Body Weight Of Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Study the hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage in mice

The liver is an important organ in the body; its diseases are considered the major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Hepatotoxic chemicals cause damage to liver cells. Medicinal plants have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. This study has been aimed to assess the potential hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatocyte damage in albino mice. The methanolic extract of the plant was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis to determine the presence of secondary metabolites according to standard protocols. The acute toxicity study was carried out to measure the LD50. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups treated intraperitoneally (IP) once daily for 7 days; the first group was a negative control, while the second group, considered as a CCl4 model, received a single dose of carbon tetrachloride during the last day. The third group received 500 mg/kg of body weight of methanolic extract of P. auriculata, and the last group received 100 mg/kg of body weight of standard silymarin, after 2 h of treatment, on the last day, all animals (except negative control group) have received CCl4 at a dose of 1 mL/kg of body weight. Biochemical analysis of collected blood and histopathological examination were performed. Results revealed that the preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the plant confirmed the presence of many biologically active secondary metabolites like flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and phenols and LD50 of the extract was 2.5 g/kg. The CCl4- intoxicated mice showed an increase in biochemical enzyme levels (ALT and AST) compared with the negative control group. The extract of 500 mg/kg revealed a significant reduction (p ? 0.05) in enzyme activities. The histopathological analysis of plant extract and silymarin-treated groups revealed a decrease in the pathological features compared with the CCl4-intoxicated group. It was concluded that the extract of P. auriculata has a significant effect on hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage and this may be because of the combined effects of the bioactive compositions of plant extract.

Anti-obesity and hypo-lipidemic activity of Eleusine indica against high fat diet-induced obesity in rats

In present study the pharmacological activity of Eleusine indica extract for Anti-obesity and Hypo-lipidemic effects in animal model. The phytochemical components of extract like terpenoids, saponin, alkoids and flavonoids, which already implicated for anti-hyperlipidemic activity. There was a comparative reduction in body weight of methanolic extract of Eleusine indica treated groups at “200”and ‘400 mg’/kg, atorvastatin “10 mg”/kg .when compared to the high fat diet administered rats. The results also suggested that methanolic extract of Eleusine indica at “200mg”/kg and 400 mg/kg are capable preventing the body weight gain this result was in accordance with the result reported from previous study where a dose depedent decrease in the body weight was observed. This study also proved remarkable increased in locomotor activity when compared with high fat administered rats. Whereas in obese rats there was reduction in locomotors activity. Present study also reported that methanolic extract of Eleusine indica significant [P<0.001] decreased the level of LDL and Triglycerides also apart from reduction in weight, supplementation with MEEI was observed to attenuate significantly [P<0.01] decreased the levels of total cholesterol and significantly increased [P<0.01] the HDL level in rats feed with HFD.

Amomum subulatum fruits protect against radiation-induced esophagitis by regulating antioxidant status and inflammatory responses

Radiation esophagitis (RE) is an inimical event that requires proper management while carrying out radiotherapy for thoracic cancers. The present study investigates the protective effect of dry fruits of the culinary and folkloric spice Amomum subulatum against experimental thoracic radiation-induced esophagitis. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 25 Gy whole thorax irradiation and administered with 250 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of A. subulatum dry fruits (MEAS) orally for four consecutive weeks. Changes in tissue antioxidant activities, oxidative stress parameters, expression of antioxidant, inflammation, and fibrosis-related genes were observed. Administration of MEAS boosted antioxidant status, thereby reducing radiation-induced oxidative stress in the esophagus. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results showed decreased expression of apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis-associated genes as well as increased expression of vital cytoprotective and antioxidant genes in MEAS-treated mice, manifesting its protective effect against radiation-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis in the esophagus. Further, histopathology, immunohistochemistry (Cyclooxygenase-2), and Masson’s Trichrome staining ascertained the protective effect of MEAS in alleviating radiation-induced esophageal injury. The synergistic effect of bioactive phytochemicals in MEAS with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies might have contributed to its mitigating effect against RE. Taken together, our results ascertained the radioprotective potential of MEAS, suggesting its possible nutraceutical application as a radiation countermeasure.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Aqueous and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Chrysophyllum Albidum in Male Wistar Rats with Acetic Acid Induced Inflammation and Pain

Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) fruits and fresh leaves have been used as food widely. The mature leaves, bark, seeds and roots are used as folk medicine for the treatment and management of various ailments, hence the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Chrysophyllum albidumon inflammation and pain were investigated. Thirty five male wistar rats weighing 150.41±13.27g were randomly placed in seven (I-VII) groups. Group I (normal control), group II (diclofenac), group III(positive control), groups IV and V received 200mg and 400mg/Kg bodyweight of methanolic extract; groups VI and VII received 200mg and 400mg/Kg bodyweight of aqueous extract, respectively. 0.1ml of 2.5% of acetic acid was injected into the hind paw of rats to induce inflammation and pain, and then treated for 14 days. Severity of pain was quantified using Likert scale. Standard biochemical and phytochemical parameters were determined. Statistical differences in the mean between groups was compared using one way analysis of variance at p<0.05. The extract had inhibition of edema at 92%, 95% and 92%, 93% at doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg bodyweights of methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The yield from quantitative analysis ranged from Cardiac glycosides>Saponins>flavonoids>alkaloids>phenols; 42.6% vs. 38.1% for methanolic vs. aqueous extracts, respectively. Animals treated with both extracts had significant increase in weights and white blood cells compared to the standard and normal control group (p<0.05). These suggest that the extract had ameliorative, preventive and curative potency on inflammation which may be attributed to the presence of glycosides, saponins and other phytoconstituents.

The combined use of Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic and anticoccidial herb had a better anti-Eimeria tenella efficiency

The objective of this work is to investigate the feed supplementation with Bacillus subtilis- based probiotic and methanol extraction of anticoccidial herbs (leaves of Artemisia annua Linn., Dichroa febrifuga Lour., and peel of Punica granatum L. ) individually or in combination as alternatives during chicken E. tenella infection. A total of 264 chickens were divided into 11 groups (n = 8 × 3). They were control group (G1), E. tenella infected group (G2), E. tenella infected with diclazuril treated group (G3). G4 to G6 were E. tenella infected and treated with 300 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of herb in feed (3 different kinds of herbs: leaves of Artemisia annua Linn., Dichroa febrifuga Lour., and peel of Punica granatum L. ), respectively. G7 to G9 were infected and probiotic-herb combined groups: 5 × 10 8 cfu/kg B. subtilis was added to feed on the basis of G4 to G6, respectively. The remaining groups are both feed with B. subtilis at 5 × 10 8 cfu/kg in feed but infected (G10) and uninfected (G11). The anticoccidial efficacy was assessed by: bloody feces scores, lesion scores, relative weight gain rate, oocysts excretion, and mRNA expression levels ( occludin, ZO-1, IL-17A and IL-2 ) in ceca. All the interventions reduced all the indexes, as compared to that of G2. The use of B. subtilis combined with herb significantly reduced the oocysts excretion and IL-17A mRNA level as compared to herb only groups. In summary, we conclude that the combination of B. subtilis and anticoccidial herb have potential development value.

Preliminary Study on the Effect of Methanolic Extract of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Rind on Prednisolone Suppressed Immunity in Male Wistar Rats

Citrullus lanatus thumb (Cucurbitaceae) commonly called watermelon is widely consumed in this part of the world as food and medicine. This study was carried out to examine the effect of methanolic extract of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind on prednisolone suppressed immunity in male wistar rats. A total of 20 male wistar rats weighing 150-294g were used in 4 groups with five rats each. Group 1, the control group was given distilled water and feed, Group 2 was given 200 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of watermelon rind, Group 3 rats were given 2.5 mg/kg body weight of prednisolone and Group 4 rats were given 2.5 mg/kg body weight of prednisolone and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of watermelon rind. Prednisolone and the methanolic extract of watermelon rind were administered orally for a period of 30 days. Blood samples were collected by cardio puncture from the rats for white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, and granulocyte and monocyte counts at the end of the experiment. The data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA (Analysis of variance). Data were considered significant at p<0.05. The results obtained showed that methanolic extract of watermelon rind caused a significant increasen in immune function of rats when compared with the control and immune suppressed rats.

Modulatory effect of Polyalthia longifolia leaves against cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats.

Background Cadmium serves as a major pollutant in the environment and it has been documented for its widespread harmful effects. This study sought to investigate the prophylactic and the curative effects of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Polyalthia longifolia against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods Animals in group I served as the normal control and administered distilled water only for 14 days, group II was administered cadmium (4 mg/kg/body weight) for 7 days, groups III and IV rats served as the prophylactic group and were pre-treated with P. longifolia aqueous and methanolic leaf extract for 7 days and then exposed to cadmium for another 7 days, serving as pre-treatment group, groups V, VI, VII, and VIII served as curative groups and were first exposed to cadmium for 7 days and then post-treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract and 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract P. longifolia for another 7 days. Results Pre- and post-treatment with both extracts of P. longifolia revealed a significant hepatoprotective ability by decreasing the alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, acid phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase enzymatic activities were elevated due to cadmium intoxication. Pre- and post-treatment with aqueous and methanolic extract of P. longifolia extract significantly decreased hepatic malondialdehyde levels, together with an improvement in the antioxidant status of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and reduced glutathione of rats exposed to cadmium. Histopathology examinations also confirm the above biochemical findings. Conclusion The findings from this work suggested that P. longifolia may be beneficial in ameliorating the cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.

Biochemical implication of administration ofmethanol extract of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> leaf on haematological profile of Wistar rats

In the search for medicinal plants that will provide ameliorative measure to patients with anaemic disorders. The methanol extract of O. gratissimum leaf was administered to Wistar rats for its effect on haematological profile. Twenty-eight (28) male Wistar rats ranging from 180-200g was randomly picked and placed into plastic cages labeled A-D. Group A served as the control group while groups B-D was the test groups. The animals in group A was administered with distilled water orally by gavage. Group B were administered 50mg/ kg body weight of methanol extract of O. gratissimum, group C were administered with 100mg/kg bodyweight while group D were administered with 200mg/body of methanol extract of O. gratissimum for 14 days. Blood was collected from all the test rats and control by cardiac puncture using disposable syringe and needle then dispensed into tubes containing EDTA. The extract displayed a significant increase (p<0.05) in RBCs, Hb, PCV and platelet counts. More so, the extract produced no significant (p>0.05)difference in MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW WBC counts when compared with the normal control .Therefore, it will be logical to conclude that the extract of O. gratissimum might be a panacea in the management of anaemic conditions when properly harnessed due to its erythropoietic, haematopoietic and thrombopoietic effect.
 Keywords: Anaemia, erythropoietic, haematopoietic, thrombopoietic and phytochemicals.

Botanical from the medicinal spice, Piper capense is safe as demonstrated by oral acute and subchronic toxicity investigations

Piper capense Linn is a plant used in Cameroon to treat cancer and several other diseases such as urinary tract disorder, fever, stomach-ache and to improve appetite. The methanol extract of Piper capense has been reported for its antiproliferative activity towards several human cancer cell lines. The aim of this work was to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicities of a methanol extract from P. capense fruits on rats. The acute oral toxicity assay was carried out by administration of a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of the Piper capense to five female rats, after which the behavior of the animals and the number of deaths were noted after 48 h. The animals were then kept for observation for 14 days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed and macroscopic observation of the organs was made. Concerning the subchronic toxicity study, the rats composed of males and females received three doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight/day) for a period of 28 days by oral gavage. General animal behavior, food intake, weight gain, organ weights, haematological parameters, serum, and urinary biochemical parameters, and histological sections of liver and kidneys, were evaluated. Methanol extract from the Piper capense fruits did not cause any death in rats that were administered a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of extract and therefore, the letal dose 50 (LD50) of the extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. Subchronic administration of the methanol extract of Piper capense fruits showed significant variations (P > 0.05) after analysis of certain biochemical parameters: serum urea, urinary urea, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase, (ASAT), serum protein; in both male and female rats that received the dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. No major signs of toxicity were observed in the liver and kidneys of animals after analysis of the histological sections performed. Beside, some signs of toxicity were observed, including cell lysis and inflammation on the liver and kidney organs at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. Finally, the methanol extract of Piper capense fruits is safe at lower doses, but could cause some damages at doses as high as 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. Consequently, it should be taken with caution when used in therapy.

Effect of methanol extract of Trema orientalis leaf on some biochemical and histopathological indices of wistar albino rats with cadmium-induced - hepatotoxicity

The effect of administration of methanol extract of T. orientalis leaf on liver function parameters and histology of cadmium induced toxicity in Wistar rats was investigated. In the study, 125 male Wistar albino rats weighing 180 ± 10.00 g were randomly grouped into 5 groups (A - E) with twenty-five (25) rats in each group. Group A rats were administered distilled water and feed only and served as control. Group B rats were given oral administration of 10 mg/kg body weight of Cadmium (Cd), while group C rats were administered 100 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of T. orientalis leaf. Group D and E rats were concurrently given orally, 10 mg/kg body weight of Cd with 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight extract respectively. The serum total protein, albumin and bilirubin concentration and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in Cd-treated group. Though the concentration of total protein and albumin in serum showed insignificant increase following the immediate co- administration of Cd and the extract, further administration up to the final day resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increased in these parameters. The activity of the serum ALT significantly increased following co-treatment with Cd and the leaves extract. Also the serum concentration of total and conjugated bilirubin were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased on co-administration of Cd and the extract when compared with the Cd administration. Histological examination revealed congestion of the group hepatic venule, with blood cells in the hepatocytes accompanied with hypercellularity and diffused cellular balloon. Also there was degeneration and necrosis of hepatic cells in the Cd group. In contrast, the administration of the leaves extract to rats reversed the adverse effect of Cd to the rats. Continuous administration of the plant extract alone caused a mild toxicity in rats liver tissues. This is an indication that dose regulation is critical to monitoring the T. orientalis therapy. Relatively, the plant extract demonstrated a reasonable level of ability to alleviate the risk of Cd toxicity in rats.

Antidiabetic potential of methanolic extracts of Sargassum wightii in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

Abstract The present study was aimed to explore the bioactivity of Sargassum wightii extracts on the body weight, blood glucose level, serum total cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum urea, serum creatinine, SGPT and SGOT levels in diabetes induced mice (induced by Streptozotocin). Diabetic mice treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Sargassum wightii for 15 days showed a significant decline in their blood glucose level, total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides and significantly increased HDL-Cholesterol. In diabetic mice, a significant elevated SGPT level was detected but later restored to normal after the intraperitoneal administration of Sargassum wightii extract. The levels of SGOT had a significant rise in diabetic control mice. Subsequently, administration of Sargassum wightii extract was done which resulted in reduced SGOT levels. After 15 days of treatment, a significant reduction in serum creatinine and urea level in treated group was observed in comparison with untreated diabetic control. Thus the present findings suggested that the methanolic extracts of S. wightii had a good antidiabetic potential in ameliorating the diabetic condition in mice.

Biochemical evaluation and molecular docking assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf against ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammation of the colon that can progress to colorectal cancer if left untreated. No medication completely cures UC and natural products are sources of alternative approaches. This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf extract and fractions in a rat model of ulcerative colitis and to identify the active ingredients. UC was induced in rats by intra-rectal infusion of 1ml of 4% acetic acid (AA) in normal saline. AA exposed groups of rats were treated with 100 mg/kg bodyweight of methanol extract, hexane, ethyl-acetate and butanol fractions orally for four days. Another group received the standard drug - Dexamethasone and control rats were given distilled water only. Some biochemical changes were evaluated and the active ingredients were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by molecular docking against interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme (Caspase-1), beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Exposure of rat colon to acetic acid significantly altered (p < 0.05) serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin – 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde or MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH); and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These alterations were however restored in the rats treated with P. nivosus leaf with the ethyl-acetate fraction displaying the highest ameliorative activity. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence of 40 compounds which when subjected to molecular docking demonstrated varying degrees of binding affinities for the protein targets. Ethyl iso-allocholate demonstrated the highest binding affinity for caspase-1, cholest-22-ene-21-ol, 3,5-dehydro-6- methoxy-, pivalate for ADRB2 and TNF-α; and alpha-cadinol for COX-2. The anti-inflammatory potential of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf as a natural remedy and as a source of new drugs against ulcerative colitis is validated.

Influence of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn) leaves on oxidative stress biomarkers in the kidney of cadmium-induced toxicity rats

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) (False ashoka) is well-known in traditional system of medicine for its medicinal and therapeutic uses. However, the ameliorative effect of this plant against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rat model has not been reported. Hence, this preliminary study investigates the prophylactic and the curative effects of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Polyalthia longifolia against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals in group I served as control and administered distilled water only; group II was administered cadmium (4 mg/kg/body weight) every other day for 14 days; rats of groups III and IV served as the prophylactic group and were pre-treated with P. longifolia aqueous and methanolic leaf extract for 7 days and then exposed to cadmium for 7 days; and groups V, VI, VII, and VIII served as curative groups and were firstly exposed to cadmium for 7 days and then post-treated with 100 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract and 100 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract P. longifolia for another 7 days. Cd intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of serum creatinine and C-reactive protein levels. Cd exposure caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in tissue total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The levels of renal antioxidant parameters: glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione, were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant elevation of lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination confirms the biochemical findings. Pre- and post-treatment with P. longifolia restored antioxidant status, improved lipid profiles, and attenuated the lesions in the tissues. Both extracts of P. longifolia protects against Cd-induced kidney toxicities via antioxidant activities.

Amelioration of lead induced changes in the testes of sprague-dawley rats, by methanol extract of Telfaria occidentalis

The prevalence of infertility due to industrial, environmental and pharmaceutical toxins induced by lead in Nigeria and in developing countries is alarming. The use of medicinal plants as fertility enhancer in human is now in the increase because of the shifting of attention from synthetic drugs to natural plants. Thus, this study investigated the effect of methanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis on (Pb) lead-induced testicular damage in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four (24) Sprague dawley (SD) rats with average weight of 130g were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. Group A served as the control group administered normal saline. Group B received 75mg/kg body weight of lead (Pb) as Lead nitrate only. Group C received 75mg/kg body weight of lead (Pb) and 300mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Telfairia Occidentalis, while Group D receive 300mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Telfairia Occidentalis only. Administration was via oral canula and the animals were sacrificed on 15th day. Blood samples were obtained via the left ocular sinus for haematological and hormonal studies while the testes and epididymis were removed and fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histological analysis. Administration of Telfairia Occidentalis improves testicular testosterone and PCV levels and also restored the histoarchitecture of the testes in SD rats. It is therefore suggested that the antioxidant potential of this wonder plant may have beneficial effects in treating male factor infertility as shown in this present study.Keywords: Male infertility, Telfairia occidentalis, Lead (Pb), Antioxidants

Effect of Methanol Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Gomphrena celesioides&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on Chloroquine-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Hepatic injury has been reported to be associated with chloroquine therapy. Gomphrena celesioides has been claimed to have pleiotropic protective properties in the liver by traditional herbal practitioner but there is no scientific evidence to this claim. This investigation therefore sought to evaluate the effect of Gomphrena celesioides administration on chloroquine-induced hepatic injury in rats. Forty adult male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats and were treated orally once daily. Rats in group one received 1 ml/kg body weight of 0.9% normal saline; rats in group two received 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days; groups three, four and five rats were pre-treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of Gomphrena celesiodes for three days and on the fourth day were given 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days. The experiment lasted for seven days. Liver injury was manifested biochemically by a significant increase in serum level or activities of hepatic markers (aminotransferases, alkaline phosphate, bilirubin, cholesterol and gamma glutamyl transferase). In addition, hepatic tissue from chloroquine-treated rats showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation with a decrease in hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reservoirs. Moreover, the liver histopathologic evaluation revealed significant in chloroquine-treated rats. Gomphrena celesioides administration significantly alleviated chloroquine-induced pathologic changes in serum biochemistry and liver tissue. The results also suggest that Gomphrena celesioides possesses protective properties against chloroquine-induced liver injury via mitigation of drug-induced oxidative stress and its consequent events.

The effects of Moringa Oleifera on lipid profile status, heart histology, and liver histochemistry in adult Wistar rats

Background: Moringa oleifera's leaves are globally used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. We evaluated lipid profile status, heart and liver histology, and the activities of alanine and aspartate transaminases of the liver in M. oleifera-treated adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were employed in the study. Rats of control Group I received physiological saline while rats of Groups II–IV received 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg bodyweight of methanolic extract of M. oleifera, respectively, for 21 days. Results: No gross morphological or behavioral anomalies were observed in rats of Groups I–IV. Histological examinations showed normal histoarchitecture of the heart in Group I and the liver of Groups I–III. Comparative histological analyses showed dose-dependent increased nucleated cells in heart tissues of rats of Groups II–IV than those of Group I. Furthermore, histological evaluations showed hypertrophy of central vein of the liver in rats of Group IV when compared to Group I. Statistical analyses showed dose-dependent nonsignificant higher mean levels (P > 0.05) of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the sera of rats of Groups II–IV compared to rats of Group I. Evaluations of levels of alanine and aspartate transaminases showed a statistically significant higher mean values (P 0.05) in Groups III–IV compared to Group I. Conclusions: No significant adverse effects on lipid profile status, heart histology, and liver histochemistry were observed in M. oleifera-treated rats.

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAF ON LEAD ACETATE‐INDUCED CARDIOTOXOCITY, NEPHROTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

The persistent existence of lead in the environment is associated with severe health issues due to its cumulative effect and its ability to affect virtually every organ in the body. Recent discoveries have attributed the tissue damaging and inflammatory effects of lead toxicity to oxidative stress. Natural antioxidants are now being employed in the alleviation of lead‐induced toxicity and oxidative stress as they have been observed to be effective with little or no side effects associated.This study is designed to investigate the ameliorative and antioxidative effects of Azadirachta indica on lead induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity was established following oral administration of lead acetate (1mg/ml and 2mg/ml) for six weeks. However, rats were treated with 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Azadiracta indica (MEAI) after oral administration of lead acetate.Lead acetate administration led to a significant increase in heart rate, blood pressure and markers of oxidative stress in cardiac and renal tissues. Enzymic and non‐enzymic antioxidant defense systems were increased by lead acetate toxicity, there was however a persistent increase in glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity. Renal nitric oxide (NO) content was significant reduced whereas cardiac NO content increased significantly. However, treatment of rats with 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Azadiracta indica (MEAI) after oral administration of lead acetate led to improvement in antioxidant defense systems, reduction in markers of oxidative stress, restoration of blood pressure and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes respectively. Lead acetate also precipitated genotoxicity which was significantly attenuated by MEAI. The pericardial inflammation and necrosis as well as the peritubular inflammation observed in the histology of the heart and kidney tissues. This architectural anarchy was ameliorated by MEAI.In conclusion, the results of this study show that Azadirachta indica ameliorated lead acetate‐induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity through free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure and other haemodynamic parameters were restored to near normal by MEAI. Hence, Azadirachta indica is a potential drug candidate against environmental pollutant such as lead acetate.

In vivo Anti-trypanosomal Evaluation and Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extract of Nauclea latifolia

Aim: Trypanosomiasis is a pathological condition that requires serious attention. The dried root of Nauclea latifolia was investigated to determine the anti-trypanosomal activity on groups of Wistar rats. Methods: A 1000 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract was administered for 7 consecutive days by intraperitoneal route (ip) to Group II while Group I received a 3.5 mg/kg of Samorinil® through the same route. The phytochemical constituents were also determined. Parasitaemia level, body weight, temperature and packed cell volume (PCV) were monitored and determined before and after the commencement of the experiment. Results: The packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly (P = .05) in Group I and II post infection from an average of 35.0 ± 0.68 to 38.05 ± 0.32% when compared to the infected - untreated group (Group III) with a PCV value of 30.0 ± 1.11%. The methanol extract at a concentration of 1000 mg/kg of the plant reduced the parasitaemia level from 7.8 to 2.53 trypanosomes per ml at the end of the experiment. In Group I, the positive group, that received commercial drug (diminazene diaceturate (Samorinil®) was aparasitic before the end of the experiment. There was significant weight improvement (p =.05) in the entire Group (I and II) from 22 ± 0.01 to 4.4 ± 0.30 g and 2.4 ± 0.20 to 4.1 ± 0.04 g respectively except the Group III that was untreated with 2.4 ± 0.34 to 6.6 ± 0.18 g that kept depreciating postinfection. First death was recorded in Group III on 12-day post-infection. Temperature of G III continued to increase slowly as the parasitaemia level increased from 35.22 to 42 .36°C which significantly varied (p =.05) from the rectal temperature of GI and II from 35.85°C and 35.17 to 35.53°C and 34.40°C. Conclusion: The experiment showed that a 1000 mg/kg methanol extract of Nauclea latifolia exhibited promising trypanocidal activity against T. brucei.

Effect of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Momordica charantia Fruit on Blood Glucose and Liver Enzymes in Diabetic Rats

Aims: Karela (Momordica charantia), is extensively used in traditional medicine as an antidiabetic drug. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of aqueous and methanolic extrarct of Momordica charantia on blood glucose and liver enzymes of rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (6 rats in each group); control (healthy rats), negative control (diabetic rats by Streptozotocine) and 4 experimental groups (diabetic rats which recived aqueous and methanolic extracts of plant in concentrations of 50 and 100mg/kg of body weight daily for 40 days). The amount of the blood glucose was determined by sequential incision of the tip of the tail once a weak. After completing 40 days, blood was collected from heart of rats and the level of the liver enzymes serum was determined. The results were analysed by ANOVA with repeated measure and one way ANOVA tests in SPSS 19 software. Findings: The effect of different concentrations of aqueous and methanolic extracts on the blood glucose level was significant (p<0.001). Also a significant difference was observed between the amount of the aspartate aminotransfrase (p=0.049) and alanin aminotransfrase (p=0.005) enzymes activity at the two groups of negative control and 50mg/kg of body weight of methanolic extract. Using of 50 and 100mg/kg of body weight of aqueous and methanolic extracts reduced the alkalin phosphatase enzyme activity (p=0.002). Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia fruit have better effect on reducing the blood glucose than methanolic extracts. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts reduce the activity of aspartate aminotransfrase, alanin aminotransfrase and alkalin phosphatase.

Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe present study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of Passiflora incarnata Linn. leaves which are widely used as traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. Materials and methodsThe methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata were administered orally (100 and 200mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Hypoglycemic effects, oral glucose tolerance test, change in body weight and lipid profile of diabetic mice treated with methanolic extracts were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated mice. Histological examination during 15 days of treatment was also carried out. ResultsMethanolic extract (200mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin. ConclusionMethanolic extract of Passiflora incarnata exhibit significant anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.