Annona Senegalensis Research Articles

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antiradical and antimicrobial activities of Annona senegalensis and Detarium microcarpum leaves used in Benin to treat urinary infections

The challenge of resistance to synthetic antimicrobials necessitates new alternative solutions. Medicinal plants are rich in active compounds with various medicinal properties that can be used in treatment of urinary infections. This work aims to highlight the value of Annona senegalensis and Detarium microcarpum by evaluating phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials of their leaf extracts. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out using color and precipitation reactions and spectrophotometric assays. The antiradical activity was evaluated using the DPPH test, and the antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed that both plants contain anthraquinones, catechic tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, reducing compounds, sterols and terpenes. Hydroethanolic extract of Detarium microcarpum and A. senegalensis showed IC50 inhibition percentages of 0.20 mg/mL and 0.22 mg/mL respectively. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the hydroethanolic leaf extracts of D. microcarpum and A. senegalensis were found to be bactericidal and fungicidal against the tested bacteria and molds. This extract showed more pronounced antimicrobial activity than amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, which are synthetic antimicrobials. Diversity of secondary metabolites and notable antimicrobial activity of D. microcarpum and A. senegalensis may justify their use in traditional medicine for treating urinary infections in Benin.

Phytochemical Screening and Characterization of Volatile Compounds from Three Medicinal Plants with Reported Anticancer Properties Using GC-MS

Annona senegalensis pers, Sutherlandia frutescens (L.), and Withania somnifera (L.) are abundant plants and widely distributed in the Limpopo, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, North West and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. The three plants are among those used by traditional healers and herbalists in South Africa for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer. The current study aimed at the phytochemical screening and characterization of volatile compounds from the three medicinal plants using GC-MS. The methanol leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard chemical tests to detect the presence of different classes of compounds. Volatile compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, and detected compounds were identified by comparing the MS spectral data with those of compounds deposited in the NIST Library (NIST08). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, quinones, steroids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and terpenoids in all plants. GC-MS chromatograms allowed the detection and identification of 19 volatile compounds among the three plants with known bioactivities that are important in the management of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The results confirm the leaves of Annona senegalensis, Sutherlandia frutescens, and Withania somnifera as sources of important phytochemicals and therefore justify their use for the treatment of various diseases by traditional healers.

Editorial du Pr Serigne Omar SARR

Dear readers, Dear authors ! The second publication of your quarterly journal is available on time thanks to the commitment of the peer reviewers, the publisher (Presses Universitaires de Dakar), the scientific and editorial committees and the Secretariat which made it possible to proceed within the planned deadlines and in scientific rigor, the evaluation and publication process. This volume 2, number 3 includes three scientific articles that contribute to the transparent and equitable dissemination of science in open access. These original indexed articles address the identification of the artemether-lumefantrine combination in pharmaceutical forms using mid-infrared spectrometry in Benin and chemometric tools, the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of three plants from Niger (Vernonia amygdalina Del., Tephrosia purpurea (L..), Momordica balsamina (L.) ) and the anti-falciemic, anti-hemolytic properties and acute toxicity of three plants from the Niger Pharmacopoeia (Annona senegalensis Linné. Boscia senegalensis (Pers) Lam. and Ampelocissus africana (Lour) Merr.). We thank the entire editorial team and peer reviewers for their collaboration. To your manuscripts and excellent reading!

Antimicrobial Effect of Medicinal Plants Against Streptococcus mutans: A Literature Review

The present study aims to evaluate, through a literature review, the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans. Method: A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed database using the descriptors "phytotherapy," "medicinal plants," and "Streptococcus mutans," either combined or not, covering the period from 2011 to 2021. The search resulted in 99 articles. In the initial screening, 79 articles were excluded for not being related to the topic. Twenty articles were selected, but only 12 met the eligibility criteria, which included studies evaluating the antimicrobial effect of a single medicinal plant on S. mutans only. Among the results, several plant species with antimicrobial potential against S. mutans were identified, including Annona senegalensis, Melia azedarach, Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera officinalis, Zingiber zerumbet, Terminalia chebula, Trachyspermum ammi, Ocimum sanctum, Teucrium polium, Vitis vinifera L., and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. In summary, all studies showed antimicrobial effects against S. mutans, with particular emphasis on the studies with copaiba oil, M. azedarach crude extract, and T. polium, which demonstrated superior and comparable results to the effects of chlorhexidine, respectively.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Annona Senegalensis</i> Extracts (Leaves and Stem Bark) Collected from Three Regions of Senegal

The main objective of the present study is to focus on evaluation of the secondary metabolites composition and antioxidant activity of hydro – ethanolic extracts of <i>Annona senegalensis</i> leaves and stem bark which used in traditional medicine against several kind of diseases. The yields of hydro-ethanolic extracts of organs (leaves and Stem bark) were determined, followed by phytochemical screening and amount of secondary metabolites, by using conventional analytical methods. Anti-radical activity was carried out by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl) reduction tests. The best extraction rates, whatever the plant organ or origin, were obtained with leaves (15.5% on average). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The highest levels of total polyphenols were obtained with leaves extracts [83.931 ± 0.018 g EGA/100 g Dry Matter (DM)] compared with stem bark (77.886 ± 1.001 g EGA/100 g DM). The highest tannin and flavonoid contents are 1.093 ± 0.006 g EC/100 g DM and 0.195 ± 0.004 g EC/100 g DM, respectively. Moreover, the extracts have a high antioxidant capacity with high inhibition percentages of 95.06 ± 0.10% for the leaves and 92.87 ± 0.10% for the bark. These results highlight the presence of bioactive compounds and potential antioxidant activity that have been shown to be efficient in the treatment of certain diseases, in accordance with ethno - botanical survey.

Total Synthesis of Cyclosenegalin A.

A Pro-Gly-typed cyclopeptide, cyclosenegalin A, was firstly isolated from Annona senegalensis and Annona scleroderma. In this study, we reported synthesis the cycloheptapeptide with a combination of solid- and solution-phase synthetic methods. This study also compared the effectiveness of β-turn inducer type I and II in cyclosenegalin A to facilitate the cyclization process. The synthesis of cyclosenegalin A were prepared using two different sequences of linear peptides for cyclization. First sequence employed β-turn type I inducer (Ser-Ala-Val-Thr) as turning point and second sequence employed β-turn type II inducer (Thr-Pro-Gly-Leu). The successful cyclization was obtained using the linear sequence of NH2-Ala-Val-Thr-Pro-Gly-Leu-Ser-OH with β-turn type II. The final product was obtained in 8.2 % yield with PyBOP/DIEA act as coupling agent. The synthetic cyclosenegalin A were characterized with HR-ToFMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and ROESY. The synthetic product was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activity.

Assessment of the Detoxification Potential of Modified Biochar from Annona senegalensis Stem Bark on Cr6+ and Cu2+ in Aqueous Solution: An Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies

Background: Environmental contamination of the air, water, soil, and food has become a threat to the continued existence of many plant and animal communities in the ecosystem. The chemically activated stem bark of Anonna senegalensis was examined for equilibrium sorption. Methods: This study aimed to assess the adsorption of Cr6+ and Cu2+ onto Annona senegalensis carbon (ASC) according to the following parameters: pH, solution temperature, starting metal ion concentration, agitation duration, dose of adsorbent, particle size, and carbonization temperature using a simultaneous batch adsorption method. Pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, intra-particle diffusion kinetic, Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models were all fitted using the equilibrium sorption data that were produced. Thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption studies were also evaluated. Results: The physicochemical analysis of ASC showed ash content of 7.21 ± 0.02%, moisture content of 11.73 ± 0.29%, and porosity of 0.99 ± 0.08 with bulk density of 0.18 g/cm3. The heavy metalloaded scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph showed a filled pit, and the XRD diffractogram, as well as FTIR spectra, revealed peaks that were different from the raw spectra, implying functionalization. The sorption data gave optimum conditions of the adsorption process to be pH of 6, agitation time of 88 minutes, adsorbent dose of 2.5 g/g, initial metal ion concentration of 5 mg/L, temperature of 30°C, particle size of 0.154 mm and carbonization temperature of 400°C. Conclusion: The Langmuir isotherm was found to give the best-fit conformation of all the models based on superior R2 (R2 ≥0.99). Dubinin-Radushkevich proved the mechanism to be physisorption. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fits the data with R2 of 0.998 and 0.986 for Cr6+ and Cu2+. Thermodynamic results of the study revealed that ΔHᵒ for Cr6+ and Cu2+ were 32.78 and 27.14 KJ/mol and are all positive, implying an endothermic process and confirming the physisorption mechanism. The entropy change, ΔSᵒ, was also positive, revealing a high degree of disorderliness at the sorbate/sorbent interphase. The standard Gibbs free energy, ΔGᵒ, were all negative, showing spontaneity and feasibility.

Physico-chemical, nutritional and microbiological potential of the pulp and juice of a wild Côte d’Ivoire fruit (Annona senegalensis): Effects of temperature and storage time

Physico-chemical, nutritional and microbiological potential of the pulp and juice of a wild Côte d’Ivoire fruit (Annona senegalensis): Effects of temperature and storage time

Evaluation of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) leaves aqueous extract in rats and mice

Annona Senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat many pathologies, including inflammatory diseases and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Annona Senegalensis leaves aqueous extract in mice and rats. The analgesic activity was evaluated using the acetic acid (1%) induced writhing test and formalin (1%) test. The anti-inflammatory activity was performed using the carrageenan and the dextran induced hind paw oedema in rats. The extract induced a significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in abdominal contortions compared with control mice. The maximum inhibition was 63.36% at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. Only the late phase of formalin induced nociception was significantly inhibited by the extract with a maximum inhibition value of 56.96% at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. In the anti-inflammatory investigation, the aqueous extract of the leaves of Annona Senegalensis produced a significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. The maximum inhibition was 57.14% obtained at the fifth hour at the dose of 200mg/kg for the carrageenan test. For the dextran test, the maximum inhibition was 59.80% obtained at the second hour at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. Our results show that Annona Senegalensis has peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It could therefore be an advantage in alternative medicine. Keywords: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Annona Senegalensis, Rats, Mice

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of crude extract of metabolites from endophytic fungi isolated from <i>Annona senegalensis</i> Pers

Degenerative diseases resulting from free radicals can be prevented through the use of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to assess the free radical scavenging potential of the underexplored endophytic fungal metabolites from Annona senegalensis Pers (wild custard apple). Freshly collected root, midrib, and leaf tissues were planted on malt extract agar following surface sterilization with 70% ethanol for 3 minutes, washed twice with distilled water, immersed in a sodium hypochlorite solution (4%) for 5 minutes, and subsequently rinsed with sterile water. Seven endophytic fungi were isolated, and the antioxidant activity of their metabolites was evaluated using the 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method, with ascorbic acid serving as a reference antioxidant. The crude extract from the seven endophytic fungal isolates demonstrated concentration- dependent antioxidant activities. LB2 exhibited a strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 38.15 μg/ml. Extracts from RT1 and LB1 showed antioxidant activities, with the highest inhibition of 60% and 65%, respectively, observed at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. This was compared favorably to ascorbic acid, which exhibited 94% inhibition. This indicates that the crude extract from endophytic fungi isolated from A. senegalensis possesses free radical scavenging properties. Further purification and elucidation of the crude extract will reveal the bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities.

Safety assessment of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark: acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.

Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.

Forage Preference, Voluntary Intake, and In Vivo Digestibility of Six Tropical Tree Leaves by Sheep in Semi-Arid Areas in Benin Republic (West Africa)

Livestock supplementation with forage trees is becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional grazing on the open pastures during the dry season in Benin. However, little is known about the feeding preferences of sheep and the digestibility of such native tree/shrub fodder. Such knowledge could improve their use on smallholder farms. Multiple-choice feeding preference tests were conducted on six tree fodders (Annona senegalensis, Blighia sapida, Cassia sieberiana, Gmelina arborea, Khaya senegalensis, and Mangifera indica) to determine the best choice to feed the local rams and ewe Djallonke sheep. The cafeteria test involved four rams and four ewes. In addition, an in vivo trial using metabolic cages was conducted to evaluate the voluntary intake of dried woody leaves and the dry matter digestibility of diets containing these dried leaves. Preferences varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) according to the woody species. Based on relative intake values, sheep preferred, in decreasing order, the leaves of M. indica, B. sapida, K. senegalensis, G. arborea, A. senegalensis, and C. sieberiana. The apparent digestibility of dry matter was highest (p ≤ 0.01) in the G. arborea diet (86.8%); all diets presented a value higher than 70%. This study provided helpful information about better resource utilization to improve animal productivity. Further study could evaluate the growth performance of sheep supplemented with tree fodder.

Heavy metal content of selected readily available commercial medicinal plants in Jos Plateau and their potential human health risk

This study determined the level of heavy metal contamination in selected medicinal plants sold in Jos Metropolis and assesses the health risks associated with their consumption. Five commonly used medicinal plants (Annona senegalensis, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina, and Vitex donniana) were analyzed for the presence of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) respectively using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result showed that the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Zn in all the plants and Pb levels in two plants, V. amygdalina and V. donniana were significantly higher than the WHO recommended limits, indicating a potential health hazard. The calculated values of the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) for the heavy metals exceed the acceptable levels for both adults and children, suggesting a high vulnerability to heavy metal toxicity and carcinogenicity with the highest and lowest HI values obtained by V. amygdalina (47.3) for children and P. guajava (9.63) for adults. The CR associated with Ni and As for adults and children indicated high carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the CR values for Cd and Pb for adults and children indicated a moderate CR. Based on the results and risk assessment provided by this study, the consumption of medicinal plants suggests a high vulnerability to heavy metal toxicity. It can be concluded that the consumption of medicinal plants poses a serious threat to human health due to heavy metal contamination and calls for implementing preventive measures and risk communication among users of these products to safeguard the health of the residents.

Ethno-Botanical Survey: Exploring Indigenous Remedies for African Animal Trypanosomosis in Nigeria

The Fulani pastoralist of Nigeria and other indigenous livestock farmers have used medicinal plants to treat various animal diseases for centuries, amongst which include the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). It is a severe debilitating parasitic disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by pathogenic Trypanosomes and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers in Africa. In this study, an ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the Tsetse-endemic areas of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States of Nigeria to identify medicinal plants used traditionally to treat AAT. During the study, eighty questionnaires were administered to the respondents who were predominantly Fulani pastoralists, and other indigenous livestock farmers. seventy-eight questioners were fully completed and retrieved. The study revealed that that most of the respondents have retained the tradition knowledge system of medicinal plants passed down to them for generations. The study revealed various herbal preparation methods employed by indigenous Nigerian livestock farmers, including decoctions, infusions, and incorporating plant material into feed. Fifteen medicinal plants species belonging to 13 families were identified to be used by Nigerian pastoralist for the treatment AAT. These included Khaya senegalensis (28.2%), Azadirachta indica (25.6%), Boswellia dalziellii (23%), Prosopis africana (23%), Anogeisus leocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides (21.8%), Adansonia digitata and Annona senegalensis (19.2%), Pilostigma thoningii (16.7%), Nauclea latifolia (15.0%). Balanites aegyptiaca (12.5%). Eucalyptus torelliana (11.5%), Tamarindus indica (10.3%), Ximenia americana (9%) and Guiera senegalensis 7.7%).
 Conclusions: The information obtained from this study and the medicinal plants identified can be harnessed for the development of plant-based medicaments for the treatment of AAT.

Genetic and morphological diversity in populations of Annona senegalensis Pers. occurring in Western (Benin) and Southern (Mozambique) Africa.

Understanding morpho-genetic diversity and differentiation of species with relatively large distributions is crucial for the conservation and sustainable management of their genetic resources. The present study focused on Annona senegalensis Pers., an important multipurpose wild plant, distributed exclusively in natural ecosystems but facing several threats. The study assessed the genetic and morphological diversity, structure, and differentiation of the species in populations from Western (Benin) and Southern (Mozambique) Africa. The material was evaluated to ascertain the environmental (climatic) determinants of the variation within this species. Four sub-populations comprised of 154 individuals were phenotyped based on nineteen plant, fruit, and leaf morphological traits and further genotyped using ten polymorphic nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) markers. The results indicated strong differences in plant, fruit, and leaf morphological traits between Western and Southern populations. Furthermore, the studied populations were characterized by high genetic diversity, with an average genetic diversity index of 1.02. Western populations showed higher heterozygosity values (0.61-0.71) than Southern populations (0.41-0.49). Western and Southern populations were clearly differentiated into two different genetic groups, with further genetic subdivisions reflecting four sub-populations. Genetic variation between regions (populations) was higher (69.1%) than among (21.3%) and within (9.6%) sub-populations. Four distinct morphological clusters were obtained, which were strongly associated with the four genetic groups representing each sub-population. Climate, mainly precipitation and temperature indexes, explained the relatively higher variation found in morphological traits from Western (40.47%) in relation to Southern (27.98%) populations. Our study suggests that both environmental and genetic dynamics play an important role in the development of morphological variation in A. senegalensis.

The relative role of soil, climate, and genotype in the variation of nutritional value of Annona senegalensis fruits and leaves

Annona senegalensis Pers is a multipurpose tree species valued for food and medicinal uses in Africa. Although there have been attempts to document the proximate composition of fruits and leaves, little is known about the relative role of soil, climate, and genotype on the nutritional quality. The present study evaluated the variation of the proximate composition of fruits and leaves in populations from Benin and Mozambique. It further assessed the impact of soil, climate and genotype on the proximate composition. Data were collected from four populations genetically different and analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis, redundancy analysis (RDA), and variance partitioning. Results revealed significant variation in the proximate composition of fruits and leaves among the studied populations. Ashes and fibers in fruits, and lipids in leaves were 4.8-fold, 2.5- fold, and 1.25-fold higher respectively, in populations from Mozambique. Fruits moisture and lipids content were rather 1.4-fold and 1.10-fold higher in populations from Benin. Moisture and lipids were respectively 6-fold and 1.27-fold higher in fruits than in leaves, while ashes, fibers and proteins were approximately twice higher in the leaves than in the fruits. Genetic groups, climate and soils were found to influence this variation. All three factors explained 74.4% of the variation of nutritional value of fruits and leaves, 31.9% of which was exclusively due to genetic variation, 2.8% to the interaction of climate and soils, 24.1% to the interaction of soil and genetic variation, and 15.5% to the interaction of all three factors. Our study shows that genetic variation and soil properties better than climate, explain the variation of nutritional value of A. senegalensis fruits and leaves and further provides essential information that could be harnessed in the domestication and breeding program of the species for its edible parts.

EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE TOXICITY, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF FOUR PLANTS USED IN THE BENINESE PHARMACOPOEIA (ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, COMBRETUM GLUTINOSUM AND DETARIUM MICROCARPUM)

Inflammation and pain are a common feature of almost all non-communicable diseases. Annona senegalensis, Sarcocephaluslatifolius, Combretum glutinosum and Detariummicrocarpum have been traditionally used to treat different types of diseases. This study aimed to evaluate in-vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of these plants extracts, as well as their acute toxicity. The hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves were used for in-vivo tests on Wistar rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the 2% formalin-induced edema test, while the analgesic activity was evaluated by the acetic acid test. The acute toxicity of the crude hydroethanol extract was evaluated by oral administration of the extract to Wistar rats. A single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight was administered and the effects on biochemical parameters were evaluated. The two plants tested showed a significant analgesic activity with a percentage of inhibition of cramps of 85.37 % for D. microcarpum and 87.37 % for A.senegalensis compared to aspirin which is 45.07%. The percentage of edema inhibition at 100 mg/kg reached 37.47 % for Detariummicrocarpum and 68.0 % for Annona senegalensis against 34.10 % for diclofenac. The toxicity test performed on rats by the oral route at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight showed no adverse effects and no deaths during the 14 days of observation.

Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Annona Senegalensis On Semen of Albino Rats

Plants with medicinal properties are frequently used to treat infertility in developing nations like Nigeria. One of such herbs, Annona senegalensis, is traditionally used to treat male fertility issues.The present study investigated its fertility enhancement claims.25 Wister rats divided into 5 groups A – E, were used for the study. Groups B – E were given 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the ethanolic leaf extract respectively while Group A served as control. The extract was administered for 28 days thereafter semen samples from each group were analyzed weekly for 4 weeks. At the 4th week; some enzyme, hormonal and bilirubin assays were carried out. Result showed semen characteristics such as motility, sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology were significantly (P<0.05) increased in treated Groups (B – E). Testosterone increased significantly (P<0.05) in treated Groups compared with Control. While Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone were lower. AST increased in numerical mean values while ALK reduced compared with the control. ALT varied insignificantly. Bilirubin did not differ significantly. These findings suggest male fertility enhancement potentials as claimed by African folklore medical practices. Hence more studies are recommended to further substantiate and elucidate its pharmacological activities.

Annona senegalensis stem bark extracts attenuated doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity and mitochondrial oxidative damage in Wistar strain albino rats

Abstract Background and Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX)- an anthracycline is a well-known anticancer agent but its limitation lies in it hepato- and cardio-toxicity involving the mitochondrial redox pathway. Thus, there is need for chemoprotective agents to serve as interventions for militating against toxicity during cancer management. This study investigated the protective potential of Annona senegalensis stem bark extracts (ASE) on DOX-induced mitochondrial membrane damage and oxidative stress in albino rats’ livers. Materials and Methods: ASE was subjected to phytochemical screening. Thirty male Wistar strain albino rats (13 weeks old; 150–160 g) were randomly divided into Groups A (control) received distilled water, Groups B, C, D, E, and F received DOX-only (20 mg/kg), DOX (20 mg/kg) + ASE (100 mg/kg), DOX (20 mg/kg) + ASE (200 mg/kg), DOX (20 mg/kg) + ASE (400 mg/kg), ASE (400 mg/kg) only, respectively (n = 5 per group). Groups that received ASE were pre-administered for 7 days before intraperitoneal administration of DOX on day 7. Rats were sacrificed, oxidative stress and liver membrane damage were evaluated. Results: Tannin, saponin, phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, reducing sugar, and cardiac glycosides were present, while combined and free anthraquinone were absent in ASE. The total flavonoid, phenol, tannin, and reducing sugar content of ASE were 13.11 ± 1.09, 27.19 ± 0.61, 8.98 ± 1.2, and 27.3 ± 1.6 mg gallic acid equivalent, respectively. Activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and level of glutathione in both hepatic mitochondrial membrane and post-mitochondrial fractions (PMF) increased concentration-dependently in ASE pretreated compared to DOX-only-treated animals. Malondialdehyde levels significantly (P < 0.05) decreased concentration-dependently. Conclusions: ASE has chemoprotective potential on liver mitochondria and PMF against DOX-induced toxicity attributable to its constituent phytochemicals.

ACTIVITY OF LIVER FUNCTION ENZYME AND ANTIBACTERIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ANNONA SENEGALENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

In ethnomedicine, various natural products have been implicated in the treatment of several diseases. Annona senegalensis has been identified as one of the plants that have the potential to cure ailments arising from microbial infections. This study however was carried out to investigate the liver function enzyme activity and in vitro antibacterial susceptibility of the 50% ethanol-methanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis. The effect of the administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of A. senegalensis on serum enzyme parameters and antibacterial susceptibility was investigated in albino rats. Thirty-three albino rats with average weights of 200 g were divided into two groups. Group 1 contained 30 rats and was treated with 20 mg/mL of A. senegalensis leaf extract while Group 2 contained three rats and served as the control. The treatment lasted for 20 consecutive days while the rats in Group 1 were daily administered with the leaf extract of A. senegalensis. Data were analyzed and presented using a descriptive analysis from Microsoft Excel 2016 version. The results obtained from administration of the leaf extract of A. senegalensis on serum enzymes parameters show a significant increase in serum enzyme activity when compared to the control. This indicates that the leaf extracts of A. senegalensis have significant effects on the serum enzymes parameters. The in vitro antibacterial susceptibility of the leaf extracts relative to the drugs (Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin) revealed that the leaf extract of the plant holds much promise in antibacterial property when combined with antibiotics used in this study. This research revealed that there is high activity of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase in the serum following the administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of 50% ethanol-methanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis. The antibacterial susceptibility test of the leaf extract carried out in vitro also revealed the plant antibacterial property. The combination of A. senegalensis leaf extract with antibiotic drugs, especially the one used in this study hold much promise in its efficacy as revealed in its synergistic interaction.