Administration Of Aqueous Leaf Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of the Influence of oral administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida acuta on Lipid Profile and Body Weight of Wistar Rats

Abnormalities in serum lipid profiles play a central role in endothelial functional abnormality which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular diseases. Hepatic damage disturbs hepatic functions such as lipid metabolism which can translate to a distorted lipid profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral administration of Sida acuta on the lipid profile and body weight of Wistar rats. Freshly harvested leaves of Sida acuta was dried under room temperature and afterwards ground to powder which was subsequently processed into extract. Thirty adults male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I (normal control) was administered with 2 ml of distilled water, groups II–VI were induced hepatic damage. While group II was left untreated, groups III-V were administered with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Sida acuta (AESD) respectively. Group VI was administered with silymarin (standard drug). Treatment lasted for 28 days after which animals were humanely sacrificed and blood sample collected for analysis. Treatment with extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced the activities of the liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP). While the serum levels of TC, TG, HDL and LDL reported for group II were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those reported for the normal control. Oral administration of extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of TC, TG, HDL and LDL reported for groups III-V. Oral administration of extract did not adversely affect the body weight of animals. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that oral administration of Sida acuta reversed a distorted lipid profile and did not result in weight loss.

Gestational administration of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis alleviated postpartum emotional and cognitive dysfunction in rats (Wistar strain).

This study examines the effect of gestational administration of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (JT) on postpartum-like behavioural outcomes to delineate its possibility as a prophylactic, therapeutic agent in the treatment of postpartum symptoms. Inseminated female rats (120-150g) were grouped into two-control and JT group (n=10). Control received 20 ml/kg of distilled water and JT group received 500 mg/kg of JT orally once daily for 21 days in gestation. Non-pregnant rats were excluded from the study. Parameters assessed at postpartum include antidepressant-like (force swim test, FST; tail suspension-test, TST), locomotor (open field test, OFT), anxiolytic-like (elevated plus maze, EPM; light-dark box, LDB), learning and memory (T-maze; novel object recognition task, NORT), social (nest score) and analgesic-like (hot plate test, HPT; tail flick test, TFT) behaviours. JT increased (P<0.05) mobility and latency to immobility durations in FST and TST; open arm entry (P<0.001) and duration (P<0.01) in EPM and light box duration (P<0.05) in LDB; locomotion and exploration, but reduced anxiety-like levels in EPM, LDB and OFT. It increased nest score (P<0.05); mean retraction time (P<0.01) of TFT. JT showed positive score for short and long term memory in NORT and improved percentage alternation in T-maze though not significant compared to control. In conclusion, the aqueous extract has a therapeutic effect that reduces postpartum-like depression and anxiety, and improves locomotor activity. JT can be a preventive and adjuvant therapeutic option for pregnant women.

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Terminalia catappa (Indian Almond) on the Liver of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat

Different schools of thought believed the Indian almond has antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potentials, however, there is paucity of information on the ability of this plant to carry out its antidiabetic properties. This study therefore seeks to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond on the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Three groups of Wistar rats were used in this study, a normal control, a diabetic control, and a treated group (5 per group). Rats in the normal group were administered distilled water orally per day, rats in the diabetic group were intraperitoneally injected with 150mg/kg body weight of alloxan and administered distilled water orally per day, while rats in the treated group were intraperitoneally injected with 150mg/kg of alloxan and treated orally with 600mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond per day for 21days. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond to the diabetic rats caused a significant decrease in the level of blood glucose, activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin (p&lt; 0.05) and a significant increase in the level of total protein and albumin (p&lt; 0.05) when compared with the control groups. The results obtained from this study suggested that the aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond possesses antidiabetic activity and could be used for the management of diabetes and liver damage associated with its metabolic consequences.

Fertility effects of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew leaves) in the West African Dwarf bucks

Anacardium occidentale is a plant known for its vast medicinal properties and has been used in Nigeria for the treatment of several ailments. However, little is known about its effects on fertility in animals. This study was designed to assess the fertility effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale in the West African Dwarf breeding bucks. Sixteen West African Dwarf bucks were assigned into 2 groups A and B (n=8). Group A received a daily oral dose of 250mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale for 14 days, while B served as the control. Blood and semen sample, as well as testes and epididymis were harvested from the bucks at days 7 and 14 post-treatment. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale caused a significant decrease in RBC count, total protein and albumin level, semen volume and sperm motility. It also caused a reduction in the total number of morphologically abnormal sperm cells and a mild reduction in scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal weight and diameter. It caused an increase in the size of the epididymal and testicular germinal luminal diameter and a decrease in epididymal and testicular germinal height. These suggested that its prolonged use in West African Dwarf breeding bucks may produce anti-fertility effect. Therefore, its incorporation into animal feeds must be done with caution.

Effect of Moringa Oleifera Consumption During Lactation And Early Post-weaning Period On Diet-Induced Programming of Obesity In The Offspring of Wistar mice

The fact that sub-optimal environments in utero and early postnatally alter development and predispose to lifelong health problems has been proven by a litany of human epidemiological and animal laboratory studies .This study was designed to investigate whether or not maternal consumption of aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera, during lactation will affect the metabolic consequences of litter-reduced and litter-expanded offspring later in life. Thirty-two pregnant Wistar rats were used for this study. These rats were divided into two groups at delivery with each consisting of 16 rats. In group 1, the litters were reduced to four litters per dam to simulate over-nutrition while in group 2, litters where increased to eight litters per dam to simulate mild under-nutrition of the offspring. Each group was subdivided into 4 subgroups consisting of 4 dams in each subgroup. A- served as control group and were administered water only while B, C, and D -dams were given 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. Offspring food and fluid intake from weaning to postnatal day 42, glucose tolerance test and lipid profile on postnatal day 42 were determined. Results showed that extract treatment significantly improved the lipid profile of both subgroups 1 and 2 offspring. In conclusion, the findings suggested that administration of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera during lactation had a growth promoting effect on the offspring and may also protect against lipid derangement in the offspring later in life.

Phytochemical screening and galactagogic attributes of Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. leaf extract in lactating mice (Mus musculus)

Summary Introduction Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. [PD] is used as a galactagogue by various tribes in Purulia district, India, lacks a scientific basis. Objectives The purpose of the study was to determine whether administration of aqueous leaf extract of P. daemia can increase milk production in lactating mice and encourages development in suckling pups. Methods 30 lactating mice (n=6 per group) with a minimum of 5 pups each were treated with the aqueous PD extract at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight while the control group was administered with only distilled water. The mice were daily fed with aqueous leaf extract via gavage, which started at day 3 and continued to day 15 post-partum and milk secretion was assessed by the weight-suckle-weight method. The qualitative estimation, UV-vis analysis and GC-MS study of the leaf extract was also done for the presence of phytoconstituents. Results Administration of aqueous leaf extract led to a considerable increase in milk production (28.1%) and the pups gained weight substantially (p&lt;0.05) when compared to control. Milk production was enhanced in mice treated with 150 mg/kg b.wt. of leaf extract compared to other doses (p&lt;0.05). The GC-MS analysis of the aqueous leaf extract of P. daemia revealed 20 major peaks, some with small retention time and also revealing presence of several phyto-estrogenic compounds. Conclusion The present study effectively demonstrated that aqueous leaf extract of PD enhanced milk production in mice and might be used as an alternative strategy for increasing milk production and can be extrapolated to farm animals and human beings.

Effects Of Oral Administration Of Aqueous Leaf Extracts Of Senna Siamea And Eucalyptus Citriodora On Some Hematological Parameters In Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Leaf extracts of Senna siamea and Eucalyptus citriodora have been used to treat a range of ailment in many communities. Because the drug is unrefined, they may have some untoward effects on the animals. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extracts of Senna siamea and Eucalyptus citriodora on some hematological parameters in healthy albino rats. Methods: Methods: Twenty-five (25) albino rats of both sexes weighing between 60 - 110g were assigned into five different groups with five rats each. Daily doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400mg/kg body weight of the plant extract mixture (ratio1:1) were given orally to groups II, III, IV and IV respectively for 21 days while group I served as control. The results of the phytochemical screening for Senna siamea showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponins, steroids, tannins, cardiac glycosides while that of Eucalyptus citriodora showed the presence of alkaloid, saponins, tannins, anthraquinone. The results for the analysis of Red blood cell (RBC), White blood cell (WBC), Parkedcell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin were assayed using Sysmex KX-21NTM automated hematology analyzer while urea and creatinine were determined using the method of Fawcett and Scott. Results: Oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Senna siamea and Eucalyptus citriodora at different doses in the experimental groups did not show a significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the concentration of serum urea, serum creatinine, and the hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin and PCV) when compared to control group except WBC which showed a significant change (p ˂ 0.05) at higher concentration of 400 mg/kg body weight of the extracts when compared to group I (control). Hematological parameters showed no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) when compared within the treated groups except WBC, which showed a significant difference (p ˂ 0.05) at different dose concentration of the extracts in Group II (100mg/kg) and Group IV (300mg/kg) when compared to a dose of Group V (400 mg/kg). Conclusions: This suggests that the extract at these concentrations (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) does not have any toxic effect on the renal and hematopoietic system except WBC which have a significant difference (p ˂ 0.05) at higher dose (400mg/kg) on the hematopoietic system

Postweaning administration of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium may improve obesity indices in young adult offspring

Introduction: Metabolic diseases are multifactorial resulting from genetic, physiological, behavioral, and environmental influences. Genetic influence alone does not suffice to explain the rate at which these diseases have increased. Diet manipulations during critical developmental periods have been used to identify their contribution to obesity and diabetes development in offspring. Gongronema latifolium (GL) has been used for many generations for medicinal and nonmedicinal purposes. The leaves of GL are primarily used as spice and vegetable in traditional folk medicine. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of postweaning consumption of aqueous leaf extract of GL on obesity indices in young adult offspring. Materials and Methods: Adult female Wistar rats were used and pregnancy was achieved by introducing matured male Wistar rats of proven fertility at the ratio of two females to one male during proestrus. At the day of delivery, adult female rats were randomly divided into two groups; Group I (normal control) and Groups II–IV (GL extract-treated group). The offspring of the different maternal groups also assumed their mothers' group. Group I was the normal control group while Groups II–IV were given 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of GL extract, respectively. At postnatal day (PND), 21 offspring were weaned from their mothers and assumed the group of their mothers till PND 42. Parameters such as body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body weight-waist circumference ratio, insulin level, liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, and AST), and oral glucose tolerance were assessed in the experimental animals. Results: There was a significant decrease in anthropometric indices (body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body weight-waist circumference ratio) and serum ALT, ALP, and AST levels in the young adult offspring of the GL extract group. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in insulin level in offspring whose mothers consumed GL extract when compared to the values of the normal control. Conclusions: This study showed that postweaning consumption of GL had significant effects on anthropometric indices, hepatoactivity, insulin sensitivity, and blood glucose level.

Restorative effect of Azadirachta indica against fenvalerate induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in a freshwater fish Clarias batrachus

Pesticide use in recent times has increased many folds to enhance the yield of crops. The water bodies like ponds and others are extensively used for the cultivation of fishes. Since these fishes are a good source of protein and nutritious value, hence are consumed by humans. These pesticide-contaminated fishes are consumed by the human, causing health hazards. The objective of the present research work was to know the bio remedial effect of Azadirachta indica on fenvalerate induced toxicity in a freshwater air-breathing catfish "Mangur" known as Clarias batrachus ( Linnaeus). The fishes were treated with 1/3rd of LC50, i.e. 0.92 ppm of a pyrethroid pesticide fenvalerate and observed the fishes for 96 hours. Thereafter, the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was administered orally, daily by gastric intubation method at the dose of 100 mg/Kg body weight per day for 15 days. The study revealed that, after the exposure of 0.92 ppm of fenvalerate, there was a significant decrease in RBC count from 2.76 to 2.14 X (106) (mm-3), Total leukocyte count from18.10 to 16.30 X (103) (mm-3), , packed ell volume from 24 % to 16% , haemoglobin from 6.89 g/100 ml to 4.23 g/100ml of blood whereas increase in the level of serum glucose and cholesterol level from 50.33 mg/dl to 103.73 mg/dl and 168.52 g/dl to 248.99 g/dl respectively. At the same time, serum protein level decreased from 3.16g/dl to2.52 g/dl due to pesticide in the experimental fishes. But, after the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica there was significant normalisation in the test parameters of the fishes. The study indicated that neem leaves possessed restorative effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in Clarias batrachus.

Evaluation of Antiosteoporotic potential of Sesbania grandiflora Linn. aqueous fraction in Ovariectomised Rats

Sesbania grandiflora (SG), an Indian herbal drug has been traditionally employed to treat or prevent female related hormonal disorders and mitigating symptoms of menopausal conditions. The present study assessed the antiosteoporotic potential of the aqueous extract of Sesbania grandiflora on bone metabolism in ovariectomised (OVX) rat model and its safety in the uterus. Thirty Sprague-Dawley 6 months old female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Sham operated group and four OVX subgroups (n=6), that were undergone bilateral ovariectomy. OVX rats were further subdivided into vehicle, raloxifene 5.4mg/kg/day, Sesbania grandiflora aqueous leaf extracts–250mg/kg/day and 500mg/kg/day respectively. The pharmacological effects of the extract were evaluated against osteoporosis by body weight, uterus wet weight, serum and urine biochemical parameters, bone mineral density, biomechanical strength, trabecular microarchitecture, histomorphology and uterus immunohistochemistry. Daily oral administration of aqueous leaf extract significantly assuages the symptoms of ovariectomy as shown by decreased levels of serum ALP, TRAP, hydroxyproline and urinary calcium in the treatment groups. Moreover, improved femur parameters were seen as increased bone strength, BMD, trabecular bone mass and microarchitecture similar to raloxifene. Histopathological data also showed significant restorative progression with increased ossification and mineralization of trabecular bone, without uterine hypertrophy. The results suggests that Sesbania grandiflora had a remarkable antiosteoporotic activity and may be a promising candidate for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency in a natural way through herbal resources.

EFFECT OF PRE-COPULATORY TREATMENT WITH AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF Spondias mombin ON GESTATIONAL CHARACSTERISTICS OF RABBITS

Fifteen plurigravida rabbits weighing between 2.0 and 2.6 kg were used for the study of gestational characteristics after pre-copulatory oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin. The fifteen does were divided into three groups of five does per group. Four untreated reproductively proven bucks kept separately in different cages were used for copulation. Dosages administered were 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg for groups A and B respectively while distilled water was served to control group C. Mating, pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasound and determination of birth parameters were conducted subsequently at the end of extract treatment.&#x0D; Average litter size,birth weight and gestation length observed in all dosage groups had statistically similar values (p≥0.05).However, it is worth noting the relatively higher values of average litter size in 800mg/kg dosage group and control (5.60±0.40) compared to 400mg/kg group (5.40±0.75) and the highest birth weight value recorded for 800mg/kg (46.63±3.55) compared to 400mg\kg group (45.30±3.22) and control (42.38±3.74). It was concluded that pre-copulatory administration of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin at dosages as high as 800mg/kg to rabbit does not have deleterious effect on its prolificacy and does have pro-fertility tendencies.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

English

This study was designed to determine the effects of prolonged oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata Pers (Decne) on sperm concentration, sperm motility and testicular histology in Wistar rats. Rats were given graded doses (200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg-1) of aqueous leaf extract of L. hastata orally for 28 days. Weekly changes in sperm concentration and motility as well as testicular weight and histology were monitored. Sperm concentration, motility and testicular weights did not show significant change (p>0.05) among the groups, but a significant difference (p<0.05) exist between control group and the group that had the highest dose (800 mg/kg) of L. hastata. Histopathological studies revealed marked depletion of spermatozoa in the testes and epididymis of rats that received 800 mg/kg of L. hastata. Prolonged administration of aqueous leaf extract of L. hastata at 800 mg/kg caused a reduction in total sperm concentration, sperm motility and a reduction in testicular weight in rats. Key words: Fertility, Leptadenia hastata, spermiogram, rats, testis.

Hypolipidemic effect of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Senna occidentalis in rats

Introduction: Senna occidentalis is a medicinal plant which is called “rai–rai” or “rai dorai” in Hausa. It is among the most commonly used plants that form the basis of primary healthcare for a majority of people living in rural and remote areas in Nigeria and other third world countries. Hyperlipidemia is a condition which is characterized by elevated levels of serum lipid profile. It is associated with many diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis on serum lipid profile in rats. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening and effect of aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis on lipid profile was conducted. Thirty male albino rats were divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Group I was normal control, group II hyperlipidemic control, groups III, IV, and V were hyperlipidemic rats orally administered with 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 166 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis , respectively, for 4 weeks, and group VI were hyperlipidemic rats orally administered with 10 mg/kg of ruvastatin for 4 weeks. At the end of the fourth week, the animals were sacrificed and their serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were determined. Results: Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, resins, and flavonoids. Significant ( P P S. occidentalis and those orally administered with 10 mg/kg of rosuvastatin when compared with group II. Rats orally administered with 250 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract were found to have significantly lower ( P Conclusion: It could be suggested that aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis at 500 mg/kg could cause antihyperlipidemic effect against dietary-induced hyperlipidemia.

Effect of Ehretia microphylla on the blood cholesterol and weight of ICR mice (Mus musculus)

Background: Simvastatin has been widely used in controlling blood cholesterol levels and weight; however, side effects such as muscle pain, muscle damage, liver damage, and hyperglycemia may occur. Studies have shown that intake of herbal medicines may be supplemental and may even be more effective than medicines available in the market. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the effects of administration of aqueous leaf extract of Ehretia microphylla in ICR mice on blood cholesterol levels and weight. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 ICR mice were designated into five groups which are the negative control group, positive control group, low dose, mid dose, and high dose. All groups were fed with lard-coated feeds to increase blood cholesterol level and weight. The positive control group was treated with 2.0 ml of simvastatin, while the negative control remained untreated. The treatments, namely, the low dose, mid dose, and high dose were treated with 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the E. microphylla extract, respectively. Results: After 14 days of treatment, statistical analysis indicated that the E. microphylla extract had anticholesterolemic effect. There was a significant difference in the high-dose group. There was also no significant difference observed in the other groups, namely, the low dose and the mid dose. Furthermore, the positive group treated with simvastatin had a significantly lowered cholesterol level compared to the high-dose group. There are inconclusive results on the effect of E. microphylla on weight. Conclusion: E. microphylla has anti-hypercholesterolemic effects, which may be attributed to the different phytochemicals present in it.

In vitro radical scavenging potential and toxicopathological implications of administration of aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus obliqua L.Her. (Myrtaceae) in Wistar rats

This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential and toxicological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus obliqua via acute and 28-day once daily treatments in Wistar rats. In the acute toxicity test, rats were orally administered the extract up to 5000 mg/kg. The sub-chronic toxicity study was performed by once daily oral administration with the extract at 200, 400, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The control rats received sterile distilled water. Biochemical and hematological indices were determined and a histopathological examination was carried out. The extract showed marked antioxidant effects that could be ascribed to its phytoconstituents. The LD50 was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg body weight. Except for the significantly modulated serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, platelet and white blood cell counts, the extract revealed no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the biochemical and hematological indices in the treated animals compared to the control. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in weight gain of the treated rats and the control although there was a dose-dependent increase in food consumption of the extract-treated rats. These are indications of unlikely toxic tendency of the extract and were well supported by the no treatment-related infiltrations on the histoarchitectural features of the tissue sections of the investigated organs. Consequent upon these, the aqueous leaf extract of E. obliqua may be adjudged relatively non-toxic and practically safe at the investigated doses and within the period of exposure in this study.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT AND ANTIANXIETY ACTIVITIES OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACTS OF SENNA ALATA (L.) ROXB. USING IN VITRO ANIMAL MODELS

Objective: In the present investigation antidepressant and antianxiety activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Senna alata (200 mg/Kg) were carried out to establish the species as a potent natural antidepressant and anxiolytic drug.Methods: Antidepressant activity was carried out using forced swim test and tail suspension test. In both these tests, the animals were subjected to external stress that results in alteration of the behavior of animal due to fear.The antianxiety activity of aqueous leaf extracts of S. alata has been studied by the elevated plus-maze test in rats. The mean number of entries and the time spent in the open arm after 45 min of the administration of test drug was noted to determine the antianxiety effect of the test drug.Results: For antidepressant activity administration of test drug (200 mg/Kg) showed a significant decrease in the time spent by the animal in state of depression in both the assays which clearly indicates that the aqueous leaf extracts of S. alata exhibited a strong antidepressant activity similar to that of the control drug (Imipramine).In the antianxiety activity, administration of aqueous leaf extract (200 mg/Kg) of S. alata significantly increased the mean number of entries (2.25±0.98) in the open arm and the time spent in open arm (2.23±0.04) compared to the control group. The activity of the extract was slightly greater than standard drug Diazepam.Conclusion: From the above-presented results, it can be concluded that administration of Senna alata aqueous leaf extracts (200 mg/Kg) showed a considerable decrease in both antidepressant and antianxiety activities in all the test animals and can be used in the replacement of commercially available synthetic drugs in the near future.

Hematological Changes Following Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Albino Rats

Hematological Changes Following Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Albino Rats

Histomorphological studies of the liver of Plasmodium-infected albino mice after administration of aqueous leaf extract of Mangifera indica (Linn.)

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the histomorphological findings of the liver of Plasmodium-infected albino mice following administration of aqueous leaf extract of Mangifera indica. Methods: Forty-two male albino mice, weighing 20–25 g, were used for this research. The mice were randomly assigned into six groups A, B, C, D, E and F (n=7, each). Groups B, C, D, E and F were infected with P. berghei, while group A was administered equivalent volume of normal saline. Mice in groups C, D and E were orally administered Mangifera indica extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight, respectively) dissolved in 0.2 ml of distilled water for 5 days, and those in group F were orally administered with artesunate for 5 days (3 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg body weight on the first day and on subsequent 4 days, respectively) while groups A and B were administered equivalent volume of distilled water, all administrations starting 72 hours post-infection. The animals were left for another 14 days after treatment. Results: The result showed that the extract treated groups presented dose dependent ameliorative changes in the organization of histoarchitecture such as reduction of collagen fibers, reticular fibers and hemozoins. There was a significant decrease (p<0.0001) in the percentage parasitemia in groups C, D and E when compared with group B. There was also a significant (p<0.03) reduction in Kupffer cell density in groups C, D and E when compared with group B. Conclusion: This study showed that Mangifera indica has an ameliorative effect against injury-related changes in liver histomorphology. Keywords: histomorphology; liver; Mangifera indica; mouse; Plasmodium berghei

Anticancer effects ofCarica papayain experimental induced mammary tumors in rats

Objective: To evaluate the anticancer effect of Carica papaya in DMBA induced mammary tumors in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided in to five groups (n=6), Group-I (Normal control) administered vehicle olive oil, Group-II, Group-III ,Group-IV and V induced mammary tumors by administering single dose of DMBA (7,12 Dimethyl benz(A)anthracene) orally 65 mg/kg. Group-III was administered aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya (ALQECP) in a dose of 200 mg/kg body wt for a period of 3 months, group-IV has given ALQECP 200 mg/kg body wt for a period of 21 days post 3 months of tumor induction, group-V rats were administered a small dose of Carica papaya extract intra tumor locally in the region of tumor. Results: Values of CA15-3 were increased in group-II rats (tumor control) significantly, whereas in group-III (prevention group) the levels of CA15-3 were found to be reduced substantially and the P value < 0.001. Similarly, CA-15-3 levels were reduced significantly in group-IV (treatment group)and P<0.005. The levels of LDH were seen to be increased in group-II, where as in group-III LDH levels were decreased and P<0.001.similarly group-IV LDH levels also reduced significantly but not to the level of group-III. Conclusion: Among the various markers for the detection of cancer antigen- 15(CA15-3) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are important biochemical parameters that give a clear understanding of the progression and proliferation of cancer cells. In this study it was found that there is increase in the levels of markers such as CA15-3 and LDH and also the tumor volume in tumor control, these marker levels were decreased by the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya in a dose of 200 mg/kg body wt. ALQECP not only prevented the progression of cancer growth but also has significant effect in reducing the both CA15-3 and LDH levels in treatment group.

Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-lipidemic Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Millettia aboensis and Its Effect on Pancreatic Histology of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Plants provide a potential source of anti-diabetic drugs and are widely used in several traditional systems of medicine to prevent diabetes. This study evaluated the anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic activities of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Milletia aboensis in, and its effect on pancreatic histology of, alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Eighty rats were grouped into eight based on average body weights. Diabetes similar to that of type 1 in human was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate a -diabetogenic agent (160 mg kg-1). After 120 hours of alloxan injection, the rats from Groups 2 – 8 were confirmed diabetic having baseline fasting blood sugar levels >8.5mmol/L. Group 1 served as normal control. The extract was administered twice daily for 21 days at doses of 500 mg kg-1 – 2500 mg kg-1 in Groups 4 – 8. Group 2 was treated with a standard diabetic drug, ‘Metformin’, while Group 3 (untreated and negative control) was diabetic with increased Total cholesterol (CHOL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and reduced high density lipoproteins (HDL) level throughout the experiment. Glucose was assayed for on the 7th, 14th and 21st day while CHOL, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride were assayed on the 21st day. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in the fasting blood glucose levels of rats in Groups 4-8 was observed when compared to the normal control. Similarly, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in TAG and LDL and a significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL levels in groups treated with the extract when compared to Group 1 (normal control). A photomicrograph of the pancreatic cells was taken before and after treatment with aqueous leaf extract. The photomicrograph before treatment showed atrophic pancreatic islet with vacuolations which indicates significant damaged Islets of langerhans in the beta cells. After treatment the photomicrograph indicates significant cell regeneration and repair. The present investigation suggests that leaf extract of M. aboensis exhibits anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic activities and positively affected pancreatic functions in alloxan-induced diabetes rats.