Aqueous Stem Bark Extract Research Articles

Therapeutic Effects of Pterocarpus santalinoides Stem Bark Aqueous Extract: Evidence from L-NAME-induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats

Aims: Ethnopharmacological information indicates that the stem bark of Pterocarpus santalinoides is used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases including hypertension. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the stem bark aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (AEPS) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats (LNHR). Methodology: Hypertension was induced in normotensive rats by intraperitoneal administration of L-NAME (25 mg/kg/day) for 42 days. Forty-two animals were divided into two main groups: one group of seven rats (group 1) receiving distilled water (10 mL/kg) and another thirty-five rats receiving L-NAME (group 2). After three weeks of treatment, the hypertensive animals (group 2) were divided into five groups of seven rats each. Animals of the first group received distilled water, those of the second group were treated with captopril (20 mg/kg), and the three last groups received the AEPS (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). These rats were daily treated per os with the above substances for three weeks. At the end of the experimental period (42 days), animals were anesthetized and the blood pressure and heart rate were recorded by invasive method. Afterward, the blood, aorta, and heart of each rat were collected for some biochemical and/or histological examination. Results: L-NAME administration induced hypertension, as associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, hepatic and renal dysfunctions. Aqueous extract administration significantly improved all these metabolic disorders induced by L-NAME. Furthermore, the remodeling of the aortic media after NO deficiency-induced L-NAME has also been improved by Pterocarpus santalinoides aqueous extract. The therapeutic effect of AEPS against L-NAME-induced hypertension could probably be due to its antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties. Conclusion: Current results confirmed the empirical use of Pterocarpus santalinoides stem bark for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicine.

"Investigation of the Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Haematological Parameters in Rats"

"Investigation of the Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Haematological Parameters in Rats"

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Stem Bark Extracts of Kaya Senegalensis (Desv) A. Juss., in Human Urinary Infections

Urinary infections constitute a public health problem today and the responsible germs increasingly express their strong resistance to common antimicrobials. The use of plants or plant products in fight against these pathologies are considered to be a goood alternative. The objective of this study is to determine in vitro antioxidant power and antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts 70% of stem bark of Kaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) on clinical strains of E.coli and Staphylococcus spp. urinary infections and on two reference strains. The antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the ABTS radical cation trapping method using trolox as a reference. Sensitivity of strains to the two extracts and antibacterial parameters which are minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined respectively by punch well method in Mueller Hinton agar and liquid dilution method. Both extracts expressed a strong antioxidant power around 50 μmol TE/L of extract. The MICs varied from 6.25 mg/mL to 12.5 mg/mL for aqueous extract and from 6.25 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL for hydro-ethanolic extract. For all the strains MBC was identical to the MIC indicating that the two extracts have bactericidal power on the strains excluding the reference strain of S.aureus. These results suggest that K. senegalensis could be an alternative in the fight against urinary infections.

Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of Leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts from Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman

The rise of resistant strains poses a significant public health risk, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 50% of global infectious disease-associated deaths occur, highlighting the urgent need for novel, safe, affordable, and accessible antimicrobials. Accordingly, we investigated the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous, hydroethanolic, and acetonic leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman, based on its ethnomedicinal information. The results showed the aqueous root bark and aqueous/acetonic stem bark extracts demonstrated significant (p<0.05) antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus at 800 µg/ml, outperforming other extracts and the reference antibiotic. Growth inhibition zones for most extracts on S. aureus showed a concentration-dependent increase, though not significantly (p>0.05) different. The acetonic root bark extract, particularly at 800 µg/ml, exhibited superior inhibitory effects against B. cereus compared to other extracts (p<0.05), although the positive control antibiotic significantly (p<0.05) outperformed all plant extracts. Notably, none of the studied extracts affected P. aeruginosa and E. coli, while varying effects were observed against C. albicans. Further we observed that the hydroethanolic and aqueous stem bark extracts' exceptionally low Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MICs and MBCs) against S. aureus (3.125 µg/ml). Conversely, the acetonic leaf extract showed higher MIC and MBC values against S. aureus (100 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assessments using brine shrimp nauplii revealed the percentage mortalities caused by Vincristine and aqueous root/stem bark extracts at 1000 µg/ml, were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those caused by other extracts (Median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 513 µg/ml to 24327.82 µg/ml). Qualitative phytochemistry identified alkaloids in root bark and stem bark extracts, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, steroids, and terpenoids across all samples, with saponins in acetonic root bark and all three leaf extracts, and glycosides in acetonic stem bark, hydroethanolic root bark, and acetonic leaf extracts. These findings highlight the diverse antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of P. africana extracts, suggesting potential therapeutic applications and emphasise the need for further exploration.

Acaricidal Efficacy of Cassia sieberiana DC (Caesalpinaceae) Stem Bark Aqueous Extract on Hyalomma KOCH, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) Reproductive Stages

One of the most significant challenges facing tick control through chemical acaricides is resistance and environmental pollution, encouraging the need for natural plant products that are less toxic and environment friendly. This study was conducted to determine theacaricidal efficacy of Cassia sieberiana stem bark aqueous extract on Hyalomma species using immersion testing for egg-hatchinhibition and adult mortality. Both tests used ascending extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, at durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hours. Egg-hatch inhibition peaked at 5% concentration at 8hrs, 10% and 15% at 7 and 8hrs and 20% at 5, 6, 7 and 8hrs while adult mortality was highest at 20% concentration. There was a positive correlation between graded extract concentration, immersion period, egg-hatch inhibition and adult mortality. The LC50 values for adult mortality and egg-hatch inhibition were 13.1 mg/mL and 13.7 mg/mL and coefficient of determination were y = 3.7x +1.5 and y = 3.062 + 8.12 respectively. Both LC50 values were almost similar indicating a strong association between extract concentration and acaricidal activity in vitro.

Unveiling the antimalarial properties of Terminalia ivorensis (A. Chev) stem bark aqueous extract: In vivo efficacy testing and in silico predictions

Due to the spreading resistance to antimalarial drugs, new therapeutics are urgently needed, preferably with novel modes of action. Extracts from Terminalia ivorensis have previously been shown to possess activity in vitro against multidrug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum. However, to the best of our knowledge, no scientific study has been published describing the antimalarial potential of these extracts through in vivo efficacy testing. This study aimed to determine the safety and antimalarial efficacy of the T. ivorensis stem bark aqueous extract (TiH2O) in a mouse model using the OECD 423 protocol and the suppressive and curative murine malaria models, and to predict in silico the pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness of two major phytochemical constituents. The in vivo antimalarial efficacy was assessed using the P. berghei NK65-infected mice. The TiH2O treatment impact on biochemical parameters was measured using established standard procedures. The pharmacokinetics prediction was achieved through the pkCSM predictor and Swiss ADME. The TiH2O extract was nontoxic in BALB/c mice at a lethal dose of 50 (LD50) > 2000 mg/kg. The TiH2O extract displayed strong antimalarial efficacy with 100% parasitemia suppression at 200 mg/kg b.w. after 4 days of treatment while its oral administration at 400 mg/kg b.w. in the curative model significantly decreased P. berghei parasitemia by 94.07% with a median efficacy dose (ED50) of 96.80 mg/kg. The administration of TiH2O extract restored the histological parameters disrupted by P. berghei, and the transaminase (ALT and AST) activity, creatinine, and bilirubin levels significantly decreased compared to the negative control mice. In silico explorations showed that the main constituents leucodelphidin (leucodelphinidin) and ellagic acid of the TiH2O extract have drug-like properties, thus indicating that T. ivorensis might constitute a promising source of antimalarial chemical entities with good pharmacokinetics and drug-like properties. The results obtained further corroborated the preliminary in vitro antiplasmodial studies of T. ivorensis stem bark aqueous extract. The metabolome of TiH2O extract should be further profiled in the prospects of characterizing novel natural product scaffolds to support antimalarial drug discovery.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SHAMPOO FROM GREWIA SERRULATA DC. STEM BARK

Shampooing is one of the most common forms of hair treatment, primarily cleansing the hair and scalp. Herbal shampoo is a natural haircare product used to remove grease, dirt and dandruff, promote growth, and strengthen the hair. This study aims to formulate a shampoo containing herbal extract that can be an alternative to chemical-based shampoo and may also show better safety. Aqueous extract of stem bark of Grewia serrulata DC. belonging to the family Tiliaceae which is highly mucilaginous in nature was used as the main ingredient in the formulated herbal shampoo. The main objective of the study was to prepare herbal shampoo incorporating the herbal constituent base and evaluate the herbal shampoo for cosmetic purposes.

The anti-pyretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba on brewer’s yeast-induced wistar rats

The anti-pyretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba on brewer’s yeast-induced wistar rats

Anthelmintic Activity of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Khaya grandifoliola Stem Bark against Heligmosomoides polygyrus: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Parasitic infection remains a serious health trade for humans and livestock. The purpose of this study was to present scientific proof of the anthelmintic properties of Khaya grandifoliola, which the native population uses to cure helminthiasis. Fresh Heligmosomoides polygyrus eggs were isolated from faecal samples of experimentally infected mice. The faecal material was cultured, and L1 and L2 larval stages were recovered after 48 and 120 hours, respectively. Using the worm microtracker, the anthelminthic efficacy of the extracts against H. polygyrus was assessed. Two different extracts (aqueous and ethanol extracts) were prepared. For the ovicidal and larvicidal activities, 100 µL of various concentrations of plant extracts, levamisole and 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were introduced into a 96-well microplate titer followed by the addition of 100 µL of embryonated eggs (60 eggs) for the ovicidal activity and 100 µL of L 1 or L 2 larvae (50 larvae) for the larvicidal activity. The movement of the worm was monitored for 24 hours in the worm microtracker at 27°C. The Glide module of the Schrodinger Maestro software was used to perform docking studies. For the aqueous extracts, the highest percentage of inhibition of hatching was 42.77 ± 12% at 7.5 mg/mL. The IC50 values for the ethanol (0.36 mg/mL) extract showed that the ethanol extract had a good inhibitory effect on the ability of parasites to hatch from eggs. The inhibition percentage of L1 larvae motility at 7.5 mg/mL was 98.0 ± 1.66% and 83.33 ± 1.66% for ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The negative controls, distilled water and 1.5% DMSO, had no inhibitory impact on larvae. On L1-larvae, the drug of choice levamisole (positive control) had the highest percentage effect (100.0%). Six compounds had the highest docking score and their interactions with the receptor as well. Grandiamide A interacts most with tyrosine, glycine, phenylalanine, asparagine, and serine, and its benzene ring and oxygens inhibit these receptors. Carbonyl and hydroxyl (OH) groups connect grandiamide D to asparagine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine, respectively. By donating hydrogen to the receptor through OH groups, D-glucopyranose-6-phosphate also forms relatively strong hydrogen bonds with its oxygen-bound phosphorus and the receptor. 1-O-deacetylkhayanolide E interacts most with serine and glutamic acid. The carbamic acid benzyl ester of carbamic acid [(1S)-1-phenyl-2-[(4-methylphenyl) sulfinyl] ethyl] interacts most with the receptor with carbonyl groups and with asparagine and serine. With its abundant hydroxide, D-mannitol acts as a hydrogen donor and acceptor and interacts most strongly with amino acids such as glycine, asparagine, aspartic acid, alanine, and glutamic acid. K. grandifoliola extracts possess anthelminthic properties. However, in vivo studies are still necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of this plant for the treatment of helminthiasis.

Investigation of the Subchronic Toxicity of Graded Doses of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats

Aim: To investigate the subchronic toxicity of graded doses of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of seventy (70) rats (35 per extract) weighing 160 to 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were divided into seven (7) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as control, while rats in groups II – VII received graded doses of extract (200 – 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt) for a duration of 28 days. Weight parameters, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and histopathological assessment were carried out. Results: Percentage increases in body weights of rats treated with aqueous or ethanol extract of D. guineense stem bark were significantly reduced, when compared with control group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the corresponding relative organ weights and tissue MDA level, among the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, the extracts did not significantly alter the normal architecture of the liver, but induced mild periportal lymphocytosis and kupffer cell activation. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the medicinal plant stem bark did not elicit any deleterious effects on rat liver.

Biochemical effects of ingested crude oil contaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous and ethanol extracts in wistar albino rats

Biochemical effects of ingested crude oil contaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous and ethanol extracts in wistar albino rats

Antiulcer activity of the stem bark aqueous extract of Croton oligandrum (Euphorbiaceae) against Ethanol/HCl-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Gastric ulcer is an alteration of the lining of the stomach with destruction of mucus-producing cells. Many factors are contributing to the development of peptic ulcer such as phygiological stress, high production of acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol consumption. Croton oligandrum is traditionally used to treat many diseases including gastric ulcers. This study aims to investigate the cytoprotective activity of Croton oligandrum. To assess the gastroprotective potential of Croton oligandrum ulcer models were established using ethanol and indomethacin. Sucralfate was used as reference anti-ulcer drugs. Rats were treated with Croton oligandrum before induction of gastric ulceration by ethanol/HCl or HCl-ethanol-Indomethacin. The area and ulcer index appearance of ulcers were quantified, and mucus was measured. Pretreatment with Croton oligandrum showed a remarkable decrease in ulcer area when compared with control groups. Croton oligandrum (50, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of body weight) exhibited gastroprotective activity and prevented both gastric lesions induced in rats.

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening and Larvicidal Efficacy of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) Leaves, Stem-bark and Root Extracts on Mosquito Larvae

The advance of battle by mosquito species to artificial chemicals has obliged the unrelenting pursuit of nontoxic ones from plants. This study screened the qualitative phytochemicals and evaluated the larvicidal efficacy of extracts of Jatropha curcas leaves, stem-bark and root extracts against third and fourth mosquito instar larvae. The J. curcas obtained were subjected to extraction by maceration. Qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanolic stem-bark, aqueous and ethanolic root extracts plants showed the presence of phenols, saponins, steroids flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates and terpenoids. The aqueous extracts of the leaves and stem-bark showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, saponins, and terpenoids whereas, ethanolic leaves extract had similar phytochemicals with the leaves and stem-bark aqueous extracts but did not have steroids. Twenty-four (24) hours exposure of different concentrations (2.0mg/ml, 4.0mg/ml, 6.0mg/ml, 8.0mg/ml, 10 mg/ml) of various extracts showed that larval mortality increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in extracts concentration. Aqueous stem-bark extract showed highest mortality with 87% against third mosquito instar larvae followed by aqueous, ethanolic root extracts against third and fourth mosquito instar larvae respectively with 85% larval mortality. However, least mortality was observed in ethanolic leaf extract with 5% larval mortality against fourth mosquito instar larvae. Low LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were noticed in ethanolic root and aqueous stem-bark extracts with 2.19mg/ml and 11.51mg/ml respectively. Whereas the highest LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were noticed in both ethanolic leaves extracts with 14.09mg/ml and 26.20mg/ml respectively against fourth mosquito instar larvae. Conclusively, aqueous stem-bark and ethanolic root extracts can be harnessed to control 50% and 90% mosquito instar larval mortality respectively. However, there is a need to ascertain the quantities of bioactive components of J. curcas and its toxicity to non-target organisms.

Complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Allanblackia gabonensis (guttiferae) aqueous extract

Objectives: Allanblackia gabonensis (Guttiferae) stem bark extract is generally used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for its beneficial activities as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive. However, the claimed chronic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have not yet been largely elucidated scientifically. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of A. gabonensis stem bark aqueous extract on Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods: Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of CFA (0.1 mL) into the right hind paw of each rat. Pain relieving effects were measured in the treated animals using an analgesiometer and antioxidant activity determined by measuring oxidative stress parameters. In addition, the hematological index, serum nitric oxide (NO), and transaminase activities were evaluated in the experimental animals. Results: A. gabonensis significantly protected animals against pain from day 15 to 18 and decreased (P < 0.01) the paw edema from day 12 to the end of the experimentation (day 22). The number of white blood cells increased while the NO levels in serum and organs decreased in CFA animals as compared to the control group. An increase in serum transaminases was observed in the CFA group. A. gabonensis at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly increased (36.36%) glutathione levels in the spleen in comparison with the CFA group. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.01) of liver and cardiac catalase in animals receiving extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the anti-arthritic and antioxidant potential of A. gabonensis and, thus, validate its traditional claim.

Pancreatic beta cell regenerative potential of Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. Aqueous stem bark extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. is endemic to Africa and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes mellitus. Moreover, its pharmacological efficacy has been confirmed experimentally using in vitro and in vivo models of diabetes. However, the effects of Z. chalybeum extracts and its major constituent compounds on beta cell and islet regeneration are not clear. Further, the mechanisms associated with observed antidiabetic effects at the beta cell level are not fully elucidated. Aim of the studyWe determined the beta cell regenerative efficacy of Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extract, identified the chemical compounds in Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extracts and explored their putative mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsPhytochemical profiling of the Z. chalybeum extract was achieved using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Thereafter, molecular interactions of the compounds with beta cell regeneration targets were evaluated via molecular docking. In vitro, effects of the extract on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were investigated in RIN-5F beta cells exposed to palmitate or streptozotocin. In vivo, pancreas tissue sections from streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats treated with Z. chalybeum extract were stained for insulin, glucagon, pancreatic duodenal homeobox protein 1 (Pdx-1) and Ki-67. ResultsBased on ligand target and molecular docking interactions diosmin was identified as a dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) inhibitor. In vitro, Z. chalybeum augmented cell viability and cell proliferation while in palmitate-pre-treated cells, the extract significantly increased cell activity after 72 h. In vivo, although morphometric analysis showed decreased islet and beta cell size and density, observation of increased Pdx-1 and Ki-67 immunoreactivity in extract-treated islets suggests that Z. chalybeum extract has mild beta cell regenerative potential mediated by increased cell proliferation. ConclusionsOverall, the mitogenic effects observed in vitro, were not robust enough to elicit sufficient recovery of functional beta cell mass in our in vivo model, in the context of a sustained diabetic milieu. However, the identification of diosmin as a potential Dyrk1A inhibitor merits further inquiry into the attendant molecular interactions.

Antihypertensive effect of the stem bark aqueous extract of Garcinia lucida Vesque (Clusiaceae) in L-NAME-treated rats: Contribution of endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation

Garcinia lucida is used in Cameroonian folk medicine to handle a variety of ailments, including arterial hypertension. This study aimed at determining the phytochemical profile and the antihypertensive effect of the stem bark aqueous extract of G. lucida (AEGL). AEGL was subjected to LC-MS analysis, and its effect (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day; by gavage) was evaluated against Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 40 mg/kg)-induced hypertension in adult male Wistar rats for four consecutive weeks. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored weekly using tail-cuff plethysmography. The vasorelaxant effect of cumulative concentrations (3–10–30–100–300 μg/mL) of AEGL was examined on endothelium-intact and denuded thoracic aorta rings which were precontracted with KCl (90 mM) or norepinephrine (NE; 10−5 M), and in the absence or presence of L-NAME (10−4 M), indomethacin (10−5 M), methylene blue (10−6 M), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 × 10−6 M), glibenclamide (10 × 10−6 M) or propranolol (5 × 10−6 M). The influence of AEGL on the response to NE, KCl, and CaCl2 was also investigated. Six compounds, including Garcinia biflavonoids GB1 and GB2, were identified. AEGL prevented the development of hypertension (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) without affecting the heart rate. AEGL induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings precontracted with NE (EC50 = 7.915 μg/mL) that was significantly inhibited by the removal of the endothelium, L-NAME, or methylene blue (p < 0.05–0.001). Indomethacin, propranolol, TEA, and glibenclamide did not affect AEGL-evoked vasorelaxation. Preincubation of aortic rings with AEGL reduced the magnitude of contraction elicited by CaCl2 but did not alter that of KCl or NE. AEGL possesses an antihypertensive effect that is mediated by both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms. The activation of the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway accounts for the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. These pharmacological effects of AEGL could be attributed to the presence of the Garcinia biflavonoids GB1 and GB2.

Antifungal Properties of Extracts of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Subsp. fistulosa Against some Vegetable Pathogenic Fungi

Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) extracts were tested using the well in agar method against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer to find out their antifungal activity. Chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of leaf, stem, and root bark were used in the in vitro studies. All organs of selected plant with different extracts showed variable antifungal activity. Maximum activity was seen with the Leaves alcoholic extract, however minimal activity was found in the root extract (aqueous) with the test fungus. All test organisms showed radial growth inhibition in response to the extracts being added to the culture medium. The test organisms responded differently to the various extracts, but in overall, growth inhibition shows stronger with each extract's concentration. In plant and organisms, the antifungal activity was discovered to be in ascending from root bark then stem bark and highest in leaves.

Anthelmintic effects of aqueous extract &lt;i&gt;Balanites aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt; stem bark on strongyle larvae and the earthworm &lt;i&gt;Pheretima posthuma&lt;/i&gt;

The development of anthelmintic resistance and the high cost of conventional anthelmintics have led to the evaluation of medicinal plants as an alternative source of anthelmintics. In the current study, in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the possible anthelmintic effects of Balanites aegyptiaca stem bark aqueous extract on Strongyle larvae and the earthworm Pheretima posthuma. The in vitro studies revealed that the extract at graded concentrations of 300 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml and 600 mg/ml exhibited larvicidal activity (p&lt;0.05) against earthworms with 600 mg/ml having the highest activity causing paralysis and death. In a similar vein, a graded concentration response was observed against Strongyle larvae. The highest effective concentration on larvae was 250 mg/ml which had a larval mortality rate of 100% and a mortality index of one (1) comparable with that of albendazole. The IC50 and IC99 values for the time of paralysis were 442.7mg/ml and 767.80mg/ml respectively. The anthelmintic activity exhibited by the extract could be linked to the presence of phytochemicals present in the plant. These findings support the folkloric use of this plant in the control and management of gastrointestinal nematodes in humans and animals.

The Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Alstonia boonei Exhibits Anticataract Activity in Sprague Dawley Rat.

In Africa, Alstonia boonei is used folklorically for the management of the multitude of conditions including cataract, which accounts for 50% of cases of blindness in the region. The current study set out to probe the traditional use of the aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei stem bark (ABE) as an anticataract remedy using Sprague Dawley rat models. We investigated the probable phytochemical constituents in the extract, in vitro antioxidant potential, and its in vitro aldose reductase inhibition. For the anticataract investigations, diabetic cataract was induced using galactose in 3-week-old Sprague Dawley rats, and age-related cataract was induced by the administration of sodium selenite to 10-day-old rat pups. Cataract scores in both models were determined after treatment with 30, 100, and 300 mgkg-1 doses of ABE and 10 mlkg-1 of distilled water. Lens glutathione, total lens protein, soluble lens proteins (alpha-A) crystallin, and aquaporin 0 levels in the enucleated lens homogenates were determined. Changes in lens to body weight were also determined with histopathological analysis done on the lenses in the selenite-induced cataract model. The presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and triterpenoids was identified in the extract. The extract inhibited aldose reductase activity with IC50 of 92.30 μgml-1. The 30, 100, and 300 mgkg-1ABE-treated rats recorded significantly (p < 0.05) reduced cataract scores indicating a delay in cataractogenesis in galactose-induced cataract and in selenite-induced cataractogenesis as well. Markers of lens transparency such as AQP0, alpha-A crystallin, and total lens proteins and lens glutathione levels were significantly (p < 0.05) preserved. In conclusion, this study establishes the anticataract potential of the aqueous stem bark extract of Alstonia boonei in Sprague Dawley rat models.

Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents of Napoleona imperialis stem bark

The aim of this study was to determine the qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals of Napoleona imperialis stem bark. Methods: Extractions and Phytochemical analysis of Napoleona imperialis stem bark were done using standard procedures. Result: Aqueous Napoleona imperialis stem bark extract had yield of 76.9g (7.69%) and methanol Napoleona imperialis stem bark extract also yielded 58.5g (5.85%) when 1000g pulverized was used for each. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of this extract exhibited moderate quantities of alkaloid, steroid and terpenoid in aqueous extract while methanol extract had flavonoid, saponin and tannin also in moderate quantities. Scanty quantities of flavonoid, saponin, cardiac glycoside and tannin were seen in aqueous extract so also, scanty quantities of alkaloid, steroid, terpenoid and cardiac glycoside were seen in methanol extract. The quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals was carried out twice and the average taken. Phenol had a concentration of 1.173mg/kg, Steroids had 0.623mg/kg, Terpenoid had 3.031mg/kg, Flavonoid showed 58.240mg/kg, Saponin had 13.190mg/kg, Alkaloid had 13.530mg/kg, Cardiac glycoside with 3.910mg/kg, Phytate showed 2.320mg/kg, Tannin had 52.500mg/kg and Hydrogen cyanide showed13.500mg/kg. This research proves that Napoleona imperialis contains some phytochemicals that are useful for mankind and also the part of this plant extracts exhibit medicinal properties.