Aqueous Stem Bark Extract Research Articles

Effect of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Lipid Profile and CCl4- Induced Histological Changes in Liver of Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dialiumguineense stem bark on lipid profile and CCl4- induced histological changes in liver of Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 25) weighing 160 – 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group): normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin, aqueous extract and ethanol extract groups. With the exception of normal control, the rats were exposed to CCl4 (single oral dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight, bwt). Silymarin group rats were administered standard hepatoprotective drug, silymarin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg bwt, while those in the two treatment groups received 1000 mg/kg bwt of aqueous or ethanol extract orally for 28 days. Lipid profile parameters were determined in plasma, while rat liver was subjected to histopathological examination. The results showed that the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were significantly lower in CCl4 control group than in normal control group, but they were increased by extract treatment (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in atherogenic coefficient (AC) and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) among the groups (p > 0.05). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) markedly disrupted the structure of hepatocytes and induced steatosis (intra-hepatocyte fat in-growth and inflammation) which was predominantly microvesicular. However, treatment with aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark showed marked regeneration of hepatocytes (unremarkable hepatic lobular architecture). The toxic hepatic injury induced by CCl4 was significantly blocked by the plant extracts.

The properties of Albizia ferruginea (Mimosaceae) stem bark aqueous extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines and hematological parameters among sub-chronic inflammation-induced rats

The present research was carried out to evaluate the effects of Albizia ferruginea aqueous stem bark extract (AFASBE) on the variation of some pro-inflammatory cytokines and haematological parameters during sub-chronic inflammation. Sub-chronic inflammation was induced in rats by the insertion of cotton pellets and then treated with AFASBE. Determination of the concentrations of TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6 and INF-γ was carried out by the ELISA technique “Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay” using the Quantikines kits (France). Haematological parameters were quantified using the Coulter S-Plus IV/D. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-γ significantly (p

Allelopathic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Parkia Biglobosa (L.) on Some Weeds in Gombe State, Nigeria

This study examined the allelopathic effect of different concentration of aqueous extracts of Parkia biglobosa stem bark on the germination and growth of weed seeds species. Seeds of Eragorastis tenella, Eragorastis atrovirens, Pannicum pedicellata, Pennisetum sub albidum, Hypharrhenia rufa and Brcichiaria brizantha were tested for plumule germination and radicle growth with three different concentrations of 1%, 5%, 10% plant extract while ordinary water was used as control. Growth parameters including germinated weeds population were measured; the highest germinated weeds population was at the control (8.06±3.97) and the least was obtained from the 10% concentration with the mean of (4.42±2.59). Weeds population decreased as the concentration increased. The highest mean of weeds height was recorded from 1% concentration (11.46±7.08) which is statistically significant while the least mean was recorded from 10% concentration (7.69±6.70) statistically not significant. The family emergence by concentration indicated that, the experiment under control had (4 families) for 1% (2 families), 5% (2 families) and 10% (4 families) emerged. The germination, radicle and plumule length were inhibited when compare with control and the inhibition was statistically not significant at.

Anti-diarrheal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Stem Bark of Myrica nagi in Albino Rats

Background and objectivesMyrica nagi Thunb., belonging to the family Myricaceae, is used in Indian traditional medicine to treat diarrhea. This study aimed to assess the anti-diarrheal activity of the aqueous extract of stem bark of Myrica nagi (AEMN) using castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal tests in albino rats.

In vitro uterotonic activities of cold aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens on estrogenized uterus of Nulliparous Guinea Pig

Medicinal plants have been used for different purposes. Interests in pharmacological and other scientific screening for the authentication of folkloric claims and drug development has become imperative. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of cold aqueous crude stem-bark extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens (CASBEEs) on estrogenized uterus of nonpregnant Guinea pig. Stem-bark of E. suaveolens were harvested, gently rinsed with clean water and dried under shade in a well-ventilated environment, ground into powder and cold aqueous crude extract of the processed plant material was obtained via maceration. Guinea pigs were estrogenized with 0.2 mg/kg diethylstilbestrol intraperitoneally 24 hours prior to in vitro drug administration. The uterine muscle of the animal was isolated and contractile responses were obtained using different graded volumes with CASBEEs (1 x 10-2 g/ml), oxytocin (1 x 10-4 g/ml), ergometrine (1 x 10-4 g/ml), and Acetylcholine (1 x 10-4 g/ml). The CASBEEs, caused contraction of the isolated estrogenized uterine muscles of the guinea pig in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum contraction (100%) for CASBEEs is at 0.6ml with a final bath concentration of 1.2 x 10-4 g/ml. comparatively, maximum contractile responses for the standard drugs was oxytocin 0.8 (1.6 x 10-6 g/ml) and ergometrine 0.8ml (1.6 x 10-6 g/ml) and Acetylcholine 0.4ml (8 x 10-7 g/ml). Aqueous crude extract of the stem-bark of Erythrophleum suaveolens exerted a dose-dependent and sustained uterotonic effect on estrogenized isolated uterine muscle of nulliparous Guinea pigs, thus authenticating the folkloric claim for its use to induce labour. Further studies on its mechanism of action and its use for fertility control should be explored.

Nephrotoxic Evaluation of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Dialium guineense in Normal Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the nephrotoxic effect of aqueous extract of Dialium guineense stem bark in normal Wistar albino rats. Thirty-five male rats were used. Graded doses of the extract ranging from 200 to 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt, were administered to the test rats daily for twenty-eight days. The control rats received distilled water. Thereafter plasma levels of creatinine, urea, electrolytes and urease activity were determined. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the measured renal parameters, when compared with control group (p > 0.05). These results appear to suggest that the extract may be safe at concentrations not exceeding 5000 mg/kg bwt. However, further studies spanning several months may be necessary.

Anti-inflammatory activity and metabolites profiling of aqueous stem bark extract of Ficus vogelii (Moraceae) in rats

IntroductionFicus vogelii is a terrestrial tree, used in Cameroonian pharmacopeia to treat various inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism. Accordingly, the present work aimed at evaluating anti-inflammatory potential of Ficus vogelii aqueous extract and identified phytochemicals of interest. MethodsThe characterization of the phytochemicals was carried out by HPLC-ESI-MSn. The anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of Ficus vogelii (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) was investigated using acute inflammatory models induced by chemicals, and chronic inflammatory models induced by formalin and Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) in rats. ResultsFicus vogelii significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw edema with maximum inhibitions of 75.86% (0.5 h), 82.41% (3 h) and 90.18% (6 h) at 100 mg/kg. This extract significantly (p < 0.001) reduced paw edema induced by histamine (54.10%), serotonin (54.06%), dextran (38.90%) and arachidonic acid (56.95%) respectively up to 1 h. Similarly, the extract significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited edema formation on the left paws of rats from day 2 up to 7 days post formalin injection, and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased paw edema of CFA-treated rats with the highest effect of 67.85% and 77.07% obtained on day 13 and day 21. Furthermore, the extract showed an antioxidant potential by improving the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitrites, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Phytochemicals analysis showed several compounds with isocitric acid (19%), trihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (18%), followed by dihydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid and vicenin-2 (8–9%). Oxylipins represented approximately 25% of the extract, thus being some of the compounds responsible for the observed activity. ConclusionThese results suggest that Ficus vogelii have anti-inflammatory effects on acute and chronic inflammation conditions.

Acute Toxicity Study and Hepatocurative Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Parkia Biglobosa in Wister albino Rats

Parkia biglobosa plant is widely is used in folk medicinal practices to treat and/or manage various diseases including diabetes, malaria, diarrhea and pains. The current research seek to establish the toxicity profile and hepatocurative ability of aqueous stem bark extract of the plant. Twelve (12) rats were used for Oral LD 50 determination, and were grouped into four (4) groups of three rats (3) each. The first three groups were administered with 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, while the last group was subdivided into three groups of one rat each and were administered with 2500mg/kg, 3500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. For the hepatocurative studies, twenty five (25) experimental rats were divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as normal rats, Group II served as test Control while Groups III to V were induced with liver damage and administered with 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg of the extract respectively. The LD 50 was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavanoids, Glycosides, Tanins, Saponins, Steroids and Phenols, with the absence of Anthraquinones. For the hepatocurative study, a significant (p&lt;0.0.5) increase in serum albumin and liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) was observed in test control compared to normal control. Upon administration of the extract, a significant (p&lt;0.0.5) fall in Albumin, AST, ALT and ALP was recorded in a dose dependent pattern. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed between groups in total protein, direct and total bilirubin. The research concludes that the extract is practically non-toxic and possess strong hepatocurative ability which might be due to the phytochemicals present. Keywords: Acute toxiicity; CCl 4 ; Liver; P. biglobosa; Phytochemical and wistar rats. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-16-04 Publication date: September 30 th 2022

Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant bioactivities of the methanolic extract of Alafia zambesiaca (stem-bark)

Alafia zambesiaca is a medicinal plant used widely in Ghana for the treatment of gastric/peptic ulcers. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the effect of the methanolic and the diethylether extracts of the plant phytochemicals on three bioactivities indicative of gastric/peptic ulcers etiology. Using standard laboratory assays involving broth dilution, carrageenan-induced foot swelling of 7-day old chicks and DPPH radical scavenging, this study compared and contrasted the antimicrobial, the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory bioactivities of the methanolic extract with that of the diethyl ether extract of the stem-bark of Alafia zambesiaca. Phytochemical analyses proffered mechanistic explanations for the differing solvent-specific extract bioactivities by reporting the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids in the methanolic extract and by demonstrating that saponin is the only detectable phytochemical in the diethylether extract. The methanolic extract was comparatively the more potent anti-oxidant in vitro as demonstrated by its relatively higher anti-oxidant capacity, its comparatively higher total phenolic content and its disproportionately lower IC50’s in the DPPH and H2O2 antioxidant assays. Consistently for each of the panel of four bacterial and two fungal pathogenic microbial cell lines, the methanolic extract showed higher anti-microbial activity recording, in each case, MICs that were quantitatively lower than that of the diethylether extract. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan induced chick feet edema method indicated the methanolic extract’s evocation of a dose-dependent reduction in foot edema and the diethyl ether extract’s lack of display of measurable anti-inflammatory activity. Taken together, the more polar methanolic extract contains quantitatively more phytochemicals that have qualitatively more potent bioactivities and this observation gives credence to the use of aqueous stem-bark extracts of Alafia zambesiaca for the ethnomedicinal management of gastric ulcers. Alafia zambesiaca mediates its anti-ulcer effects in gastric mucosa possibly through polar phytochemical-triggered suppressive effects on microbial proliferation, via polar phytochemical-evoked mitigation of concurrent cellular oxidative stress and through polar phytochemical-modulation of inhibitory effects on cellular inflammatory events.

Antioxidant Mechanism of Renal and Hepatic Failure Prevention Related to Paracetamol Overdose by the Aqueous Extract of Amblygonocarpus andongensis Stem Bark.

Paracetamol is a commonly used analgesic/antipyretic whose long-term intake or overdose is associated with renal and hepatic injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the hepatonephroprotective mechanisms of the aqueous extract of Amblygonocarpus andongensis stem bark (AEAASB) on renal and hepatic failure resulting from paracetamol overdose. Forty-five rats were divided into nine groups (n = 5); these were treated once daily for 8 days with 5 ml/kg distilled water (normal, negative, and satellite controls); 0.9% normal saline and 140 mg/kg N-acetyl-cysteine (positive controls); 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg AEAASB (test groups); and 500 mg/kg AEAASB (satellite test). On day 8 after different treatments, hepatonephrotoxicity was induced in all the groups except the normal group by oral administration of a single dose of paracetamol (1000 mg/kg). Urinary, hematological, serum, and oxidative stress parameters and in vitro antioxidant activity of AEAASB were evaluated. Histological sections of the liver and kidney were performed. AEAASB significantly decreased urea, creatinine, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (p < 0.001) at 500 mg/kg compared to the negative control. Significant decreases in hepatic (p < 0.01) and renal (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde levels were associated with increases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels in 500 mg/kg AEAASB compared with the negative control. Histological analysis showed that AEAASB prevented paracetamol-induced renal and liver tissue damage. Furthermore, AEAASB revealed a very strong antioxidant activity (inhibitory concentration 50 = 180 μg/ml, antioxidant activity index = 5.55) with an ability to scavenge 63.03% 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhy-drazyl radical and reduced ferric iron by 52.68 mgEqVitC/100 g DM. The hepatonephroprotective effect of AEAASB might result from its ability to improve the antioxidant status through the stimulation of antioxidant factors and the scavenging of free radicals. This property could be ascribed to the presence of some classes of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds in great amounts.

Antisecretory and Spasmolytic Activities of Aqueous and Ethanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Nauclea diderrichii in Wistar Rats.

Background Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and particularly in developing countries. Nauclea diderrichii is a plant used in traditional medicine in the treatment of anemia, fever, gastric ulcer, malaria, abdominal pain, skin infections, and diarrhea. The present work is aimed at evaluating the antisecretory and spasmolytic activities of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Nauclea diderrichii in Wistar rats. Methods The effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii was tested at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg on castor oil-induced secretory diarrhea, misoprostol-induced fluid accumulation, and the effect of pretreatment with yohimbine and glibenclamide. They were also tested on normal motility and castor oil- and carbachol-induced hypermotility. Results The results showed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited castor oil-induced secretory diarrhea at all the doses. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.001) inhibit fluid accumulation induced by misoprostol. The pretreatment with glibenclamide reduced the antidiarrheal activity of aqueous extract of Nauclea diderrichii. The pretreatment with yohimbine did not alter the effect of the aqueous extract of Nauclea diderrichii. On intestine transit as on castor oil- and carbachol-induced motility, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001) the travelled distance by charcoal and peristaltic index. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii possess antisecretory and antispasmolytic properties hence its use in traditional medicine against diarrhea.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of The Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Lophira Lanceolata Van Tiegh. Ex Keay

The bark of Lophira lanceolata (Ochnaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of many disease conditions such as dysentery, headaches, diarrhoea, cough, abdominal pains, fungal infections, nociception and cardiovascular diseases. However, no specific work on its anti-inflammatory or antipyretic effect has been reported which forms the basis of this study. This study evaluates the in-vivo anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lophira lanceolata using laboratory animal model. The methods adopted for this study were formalin induced inflammation and yeast induced hyperpyrexia in rats. All the results were expressed as mean ± S.E. The data were statistically analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison and p-values 0.05 were considered as significant. The result of this study showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect different from the control (distilled water) at p 0.05 characterized by oedema formation, change in temperature, redness, and itching in the paw of the rats which is comparable with the standard indomethacin. The inhibition of oedema was statistically dose dependent as the group 4 rats which received 400 mg/kg body weight demonstrated more effect than the group 1 rats which received 100 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lophira lanceolata. The aqueous at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight showed the highest antipyretic effect. Hence the antipyretic activity was also dose- dependent. The study demonstrated that the aqueous Lophira lanceolata stem bark extract possesses anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.

Methanolic extract of Nauclea diderrichii (stem-bark) show anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities

The aqueous stem-bark extract of the tropical plant Nauclea diderrichii is used in ethnomedicine to manage symptoms of rheumatism through minimally examined mechanisms. The objective of the study is to examine the scientific bases for the ethnomedicinal use of the plant for the management of rheumatism. As part of this effort to explain its ethnomedicinal efficacy, this study compared and contrasted the anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract with that of the diethylether extract. Broth dilution assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay and carrageenan-induced foot swelling of 7-day old chicks were utilized for the experimental assessment of the bioactivities of Nauclea diderrichii. Polar methanolic extract exhibited a higher antioxidant status in vitro as estimated quantitative differences in total phenolic content, in total antioxidant capacity and in DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging converged to show the methanolic extract as a more potent anti-oxidant. The methanolic extract also possess better in vivo anti-inflammatory activity as demonstrated by the 1.5-fold lower ED50 relative to that of the diethylether. The methanolic extract demonstrated better broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity against a panel of six clinical isolates of bacterial and fungi pathogens in vitro. The relative strength of the bioactivities of the methanolic extract derives from a higher slew of phytochemical content that is a 3-fold difference larger. The results of this study support the beneficial effect of Nauclea diderrichii in its continuing ethnomedicinal use to target rheumatism chemotherapeutically.

In vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Alchornea cordifolia stem bark

Alchornea cordifolia, commonly known as the Christmas bush, is a popular medicinal plant utilised in the management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to comparatively assess the phytochemical components, in vitro antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Alchornea cordifolia stem bark. The extracts of A. cordifolia were screened for their phytochemicalss by standard procedures, and examined for antioxidant activity using various in vitro models: 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Nitric oxide (NO). The antidiabetic capability of extracts was measured by assessing their inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. The phytochemical inquiry revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthocyanins, glycosides, and terpenoids in the methanol extract. While the phytochemicals found in the methanol extract were also present in the aqueous extract except for terpenoids, the extracts exhibited dose-reliant free radical scavenging effects in the tried models, with IC50 values of 0.24±0.01 and 0.30±0.01 for the methanol and aqueous extracts, in the DPPH assay, IC50 values of 0.23±0.05(methanol extract) and 0.31±0.01(aqueous extract), in the ABTS method, and IC50 values of 0.31±0.03 and 0.24±0.06 respectively for the methanol and aqueous extract in the NO method. Hence, the best radical scavenging result was gotten from the methanol extract. Also, the methanol extracts of A. cordifolia exhibited considerably higher inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities than the aqueous extract, as reflected in their IC50 values. Thus, the methanol was a better solvent in extracting the active components of the plant. This study validates the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the A. cordifolia stem bark, which explains its usage in folkloric medicine.

English

Dracaena steudneri Engl. (Dracaenaceae) is a medicinal plant that is used in labour by traditional birth attendants to induce labour, relieve pain and treat various diseases; albeit no documentation. This study determined the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and oxytocic effects of the D. steudneri stem bark aqueous extract. D. steudneri stem bark was collected, authenticated, oven-dried at 45&ordm;C for 48 h, pulverized and extracted using the decoction method. The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract was determined using the acetic acid writhing test, anti-inflammatory activity was determined using paw oedema method while oxytocic activity was determined using abortion and other standard test procedures and were tested at 12.1 24.1 and 48.2 mg/kg. The results of the analgesic study showed that the extract reduced the number of abdominal writhing between 53.51 and 92.40% at 6.02 and 48.2 mg/kg dose, respectively while the standard drug showed a reduction of 36.58% at 10 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory results showed percentage inhibition of 18.6% (2 h), 22% (2 h) and 18.9% (6 h) at 12.1, 24.1 and 48.2 mg/kg, respectively. The in vivo oxytocic activity showed average time taken for the rats to deliver was between 20.63 h at lowest dose (12.1 mg/kg) and 8.25 h at highest dose (48.0 mg/kg) while Oxytocin the reference drug exhibited, 22 h as the average time taken for delivery. Key words: Analgesic, oxytocic, anti-inflammatory and obstetrics.

Antidepressant, anti-amnesic and vasoprotective effect of Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet aqueous stem bark extract on chronic mild unpredictable stress induced in rat

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet is used traditionally in Northern Cameroon to treat memory impairment, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Aim of the studyInvestigating the effect of Bombax costatum stem bark aqueous extract (BC) on depression associated with amnesia and vascular disorder, using a chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) model in rats for 30 days. Materials and methodsSucrose Preference Test (SPT), Forced Swimming Test (FST), corticosteronemia, brain serotonin and dopamine level were evaluated as indices of antidepressant-like effect. The Novel Object Recognition Task (NOR), the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus were also used to verify memory integrity. Oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, the lipid profile and atherogenic index were estimated in blood serum to assess vasoprotective effect. Chlorophenylalanine and haloperidol, were used to delineate the extract's mechanism of action. ResultsCMUS induced a decrease in sucrose preference and swimming time in the SPT and FST respectively while BC (27.5 and 55 mg/kg) increased sucrose preference and swimming time. Increments in these parameters were however reversed by the treatment of rats with chlorophenylalanine a serotonin synthesis inhibitor and haloperidol a D2 receptor antagonist. An increase in blood corticosterone level, prefrontal cortex malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations were reversed by the extract. Moreover, BC increased the time spent in the target quadrant of the MWM test and the discrimination index in the NOR test. This was associated with an increase in hippocampus superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, a decrease in acetylcholine esterase level, total blood cholesterol and atherogenicity index compared to CMUS group. ConclusionThirty days CMUS induces a depressive state in rats. BC reverses this condition when administered alongside stress exposure. This antidepressive effect is associated with antiamnesic, antioxidant and vasoprotective actions, suggesting its use as a potential candidate in the management of major depressive disorder.

Toxicological Evaluation of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Guiera senegalensis on Wistar Rats

Objective: Global herbal products howbeit have enormous potential as natural drugs and are of vast commercial significance, are often processed and procured without being scientifically evaluated for their toxicity. This study evaluated the toxicological effects of Guiera senegalensis on wistar rats. &#x0D; Method: An acute toxicity was carried out to determine the LD50 of Guiera senegalensis stem bark extract. Sub-acute toxicity was carried out to determine the effect of the plant extract on some liver and kidney function parameters and haematological parameters. Twenty (20) rats were ramdomly placed into 4 groups of 5 rats. Group 2, 3 and 4 were orally treated with aqueous stem bark extract of Guiera senegalensis at a daily dose of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) respectively for 28 days while group 1 served as a control group. &#x0D; Results: ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin levels increased significantly as dose increases. No significant increase in K+ and urea was observed in group 2 and 3 treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. However, significant increase was observed in group 4 treated with 800 mg/kg. Na+ and Creatinine showed significant increase when compared with control group. RBC, PCV, and Hb decreased significantly whereas a significant increase was observed in WBC with increase in dose respectively. &#x0D; Conclusion: The aqueous stem bark extract of Guiera senegalensis have a dose-dependent toxic effect on liver, kidney and haematology of wistar rats.&#x0D; Key words: Toxicological Evaluation, Guiera Senegalensis, Liver, Kidney, Haematological parameters

Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity.

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts’ phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 ± 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 ± 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 ± 6.83 and 804.31 ± 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu2+ capacity (937.86 ± 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 ± 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.77 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 ± 0.07 and 6.56 ± 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Phytochemical Screening of Bitter Stem Bark (Sacoglottis gabonensis)

The antimicrobial effects of bitter stem bark (Sacoglottis gabonensis) was evaluated using both ethanol and aqueous extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Penicillium spp. Agar-well diffusion method was employed in determining the antimicrobial activity and broth dilution method for determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. All the isolates investigated were susceptible to both the ethanol, aqueous and the combined aqueous and ethanol (synergy) extracts of the bitter stem bark.&#x0D; The zone of inhibition ranged from 7.0 +0.00b mm to 13.0 +0.01a mm with Escherichia coli being the most susceptible at 13.0 +0.01a mm to the ethanol and at 12.0 +0.02a mm to the aqueous extracts at 200mg/ml concentration while P. aeruginosa and Penicillin spp. were the least susceptible at 11.0 +0.02a mm to the ethanol and at 10.0 +0.02a mm to the aqueous extract at 200mg/ml concentration. The control/ standard antimicrobial agent (Gentamicin and Ketoconazole) showed higher inhibitory activity than the plant extracts. The least inhibitory (MIC) value of 6.25 mg/ml was produced against P. aeruginosa by the ethanolic extract and against C. albicans by the combined (aqueous and ethanol) extract of the plant. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the stem bark of Sacoglottis gabonensis reveals the presence of flavonoid, tannin, saponin and alkaloid. The most abundant percentage composition observed was falconoid (7.61 %) while tannin had the least component (1.26 %). The findings from this study show that the stem bark extract possesses appreciable antimicrobial activity against commonly encountered microorganisms in the environment. This therefore implies that it can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent which will contribute to the development of antibiotic drugs against the test organisms.

Estrogenic effects of the seeds and stem bark extracts of Ricinodendron heudelotii in adult ovariectomized Wistar albino rats

Background: Infertility is a major public health problem in Africa. Most herbal remedies used for the treatment of women infertility are known to be estrogenic. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the estrogenic effects of the aqueous extracts of Ricinodendron heudelotii seeds and stem bark in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Adult ovariectomized rats were divided in groups of five animals and treated orally for seven consecutive days with both the seeds extract (SERH) and the bark extract (BERH) at 100 and 300 mg/kg and with Ethinylestradiol (0.02 mg/kg). The control group received distilled water. After treatments, vaginal smears were performed from the rats. Then the uterus, cervix and adrenal glands were weighted and the uterus stored in formalin 10% for histological analysis. Results: Ethinylestradiol as well as SERH at 100 mg/kg induced vaginal cornification and highly significant increase of the relative weight of the uterus and cervix in comparison to controls. SERH at 300 mg/kg and BERH at 100 and 300 mg/kg also induced significantly an increase of the relative weight of these organs. In addition, the adrenal glands relative weight was significantly augmented by SERH and BERH treatment. The histological examination of uterus showed the proliferation of the endometrium cells and development of numerous uterine glands in rats treated with Ethinylestradiol and the extracts at 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: R. heudelotii was found to show estrogenic effects on vagina, uterus, cervix and adrenal glands and the seeds extract exhibited greater estrogenic activities than the bark extract.