Exploring the antimicrobial and anti-HIV-1 properties of Anthocleista djalonensis, Vernonia cinerea, and Pycnanthus angolensis extracts

Abstract

This study examined the anti-HIV-1 integrase, protease, and antimicrobial properties of crude extracts from three traditional Nigerian medicinal plants: Anthocleista djalonensis, Vernonia cinerea, and Pycnanthus angolensis. Fluorometric assays were utilized to assess the inhibitory effects of crude extracts produced through maceration on HIV-1 integrase and HIV-1 protease. The samples' antimicrobial activity was measured using microdilution methods. The results showed that all three crude plant extracts significantly inhibited HIV-1 integrase activity with IC50 values of 0.01891, 0.709, and 5.21 μg/mL for A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis respectively. IC50 value of 0.006992 μM was recorded for chicoric acid used as the reference medication for anti-HIV-1 integrase activity. This allowed for comparison with the crude extracts from V. cinerea, P. angolensis, and A. djalonensis. Conversely, the methanol crude extract from A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis did not show a dose response since none of the extracts could reduce a specific percentage of viable cells in the HIV-1 protease assay. This data provides vital information on the preference for A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis extracts towards HIV-1 integrase rather than protease even though it may initially seem unexpected. A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis extracts exhibited antibacterial activities against all pathogens with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging between 8 and 67 μg/mL. The study underscores the potential of plant extracts as innovative treatments for HIV-1 infection, as they can provide anti-HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. The ethnopharmacological perspective thus confirms the significance of African traditional medicines.