Methanolic Bark Research Articles

Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Profile of Root Bark Methanol Extract of Carissa Edulis Vahl

Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Profile of Root Bark Methanol Extract of Carissa Edulis Vahl

Liver Histopathology of Mice Induced by Paracetamol on Administration of Methanol Extract of Laban Tree Bark (Vitex pubescens Vahl.)

Paracetamol metabolism takes place in the liver mediated by CYP450 enzymes and generates NAPQI radicals. The NAPQI radical is highly electrophilic to hepatocyte biomolecules and is therefore capable of inducing liver damage. Laban tree bark (V. pubescens) methanol extract is known to contain antioxidant compounds of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins with an IC50 value of 19.83 g/ml. This study aims to determine the optimal dose of extract that can improve the liver microanatomy of mice induced by toxic dose of paracetamol (TDP). This study used 30 male Swiss strain mice with a body weight of 20-30 g. The treatments given consisted of negative control (paracetamol 105 mg kg-1), positive control (vitamin E 46.8 mg kg-1), and laban extract at a dose of 75; 150; 300; 600 mg kg-1 BW. Liver microanatomy parameters measured included hepatocyte diameter (19.50±0.21 µm), sinusoids (4.39±0.23 µm), and central vein (36.84 ± 1.79 µm). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test further test was then presented in the form of mean ± standard deviation. The results showed that extract at a dose of 600 mg kg-1 had hepatocyte, sinusoid, and central vein diameters that were not significantly different (p>0.05) with vitamin E.

Comparison of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Profiles and Antimicrobial Activity of Different <em>Cinnamomum</em> Species in Sri Lanka

The demand for Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum syn. C. zeylanicum ) is consistent due to its superior characteristics. Besides that, Sri Lanka is home to seven other wild species: Cinnamomum capparu-coronde, Cinnamomum citriodorum, Cinnamomum dubium, Cinnamomum litseifolium, Cinnamomum ovalifolium, Cinnamomum rivulorum, and Cinnamomum sinharajaense. Since cinnamon bark contains more than seventy bioactive compounds, it possesses various pharmacological and health benefits, including antimicrobial activity. Even though there is some literature on the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of C. verum, wild species have not been studied yet. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and biochemical compounds of Cinnamomum species found in Sri Lanka using bark methanol extract and crude. Trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl acetate, coumaric acid, and coumarin were quantified using HPLC techniques. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated by disc diffusion assay against two standard pathogenic strains, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. There were no detectable coumarin or coumaric acid levels in any of the species. The highest trans-cinnamaldehyde content and antimicrobial activity were observed in C. verum, followed by C. sinharajaense and C. capparu-coronde. Further, C. ovalifolium, C. dubium, and C. rivulorum did not show positive inhibition zones against the two pathogenic strains and detectable levels of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Moreover, the results showed a strong positive correlation between antimicrobial activity and trans-cinnamaldehyde content. The results suggest that the antibacterial activity of C. sinharajaense and C. capparu-coronde should be tested against a broader range of pathogenic strains and could be useful in future breeding programs.

Spatial memory-enhancing effects and antioxidant activities of leaf and stem bark methanol extracts of Prunus africana in scopolamine-treated mice

Introduction: Conventional medicines for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have little efficacy and are linked to several severe effects, necessitating alternative therapy. The current study investigated the memory-enhancing effects and antioxidant activities of stem bark and leaf MeOH extracts of Prunus africana in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice. Several inclusions build up in brain tissue during AD progression and the brain clears them oxidatively. This makes the antioxidant activity a vital requirement for plant extracts that are used with great success to manage AD. Methods: In this study, for each plant extract, thirty Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned to six groups; extract-treated, reference drug control, normal control, and negative control groups. The mice were then subjected to the Morris water maze task for four consecutive days, euthanized and their whole brains were assessed for antioxidant activities. Results: The studied extracts significantly (P < 0.01) reduced escape latencies of experimental mice in a dose-related manner, depicting their considerable memory-enhancing effects. The extracts also displayed significant (P < 0.01) enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities. Conclusion: The leaf and stem bark MeOH extracts of P. africana possess phytocompounds with spatial memory-enhancing effects and antioxidant activities.

Clinico-pathological changes and performance indices in Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens following the prophylactic administration of Ganoderma lucidum, Vernonia amygdalina, and Vitellaria paradoxa methanolic extract

This study assessed the clinico-pathological changes and performance indices in Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens following the prophylactic administration of methanol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Vernonia amygdalina and Vitellaria paradoxa. One hundred one-day-old Abor acre broiler chicks were randomly divided into 10 groups (A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, E, and F) of 10 birds each. From 14-20 days of age (doa), groups A1 and A2 were administered G. lucidum; B1 and B2 V. amygdalina; C1 and C2 V. paradoxa methanol extracts; D1 and D2 Amprolium; while groups E and F were not administered any extract/medication. At 21 doa, groups A2, B2, C2, D2 and E were challenged with 104 E. tenella sporulated oocysts orally. Clinical signs, morbidity and mortality rates, caecal lesion scores and performance indices were determined. Outcomes revealed mild clinical signs in groups A2, B2, and C2, moderate in D2 but severe in E; 100% morbidity and 0.0% mortality in all groups of chickens. Caecal lesions were mild in groups A2, B2, C2 and D. There was non-significantly (P > 0.05) higher weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio in groups A2, B2, C2 and D2 compared to E. The oocyst decrease ratio and anticoccidial index were higher in A2, B2, C2 and D2 than E. The prophylactic administration of G. lucidum, V. amygdalina leaf and V. paradoxa stem bark methanol extracts decreased the clinical signs, caecal lesions, and histopathological changes, and improved performance in the E. tenella-challenged broiler chickens. The identification of the bioactive substances in these extracts responsible for their prophylactic anticoccidial activities and their possible mechanisms is therefore recommended.

Evaluation of gastroprotective and phytochemical properties of Terminalia superba engl. & diels (combretaceae) stem bark methanol extract

ABSTRACT Peptic ulcer is a disease that is affecting a large part of the population world-wide irrespective of the race and tribe. Advances made in the search for an ideal or perfect antiulcer drug has been eroded by cost, side effects and treatment failure. Search for cheap, safe, and effective drugs continues. It is the aim of the research to identify the secondary metabolites present in Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae) stem bark methanol extract and investigate its gastroprotective properties. Methanol extract of T. superba was prepared by cold maceration extraction method using methanol. The extract was concentrated and subjected to acute toxicity test using Lorke’s method, and phytochemical investigation using standard methods. Gastro-protective activity was investigated by three models: aspirin- induced gastric ulcer, hypothermic restraint stress-induced ulcers and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. The extract was safe in mice at doses below 2154 mg per Kg body weight and the extract contained the major secondary metabolites-alkaloids, flavonoids tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids. Pre-treatment with the extract reduced gastric ulceration in rats. There was a 77.3% reduction in the aspirin model, 75.2 % in the ethanol model and an 84 % in the Hypothermic restraint stress-induced ulcers model. There was a statistically significant difference at p= .05 between the treated groups and the un-treated group The methanol extract of Terminalia superba bark is rich in the major secondary metabolites and has gastro-protective a property.

Improved Quality of Spermatozoa Mice (Mus musculus) Model of Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 After Being Given Cinnamon Bark Methanol Extract (Cinnamomum burmanii Bl.)

Diabetes mellitus has to do with male fertility, a hormone disorder that affects spermatogenesis. This study aims to determine the effect of cinnamon bark methanol extract (Cinnamomum burmani) on the quality of diabetes mellitus mice spermatozoa. This study used a complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 repeats. 22 mice were divided into 4 groups. Mice have injected with streptozotocin dose of 0.1 mL and observed blood sugar levels were, if sugar levels increased, they are given cinnamon bark methanol extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg BB and 500 mg/kg BB, and blood sugar levels are measured. After that, the mice are dissected for observation of spermatozoa's morphology, viability, and motility after administration of the extract. The results showed that cinnamon bark methanol extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg BB and 500 mg/kg BB can reduce the number of abnormal spermatozoa and increase the viability and motility of diabetes mellitus mice spermatozoa. This indicates that cinnamon bark extract as an antioxidant has a positive effect in maintaining structure and development, as well as the function of spermatogenesis cells so that in the presence of these active substances, the number of seed cells that experience developmental failure, degeneration, death due to free radicals can be suppressed or reduced.

LC-MS and GC-MS Profiling of Different Fractions of Ficus platyphylla Stem Bark Ethanolic Extract.

The exploration of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases has been practiced for long, globally, because of its cultural acceptability, availability, and affordability. This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemicals present in Ficus platyphylla stem bark as well as determined the reducing power and antioxidant property of each fraction against DPPH and NO radicals. The study further elucidated the presence of possible compounds in different fractions (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and chloroform) of Ficus platyphylla stem bark (FPSB) extract using GC-MS, LC-MS, and FTIR techniques. Qualitative phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of phytochemicals: saponin, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and glycoside in the ethanolic extract. The LC-MS study of methanol and ethyl acetate fractions reveals the presence of thirteen and three compounds, respectively. GC-MS analysis shows the presence of trans-13-octadecenoic acid as the main compound 38.07% and cis-vaccenic acid as the least compound (0.10%) in the petroleum ether fraction. The main compound in the chloroform fraction is 12-oleanen-3-yl acetate, (3. alpha.) with a peak area percentage of 49.25% and oleic acid been the least compound with 0.07% peak area. The FTIR analysis reveals that the fractions contain compounds with hydroxyl, aromatic, methyl, methylene, methyne, long aliphatic chain, ethers, ether-oxy, peroxides, etc. The analyzed fractions reveal compounds with potential pharmacological activity in the management of pathological conditions.

Comparative Phytochemical, Proximate and In vitro Antihyperglycemic Analyses of the Stem Bark Extracts of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth and Annona senegalensis Pers

The present research aimed to investigate the phytochemical bioactive constituents and proximate composition of the methanol extract of Kigelia africana and Annona senegalensis stem bark, as well as its in vitro antidiabetic potential. The results suggest that the presence of bioactive compounds may be responsible for the numerous medicinal capacities of these plants, including their antidiabetic abilities. The methanol stem bark extracts of K. africana and A. senegalensis demonstrated strong α-amylase and yeast cell glucose absorption inhibition, respectively. The stem bark methanol extract of A. senegalensis exhibited the highest level of inhibition (87.61%) at 0.1 mg/ml concentration when compared to conventional acarbose medication (56.0%) on the α-amylase enzyme. The percentage of glucose uptake by both methanol stem bark extract of Kigelia africana and Annona senegalensis was recorded maximum (31.40%) at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. The present research establishes the antidiabetic effect of methanol stem bark extract of Kigelia africana and Annona senegalensis by in vitro assays.

Antimicrobial compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Thespesia garckeana F. Hoffm. on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Herbal medicines form a significant role in African ethnomedicine. Thespesia garckeana F. Hoffm. is an important herbal medicinal plant used to treat or manage human diseases and ailments. However, its antimicrobial compounds and activity analysis has not been evaluated. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of compounds in Thespesia garckeana leaves and bark extracts on growth of C. albicans, S. aureus and E. coli. Plant materials were collected from Mwingi, Kenya. Crude plant extraction was done using soxhlet method with methanol and water solvents. Thin layer chromatography was used to purify the extracts and Phytochemical screening was done using standard methods. Thin layer chromatography plate surface was coated with silica gel, and n-Hexane and Ethyl acetate used as solvent systems in the ratio 2:3 and 3:7 respectively. Antimicrobial activity was performed on test microorganisms using plant extracts; 0 (distilled water), 90, 180, 270 and 360 mg/ml of the extract using paper disc method. Diameter of inhibition zones was dmeasured. The data on growth inhibition was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The extracts of Thespesia garckean revealed the presence of Tannins, Saponins, Cardiac glycosides, and Alkaloids. TLC using n-Hexane and Ethyl acetate ratio of 2:3 methanol leaves extracts produced 9 spots and The bark extracts produced 4 spots. Leaf methanol extracts using n-Hexane and Ethyl acetate in the ratio of 3:7 produced 8 spots and Bark methanol extracts produced 2 spots. Increase in extracts concentration of the leaves and bark of Thespesia garckeana, significantly inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Methanol leaf and bark extracts had more inhibitory activity compared to the water extracts. The results from this study confirm the use of Thespesia garckeana in herbal medicine by traditional herbalists.

Antimalarial Assay, Isolation, and Characterization of Compounds Responsible for Antimalarial Activity in Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. and Dalziel (Caesalpiniaceae)

Aim: The research aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity of the plant Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel (Caesalpiniaceae) bark methanol extract.
 Methodology: The bark dried, powdered bark of Daniellia oliveri was extracted with n-hexane followed by methanol. methanol extract of Daniellia oliveri was tested for antimalarial (curative test) by being tested against Plasmodium berghei in mice at doses of 100, 400, and 600 mg/kg. An acute toxicity study was carried out according to OECD 423 protocol, and phytochemical screening using standard protocols. HPLC-MS was also conducted using Agilent InfinityLab LC/MSD with Eclipse plus C18 5.0 µm 4.6 mm x 250 mm column and data were processed with Agilent Openlab Chemstation software.
 Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids. The methanol extract was found to be safe at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight (acute lethal dose, LD50) in mice. There was a significant difference in activity between the non-treated, standard, and extract dosage groups at (p<0.05). The HPLC-MS analysis showed the presence of 56 compounds. Daniella oliveri bark methanol extract has High activity against Plasmodium berghei, an 81.1% reduction in parasitemia at a dose of 600mg/kg body weight, and a Mean survival time of excess 5.
 Conclusion: Daniellia oliveri is a rich source of phytochemicals and a potential source of antimalarial agent(s).

Pharmacological insights into Chukrasia velutina bark: Experimental and computer-aided approaches.

Background Chukrasia velutina is an enthnomedicinally used plant reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the pharmacological activities of bark methanol extract using in vitro, in vivo and in silico models.MethodsThe study was designed to investigate the pharmacological effects of methanol extract of Chukrasia velutina bark (MECVB) through in vitro, in vivo and in silico assays. Analgesic activity was tested using formalin‐induced nociception and acetic acid‐induced writhing assays while the antipyretic effect was tested using yeast‐induced hyperthermia in mice model. The antioxidant effect was tested using the DPPH and reducing power assay and the cytotoxic screening was tested using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In addition, in silico studies were conducted using computer aided methods.ResultsIn the acetic acid‐induced writhing assay, the extract showed 28.36% and 56.16% inhibition of writhing for doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, a dose‐dependent formalin‐induced licking response was observed in both early and late phase. In yeast‐induced pyrexia, the MECVB exhibited (p < 0.05) antipyretic effect. The extract demonstrated an IC50 value of 78.86 μg/ml compared with ascorbic acid (IC50 23.53 μg/ml) in the DPPH scavenging assay. The compounds sitosterol, 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin and scopoletin were seen be effective in molecular docking scores against COX‐I (2OYE), COX‐II (6COX) and human peroxiredoxin 5 (1HD2). In ADME/T analysis, 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin and scopoletin satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and thus are potential drug candidates.ConclusionThe bark of Chukrasia velutina showed significant analgesic and antipyretic properties and is a potential source of natural anti‐oxidative agents.

Investigation of anaesthetic potentials of various extracts of Annona muricata (sour sop) in Wister albino rat and dog

ObjectivesLocal and general anaesthetics currently used in clinical practice are not absolutely safe and efficacious. Hence two or more drugs are used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. MethodsIn view of this, local and general anaesthetic potentials of Annona muricata extracts were investigated prospectively in laboratory using rat and dog. A total of 15 animals comprising 6 rats (3 males; 3 females) and 9 dogs (5 males; 4 females) were used. Secondary metabolites in root bark, leaf, stem bark and seed of Annona muricata were qualitatively and quantitatively determined. Methanol and water extracts were tested for induction and maintenance of surgical anaesthesia in rat and dog. The dose of the extracts (1250 mg/kg body weight of rat) that produced deep anaesthesia in rats was translated to 150, 170 and 150 mg/kg of root bark methanol extract (RBME), stem bark water extract (SBWE) and seed water extract (SWE), respectively. Each extract was administered to female and male dog for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Laparatomy was carried out via linea alba, and the length of small intestine (220 cm) and large intestine (32 cm) were measured using measuring ruler. ResultsPhenols and tannins were significantly lower (p < 0.05) as compared to saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides. The median lethal dose (LD50) of methanol extract was < 5000 mg/kg in female and > 5000 mg/kg in male rats, respectively. Sedation, anaesthesia, male mounting and death were observed within 4 days of extract administration in the female rats, However, 12.5 mg/kg showed significant (p < 0.05) local anaesthesia on the test surgical sites. The male administered 170 mg/kg of SBWE showed salivation, significantly decreased respiratory rate, and loss of palpebral reflex, excretion, urination that characterized plane III; stage III of anaesthesia (deep anaesthesia) which lasted for 67 min. ConclusionsAqueous extract of Annona muricata have very potent local and general anaesthetic effects for a period of over 1 h. The observed effects may be due to presence of secondary metabolites.

Profiling of secondary metabolites and DNA typing of three different Annona cultivars grown in Egypt

ObjectivesNatural products are often efficacious and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. This study explored secondary leaves and bark metabolites profiles in extracts of a new Egyptian hybrid, Annona cherimola × Annona squamosa, known as Abdel Razek. This hybrid exhibited 100% similarity with A. cherimola as evidenced by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analyses.MethodsPrimary constituents in methanol extracts of different plant organs were identified. Extracts richest in alkaloids and polyphenolics were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity and the most potent were further studied in vivo for treating gastric ulcer in rats. The latter activity was assessed histopathologically.ResultsStructural analysis with HPLC/ESI-MSn, and UPLC/HESI-MS/MS identified 63 metabolites, including seven amino acids, 20 alkaloids, 16 flavonoids, eight phenolics and other compounds. Severe stomach alteration was observed after ethanol induction in rats. Ulcer score, oxidative stress biomarkers, cell organelles biomarker enzymes, and gastrointestinal histological features improved to variable degrees after treatment with Annona Abdel Razek hybrid leaves and bark methanol extracts.ConclusionExtracts of Annona Abdel Razek had showed in vitro antioxidant effect and may be promising for the treatment of gastric ulcers.Graphical abstract

Assessment of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Preliminary Cytotoxic Properties of Brownlowia Tersa

ABSTRACT Antioxidant, antibacterial, and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of Brownlowia tersa leaf and bark extracts were performed. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in DPPH free radical scavenging assay for the bark and leaf extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol were 102.09 ± 0.53, 236.28 ± 0.85, 27.90 ± 0.56, and 183.74 ± 0.75, 45.78 ± 0.27, and 35.12 ± 0.55 µg mL−1, respectively. Total phenolic content was the higher in methanolic bark and leaf extracts than in other solvents. Total flavonoid content was the highest in the methanolic leaf extracts and the lowest in chloroform bark extract. Petroleum ether and methanolic extracts of bark and leaf demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 28739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27833.

Insights into the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Cytotoxic Activities of Pistacia lentiscus Bark and Phytochemical Profile; In Silico and In Vitro Study.

Foodborne infections and antibiotic resistance pose a serious threat to public health and must be addressed urgently. Pistacia lentiscus is a wild-growing shrub and has been utilized for medicinal applications as well as for culinary purposes. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of P. lentiscus bark in vitro, as well as the phytochemical composition, are the focus of this inquiry. The bark extract of P. lentiscus showed significant antimicrobial activity in experiments on bacteria and yeast isolated from human and food sources. The exposure time for the complete inhibition of cell viability of P. aeruginosa in the extracts was found to be 5% at 15 min. Phytochemical inquiry of the methanol extract demonstrates the existence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Deep phytochemical exploration led to the identification of methyl gallate, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside, and Quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside. When tested using the DPPH assay, the methanol extracts of P. lentiscus bark demonstrated a high free radical scavenging efficiency. Further, we have performed a molecular modelling study which revealed that the extract of P. lentiscus bark could be a beneficial source for novel flavonoid glycosides inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Taken together, this study highlights the Pistacia lentiscus bark methanol extract as a promising antimicrobial and antiviral agent.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Different Types of Tissue of Cedrus brevifolia Henry Extracts.

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of different types of tissue of Cedrus brevifolia Henry (Pinaceae) methanolic extracts, namely needles, twigs, branches, and bark. Cedrus brevifolia is a narrow endemic coniferous tree species of Cyprus, growing in a sole population in the mountainous area of Paphos Forest. Chemical analysis of the extracts was performed using liquid chromatography combined with time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF/HRMS). The majority of the 36 compounds tentatively identified belonged to the flavonoids family. The extract of needles was the richest extract in terms of secondary metabolites. The extracts were studied for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Additionally, the antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining both the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. All extracts demonstrated antioxidant property, while bark gave the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50 value of 0.011 mg/mL) compared to the other tissues. Antibacterial activity was observed against both types of bacteria, with the extract of branches presenting the strongest activity against S. aureus (MIC, 0.097 mg/mL and MBC, 0.195 mg/mL). This is the first time that extracts of needles, twigs, branches, and bark of C. brevifolia are compared regarding their chemical composition as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Screening of Amorpha fruticosa and Ailanthus altissima extracts for genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity, mutagenicity/antimutagenicity and carcinogenicity/anticarcinogenicity

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential genotoxic/antigenotoxic, mutagenic/antimutagenic, and carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic effect of Amorpha fruticosa (AF) fruit, Ailanthus altissima bark hexane (AAEH) and methanol (AAEM) extracts on a model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Plants were identified and extracted by Ekaterina Kozuharova. Three concentrations of each extract were tested – 10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml. In vitro pro-oxidant/antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and DNA topology assay. The potential genotoxic/antigenotoxic, mutagenic/antimutagenic and carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic effects were revealed in vivo by: Zimmermman’s test on Saccharomyces cerevisiae diploid strain D7ts1, and Ty1 retrotransposition test on S. cerevisiae haploid strain 551. Zeocin was used as a positive control. Based on the in vitro antioxidant activity the extracts could be arranged as follows: AF&amp;gt;AAEM&amp;gt;AAEH. AAEH possessed moderate oxidative potential. No genotoxic and mutagenic capacity was obtained in vivo for extracts tested. The levels of total aberrants, convertants and revertants were comparable with the control ones. No Ty1 retrotransposition was induced by extracts treatment. Further, the extracts possessed well-expressed antigenotoxic, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activity. Significant reduction of the total aberrants, reverse point mutations and Ty1 retrotransposition was obtained. Only the AF extract was found to reduce the levels of zeocin-induced mitotic gene conversion. The three extracts did not possess any genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effect on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on their protective activity, they can be arranged as follows: AF&amp;gt;AAEM&amp;gt;AAEH which corresponds well with their phytochemical composition. Further experiments could provide more detailed information concerning the mode of action of extracts, as well as their main constituents.

LETHAL DOSE AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ACUTE AND SUB ACUTE EFFECTS OF CALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS ROOT BARK METHANOL EXTRACT ON THE VITAL ORGANS OF ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Background: Calliandra portoricensis (C. portoricensis) is also known as snowflake acacia or powder-puff and belongs to the family mimosaeae. Toxicology can be defined as the study of the harmful, poisonous and adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals constituents found in plants, which may increase the chances of mortality or weakness in the general health, physically as well as mentally. Objective: To evaluate the results of the oral administration of C. portoricensis root bark methanol extract on the vital organs of adult male albino rats. Methods: Acute oral toxicity studies were performed according to the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD), 2002. Thirty-five male albino rats (160-180g) were divided into seven groups with five rats per group. Group G were given a single oral limit dose of 5000 mg/kg b.wt of C. portoricensis root bark methanol extract while group A control animals received an equivalent amount of distilled water. Group B, C, D, E and F where administered 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg b.wt of C. portoricensis root bark methanol extract respectively for 7 days. The C. portoricensis root bark methanol extract was administered orally using a calibrated 1ml syringe with attached polythene cannula. At different stages in the study, rats were sacrificed and the vital organs such as stomach, kidney, liver, small intestine and pancreas were excised and fixed in 10% formalin for Histological examination. Result: Rats given CPRBME showed toxicity symptoms including writhing, dullness, decreased locomotion, fatigue etc. 2-4 hours after administration of CPRBME in groups B – F as compared to group A. Also there were severe diffused vacuolar degeneration, necrosis of hepatocytes, necrotic-erosion of mucosa membrane and various degree of kidney tubular degeneration compared to the control group A. The spleen of both control and treated groups had no visible lesion. Conclusion: The present results of the study showed that acute and sub acute administration (14 days as seen in this study) of C. portoricensis root bark methanol extract may impede the proper function of vital organs. Peer Review History: Received: 17 September 2021; Revised: 21 January; Accepted: 1 March, Available online: 15 March 2022 Academic Editor: Prof. Cyprian Ogbonna ONYEJI, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, conyeji@oauife.edu.ng UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Similar Articles: MYOCARDIAL POTENCY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HARUNGANA MADAGASCARIENSIS STEM BARK AGAINST ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE IN RATS PREVALENCE OF CNS TUMORS AND HISTOLOGICAL RECOGNITION IN THE OPERATED PATIENTS: 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN YEMEN

In vivo antitrypanosomal activities of Acacia nilotica stem bark methanol extract in Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Background: Trypanosomiasis is a disease of vertebral animals caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting about 36 countries of Sub-saharan Africa, threatening more than 60 million people and 70 million animals. Chemotherapy is the major means of controlling African trypanosomiasis is limited by rapid drug resistance, toxicity and high cost. There is an urgent need for therapeutic agents that are effective, affordable, and accessible to the rural poor people in Africa who are greatly affected by the disease. This study aimed to determine the in vivo effect of stem bark methanol extract of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) on experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in Wistar rats. Methods: Phytochemical analysis, and LD50 determination were carried out using standard procedures. Three (3) days pre-patent period was observed after inoculating the rats with the parasite. Parasitemia was monitored daily while the Parked Cell Volume (PCV) was determined at one-day intervals during the infection course. Results: The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, steroid/triterpenes, saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, glycosides, and anthraquinones. The toxicity of the stem bark methanol extract was tolerable at 1200 mg/kg body weight. Methanol extract of A. nilotica (stem bark) showed promising curative potential in vivo against Trypanosoma brucei brucei at 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg body weight. These doses completely cured the experimental T.b.b infection in Wistar rats after 3 days of treatment. Significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in the parasite burden confirmed by the absence of anaemia (PCV 48.1% ±1.5% and 46.4% ±1.3% respectively) was observed when compared with the “infected but not treated” control group (normal saline group). Conclusion: Based on these observations, it was therefore deduced that the methanol extract of Acacia nilotica stem bark extract possessed the active ingredient that cures experimental T. brucei brucei infections in Wistar rats.