its benefits for the treatment of light and moderate arterial

hypertension are known.

General:

Sutherland has also been used as a treatment of unspecific weakness

diseases such as the syndrome of chronic tiredness.

Interactions:

High doses during long terms may interfere with blood coagulation.

Therefore it is recommended that patients stop the treatment three

weeks before a surgery. The concomitant treatment of Sutherlandia with

anticoagulant drugs, like aspirin, heparin and warfarin, should be

supervised. It may boost the effects of oral hypoglycemiants and

therefore it is recommended to use it under medical supervision.

Toxicity:

According to the guide of herbal medicine of the World Health

Organization, Sutherlandia is recognized as safe, based on its long

history of use in South Africa. It does not produce any known severe

adverse effects.

Finally

There has been an increase in the interest and use of medicinal plants

worldwide as seen by the availability of medicinal plants and plant

products at retail outlets, the degree of media coverage and the recent

manufacturing of phytomedicinal products by several major

Pharmaceutical companies. The use of medicinal plants for health care

was previously regarded as primitive and unconventional. These plants

now play a key role in world health care, with a record of about 80% of

Africans depending on them for the treatment of several diseases.

Studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa,

shows that at least 60% of infants with diseases such as malaria and

fever are treated at home with medicinal plants as they are easily

accessible. Some doctors in Asian countries, such as Japan, prescribe

medicinal plants for their patients. In first world countries, an estimated

1500 medicinal plants are used for primary healthcare. The increase in

the demand for medicinal plants has led to an increased economic

impact on the countries involved in supplying and distributing as several

pharmaceuticals companies are now involved in the processing and

sales of these plants. The WHO has recorded an estimated annual

gross profit of 60 billion US dollars by pharmaceutical companies

worldwide. Which will positively reflected in the income for the poor

African countries produced medicinal plant.

References

http://www.adaptogeno.com/productos/sutherlandia_frutescens_ing.asp

http://www.herbalremedies.com/sutherlandia.html

http://www.tbyil.com/HIV_Clinical_Trial.htm

http://scholar.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10019.1/1777/Egbichi,%20M.pdf?sequence=2

http://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za:8080/dspace/bitstream/10210/233/4/Chapter4.pdf

http://www.mrc.ac.za/annualreport/annual2009/ar09_president_rpt.pdf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1683259.stm

www.sajs.co.za

http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Plantae/Sutherlandia_Genus.asp

http://www.sutherlandia.org/uses.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherlandia_frutescens

http://www.sahealthinfo.org/traditionalmeds/monographs/sutherlandia.htm