Africana Extract Research Articles

Antiaris africana aqueous extract inhibits chronic demyelination and seizures in mice

Demyelinating diseases are commonly associated with epileptic seizures and have limited management options. Hence, the need to investigate potential options for management of such seizures. Antiaris Africana extract (AE) was investigated for effect in chronic demyelinating seizures. Cuprizone treatment induced short but frequent spike discharges in mice. Antiaris Africana extract (300 mg/kg) treatment abolished epileptiform discharges. Cuprizone administration caused severe demyelination in the corpus callosum. After the demyelination phase, myelin content decreased to 22.86 ± 1.92 % in the cuprizone-only group. However, there was an increase to 52.14 ± 3.91 % in cuprizone-only group and 62.00 ± 2.78 % in the Antiaris africana extract group respectively, after a 4-week cuprizone cessation period. Treatment with AE and LEV visibly altered myelin growth. Antiaris africana extract treatment produced significant (P < 0.001, F (3, 16) = 698.4) increase in locomotor activity similar to LEV (P < 0.001,F (2, 12) = 678.7) and DZP (P < 0.001, F (2, 12) = 620.4) and improved beam traversal time (18.71 ± 2.244 s; 95 % CI: 13.22–24.20) while causing significantly (P < 0.05, F (2, 15) = 6.667) fewer stepping errors. Antiaris africana extract inhibits seizures induced by chronic demyelination and has beneficial effects on motor coordination.

PROSOPIS AFRICANA EXTRACTS AS POTENTIAL NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO SYNTHETIC ANTIBIOTICS AND A KEY FOR SUSTAINABLE BROILER PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Prosopis Africana Extracts As Potential Natural Alternatives To Synthetic Antibiotics And A Key For Sustainable Broiler Production: A Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene

Prosopis Africana Extracts as Potential Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Antibiotics and a Key for Sustainable Broiler Production: a Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Prosopis Africana Extracts as Potential Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Antibiotics and a Key for Sustainable Broiler Production: A Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Kigelia africana improves libido in phenyl hydrazine induced anaemic female Wistar rats

Background and Objective: Anaemia is a global public health challenge affecting adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, pregnant women and children in low and middle income countries. This study therefore was designed to evaluate the effect of extract of Kigelia africana on female sexual hormones following phenyl hydrazine induced anaemia. Materials and Methods: This research work was carried out using twenty five (25) female Wistar rats. The experimental rats were randomly divided into five (5) groups, with five animals per group .Group A served as Normal control (non-anaemic control), group B: Anaemic control(induced with phenyhdrazine) without treatment ,group C; anaemic rats treated with feroton (Standard control), group D; Anaemic rats co-administered with 200mg/kg petroleum ether leaf extract Kigelia africana extract (PETLETKG1), and group E; Anaemic rats treated with 200mg/kg between petroleum ether leaf extract Kigelia africana extract (PETLETKG2) .All administrations were done orally using oropharyngeal cannula once per day for 14 days (2 week). Blood was collected by cardiac puncture using disposable syringe and needle to draw blood into plane sterile tubes. Thereafter, the samples were analyzed using standard methods. Results: The result depicts the significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in serum follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, progesterone, oestrogen when compared with both normal and standard control. More so, the petroleum ether extract of K. africana showed no significant (P&lt;0.05) difference on L.H hormone when compared with both the standard and the normal control. Contrastingly, the extract of K. africana decreases serum testosterone significantly (P&lt;0.05) when compared with both the standard and normal control. Conclusion: The result suggests that the extract might be useful in improving the sexual health and libido of female animals following phenyl hydrazine induced anaemia.

Evaluation of Anti-plasmodial Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana on Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) Infected Male Albino Mice

This study was designed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) infected male albino mice. P. berghei was obtained from National Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria, and maintained in the laboratory by serial passage in mice. Chemo-suppressive, prophylactic, and curative procedures were used to appraise the antiplasmodial potentials of the extracts. A total of 305 albino mice were used for this study. Forty-five albino mice which were divided into 9 groups were used for the acute toxicity study of F. trichocarpa and L. africana. For chemo-suppressive and prophylactic assessment, 180 albino mice were divided into 2 sets of 90 rats grouped into 6 of five albino mice each respectively, while 70 mice were used for the curative assessment. The remaining 10 infected mice served as donor mice. The infected mice were orally treated daily with 5 mg kg‾1 chloroquine 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg kg‾1 bodyweight of F. trichocarpa and L. africana respectively, and a combined extract of F. trichocarpa and L. africana in a 1:1 ratio. The In vivo antiplasmodial effect of L. africana extract against P. berghei infection showed a significant (p˂0.05) dose-dependent schizonticidal activity for the prophylactic test. The percentage suppression of the malarial parasite by F. trichocarpa and L. africana after a 4-day treatment followed a dose-dependent manner and were significantly (p˂0.05) higher than the percentage suppression of groups treated with the combined extracts. Results of the prophylactic study showed that the percentage suppression of the parasite by the aqueous leaf extract of L. africana at each administered dosage was above 30%. It was, therefore, concluded that the leaf extracts of F. trichocarpa and L. africana possess antimalarial potencies when administered individually than as a combined regime and this property could be exploited for antimalarial therapy.

Study on hemostatic activities of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams and Conyza canadensis L.

The process of hemostasis involves the body turning blood into a thick, gel-like mass at the site of injury or damage in order to stop bleeding. Africa and Latin America are the native habitats of Aspilia africana (Family Asteraceae). Hemorrhage plant and wild Sunflower are frequent names for this plant, which grows in savanna wastelands and forested areas. Conyza canadensis (Family Asteraceae) is commonly known as Canadian horseweed or Canadian fleabane. It is present in all warm nations, but because of its global distributions from America, it is thought to have originated there and spread to the rest of the world. This study investigated hemostatic activities of the leaves extract of Aspilia africana and Conyza canadensis on mice. Fresh leaves of the plant samples were extracted with methanol and thirty-two (32) mice grouped into eight of four mice were used for the study. Incision was made on the tail of each mouse. Warfarin, a standard drug (3 mg/kg), was used as positive control while each plant extract was made into concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The bleeding time (seconds) of breaking tail and volume of bleeding were measured to evaluate the hemostatic activity after administration of treatments for 5 days (once per day). The results of this study showed reduction in the volume of bleeding in all the treatment groups when compared to untreated (negative control) group but highest activity was recorded in warfarin (Positive control). Aspilia africana (200 mg/kg) methanol extract (1.12±0.01) was not statistically different from the mean values of warfarin (1.11±0.01). The results of bleeding time (Seconds) in tails of the mice of warfarin, Aspilia africana methanol extract and Conyza canadensis methanol extract groups reduced when compared to the negative control group, but Aspilia africana extract gave highest activity at 200 mg/kg. The significant ability of Aspilia africana leaves extract to effectively arrest bleeding from fresh wounds and accelerate wound healing process might be attributed to the metabolites present. However, further studies should be carried out on its toxicity and mechanism of actions.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used against Infertility in the Nyong and So’o Division (Cameroon) and Pro-fertilizing Activities of Mammea africana (Clusiaceae) Aqueous Extract Rats

Background: World-renowned as primary healthcare, traditional medicine often represents the only therapeutic resource for many communities with very low incomes, although it shows valuable benefits. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the medicinal plants used to treat infertility in the Nyong &amp; So’o Division (Cameroon) and the effect of Mammea africana, the most commonly used medicinal plant extract, on reproductive parameters in female rats.&#x0D; Methods: First, a transversal and analytic investigation using semi-structured interviews was conducted on a sample of 22 traditional healers. Secondly, two pharmacological assays were carried out to evaluate M. africana aqueous extract activities in 8-10-week-old female Wistar rats. During 14 days, non-ovariectomized (Novx) mice were given distilled water (DW) at 10 mL/kg and M. africana extract at 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg. In the end, cervical smears were realized, animals were sacrificed, and extract activities were evaluated on reproductive parameters. The estrogenic activities of M. africana extract were assessed on estrogenic-dependent tissues per os in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats in the second assay. They received respectively distilled water (DW), estradiol valerate (E2V) at 1 mg/kg, and the extract at the aforesaid doses, and 3 groups were co-treated with E2V (0.75 mg/kg) and the extract. A sham-operated group received DW&#x0D; Results: Ethnobotanical investigation revealed that 20 species of plant belonging to 13 different families are used to treat infertility. Mammea africana was the most used plant and its extract at 80 mg/kg aqueous extract induced a significant increase (p &lt;0.001) of FSH, LH, and estradiol in Novx rats compared to control. Furthermore, the extract induced the maturation of ovarian follicles. M. africana extract exhibited also estrogenic activities in Ovx rats. Indeed, M. africana aqueous extract induced the formation of stratum corneum in the vagina of Ovx rats. E2V activities at 0.75 mg/kg were maximized by M. africana extract.&#x0D; Conclusion: To sum up, many species are used in the Nyong &amp; So’o Division to manage reproductive failure. Among them, Mammea africana is the most commonly used and possesses estrogenic-like activities.

Biochemical and hormonal studies of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic female rats administered ethanol Leaf Extract of Kigelia africana

To study the biochemical and hormonal parameters in metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic female Wistar rats administered ethanol leaf extract of Kigelia africana. Thirty (30) female Wistar rats were grouped into two major parts: (i) normal control (n = 5) and (ii) experimental (n = 25) to induce hyperprolactinemia. The experimental group was divided into five groups of five animals each, given a total of six in all. Group 1 received the distilled water alone, group 2 was metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats only, group 3 comprised metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats administered bromocriptine (2.5 mg Kg–1 b.wt.), and groups 4–6 were metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats administered 100, 200, and 400 mg Kg–1 K. africana ethanol extract, respectively. After treatments, biochemical and hormonal parameters were determined. Prolactin level increased significantly (P 0.05) of cholesterol and protein uteri levels were obtained in experimental rats treated with K. africana extract in comparison with the normal control and hyperprolactinemia control. In conclusion, ethanol extract of the plant can ameliorate hyperprolactinemia in rats and could improve some fertility hormones through its stimulatory effect on the gonads.

In vivo and in vitro hepatoprotective effect of three endemic plants against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extracts from the aerial parts of Matricaria pubescens, Centaurea incana, and Santolina africana, against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. The different aerial parts of three methanolic extracts, exhibited antioxidant activity in the DPPH free radical (IC50, 0.032, 0.087 and 0.044 mg/ml) respectively. The reducing ability of the extracts showed a dose-dependent trend increasing with increase in the concentrations of the extracts.The antioxidant activity of samples at the concentration of 2 mg/ml was reflected in their ability to inhibit the bleaching of β-carotene. Treated groups with extracts of studied three plants showed decrease in plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and an increase in plasma catalase levels activities, while hepatic MDA decreased and catalase increased as compared to carbon tetrachloride treated groups. In consistency with in vivo and in vitro results, extracts of all three plants ameliorated the carbon tetrachloride extensive damage to liver tissue of treated animals, but, Santolina africana extract was the most efficient.

In Vitro Comparison of the Anti-Proliferative Effects of Galenia africana on Human Skin Cell Lines

Malignant melanoma is the major cause of skin cancer-related deaths. Surgery in combination with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy is used to eradicate cancer cells, however, this treatment option is limited by the tolerance of the surrounding healthy tissue. The extracts from Galenia africana have been shown to possess anti-cancer flavonoid compounds and can be a safer and cost-effective alternative treatment. The study aimed to compare the anti-proliferative effects of G. africana on human skin cells (HaCaT) and human malignant melanoma cells (A375). The cells were exposed to various concentrations of the G. africana extract at different times. In vitro assays were employed to determine cell viability and cytotoxicity. Hoechst 33342 staining was performed to observe the nuclear changes, including apoptosis. G. africana significantly reduced the cell viability of the A375 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner, while having no effect on the HaCaT cells. The A375 cells displayed nuclear condensation, brightly stained nuclei and nuclear fragmentation indicative of apoptosis. This suggests a clinical rationale for the use of G. africana as a potential anti-melanoma agent offering efficacy and low toxicity. This study provides new insights for future work on investigating the utilization of G. africana in malignant melanoma treatment.

Antiplasmodial, antinociceptive and antipyretic potential of the stem bark extract of Burkea africana and identification of its antiplasmodial-active fraction

Background and aimBurkea africana stem bark is used as a remedy for malaria in north-central and southern Nigeria. Based on its traditional use, this study was conducted to investigate the antiplasmodial, antinociceptive and antipyretic potential of an extract of B. africana stem bark. Experimental procedureA 70% v/v ethanol extract of stem bark of B. africana was prepared by cold maceration. Fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and residual) were also prepared. The extract was screened for hemolytic, cytotoxic and antiplasmodial activity effects. The effect of the extract and fractions against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multi-drug resistant (W2mef) P. falciparum was assessed. Acute toxicity test, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice, and lipopolysaccharide-induced fever in rats were also employed to screen the extract. Chromatographic fingerprints of the extract and active fraction were obtained. ResultsB. africana extract showed no cytotoxic or significant hemolytic effects and did not cause acute toxicity or mortality. The ethanol extract exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity while the dichloromethane fraction showed high activity against P. falciparum 3D7 (IC50 = 6.44 μg/ml) and W2mef (IC50 = 6.30 μg/ml) respectively. The extract elicited significant (p < 0.05) attenuation of acetic acid-induced writhing and significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced pyrexia at 300 mg/kg. The HPLC profile of the dichloromethane fraction showed peaks with retention times that corresponded with those of rutin and caffeic acid. ConclusionBurkea africana extract has antiplasmodial, antinociceptive and antipyretic potential and its antiplasmodial constituents are concentrated in its dichloromethane fraction.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of underutilized spices from Central Africa.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate phytochemical profile, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of some underutilized Cameroon spice extracts, viz. The fruit of Xylopia africana, the fruit and the bulb of Aframomum sulcatum; and the bark of Hypodaphnis zenkeri. Four different solvent combinations were used for extraction of phytochemicals. Highest total polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin contents were observed in X. africana extract 10.32 ± 0.49g gallic acid eq/100g of dry matter, 146.66 ± 4.15mg quercetin eq/100g of dry matter, 452.44 ± 2.7mg tannic acid eq/100g spices dry matter. Methanol extracts revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid (0.790-4.312), vanillic acid (0.830-19.768), epicatechin (25.386-34.707), p-coumaric acid (1.127-12.652), protosynapic acid (0.221-186.562) and T-cinnamic acid (3.794-52.58) mg/100g dry spice by HPLC analysis. Extracts of X. africana and H. zenkeri exhibited higher antioxidant activity: DPPH (182.24 ± 2.41mg ascorbic acid eq/g dry spice), ABTS (9.247 ± 0.004g trolox eq/100g spice), hydroxyl free radicals (729.27 ± 3.07mg mannitol eq/100g spice) and reducing power (2.351 ± 0.002g ascorbic acid equivalent/100g spice). Positive and high correlations existed between the antioxidant activity of extracts obtained with different methods and their corresponding phenolic content. Extract of A. sulcatum highly inhibited porcine pancreatic lipase whereas, X. africana and H. zenkeri extracts highly inhibited α-amylase (98.82 and 99.54% respectively). These spices could be utilized as natural antioxidant sources for the management oxidative stress, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism related diseases.

The anti-respiratory syncytial virus activity of methanol leaf extract of Aspilia africana

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to date, is still the most frequent cause of infantile and childhood cause of viral lower respiratory tract illness on a global scale, and at the same time, causing significant impact in the elderly. Presently, there is no licensed vaccine or safe and specific antiviral agent that could be used against the virus. Medicinal plants are known to be a promising source for the discovery of utilizable anti-RSV treatments. In this present study, we screened the anti-RSV and cell cytotoxicity activities of methanol extract of A. Africana by virus plaque reduction and corresponding cell viability methods in Hep-2 and Vero cells of human and mammalian origin respectively. The corresponding set up for analyses of A. Africana extract on cell viability were performed by the reduction of thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) in the Hep-2 cells following the established method. The results of an evaluation of the extract of A. africana showed anti-RSV activities with inhibition of RSV at IC50, 42.5 ± 8.89, while the cell cytotoxic effect in Hep2 cells recorded was TC50, 121.4. ± 7.21. Therefore, our results show that the methanol extract of AA exhibited anti-RSV activities and has a moderate effect on the cell viability of the recipient host cell, indicating that target molecular substances against RSV can be developed from the extract.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants against pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections

Introduction: Worldwide, more than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired daily. The diversity and frequency of sexual infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms have increased thus becoming a major cause of illness and mortality amongst young adults. Medicinal plants have been good remedies for the treatment of STIs since ancient times. In this study, we evaluated antimicrobial, anti- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-inflammatory activities of five selected medicinal plants. Methods: We determined the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts against the bacteria causing common STIs. Then, the anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzyme, 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) and we further investigated the plants extracts of anti-HIV activities against the recombinant HIV-1 enzyme, reverse transcriptase. Results: Methanol extract of Terminalia sericea and dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Bidens pilosa exhibited good activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Gardnerella vaginalis. Ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Bidens pilosa exhibited good activities against Candida albicans. Ethyl acetate extract of K. africana and methanol extract of B. pilosa showed good anti-inflammatory activities. Ethyl acetate, DCM and methanol extracts of T. sericea exhibited promising anti-HIV-1 activities by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase whilst methanol extracts of T. dregeana showed low anti-HIV-1 activity. Conclusion: These plants showed promising activity against the propagation of inflammation, displayed good antimicrobial activities against the bacteria causing STIs and could be used as potential leads and/or source for new drug candidates.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of three halophyte plants from Algeria and detection of some biomolecules by HPLC-DAD

Antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts (30/70) from leaves and stems of three halophytes (Tamarix africana, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Suaeda fruticose) was investigated. In vivo toxicological study and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract of T. africana were tested on carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema. T. africana possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 150 and 300 mg/kg confirmed by histological study of inflamed tissues. Six phenolic acids and 10 flavonoids where identified by HPLC–DAD. Gallic acid, Rutin and Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the major compounds. For the antibiotic assays, S. fruticosa leaf extract exhibited strong bactericidal power against S. aureus with MBC of 1.25 mg/mL whereas T. africana leaf and stem samples exhibited a significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis compared to the negative control (Ampicillin and Chloramphenicol). Crude leaf and stem extracts from T. africana and stem extract from S. fruticosa exhibited a strong antifungal effect against C. albicans.

Inhibitive Potential of Prosopis Africana on Corrosion of Low Carbon Steel in 1M Hydrochloric Acid Medium

Recently, there is quest for the use of inexpensive, non-toxic, non-biodegradable, readily available and environmentally acceptable corrosion inhibitor. Studies have shown that these properties could be achieved through the use of plants as inhibitor. Inhibiting effect of Prosopis Africana (Iron Tree) seed extracts were assessed on a sample of low carbon steel in 1M HCl with varying proportion of the seed extract using gravimetric, Tafel polarization and gasometrical measurement techniques. The results show that weight loss/corrosion rate decreases with increase in the extracts’ concentrations. Good inhibiting efficiency of Prosopis Africana extracts with optimum inhibiting efficiency of 97.7% at 1.0 g/l after 120 hours exposure in gravimetric measurement was attained. TAFEL polarization results revealed that the Prosopis Africana extract shows that the corrosion current density decreases with the increase in the concentration of the extract. The extract is found suitable as green inhibitor for corrosion of low carbon steel in the studied medium.

Acute toxicity studies of the South African medicinal plant Galenia africana.

Medicinal plants are used by a large proportion of the global population as complementary and alternative medicines. However, little is known about their toxicity. G. africana has been used to treat wounds, coughs and skin diseases and is used in cosmetic formulations such as lotions and shampoos. The acute oral and dermal toxicity potential of G. africana was analyzed after a single administration of 300 and 2000 mg/kgbw for acute oral toxicity and 2000 mg/kgbw for acute dermal toxicity. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the acute oral toxicity study whereas both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the acute dermal toxicity study. In the Episkin skin irritation test, the irritation potential of G. africana (concentrate) and G. africana (in-use dilution) extracts were assessed using the Episkin reconstituted human epidermis. In the dermal sensitization study, female CBA/Ca mice were treated with G. africana concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/ml respectively. The vehicle of choice was dimethylformamide which acted as a control. The results of the acute oral and dermal toxicity studies revealed that the median lethal dosage (LD50) for G. africana extract in Sprague-Dawley rats was considered to exceed 2000 mg/kgbw. In the irritation test, the G. africana (concentrate) and G. africana (in-use dilution) extracts were non-irritant on the Episkin reconstituted human epidermis. In the dermal sensitization study, the stimulation index (SI) values for the mice treated with the G. africana extract at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/ml/kgbw, when compared to the control group, were 1.3, 0.9 and 1.3 respectively. The open application of the extract at the various concentrations did not result in a SI of ≥ 3 in any group. Hence, it did not elicit a hypersensitivity response. These findings demonstrate that the acute toxicity profile for G. africana is acceptable and can subsequently be used for single use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Some behavioural studies on methanol root bark extract of &lt;i&gt;Burkea africana&lt;/i&gt; (fabaceae) in mice

Burkea africana is a plant that belongs to then family Fabaceae; it is widely spread in tropical Africa including Nigeria. It is of valuable in ethnomedicine especially in the treatment of antidote for venomous stings and bites, cutaneous and sub cutaneous parasitic infection, convulsion and pulmonary troubles. The research was conducted to evaluate some central nervous system properties of the root bark methanol extractof B. africana in mice. It involved the following animal models: diazepam-induced sleep, hole-board and walking beam assay. Results: The methanol extract showed a significant decrease in the onset of sleep at doses of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05); as well as produced significant increase in the duration of sleep (40 and 80 mg/kg) at p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.005 respectively. The number of head dips significantly increased at 20 and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05 and 0.005 respectively). From the beam walking test for motor deficits, the result showed a significant increase in the number of foot slips at doses of 20 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05); 40 and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.005), where as there was no significant difference in the time taken to cross the two ends of the beam (time taken to complete the task). The median lethal dose (LD50) value of B. africana extract was found to be 288.5 mg/kg (i.p) in mice. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoid, aglycones, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, unsaturated steroids and triterpenes. Our results suggest that the B. africana extract contains biologically active compounds with potential sedative and anxiolytic properties.Key Words: Sedation, B. Africana, Diazepam, ethnomedicine