Leaf Extract Of Bryophyllum Pinnatum Research Articles

Bryophyllum Pinnatum leaf extract mediated MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite for robust photocatalysis applications

One of the primary problems of the twenty-first century is the removal or degradation of organic dyes and antibiotics from water systems since they both contribute significantly to water pollution. To address this issue, molybdenum disulfide and zinc oxide nanocomposite (MoS2/ZnO) were produced by simple, eco-friendly and low cost process using Bryophyllum pinnatum (leaf) phytoextract (BPP) as a reducing as well as capping agent. The prepared BPP-mediated MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite (BP-MoS2/ZnO NC) samples were characterized through various techniques including powder XRD, Rietveld refinement, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FESEM, DLS and FT-IR spectroscopy. The BP-MoS2/ZnO samples were further tested for their use in the sunlight-powered photocatalytic breakdown of methylene blue (MB) and their efficiency to break MB molecules was contrasted with the BPP-mediated ZnO (BP-ZnO), Chemical ZnO (Ch-ZnO) and pure MoS2. The photocatalytic investigation reveals a remarkable enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of pristine ZnO when sensitized with MoS2. These results underscore the synergistic effect achieved by combining ZnO and MoS2. Notably, we found that the optimal catalytic performance is achieved at a Mo atomic percentage of 2% relative to Zn, emphasizing the importance of precise control for maximizing efficacy. Under sun exposure, 0.5g/L of BP-MoS2/ZnO resulted in 89.35% photodegradation of a 20mg/L MB solution with a rate constant of 0.08311 min-1, which was around 10.42%, 28.41%, and 52.86% greater than BP-ZnO, Ch-ZnO, and pure MoS2, respectively. Further, the efficacy of the BP-MoS2/ZnO NC as solar-driven photocatalysts for removal of pharmaceutical drugs (Amoxicillin & Metronidazole) and textile dyes (Methyl orange) pollutants in sunlight was also investigated. These results show that Bryophyllum extract-mediated MoS2/ZnO is a promising material for solar-based photocatalytic applications.

Isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from Bryophylum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken and assessment of wound healing efficacy using animal model

Wound healing is a complex and intrinsic process that implicates various stages in skin tissue regeneration, may further improvise using secondary metabolites. During a screening of plants traditionally utilized for wound healing, especially by tribals, we encountered Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken Plant. Further, we considered the leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken in various solvents for In vivo characterization of wound healing. The leaf extracts were prepared in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol and further identified the phytochemicals via advanced analytical techniques. The solvent extracts in the ointment base (1 % and 2 % w/w) were prepared and tested against the acute and burn wound models along with control and positive control (Cipladine 1 %). The ethanolic extract had higher phytochemical constituents was tested against the rat model, was found that 2 % w/w ethanolic ointment base stimulated the wound healing area, hydroxyproline content, and wound index and simultaneously reduced the epithelization period compared to the control. The present study concluded that the Ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves loaded ointment further promote the % of wound contraction rate, epithelization, and promotion of angiogenesis, exhibited the potential to be utilized to treat wounds.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaves (Boiled Extract) on Albino Wistar Rats – in vivo Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of boiled Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves on serum liver enzymes after the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in Albino Wistar rats.
 Study Design: Experimental.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar (from June to August, 2021).
 Methodology: Fresh Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves collected were washed thoroughly with clean water and allowed to dry at room temperature for 2 hours. The leaves were boiled at 100oC to obtain a boiled extract from the fresh leaves. Alcohol and leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum were administered orally for a period of one week each. The rats in group 2 and 3 were induced with sub-chronic liver damage orally using a commonly available alcoholic beverage, blended whiskey at a dose of 1.5 ml per body weight for a period of one week while the rats in group 3 were given boiled leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum for one week. At the end of the two weeks treatment period, the rats were weighed and sacrificed and their blood collected for analysis (liver function test).
 Results: The animals administered with alcohol suffered mild hepatic damage. The negative control group which was administered only alcohol, had an increase in ALT when compared to the normal control. The group treated with the extract had a decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels when compared to the negative control. This suggests that the Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves contain pharmacologically active compounds that can reduce alcohol-induced liver damage.
 Conclusion and Recommendations: The results show minimal anti-hepatotoxic activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves; the extract could be said to prevent liver damage induced by alcohol toxicity. Further study in the area of pharmacology is required in order to establish this natural product as an anti-hepatotoxic agent.

Evaluation of Anti-Depressant Activity on Bryophyllum Pinnatum Leaves

The research was aimed Evaluation of Anti-depressant Activity on Bryophyllum Pinnatum Leaves. Levels of these monoamines in the brain either by inhibiting monoamine oxidase or by inhibiting reuptake of these neurotransmitters might be successful in the treatment of depression that has been classified and treated in a verity of ways. The result of our preliminary phytochemistry shows that ethanol leaf extract of Bryophyllum Pinnatum contained alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Glycoside, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids were detected in the ethanolic fraction phytochemical components especially alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrate have been reported to have antidepressant activity. In the present study, the antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of whole plant of Bryophyllum pinnatum were studied in two classical models for screening animal models for depression the forced swim test and tail suspension test.

Gel formulated with Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract promotes skin wound healing in vivo by increasing VEGF expression: A novel potential active ingredient for pharmaceuticals.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae) is used in traditional medicine for treating skin wounds. In our previous study, a topical gel containing B. pinnatum aqueous leaf extract showed a preclinical anti-inflammatory effect in in vivo acute edema models. In continuation, the present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical content and the stability of a formulation in gel containing B. pinnatum aqueous leaf extract and its healing properties and mechanism of action through an experimental model of induction of skin wounds in rats and in vitro assays. The animals were treated topically for 7 or 14days with a formulation in gel containing extract at 5% or a placebo or Fibrinase® in cream. In addition, to establish some quality control parameters, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and a study focusing on the phytochemical and biological stability of a gel for 30 days at two different conditions (room temperature and 40°C/75% RH) were performed. Gel formulation containing extract showed a TPC and TFC of 2.77 ± 0.06mg of gallic acid/g and 1.58 ± 0.03mg of quercetin/g, respectively. Regarding the stability study, the formulation in gel showed no significant change in the following parameters: pH, water activity, chromatographic profile, and the content of the major compound identified in the extract. The gel formulation containing extract stimulated skin wound healing while reducing the wound area, as well as decreasing the inflammatory infiltrate, reducing the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and stimulating angiogenesis with increased expression of VEGF, an effect similar to Fibrinase. In conclusion, the gel formulation containing extract exhibited relevant skin wound healing properties and, therefore, has the potential to be applied as a novel active ingredient for developing wound healing pharmaceuticals.

Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract mediated ZnO nanoparticles with prodigious potential for solar driven photocatalytic degradation of industrial contaminants

In an era of environment-friendly development plant extract-based biological techniques for synthesizing nanoparticles have gained a lot of attention over traditionally famous chemical and physical synthesis techniques. In the present study we have synthesized biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (BPLE-ZnO NPs) using Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract, compared its native properties and solar-driven photocatalytic activity with chemically prepared ZnO nanoparticles (Chem-ZnO NPs). In order to characterize and compare the Chem-ZnO and BPLE-ZnO, various techniques were used, including UV–visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffractrometry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analyzer. The results revealed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO, with no significant difference between the two methods; however, the use of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract in ZnO NPs synthesis resulted in reduced size, presence of biomolecules on its surface and better monodispersity than purely chemical synthesis. Further, the BPLE-ZnO NPs showed better efficiency in the solar-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye compared to Chem-ZnO NPs. Under solar exposure at a dose of 0.50 mg/mL BPLE-ZnO, resulted in 97.31% photodegradation with a rate constant of 0.06 min−1 of 20 mg/L MB solution within just 60 min which was 9.51% higher compared to the Chem-ZnO NPs. The BPLE-ZnO NPs were also employed to investigate their solar-driven photocatalytic performance for degrading the pharmaceutical (Metronidazole and Amoxycillin) and textile pollutants (Methyl orange dye) under sunlight. The results show that Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract-mediated ZnO NPs have an excellent potential in solar-based photocatalytic applications.

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract and its antibacterial potential against Listeria monocytogenes

Green synthesis nanoparticle preparation is a biocompatible, safe, and ecologically friendly method of nanoparticle preparation. In the green manufacture of nanoparticles, plants and other microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi are employed. In terms of efficiency, speed, affordability, non-toxicity, simplicity, and environmental friendliness, it outperforms physicochemical techniques. Nanoparticle production mediated by plant biomass is a fast expanding topic of research around the world. Copper oxide nanoparticles were made from the aqueous leaf extract of the Bryophyllum pinnatum plant in this work. The antibacterial activity of the produced copper oxide nanoparticles was investigated against Listeria monocytogenes. To make copper oxide nanoparticles, 1ml aqueous extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum was mixed with 20ml (0.1M) Cu(NO3)2 and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 15 minutes before being rinsed with distilled water and dried. UV-Visible spectroscopy, High-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (HR FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were used to evaluate the produced copper oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial potential of the compound was next tested utilizing disk diffusion and agar well diffusion methods against Listeria monocytogenes.

Gastric Ulcer Healing Property of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract in Chronic Model In Vivo and Gastroprotective Activity of Its Major Flavonoid.

Gastric ulcer is a common disease that develops complications such as hemorrhages and perforations when not properly treated. Extended use of drugs in the treatment of this pathology can provoke many adverse effects. Therefore, finding medicinal plants with gastroprotective and mucosal healing properties has gained increasing interest. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae), popularly known in Brazil as “saião” or “coirama,” has been used to treat inflammatory disorders. It is rich in flavonoids, and quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-Bp1 is its major compound. In this study, we aimed to investigate ulcer healing properties of B. pinnatum against an acetic acid–induced chronic ulcer model and the gastroprotective activity of Bp1 against gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Ultrafast liquid chromatography was used to quantify the main compounds (mg/g of the extract)—quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (33.12 ± 0.056), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3.98 ± 0.049), and quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4.26 ± 0.022) and showed good linearity, specificity, selectivity, precision, robustness, and accuracy. In vivo studies showed that treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg stimulated the healing process in the gastric mucosa with significant ulceration index reduction, followed by improvement in the antioxidant defense system [increased glutathione (GSH) levels, decreased superoxide dismutase upregulation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels]. Moreover, the extract decreased interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-a levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, increased interleukin 10 levels, showed a cytoprotective effect in histological analyzes and also downregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and NF-κB (p65). The pretreatment with Bp1 at a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced gastric lesions in the ethanol and indomethacin models, increased GSH, and decreased MDA levels. In addition, the pretreatment decreased MPO activity, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, while also showing a cytoprotective effect in histological analyzes. Our study suggests that treatment with B. pinnatum extract showed a higher inhibition percentage than pretreatment with the Bp1. This might in turn suggest that Bp1 has gastroprotective activity, but other compounds can act synergistically, potentiating its effect. We conclude that B. pinnatum leaf extract could be a new source of raw material rich in phenolic compounds to be applied in food or medicine.

Acute and Chronic Anti-inflammatory effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract on Wistar Rats

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) is used traditionally to treat many ailments. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of hydro-ethanol leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Wistar rats using acute and chronic models and also evaluates the bioactive compounds of the leaf extract. The phytochemical constituents of the plant extract were quantitatively determined by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and acute anti-inflammatory activity was carried out with the aid of plethysmometer while chronic anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using cotton pellet. Results showed that the leaf extract of B. pinnatum was rich in kaempferol (7.006 ±0.02 μg/g), sapogenin (3.372 ±0.02 μg/g), rutin (1.837 ±0.01 μg/g) and lunamarine (1.359 ±0.01 μg/g). The findings showed that the plant had considerable anti-inflammatory effects in a dose dependent manner, returning edema in carragenean-induced and cotton pellet induced granuloma in Wistar rats to normal within 120 minutes and 7 days respectively. The findings of this work have shown that the leaf of B. pinnatum was rich in bioactive compounds which could be synthesized to produce new plant based product to fight inflammatory disorders with fewer side effects.

Inhibitory Activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract on Selected Strains of Microorganisms

Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam. (Crassulaceae) called ‘Oda-opue’ in Igbo, ‘Eru-odundunin Yoruba and ‘Abomoda’ in Hausa languages are widely used as food and as medicines in traditional medical practice. They are found widely in tropical Africa, America, India and China. This study investigates the inhibitory activities of hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of B. Pinnatum against some strains of microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Basillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Penicillum marneffei) using standard inoculate method. Results showed that hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of B. pinnatum exhibited a considerable antimicrobial activity at the lowest concentration (15.625 mg/ml). The results in the findings showed that the leaf of B. pinnatum has high inhibitory activities against pathogenic organisms and could be employed to formulate new plant-based drug to improve human health.

Ulcer-Protective Property of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract and their Phytosomal Formulations

a peer-reviewed, open access online international journal which publishes original research papers. The journal welcomes submission from scholars and experts for possible publication from all over the world. The scope of the journal includes: Pharmaceutical research, chemistry and biochemistry of naturally occurring compounds, biological evaluation of crude extracts, ethnomedicine, traditional and complementary medicine, ethnopharmacology, biomedical research, Biotechnology, Evaluation of natural substances of land and sea and of plants, microbes and animals, pharmacognosy, bioavailability, clinical, pharmacological, toxicological studies and pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals, Isolation and characterization of compounds, structure elucidation, synthesis and experimental biosynthesis of natural Product as well as developments of methods in these areas are welcomed in the journal.

Bioelectrical characterization and production of nanoparticles (NPs) using PKL extract for electricity generation

In this work, it has been introduced an innovative Zn/Cu-electrochemical cell based on PKL extract and NPs. The effect of surface area of the anode, the temperature of the electrolyte and the concentration of PKL extract (electrolyte) on the current (A), voltage (V) and the power (W) of the constructed electrochemical cell has been studied. However, Nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized using PKL extract for practical applications to generate electricity. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by using KMnO4 as a precursor and Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract as a source of reducing agent. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) study revealed the preparation of nanocrystalline MnO2 with cubic crystal structure. The presence of capping agents on the synthesized MnO2 NPs were confirmed by the fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The surface morphology was examined with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be cubic grain with homogeneous distribution. The thermal analysis was carried out using thermo gravimetric (TGA) analysis. EDX analysis demonstrates the presence of Mn and O including their composition. However, the VSM analysis indicates the ferromagnetic effect of nanoparticles. The synthesized MnO2 NPs were used in modified galvanic cell to generate electricity in which water was used as solvent. MnO2 NPs were found to be an effective material for the generation of electricity. The novelty of this work is to synthesis of MnO2 NPs using Bryophillum pinnatum leaf extract for the first time in the world. Apart from that the produced NPs have been successfully used to generate electricity in Zn/Cu based modified electrochemical cell. Most of the results have been tabulated and graphically discussed.

Green synthesis of Bryophyllum pinnatum aqueous leaf extract mediated bio-molecule capped dilute ferromagnetic α-MnO2 nanoparticles

Bio-molecule capped α-MnO2 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized from the reduction of KMnO4 via a facile green synthesis route using an aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized α-MnO2 nanoparticles were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform—infrared (FT-IR), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Experimental results clearly demonstrate the successful synthesis of bio-molecule capped crystalline tetragonal α-MnO2 nanoparticles with the size of 4–18 nm. The magnetic property of the product was evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and the result reveals that the presently synthesized bio-molecule capped α-MnO2 nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic property at room temperature.

In vivo Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract on Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea in Albino Rat

In vivo Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract on Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea in Albino Rat

Bioactivity-guided isolation of antidiabetic principles from the methanolic leaf extract ofBryophyllum pinnatum

The antidiabetic principles from methanolic leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum were isolated. The leaf extract was fractionated on silica gel using column chromatography and identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. The ethylacetate fraction of the partitioned methanolic extract of B. pinnatum lowered blood glucose of alloxan-induced diabetic rats and inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 137.89 and 110.15 µg/mL, respectively. In addition to lowering blood glucose, fractions A and B inhibited α-amylase with IC50 57.43 and 43.84 µg/mL and α-glucosidase with IC50 11.15 and 25.79 µg/mL, respectively. 1H and 13C NMR showed that fractions A and B are quercetin and kaempeferol, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that kaempferol and quercetin interacted with amino acid residues that bind/hydrolyze substrate molecules These compounds reversed altered lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers. Our findings showed that kaempferol and quercetin are responsible for the antidiabetic activity of B. pinnatum. Practical application Bryophyllum pinnatum is an edible vegetable plant in some parts of Nigeria, and its consumption could improve diabetic condition and lower postprandial glucose. Furthermore, extract of the leaves could be developed into food supplements for managing diabetes and its associated complications including dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress.

Studies on the anti-asthmatic and antitussive properties of aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum in rodent species

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiasthmatic and antitussive properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum) (BP) Lam. MethodsOvalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs which were treated with BP for 21 consecutive days were exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol in a glass chamber. Mucus viscosity, white blood cell and lymphocyte counts and tracheal wall morphometry were measured. Bouts of cough were counted pre and post acute exposure of extract-treated (× 7 d) guinea pigs to 7.5% citric acid aerosol in a chamber. Phenol red expectoration was estimated in mice after 7 d of daily administration of BP. ResultsDoses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day (×21 d) BP significantly increased the time for guinea pigs to experience preconvulsive dyspnoea. BP and salbutamol (0.5 mg/kg/day ×21 d) reduced mucus viscosity in the sensitized group to values comparable with controls. White blood cell, lymphocyte counts and tracheal morphometry were not significantly altered. Both doses of BP also significantly reduced the bouts of cough but only 400 mg/kg/day significantly inhibited the amount of phenol red secreted. ConclusionsBP has demonstrated antiasthmatic and antitussive properties in these rodent models. These properties may underscore its use in Nigerian ethnomedicine.

Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicological Assessment of Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Bryophyllum Pinnatum</i> (Lam.) in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Problem statement: The aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum has been reported to possess antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, anti microbial, antidiabetic and antiulcer properties among others. Being readily available and easy to c ultivate, the use of the plant in herbal medicine h as been on the increase. Although there are few toxico logical reports on the extract, these have not been sufficiently extensive. We therefore designed this study in order to evaluate more extensively the acu te and sub-acute toxicity of the extract in rats. Approach: Oral and intraperitoneal (i.p) LD 50 experiments were conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats. Other rats were given daily doses of 2 g kg -1 body weight (p.o) ◊ 35 days at the end of which kidneys, hearts , spleen and blood/sera were obtained for weight, haematological and biochemical analyses. Results: While there was no death at a maximum acute dose of 5 g kg -1 body weight by the oral route, the intraperitoneal LD 50 was 1.8 g kg -1 body weight. Sub- acute treatment did not significantly alter animal weights, organ-to-body weight ratios, fluid intake, hematological indices and the levels of AST, ALP and albumin. ALT level was significantly reduced (p<0.03) in the treated group. Total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels were not significantly altered in the treated group. Conclusion: The results point to the possible safety of the aq ueous extract although more toxicological studies are needed to c onfirm this.

Neuropsychopharmacological profile of the methanolic fraction of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract.

Neuropharmacological studies were conducted in experimental animals (rats and mice) with the methanolic fraction of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract. The fraction produced alteration of behaviour pattern, caused dose-dependent potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time and had significant analgesic activity. Significant reduction of exploratory behaviour and loss of residual curiosity were among the effects observed with the fraction. The observations suggest that the methanolic fraction of Bryophyllum pinnatum possesses a potent CNS depressant action.

Neuropharmacological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum in mice

Effects of aqueous leaf extracts of bryophyllum pinnatum (AEBP) on someneuropharmacological activities were studied in mice. The extract indosages (50,100 and 200 mg/kg) was found to produce a profounddecrease in exploratory activity in a dose-dependent manner. It alsoshowed a marked sedative effect as evidenced by a significant reduction ingross behaviour and potentiation of pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time.It delayed onset in strychnine-and picrotoxin-induced convulsion (seizures)respectively with the protective effect being significantly higher inpicrotoxin- than strychnine-induced convulsion. It also decreases the rateof picrotoxin-induced mortality in mice with LD50 of 641mg/kg. Thetotality of these effects showed that the extract possesses depressantaction on the central nervous systemKeywords: Bryophyllum pinnatum, Neuropharmacology, exploration, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant.

English

The effects of aqueous leaf extract of&nbsp;Bryophyllum pinnatum&nbsp;on the blood pressure of anaesthetized cats, as well as on the liver and kidney status of the rabbit were investigated in this study. The results revealed that, the extract produced a small fall in the blood pressure of the anaesthetized cat and also reduced the effect of adrenaline-induced elevation of blood pressure. In rabbits, biochemical analysis of serum was carried out; urea and creatinine were used as tests of its effect on the renal function while alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) served as enzyme indices of the liver function. In addition, the tissues of the liver and kidney were microscopically examined. The treated rabbits showed a significant decrease (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) in their serum creatinine accompanied by significant increase in their serum urea (P&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05). No significant changes of these biochemical parameters were seen in the serum of control animals. While a significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) was observed in the activity of the ALP of the treated animals, a non-significant increase (P &gt; 0.05) was recorded in the AST and ALT aminotransferases of both the treated and control animals. The increase recorded in the treated group was much higher (8.64 and 13.63%) as compared to the control group (0.69 and 7.05%). The histopathological examination of the kidney and liver of treated animals showed shrunken glomeruli with increased urinary space, mild necrosis of the tubules and hyaline droplets, while the liver tissue revealed necrosis of the liver cells, lymphocytic infiltration and peri-cuffing of the bile duct. The control animals, however, showed normal histological structure. In addition after 4 weeks of treatment, body weight in the control group was significantly higher than those in the treated group. It was concluded that the pharmacological basis for the use of&nbsp;B. pinnatum&nbsp;among the Igbos of Nigeria to lower blood pressure was established by this study. However, the facts that the reduction in blood pressure produced is slight and the&nbsp;B. pinnatum&nbsp;leaf extract is potentially organotoxic negate its use as a blood pressure lowering agent. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Byophyllum pinnatum, blood pressure, biochemical analysis, histopathology, rabbit.