Hymenocallis littoralis(Jacq) Salisb, commonly known as Spider Lily, is an important medicinal and ornamental plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers and various therapeutic applications. Traditionally, different parts of the plant, including bulbs, leaves, flowers, and roots, have been utilized in folk medicine for their emetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties. The bulbs are known for their astringent and expectorant effects, while leaf extracts have shown anti-bacterial and hair growth-stimulating properties. The plant is commercially significant in India, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where it holds a premium place in the floriculture market due to its year-round flowering and aesthetic appeal.Phytochemical studies on Hymenocallis littoralis have revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, predominantly alkaloids such as lycorine, pancratistatin, haemanthamine and hippeastrine. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities including anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Ethno-pharmacological investigations have also highlighted its potential in treating conditions like arthritis, fungal infections, and biofilm-associated infections. In addition to its medicinal significance, the plant’s propagation through bulbs and tissue culture, along with its adaptability to different soils and climates, makes it an economically viable crop. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, cultivation practices, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of Hymenocallis littoralis, emphasizing its role as a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Buruli ulcer is a chronic, debilitating skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. In Côte d'Ivoire, traditional treatment is oral and cutaneous with Sacoglottis gabonensis. This study was to investigate the effect of Sacoglottis gabonensis total aqueous stem bark extract (TAESg) on blood parameters during burn-induced wound healing in Wistar rat for 35 days. 24 rats were divided into four group of six rats. Group 1 received no treatment; groups 2, 3 and 4, treated orally and dermally, respectively, received distilled water; Flukocin^® 500mg at 14.28mg/kg bw and Baneocin^® 10 g at 81.6mg/kg bw; and TAESg at 3.5 and 5000mg/kg bw and TAESg at 3.5 and 5000mg/kg b.w. Three blood samples were taken, i.e. before induction, after induction and after wound treatment. These blood samples were used to determine the levels of certain blood parameters. This study showed a reduction in thrombocyte count and sedimentation rate and restoration of leukocyte, albumin and CRP levels in TAESg-treated rats compared with post-treatment group 2 rats. The same observations were made in group 3 rats treated with Flukocin^® and Baneocin^®. In conclusion, TAESg possesses healing activity by acting on key biological markers of the wound healing process. It would be interesting to evaluate the haemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects of this extract in rats.

This study provides an extensive evaluation of the pharmacological effects of two herbal extracts, Dioscorea batatas and Urtica dioica, on kidney function and oxidative stress in albino Wistar rats. The investigation focused on their influence on saluretic activity, carbonic anhydrase activity, electrolyte regulation, blood pressure, oxidative stress biomarkers and renal clearance. Experimental rats were divided into six groups, receiving either plant extracts or controls and multiple physiological and biochemical parameters were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out using standard deviation (SD) and standard error of mean (SEM) to determine significant differences between groups. The findings demonstrate that both extracts affect renal physiology, with Dioscorea batatas showing stronger activity on electrolyte handling, oxidative stress reduction and clearance mechanisms compared with Urtica dioica. The outcomes indicate a need for additional exploration into the therapeutic potential and safety profile of these extracts in renal health management.