Abstract

Musanga cecropioides, commonly known as African corkwood, was studied for its phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties. Stem bark extracts were prepared using a dichloromethane-methanol mixture and subjected to chromatographic techniques, including column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography for compound isolation. Six known bioactive compounds were successfully isolated and identified: three sterols, stigmasterol (1), cupreol (2), and daucosterol (3), and three pentacyclic triterpenoids, friedelin (4), oleanolic acid (5), and betulinic acid (6). Structural elucidation was accomplished through spectroscopic analysis using one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS). Spectral data were cross-referenced with literature reports to confirm compound identities. The antibacterial efficacy of the isolated compounds and crude extract was assessed using the microdilution method against twelve bacterial strains. Among these, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella aerogenes were the most susceptible. Most isolated compounds exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18.5 µg/mL against these bacterial strains. However, friedelin (4) was significantly less active, with an MIC of 294 µg/mL against Klebsiella aerogenes. Of particular note, oleanolic acid (5) displayed the highest antibacterial potency, outperforming three standard antibiotics in activity against certain bacterial strains. This study provides new insights into the chemical constituents of Musanga cecropioides, marking the first report of stigmasterol, cupreol, daucosterol, friedelin, and betulinic acid being isolated from this species. The findings highlight the considerable antibacterial potential of these natural compounds, positioning Musanga cecropioides as a promising source for novel antibacterial agents. Further research may explore its therapeutic applications and contribute to the development of plant-derived antimicrobials.

Keywords: Musanga cecropioides, antibacterial activity, sterols, pentacyclic triterpenoids, Klebsiella aerogenes

Biography

Mr. Thabang Mphahlele began his academic journey in 2017 with a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), graduating in 2021. He completed an Advanced Diploma in 2022 and earned his BSc Honours in Chemistry the same year. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Chemistry under Prof. Derek Ndinteh at UJ’s Drug Discovery and Smart Molecules Research Laboratory. A member of the Centre for Natural Product Research, Mr. Mphahlele is a dedicated young researcher with a manuscript ready for publication and a strong interest in drug discovery and natural product chemistry.

Abstract

The risk of coronary artery disease in people with high serum cholesterol is more than twice as high as in those with moderate serum cholesterol. Natural medicines, especially herbs, have been the focus of attention for many years because of their desirable and minimal side effects for controlling blood lipids. The present study aims to investigate the effect of fenugreek hydrolyzed protein (FHP) on lipid profile. This study is a confirmatory, triple-blind, two-group parallel, randomized controlled trial, phase 3, conducted on patients aged 18–65 years with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia and low risk for cardiovascular disease. Sixty patients were randomized with a 1:1 allocation ratio into the FHP group (N = 30) and the placebo group (N = 30). The intervention group was administrated 40 mg/day of FHP for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the patient’s lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), high- density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and non-HDL-C. In the intervention group, lipid profile improved through a significant reduction in TC (P < 0.001), LDL- C (P = 0.043), and non-HDL-C (P < 0.001), but no significant changes were observed in the TG level. The mean difference of these variables was -10.07 mg/dl [95 %CI: 30.84; 10.70], -8.93 mg/dl [95 %CI: 27.07; 9.21], and -10.37 mg/dl [95 %CI: 32.26; 11.52], respectively. FHP successfully decreased LDL- C level by 7 % compared to baseline. There was no significant change in any component of the lipid profile in the comparison group. FHP was well tolerated, with only one patient experiencing gastrointestinal adverse manifestations. These findings suggest that FHP administration can improve the lipid profile of patients with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. Considering the low adverse effects of FHP and patients’ high tolerance, it can be considered in the management of these patients, who fall into the low-risk cardiovascular disease category, adjuvant to the main therapies. Biography

Ali Askari is a medical student at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. He’s a medical extern with experience as a research assistant in the field of cardiology from 2022 at Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center.

Abstract

Background: Resident physician burnout is a long-standing issue in medical education with the COVID-19 pandemic causing significant additional burnout burden. Navines et. al. (2021) found current burnout rates of residents as high as 76% (vs 50% prior). Implementation of mindfulness programs has been shown to improve physician wellness, decrease burnout, & create environments of resilience (Romcevich et.al 2018, Ireland,et. al 2017). Epstein et. al. (2021) implemented a 4-day mindfulness workshop for physicians, improving emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, & patient-centered care. While mindfulness has recently come to the forefront of wellness, few studies describe feasible, longitudinal programs focused on resident wellness. Programs like Search Inside Yourself (SIY) teach mindfulness, emotional intelligence & leadership skills & may assist with mitigating burnout.
Objective: To assess a feasible, longitudinal mindfulness program (SIY) for resident physicians to combat burnout & stress; build resilience; & improve self-care.
Design/Methods: After completion of SIY training, Dr. Sawni (pediatrician) & Dr. Wolf (psychologist), taught a modified version to Pediatric & Medicine-Pediatric residents at Hurley Hospital, Flint MI. It consisted of 12 hours, split over 3 consecutive sessions. Pre & post-surveys were given,(n=25) assessing demographics, wellness, & program evaluation. Desired responses to 29 wellness questions (combining Strongly Agree/Agree, Very Often/Often, Strongly Disagree/Disagree, or Rarely/Never) were compared pre- to post-training. The study was approved by Hurley Hospital IRB.
Results: Of the 29 wellness questions,10 items had a positive change by at least 10 percentage points. There were 5 items, related to distractibility, that decreased by at least 10 points, indicating that mindfulness helps with being more present. After the program, 93% of attendees said they were Satisfied/Very Satisfied with the mindfulness program and 93% agreed that the material was relevant to current challenges. The majority (86%) reported feeling ready to apply what they learned.
Conclusions: Mindfulness as an approach to mitigate burnout & stress has been successful with resident physicians in limited previous studies. Teaching & incorporating mindfulness is feasible & can be introduced as part of the core residency curriculum. This pilot study presents a feasible way to incorporate mindfulness training within the educational context. Though the number of completed surveys was relatively low, the overall impact of the study was large. Limitations include a small sample size & a limited number of sessions. Future programs will include similar mindfulness interventions to support wellness longitudinally.

Biography

Dr. Anju Sawni M.D. FAAP, FSAHM is the Director of Adolescent Medicine at Hurley Children’s Hospital/Hurley Medical Center, Flint MI & Associate Professor of Pediatrics Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University/College of Human Medicine, Lansing, MI. Her interest not only includes Adolescent Health, but also Integrative Medicine. She is a member of the AAP section on integrative pediatrics. She has done research, published several papers & written chapters on Adolescent health & Integrative Medicine, and presented many lectures/workshops; nationally, statewide & locally. She integrates mind/body therapies such as relaxation techniques/self-hypnosis/mindfulness meditation, yoga, nutritional supplements, etc. in her adolescent practice. She has trained in mindfulness with Dr. Ronald Epstein, the University of Rochester, Mindfulness in Medicine Program, Search Inside Yourself Institute that promotes Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence & Leadership & Awake Network; mindful health care summit as well as given several lectures on “Mindfulness in Medicine”. She incorporates/teaches mindfulness in medicine as part of the professionalism series to Hurley hospital & McLaren Health system residents. She serves on the board of directors of the Crim Foundation Mindfulness Initiative, Flint MI. She practices meditation/mindfulness/yoga in her personal and professional life.