Ethnomedicinal survey, phytochemical, isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Pentanisia prunelloides and Dioscorea sylvatica used in the treatment of elephantiasis

Introduction: More than 200 diseases can be transmitted to people through ingesting food contaminated with microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and parasites) or chemicals. Other pathogens for example those causing malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy, as well as parasitic worms can be as chronic infections and impaired nutrition, growth, cognitive development and fertility. Objective: The aim of this research was to screen extracts from the three plants for phytochemicals. This includesthe isolation and identification of bioactive compounds of Elephantorrhiza elephantina. Methods:In this study, an ethnomedicinal survey, phytochemical analysis, isolation, and identification of bioactive compounds were conducted in Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Pentanisia prunelloides and Dioscorea sylvatica plant species used in the treatment of elephantiasis in most parts of the eastern Free State using standard methods. Results:The ethnobotanical survey documented 12 medicinal plants that are used to treat lymphatic filariasis. Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Pentanisia prunelloides and Dioscorea sylvatica were the three most used plant species. All three plants tested positive for the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, anthraquinones and alkaloids. Four compounds: acetyl salicylic acid, benzoic acid, resorcinol and nonanedioic acid were identified from E. elephantina rhizome. Discussion:Amongst 12 documented plant species, E. elephantina, P. prunelloides and D. sylvatica were the most frequently used plants and were selected for isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds. Acetyl salicylic acid, benzoic acid, resorcinol and nonanediotic acid were isolated and identified from the methanol extract from E. elephantina rhizome. Conclusion:The presence or existence of isolated phenolic-flavonoids in E. elephantin demonstrated the basis for utilising it based on the isolated compounds