Body Weight Of Extract Research Articles

Acute toxicity and antimalarial studies of extract of Allophylus spicatus in animals.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-020-00070-1.

Transcriptional Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Buchholzia coriacea in Acetaminophen-Induced Sub-Chronic Renal and Hepatic Toxicity

The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible renal and Hepato-protective effects of ethanolic extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed compared to N-acetylcysteine, on gene expression in the liver and kidneys of Wistar rats subjected to sub-chronic dose of paracetamol. Forty wistar rats were divided into eight groups of five rats in each group. Group 1 received only normal diet as control (CTRL). Groups 2-6 received 14.28 mg/kg body weight of Paracetamol (PM). After 6 hours, 200 mg/kg body weight of extract (E1) was given to group 3, 400 mg/kg body weight extracts (E2) given to group 4, 70 and 150 mg/kg body weight of N-acetylcysteine was administered to group 5 and 6 respectively. Groups 7 and 8 received only 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of extract (E1 and E2) respectively. This schedule was maintained for 90 days.

Leaf extract of Momordica charantia: Effects on liver enzymes, duodenum antioxidant enzymes, and disaccharidases with liver and duodenum histology

Background: Momordica charantia (MC) plant rich in phytochemicals, promoting sound health conditions, contains nutritional and nutraceutical components. Its popular in traditional and folk’s medicine, extract is used to treat and remedy diseases. Adverse effects produce toxic symptoms in children and laboratory animals. Aims and Objectives: The study investigated activities of liver enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and disaccharidases in the duodenum and evaluated the histomorphological changes in the duodenum and liver of normal rats orally administered with aqueous leaf extract of MC. Materials and Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats weight between 150 g and 200 g used for this experiment were divided into three groups equally. Group A received only water and Groups B and C received 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight of extract orally for 21 days. Liver enzymes, duodenum antioxidant enzymes, and disaccharidases were determined using standard methods. Histology of duodenum and liver was studied with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Observation from statistically compared results showed that catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in the duodenum reduced significantly. Malondialdehyde only increases in Group C but not significant. Maltase, sucrose, and lactase in the duodenum reduced significantly. Total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the liver reduced significantly, alkaline phosphatase showed increase not significant for the two doses (P < 0.05). Histological study from duodenum and liver showed some degenerated villi, loss of epithelial cell, and goblet cells in the duodenum, central vein constriction with hepatocyte hypertrophy, degeneration, and sinusoid dilation. Conclusion: MC has health benefits with ability to neutralized free radicals, preserve functions of liver and if care is not taken, it can induce negative histomorphological changes in the duodenum and the liver.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Triple Regimen of Artemether, Lumefantrine and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Hippocratea africana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in the Treatment of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Plasmodium berghei&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Infected Mice

Combination therapy is fast replacing monotherapy in the treatment of infectious diseases and Plasmodium resistance to artemisinin–based combination therapies (ACTs) is an emerging challenge. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining Artemether-Lumefantrine with crude root bark extract of Hippocratea africana, on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Forty-five albino mice which weighed 30 - 38g were grouped into five with seven mice in each. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Plasmodium berghei and kept for seven days for the parasitaemia to develop. A daily single dose of 200mg/Kg body weight of extract of H. africana was administered orally for ten days, while therapeutic dose of Artemether-lumefantrine was administered as daily single dose to the relevant groups on the last six days of treatment. A non-parasitized and parasitize untreated groups served as controls. The weights of the animals were recorded before and after treatment. The animals were sacrificed and blood obtained for determination of percentage parasitaemia and the erythrocytes count of the parasitized mice using standard methods. The results showed the mean body weight and percentage body weight changes of parasitized mice treated with combination of ACT plus H. africana not statistically different from those of non-parasitized untreated mice. Parasitized mice treated with ACT plus Extract had a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced percentage parasitaemia when compared with those treated with ACT only. Treatment with ACT plus Extract also showed a significant increase in parasite clearance (100%) when compared to mice treated with either ACT only (93.10%) or Extract only (82.15%). We concluded that combining artemether, lumefantrine and H. africana root bark extract exhibited a good therapeutic efficacy as demonstrated by body weight recovery, parasite clearance and reversion of clinical signs induced by Plasmodium berghei parasitaemia. The triple regimen was more efficacious than ACT alone, and therefore, may be a useful regimen in addressing the emerging problem of resistance of plasmodium species to standards ACTs.

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.

Efficacy of the Aqueous Extracts of Justicia Galeopsis Leaves on the Improvement of Hematological Parameters in Anemic Rats

Antianemc potential of aqueous of Justicia galeopsis leaves was studied using Wistar Albino rats after induction of anemia by phenylhydrazine hydrochloride. Forty rats (20 male and 20 female) subdivided into five groups of eight rats were used. There was a group as control (not anemic) and four other anemic groups which had received by gavage respectively 1 ml/kg of distilled water, 1 ml/kg of body weight of Vitafer (reference drug commonly used to treat anemia), 100 mg/kg of body weight of extract of J. galeopsis leaves cooked during 30 min and 30 mg/kg of body weight of extract of J. galeopsis leaves cooked during 45 min. Hematological parameters (red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit) were analyzed as indices of anemia and the weights of specific organs (liver, spleen and kidney) were evaluated. The results of this investigation had showed that aqueous extract of J. galeopsis leaves cooked improved red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. These extracts were not toxic for liver, spleen and kidney. The administration of 100 mg/kg/day of extract of leaves cooked leaves during 30 min promotes a better recovery rate of the number of red blood cells (94.80 %), hemoglobin level (159.53 %) and hematocrit (117.72 %) than Vitafer and the extract of leaves cooked for 45 min. This is suggestive that aqueous extracts of Justicia galeopsis leaves cooked during 30 min may be exploited during 2 weeks in the treatment of anemia.

Suppository Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Moringa oleifera on Alcohol Induce Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera root is the most underutilized part of the plant and it is rich in many phytochemicals.&#x0D; Aim of the Study: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Standardized and characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera following the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in albino wistar rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) experimental rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, the normal control group was given just rat feed and water, group 2, negative control was administered alcohol only (1.5 ml/kg body weight), rats in group 3, 4 and 5 received combined administration of alcohol 1.5 ml/kg body weight and 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera respectively, group 6 rats were administered 250mg/body weight of extract only. At the end of fourteen days (14) the experimental rats were then sacrificed and the serum liver enzymes were then assayed.&#x0D; Results: The results obtained from the laboratory was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test was done afterwards. Rats fed alcohol only produced significant increase in the levels of enzyme markers of tissue damage (AST, ALT and ALP) compared to normal control rats. Rats in group 3, 4 and 5 that were post treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract and they had significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of these enzyme markers in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control. The extract control group had no significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of the enzyme markers when compared to the normal control; however, there was a significant increase in the serum activity of ALP of the extract control group when compared with the normal control.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study exhibited a potent hepatoprotective effect against liver injury caused by alcohol administration. This suppository effect could be related to the antioxidant’s properties of Moringa oleifera that is rich in flavonoids and phenolic constituents of the extracts may contribute to their enzyme action.

In vitro and in vivo analysis of the anti-plasmodial activity of ethanol extract of Phyllanthus nivosus W. Bull leaf.

Antimalarial agents are necessary tools in the global malaria eradication agenda and plants used traditionally in the treatment of malaria are indispensable sources of antimalarial compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial potential of Phyllanthus nivosus leaf. In vitro antiplasmodial assay was conducted using Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes incubated at 37°C in modified RPMI 1640 culture media. The inhibitory effect of the ethanol extract on plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) activity was determined as a measure of antiplasmodial activity. In vivo study was done using mice infected with chloroquine sensitive P. berghei (NK-65 strain). Parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and liver lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were determined after a 4day treatment. Chloroquine was used as standard drug for both assays. The extract reduced pLDH activity by 39.52, 42.07 and 43.87% at 12, 25 and 50μg/mL respectively. 100 and 200mg/kg body weight of extract and 10mg/kg chloroquine suppressed parasitemia of infected mice by 82.76, 81.11 and 86.87% respectively. Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the elevated MDA level and reversed PCV and Hb levels of infected mice to normal values. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, steroids and terpenes. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed the presence of ten compounds, the most abundant of which is Methyl linoleate (35.77%). This study demonstrated that P. nivosus leaf possesses antimalarial potential and contains bioactive compounds that could be beneficial in the development of new antimalarial agents.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of velvet bean (&lt;i&gt;Mucuna ruriens&lt;/i&gt;) on reproductive outcome in adult female Wistar rats

From ancient times in many parts of the world, herbal medications have been used for the treatment of various ailments. Mucuna pruriens is a leguminous plant that has various medicinal purposes. Literature reports state that it enhances normal fertility, healthy sperm and ova, proper functioning of the reproductive organs and appropriate genital secretions. This present study was done to study the effects of the aqueous leaf extract of M. pruriens on reproductive outcome in adult female Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were used for this research. These animals were randomly divided into four groups of six (6) rats each. The animals were weighed before commencement and during the period of the experiment. All animals received water and feed ad libitum. Group A served as control. Groups B and C received 500mg and 1500mg/kg bodyweight of extract respectively for 10days before mating. Group D comprised of the male animals used for mating the females. After littering, the pups were counted and weighed. The statistical apparatus used for analyzing the data was IBM/SPSS version 20 and the method employed was ANOVA. Results were taken to be statistically significant when P&lt;0.05. Group B showed no significant increase (P&gt;0.05) in bodyweight change of dams as well as in pup weight. Group C on the other hand showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) both in the bodyweight change of dams but not in pup weight. A dose dependent increase in reproductive outcome and pregnancy success rate was observed in animals of group B and C. Findings from this study indicate that Mucuna pruriens has pro-fertility potential. It is therefore safe to administer extract in experimental animals to enhance their reproductive ability.Keyword: Mucuna pruriens, reproductive outcome, fertility, litter size

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Mucuna Pruriens&lt;/i&gt; (Linn.) on the weight and histology of the testis and epididymis in adult male Wistar rats

Mucuna pruriens, a leguminous plant common to Africa and Asia has been used for managing infertility in males, disorder of the nervous system, and also as an aphrodisiac. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens on the weight of the animals, reproductive organs (testis and epididymis) and histology of the testis and epididymis. Twenty- five adult male Wistar rats weighing above 200g were randomized into five (5) groups consisting five (5) rats each. Group A received 1ml sterile water via oral route to compensate for stress of administration incurred in the treated groups. Group B1 and B2 received 500mg/kg body weight via oral route for 4 and 8 weeks respectively and group C1 and C2 received 1500mg/kg body weight of extract via oral route daily for 4 and 8 respectively. The extract did not cause any significant change in the body weight of the animals. A significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) was also observed in the testis of rats in groups C2 while a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) was observed in the right epididymis of rats in group B2 and C1 and left epididymis of rats in group B2. Histological findings revealed distortion of the sequential arrangement of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubule epithelium, absence of spermatozoa and immature sperm cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule lumen. Scanty spermatozoa were observed in the epididymal lumen of rats in groups B1 and C2. Findings from this study indicated that Mucuna pruriens had an anti-fertility effect on adult male Wistar rat. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20 and the statistical method employed was ANOVA.Key word: Mucuna pruriens, weight, testis and epididymis

English

Cadmium produces a wide range of biological dysfunctions in human and laboratory animals where it chiefly affects the testes, whereas, Carpolobia lutea has been known to have antioxidant benefits. This study was intended to investigate the effects of Carpolobia lutea root extracts on testicular hormone function in cadmium-challenged male rats. 48 male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were divided into six groups, each containing eight rats. Experimental animals in control (Group 1) were given 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW) of 10% tween 80; Group two were administered 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p); Group 3 were given 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 100mg/kg BW extract; Group four took 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 200mg/kg BW extract while Group five and six got 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg BW extract respectively. The administration of vehicle and extract was conducted orally for six weeks. Testicular activity of 17 beta-hydrosteroid dehydrogenase (17&beta;-HSD) and serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone (LH, FSH) levels were evaluated. Findings indicated that cadmium statistically (p&lt;0.05) lowered testicular 17&beta;-HSD activity and serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels when compared with those of the control group animals. However, Carpolobia lutea and its co-administration notably (p&lt;0.05) elevated the activity of testicular 17&beta;-HSD and levels of serum testosterone, LH and FSH. The study suggests that Carpolobia lutea extract plays a protective function in ameliorating testicular damage caused by cadmium in rats. This is probably due to the extract&rsquo;s potential in the management of testicular dysfunction and fecundity in animals. Key words: Carpolobia lutea, polygalaceae, cadmium, 17 beta-hydrosteroid dehydrogenase, testicular function. &nbsp

Biochemical Changes of Ethanolic Leaf Extract Psidum Guajava of on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (or diabetes) is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects the body's ability to use the energy found in food due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion with/without varying degree of insulin resistance. The work is aimed at evaluating the biochemical changes on ethanolic leaf extract Psidum guajava of in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats. Methods: A total of seventy (70) ratus norvegicus rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of seven rats in each group. Group A served as normal control and received normal saline (2 ml/kg body weight). Group B was treated Streptozotocin, Group C was treated with Streptozotocin and 200mg/kg body weight of extract, D was treated with Streptozotocin and 400mg/kg body weight of extract and E was treated Streptozotocin and 5mg/kg body weight of metformin. Glucose level, levels of renal function status biomarkers and hepatic function biomarkers were determined at the end of the study (28 days). Result: Acute toxicity test revealed no mortality at maximum dose of 5000mg/kg which suggests that test substance is safe for the doses used for this study. The result in liver enzymes shows significant (p&lt;0.05) increases in AST, ALP and ALP when compared to the normal control but showed reduction in the protein level. Group B showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in urea when compared with the normal control while Group C (200mg/kg), Group D (400mg/kg) and Group E (5mg/kg metformin) showed decreases in the levels of Creatinine when compared to normal control rats. All doses of the plant extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) mitigated change; the reversals at 200mg/kg body weight of the extract compared well (p&lt;0.05) with their respective non- streptozotocin normal saline treatment control animals in 400mg/kg of the parameters investigated. Conclusion: Conclusively, the study demonstrated that ethanoic leaf extract of Psidium guajava can reverse the hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus, when compared with a known standard drug metformin. There is need for further researchs which will be aimed at isolating and packaging the bioactive compounds responsible for this effect into finished pharmaceutical product

Gestational and neurodevelopmental effects of black mustard seeds' ( Brassica nigra ) extract in wistar rats

This study investigated the effect of the crude aqueous extract of Brassica nigra (Black Mustard Seeds) in gestation and on the prefrontal cortex of newborn Wistar rats at different doses following prenatal administration. Eighteen (18) adult female rats weighing an average of 180±10g were used. The female rats were split into 3 groups of six animals; Group A received distilled water throughout gestation, Group B received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation, and Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation). Rat pups from the experimental groups were sacrificed on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 and subsequently prepared through routine histological and histochemical procedures. Brassica nigra was abortifacient at 200 mg/kg body weight and reduced litter size at 100 mg/kg body weight. No observed physical deformities in pups of treated groups. Comparative prefrontal microarchitecture revealed little to no alteration in the treated group. This study concludes that Brassica nigra (black mustard) is not totally innocuous and as such, should be moderately consumed or totally avoided in pregnancy. Keywords : Brassica nigra ; Mustard seeds; Gestation; Neurodevelopment.

Aqueous Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Agaricomycetes), Demonstrated Antiepileptic Activity against Seizure Induced by Maximal Electroshock and Isoniazid in Experimental Animals.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. This article describes a study of the antiepileptic effect of A. polytricha, a mushroom that is used traditionally for treating asthma, rheumatism, tumors, cough, fever, and epilepsy, and for its antimicrobial effect. We carried out toxicity studies to identify a standard dose of A. polytricha aqueous extract; maximal electroshock (MES)- and isoniazid (INH)-induced seizures in albino mice were used to screen for the extract's antiepileptic activity. Per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 423, up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of extract was toxic. Animals were treated with aqueous extract at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight. Phenytoin was used as the reference anticonvulsant drug for comparison. The investigation found a significant interruption in INH-induced clonic seizure. During MES, we found a reduction in the period of hind leg extensor phase; mice exhibited a significant decrease in the duration of hind limb extension after being treated with 400 and 600 mg/kg doses of A. polytricha. Comparable results were obtained in the INH group, as the extract seemed to delay the onset of a clonic seizure. The aqueous extract of A. polytricha showed antiepileptic action against MES- and INH-induced epilepsy in the mice. This extract, however, requires additional study in order to completely explain its active ingredients and their mechanisms of action.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Eucalyptus citriodora in Swiss Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK 65

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and emergence of malaria parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs, has necessitated the need for discovery and development of an alternative to malaria medicine. This study assessed the ethanolic leaf extract of Eucalyptus citriodora for the presence of bioactive components qualitatively and efficacy of the extract against the malaria parasite. Standard methods were used to determine the bioactive components of the leaf extract. Twenty (20) albino mice of body weight between 18-25 g were randomised into 5 groups of four mice each for acute toxicity test, while twenty-four (24) mice were randomised into six groups of four mice each (group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) for antiplasmodial activity. All the groups were infected with P. berghei, except group 3 (normal control). Group 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 0.2 mL of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of extract respectively. Group 2 (positive control) were treated with 0.2 mL of 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine. Group 1 (negative control) were administered with 0.2 mL of normal saline, while group 3 (normal control) were administered with 0.2 mL of normal saline for four consecutive days. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinone, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides and the extract was found safe and nontoxic. The antiplasmodial investigation revealed a decrease in percentage parasitaemia level in mice of group 4, 5 and 6 (extract treated group) compared with mice of group 1 (infected and not treated). The parasitaemia reduction was higher in group 6 (800 mg/kg). This significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in percentage parasitaemia level in the study was dose and time-dependent. The study revealed the potency of E. citriodora leaf extract as a future herbal candidate for the treatment of human malaria infection.

English

This study aims to determine the malaria parasite clearance rate of crude methanol extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium berghei. P. berghei was injected in mice and left for 3 days for establishment. Blood sample collected and diluted with phosphate buffer saline was used for infection. Five (5) groups of animals (mice) were used in this study each containing 5 animals each. The body weights of the entire animal were recorded before and after treatment. Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (positive control, untreated malaria-passaged mice), Group 3 (standard control, malaria -passaged mice treated with 25 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine), Group 4 (malaria-passaged mice treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of extract), and Group 5 (malaria-passaged mice treated with 400 mg/kg body weight of extract). Hematological assessments were carried out before the experiment, 5 days after infection and after treatment. The percentage of parasite load in malaria passaged mice was found to be significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower in animals treated with mid and high doses of the extract when compared to control groups. Before treatment, no significant (p &gt; 0.05) elevation was observed in the body weight of mice. On day 5 after infection, dose-dependent significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease was observed in the test groups. After treatment period, the body weights of the animals exhibited dose-dependent increase. The study thus revealed that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extracts possesses antimalarial activity in the in vivo mice model and has the ability of re-establishing the blood cells by boosting and stabilizing the blood parameters. Key words: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, chloroquine, Plasmodium berghei, malaria and clearance rate. &nbsp

Toxicity assessment of aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Curtisia dentata&lt;/i&gt; (Burm.f) C.A. Sm: stem bark in male Wistar rats

Purpose: To investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of aqueous stem bark extract in male Wistar rats.Methods: For the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract was orally administered to the animals by oral gavage and the rats thereafter were observed for mortality and toxicity signs for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity test, the graded doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight) of the aqueous extract of CD were given to the animals once daily for 28 days. In each of the experiment, the food and water intake, body weight changes, relative organ weights, hematological, clinical biochemistry and histopathological parameters were evaluated.Results: In both the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, CD did not show any visible signs of toxicity. There were also no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) between the control and CD-treated rats for all the investigated parameters; no obvious gross pathological features in the kidney, heart and liver of all the experimental animals were observed.Conclusion: The findings indicate that the extract is not toxic when administered at the tested doses and within the exposure period. Thus, the aqueous stem bark extract of CD may be adjudged relatively safe and pharmacologically non-toxic in Wistar rats.Keywords: Curtisia dentata, Hematopoietic, Histopathology, Toxicity

Evaluation of the Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Potential of Ethanolic Stem Back Extract of Xylopia Aethiopica (Annonaceae) in Male Rodents

Ethno pharmacological relevance: People in Nigeria and all over the world, use this plant preparations, for various therapeutic purposes, in folklore medicine. The aim of the study is to obtain the sub chronic nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic information on this plant. Aim of study: Obtain nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic information regarding traditional use of plants. Materials and methods: 32 male rats were grouped into 4 groups i.e. Group I (had no treatment), Group II (200 mg/kg body weight of extract), Group III (400 mg/kg body weight of extract) and Group IV (800 mg/kg body weight of extract) for a period of 28 days. On 14th and 28th day, three rats were sacrificed in each group and blood samples were obtained for kidney and hepatic function tests. Result: It showed that there was a significant increase in weight, p<0.01 in Group III, but p<0.05. There was no significant effect on the kidney function parameters except for Urea at 200 and 400 mg/kg. Liver function tests, showed that ALP, AST and ALT were significantly reduced, p<0.001 compared to the control Conclusion: It is possible therefore, to infer that the sub chronic toxicity study of X. aethiopica stem on liver and kidney has a toxic potential at high doses as it showed significant differences on some biomarkers of the kidney and liver functions. Moreover, the photomicrograph showed some slight histological alterations in both organs.

English

The aim of this research was to determine the median lethal dose of sesamum indicum seeds in Wistar rats. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats within the ages of five to six weeks and of weights, ranging from (98-160) g of both sexes were used for the experiment. They were categorized into two phases of I and II. Phase I consisted three (3) groups of three (3) animals each. While phase II consisted three (3) groups of one (1) animal each. The phase I group was orogastrically intubated with (10, 100 and 1000) mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds respectively with the aid of a 2ml syringe with an intubation needle of size 24 mounted on it. The animals in phase II were similarly administered 1600, 2900 and 5000mg/kg body weights of the extract respectively and observed for one hour and ten minutes after every two hours for twenty four hours. Result: No mortality or any physical signs of toxicity were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion: The LD50 of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds is above 5000mg/kg body weight in adult Wistar rats. Key Words: LD50, Sesamum seeds, Wistar rats.

The anti diabetic and anti obesity effect of Memecylon umbellatum extract in high fat diet induced obese mice.

In recent years, obesity and diabetes have become the epidemic mainly due to fast food and lifestyle changes. Several herbs have been claimed to control diabetes and obesity. However, there are a few which control both. Our aim was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activity of methanolic extract of Memecylon umbellatum (MU) in alleviation of insulin resistance (IR). Diet induced obese (DIO) mice model was developed by feeding the mice on high fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks resulting in hyperglycemia, obesity and IR. 250mg/kg body weight of extract was administered orally daily for 8 weeks. Fasting glucose and body weight were monitored throughout the experiment. At the end of the study, serum parameters, histological examinations and gene expression pattern were analyzed. There was a significant reduction in fasting glucose levels, body weight and triglycerides. Improvement in the glucose tolerance and amelioration of insulin resistance was observed as revealed by reduction in serum IL6, serum oxidised LDL, histological sections of liver and subcutaneous adipose. Gene expression studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract by down regulating IL6, PAI1 and ApoB gene expression as compared to the untreated HFD control. Our results demonstrate for the first time that oral administration of methanolic extract of MU in DIO mice leads to reduction in hyperglycemia, body weight, triglycerides and ameliorates insulin resistance. Further, mechanism of action of the extract needs to be investigated by purifying the extract and analyzing the active ingredient playing the major role.