Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius Research Articles

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf pellet can manipulate rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability.

ObjectiveChaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf has been found to be an important source of protein, vitamins, minerals, as well as phytonutrients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) with various level of crude protein (CP) in the concentrate on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability in in vitro gas production technique.MethodsIn an in vitro rumen fermentation study the dietary treatments were arranged according to a 3×5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design, consisting of Factor A: three levels of CP of concentrate mixtures (14%, 16%, and 18% CP, respectively) and Factor B: five levels of CHYP supplementation (at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of dry matter substrates).ResultsThe gas production kinetics, fraction (a) and fraction (b) were lower (p<0.05) with an increasing CHYP addition. Additionally, the fraction (a+b) was found to yield a significant interaction (p<0.05) while the fraction (c) was not impacted by CHYP addition. However, in vitro DM degradability was enhanced and interactive (p<0.05), using 16% CP of concentrate with 6% and 8% CHYP, when compared with 18% CP in the non-addition. Additionally, the treatment with higher CP of the concentrate was higher in NH3-N concentration (p<0.001) and by CHYP supplementation group (p<0.05). Nevertheless, protozoal counts in the rumen were remarkably decreased (p<0.05) with increasing level of CHYP supplementation. Furthermore, rumen C2 concentration was lower (p<0.05) in the treatments with CHYP supplementation, while C3 was significantly increased and interactive (p<0.05) between levels of CP and CHYP supplementation especially at 8% CHYP supplementation.ConclusionBased on this study, the results revealed CHYP as a promising feed supplement to enhance rumen fermentation and to mitigate methane production. However, in vivo feeding experiments should be subsequently conducted to elucidate the effect of CHYP supplementation on rumen fermentation, as well as ruminant production efficiency.

Investigation of the Anti-cataract and Antioxidant Activities of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves Extract In vitro

Background: Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant and anti-cataract activities of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves extract and fractions. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), total reducing power, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Anti-cataract potential was evaluated in vitro using goat lenses divided into eight groups of different treatments and incubated in artificial aqueous humor at 37 °C for 72 hours. Glucose-induced opacity in the lenses was observed and biochemical indices quantified (catalase, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein in the lens homogenate).&#x0D; Results: The crude extract and its fractions possess substantial antioxidant activities. The aqueous fraction exhibited the best DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value 78.599 µg/ml); while the dichloromethane fraction exhibited the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity with IC50 66.68 µg/ml. The anti-cataract evaluation of crude and fractions at 250 μg/ml showed a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the total protein and catalase activity compared to the cataract control group. The malonaldehyde level decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in all the treated groups.

Supplemental effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf pellet (CHYP) on rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in growing crossbred bulls. Four animals, with an average liveweight of 160 ± 10 kg were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments: 0, 4, 6 and 8% CHYP supplementation of DMI. The study findings showed that increasing supplementation level of CHYP linearly enhanced (p < 0.05) DM, OM, and CP digestibilities. Rumen characteristics, namely NH3–N concentration and bacterial population were increased (p < 0.05) while, protozoal and fungal population remained unchanged, as level of CHYP supplementation increased. Total rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) and propionic acid (C3) were enhanced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, N utilisation especially N absorption, N retention and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) were significantly improved by increasing level of CHYP supplementation. Hence, CHYP supplementation is highly promising for ruminant feeding. HIGHLIGHTS Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) contains high level of crude protein, essential amino acids and minerals. CHYP supplementation increased nutrient digestibility and propionic acid (C3) in rumen. CHYP enhanced N–balance, microbial nitrogen supply (MNS) and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS).

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract and ascorbate confer amelioration and protection against dimethyl nitrosamine-induced renal toxicity and testicular abnormalities in rats.

Extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) have been reported to possess medicinal properties ranging from potential hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-cardiovascular. In our previous study, gas chromatography mass spectroscopy check of CA extract showed the inclusion of 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, a phenolic phyto-compound that constitutes about 45 %, carotene and linoleic acid sources, and silicon-rich components. Hence we compare the preventive and ameliorative potentials of CA with ascorbate in dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-induced renal toxicity and sperm abnormalities in rats. Renal toxicity was investigated by quantifying the levels and activities of endogenous antioxidant parameters. Renal damage marked by significant reduction in GSH level, as well as significant elevation in MDA concentration, and activities of GPx, GST, CAT, and SOD were restored after the intervention of CA and ascorbate. Also, there was decrease in live sperm, sperm concentration, sperm gross and individual motility, and normal sperm morphology, following DMN administration. Based on the gathered results, it is concluded that ascorbate and CA demonstrate comparable ameliorative and protective effects against DMN-induced renal and testicular toxicities in rats.

Vasorelaxant and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants from Campeche, Mexico

Context: Brosimum alicastrum, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Tradescantia spathacea, Turnera diffusa, Manilkara zapota, and Jatropha gaumeri are medicinal plants recognized in Mexican Mayan Culture. Aim: Methanol leaves extracts of these plants were use as raw material to develop a phytochemical, spectroscopy, and pharmacological analysis. Subjects and Methods: Methanol maceration was carried out and were compared in terms of yield extraction, chlorophyll, simple phenolic and flavonoids content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and β-Carotene bleaching models), as well as isolated aorta rings (E+), precontracted with noradrenaline. Results: Best content of simple phenolic and flavonoids compounds was recorder in B. alicastrum, J. gaumeri and T. diffusa. J. gaumeri extract exert an antioxidant (β-carotene bleaching: EC50: 0.8 ± 0.1 μg/mL, Emax: 85.7% ± 0.4%; DPPH: EC50: 60.3 ± 1.8 μg/mL, Emax: 60.4% ± 1.8%; P

Restoration of plasma kidney and liver biomarkers in doxorubicin-treated Wistar rats by aqueous extracts of Pleurotus tuberregium sclerotia and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves.

The ability of aqueous extracts of sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium and leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius to regulate plasma markers of kidney and liver function/integrity was investigated in doxorubicin-treated Wistar rats. Doxorubicin (dissolved in normal saline) was injected intraperitoneally (15 mg/kg body weight) into the rats; metformin was daily administered orally at 250 mg/kg, while the extracts were daily administered orally at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg. Compared to the test control, in both the doxorubicin pre-treatment (or ameliorative) study and the extract pre-treatment (protective) studies, the extracts and metformin-treated groups had significantly lower (P < 0.05) plasma levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, and concentrations of creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen. However, the plasma globulin, albumin, and total protein concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio of the extract and metformin-treated groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The extracts prevented (in the protective study) or attenuated (in the ameliorative study) doxorubicin-induced increase in the levels of plasma markers of kidney and liver function/integrity, and afforded protection or recovery towards near-normal values.

Effect of rooting media and number of nodes on growth and leaf yield of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius McVaugh) at Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Chaya known as spinach tree, rich in vitamins and minerals, can grow under drought, low soil fertility conditions and tolerant to insect pest and could be used to tackle malnutrition problem in eas...

Anti-Anaemic Effect of Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Mc Vaugh) Leaf Extract on Phenyl Hydrazine-Treated Rats

Background: Anaemia is one of the world's threatening disease conditions of blood disorder that leads to the decrease in red blood cells which affects people of all ages.&#x0D; Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cnidoscolus chayamansa leaf extract on phenylhydrazine hydrochloride induced anaemia in albino rats.&#x0D; Study Duration: This study was conducted on 30th June 2019 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 16 rats were split into four groups. Group A the baseline for negative control, group B positive control, group C pre-treatment and group D post-treatment. Induction was done by intraperitoneal with phenylhydrazine at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Blood was taken for each 2 days interval for PCV, RBC, WBC and Hb. Preliminary phytochemical screening was investigated by standard procedures.&#x0D; Results: The results show a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in serum PCV, RBC, WBC and Hb concentration when compared with the untreated group. Decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase (15.46±4.443 &amp; 7.80±0.429), aspartate aminotransferase (20.89±1.095 &amp; 11.66±0.898), total bilirubin (13.70±0.351 &amp; 10.45±0.620), direct bilirubin (7.49±0.659 &amp; 3.76±0.042) and alkaline phosphatase (254.25±2.287 &amp; 192.00±1.474) and a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in serum protein and albumin when compared with untreated group. Iron binding shows a significantly (P&lt;0.05) increase (153.49±0.530 &amp; 166.09±1.334) and (85.16±0.824 &amp;98.43±0.562) while there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in serum Urea (2.39±0.027&amp;4.70±0.047), Creatinine (68.38±0.404&amp;75.01±0.891), and Uric acid (234.92±2.761&amp;246.52±1.136) when compared with the baselines. &#x0D; Conclusion: The positive effect of the vegetable may be attributed to its rich phytochemicals, nutrients which supports the use of the leaves for food and ethnomedicinal purposes in many parts of Nigeria.

English

Stress, excessive consumption of processed foods, pollutants and many other factors of today&#39;s life have caused oxidative stress in our body and damage to genetic material in our cells, leading to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, metabolic syndrome, among others. Medicine has returned to take up traditional remedies mainly in plants. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) has been studied in this regard, mainly for its antidiabetic effects; however, there is little information about its antioxidant and protective properties against genotoxic damage. The present study focuses on the evaluation of the antioxidant and protective properties to genotoxic damage of aqueous and methanolic extracts of chaya leaves (C. chayamansa) in a model in mice which were induced to oxidative stress and genotoxic damage by exposure to arsenic and low doses of streptozotocin. Genotoxic damage was assessed by micronucleus count and antioxidant properties were assessed in the extracts and plasmas of the mice by the ABTS radical and using Trolox as standard. Additionally, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Mice treated with aqueous extract showed better recovery than those treated with methanolic extract; however, no significant statistical differences were found between both groups. HPLC analysis suggests the presence of some compounds of interest such as ferulic acid, protocatechonic acid, riboflavin, kaempferol and beta carotene. These could be associated with the effects of protection against genotoxic damage and as antioxidants found in the study. The aqueous extract seems have the best performance against genotoxic damage and have better oxidative properties, so the consumption of chaya can be recommended. Key words: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Chaya, genotoxic damage, oxidative stress, micronucleus, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). &nbsp

Effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on Some Hematological Parameters of Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Medicinal plants have become increasingly useful as a form of alternative therapy. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a medicinal plant applied in folklore remedies in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on some hematological parameters of male Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 15 male Wistar rats weighing between 100-250 g were randomly placed in groups. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only; group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400 mg/kg of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Extract was administered once daily using oro-gastric cannula for 30 days. Blood samples were collected by direct cardiac puncture into appropriate sample tubes for estimation of hematological parameters including red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count.&#x0D; Results: Results showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in RBC, PCV, Hb and platelet count with the higher dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract compared to control group. However, the WBC count was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered.&#x0D; Conclusion: Oral administration of the leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius increases red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin level and platelet count at 400 mg/kg body weight.

Effects of Leaf Extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on Serum Lipids and Oxidative Stress Markers of Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is considered to be an important and effective medicinal plant in folklore remedies where it has been applied as an alternative therapy for the treatment of various ailments.&#x0D; Aim: The present study aims to determine the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on lipid profile and some oxidative stress markers of male Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 15 male wistar rats were procured for the study and randomly assigned into three groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only. Group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400mg/kg of the hydromethanolic (1:4) extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius which was administered as single daily dose using oral cannula. On completion of treatment, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for determination of some serum lipid parameters and oxidative stress markers.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that there were no significant difference in the serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol at both doses of the extract, compared to control. However, compared to control, there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase but significant reduction in malondialdehyde level. The catalase enzyme activity was not significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: The result obtained suggest that the extract may be useful in reducing oxidative stress by improving some antioxidant enzyme activities and may also prevent cell death due to lipid peroxidation.

The Proximate Composition and Anti-nutritive Content of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves

The nutritional composition, mineral content as well as anti-nutritional of Tree spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaves were investigated using standard methods. The results of the investigation showed the presence of moisture to be 5.64±0.30%, ash- 9.27±0.16%, crude protein- 8.43±0.34%, crude lipid- 4.43±0.16%, crude fibre- 16.73±0.20%, carbohydrate- 55.50% and calorific value- 276.04%. The Mineral elements determined were calcium- 1.48±0.12 mg/100 g, phosphorus- 0.18±0.03 mg/100 g. Compounds or substances which acts to reduce nutrients intake, intake digestion, absorption and utilization and may cause adverse effects are referred to as anti-nutrients or anti-nutritional factors. The anti-nutritive content of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius was classified into three categories; fresh leaves, blanched leaves and cooked leaves which decreased significantly. The anti-nutritional content includes; oxalate- which decreased from 62.71±0.21 mg/100 g in fresh leaves, 40.07±0.09 mg/100 g in blanched leaves and 30.04±0.05 mg/100 g in cooked leaves. Phytate- which decreased from 77.17±1.84 mg/100 g in fresh leaves, 62.02±0.16 mg/100 g in blanched leaves and 28.64±0.88 mg/100 g in cooked leaves. Hydrogen cyanide- decreased significantly from 171.22±0.44 mg/100 g in fresh leaves, 113.00±0.08 mg/100 g in blanched leaves and 0.00ab in cooked leaves. Boiling increased the saponin content to 220.30±0.47 mg/100 g in cooked leaves from 218.50±0.50 mg/100 g in fresh leaves and 218.50±0.50 mg/100 g in blanched leaves. Tannins- decreased significantly from 18.30±0.16 mg/100 g in fresh leaves to 11.62±0.15 mg/100 g in blanched leaves to 7.86±0.05 mg/100 g in cooked leaves respectively. A Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 23 was the statistical tool used for the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). These results showed that this plant will be a good and rich source of nutrients if it is well processed to reduce its anti-nutritional content.

Nephroprotective Property of C. chayamansa Aqueous Leaf Extract in Diabetic Rats

Aim: To evaluate the nephroprotective property of Cnidoscolus chayamansa aqueous leaf extract in diabetic rats.&#x0D; Study Design: Rats were randomly divided into five groups with group 1 as the normal control. Diabetic was induced in groups 2-4. Group 2 was used as the test control while groups 3 and 4 were treated with different concentrations of the leaf extract; group 5 was treated with the standard drug, glipizide.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Biochemistry and Anatomy, University of Jos, Nigeria, between August to November, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Fourty (40) male albino Wistar rats were grouped into five groups. The rats were treated for fourteen days and then sacrificed by decapitation after anaesthesia. Blood was collected for biochemical parameters; kidney was excised and stored in formaldehyde until required for histopathological study. Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate were determined using appropriate methods.&#x0D; Results: The test control had a significant (P &lt; .05) decrease in the concentrations of Na+, Cl- and HCO3- ions; significant (P &lt; .05) increases in serum K+ ion, urea, uric acid and creatinine. Treatments of the test groups with the different doses of the leaf extract and the standard drug increased the concentration of Na+ ion which was not significantly (P &lt; .05) different from the test control. On the other hand, the concentration of Cl- and HCO- ions were significantly (P &lt; .05) increased; the concentrations of K+, urea, uric acid and creatinine were significantly (P &lt; .05) decreased. The histochemistry of the kidneys revealed that the injury brought about under diabetic condition was ameliorated with the treatments with the low and high doses of the leaf extract, and the standard drug.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results show that the aqueous leaf extract has nephroprotective property.

Macro- and Micronutrients from Traditional Food Plants Could Improve Nutrition and Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases of Islanders on Atolls in the South Pacific.

Pacific Islanders have paid dearly for abandoning traditional diets, with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCD) widespread. Starchy root crops like sweet potato, taro, and cassava are difficult to grow on the potassium-deficient soils of atolls, and high energy, low nutrient imported foods and drinks are popular. Nutritious, leafy food plants adapted to alkaline, salty, coral soils could form part of a food system strategy to reduce NCD rates. This project targeted four atolls south of Tarawa, Kiribati, and was later extended to Tuvalu. Mineral levels in diverse, local leafy food plants were compared to reveal genotype–environment interactions. Food plants varied in ability to accumulate minerals in leaves and in tolerance of mineral-deficient soils. Awareness activities which included agriculture, health, and education officers targeted atoll communities. Agriculture staff grew planting material in nurseries and provided it to farmers. Rejuvenation of abandoned giant swamp taro pits to form diversified nutritious food gardens was encouraged. Factsheets promoted the most suitable species from 24 analyzed, with multiple samples of each. These included Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (chaya), Pseuderanthemum whartonianum (ofenga), Polyscias scutellaria (hedge panax), and Portulaca oleracea (purslane). The promoted plants have been shown in other studies to have anti-NCD effects. Inclusion of the findings in school curricula and practical application in the form of demonstration school food gardens, as well as increased uptake by farmers, are needed. Further research is needed on bioavailability of minerals in plants containing phytates and tannins.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of F. capensis Leaves and Its Combination with C. aconitifolius Leaves on Essential Biochemical Parameters of Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemic Rats.

BackgroundFicus capensis Moraceae and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Euphorbiaceae leaves have been used separately in traditional medical practice to treat different ailments, of which anemia is one. This study aims to evaluate the effect of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius on hepatic, renal parameters and oxidative stress of phenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats.MethodsThirty-five rats were randomized into seven groups (A–G) of five rats each. Groups A and B served as the normal control and anemic control, respectively, while Groups C, D, E, F, and G were treated with a standard drug (vitamin B12), 200mg/kg bw. aqueous extract of F. capensis, 400mg/kg b.w. aqueous extract of F. capensis, 200mg/kg bw. of a combination of aqueous extract of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius and 400mg/kg bw. of a combination of aqueous extract of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius, respectively. The biochemical analysis (liver and kidney function analysis, oxidative stress) was carried out using standard diagnostic techniques.ResultsThe results showed that there was significant decrease (p<0.05) in the values obtained for Aspartate Transaminase (AST), alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, potassium ion, Total Cholesterol (TCHOL), Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), Triglycerides (TRIG), Very Low-density Lipoprotein (VLDL-C) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in obtained values for High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) in all the extract-treated groups compared with the anemic-untreated. The values obtained for most of these biochemical parameters in the extract-treated groups were in the range of the normal control showing that the extract did not, in any way, alter the biochemical parameters. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the glutathione peroxidase (Glut. Perox.) enzyme activity of the groups treated with the aqueous extract of F. capensis and its combination with C. aconitifolius compared with the anemic-untreated.ConclusionThese results suggest that the aqueous extracts of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius leaves may promote liver function parameters, maintain normal serum electrolyte level and kidney function indices, stimulate reduction of “bad cholesterols” and increase “good cholesterol” and reduce oxidative stress.

Subcritical water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction applied for the recovery of bioactive components from Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Mill.)

Chaya is a neglected, fast-growing and drought-resistant shrub, mostly cultivated in Mesoamerica as vegetable and medicinal plant. The increasing demand for safe products promotes processes with non-toxic solvents. In this context, Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE) and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with ethanol were firstly applied to recover extracts rich in phenolic compounds from Chaya leaves. Temperature influence of SWE and MAE was evaluated and compared to Soxhlet extraction (SOX). Results were expressed as extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP methods, and composition by LC–MS/MS. Global yield and TPC values from SWE and MAE increased with extraction temperature. MAE provided extracts with higher antioxidant activity compared to SWE and SOX. Kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin were the most abundant phenolic compounds found in Chaya the extracts. Besides, 21 of the phenolics evaluated were detected for the first time in Chaya leaves.

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: usos terapéuticos y propiedades fitoquímicas. Revisión de la literatura

Introducción. El uso tradicional de plantas medicinales para tratar diferentes enfermedades, ya sean infecciosas o no, es ampliamente aceptado debido a su bajo costo y sus bajos índices de toxicidad. Estas plantas son frecuentemente usadas en casos que involucran irritaciones de la piel, heridas superficiales, picaduras de insectos y mordeduras de víboras.Objetivo. Recopilar la información disponible sobre los principales usos terapéuticos y los componentes fitoquímicos de Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, una planta conocida popularmente como chaya y que crece en regiones tropicales de México y Centroamérica.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre C. aconitifolius publicada hasta 2017 en las bases de datos BIREME, PubMed/Medline, Elsevier y SciELO. Para la búsqueda se emplearon los descriptores “Cnidoscolus” y “aconitifoloius”, y no se aplicaron filtros de idioma.Resultados. Se identificaron 82 artículos luego de completar la búsqueda inicial. Después de filtrar los estudios por título (presencia de descriptores de búsqueda en el título) y remover duplicados, se incluyeron 18 artículos en la revisión. De acuerdo a la información encontrada, fue posible confirmar que esta planta ofrece diversos beneficios para la salud.Conclusiones. El uso terapéutico tradicional de la chaya está sustentado por evidencia científica, por lo que se sugiere realizar más investigaciones centradas en la identificación de nuevas propiedades fitoquímicas de esta planta y, así, establecer alternativas terapéuticas para distintas afecciones.

Reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in sympatry.

Reproductive isolation is a necessary condition for plant domestication in their domestication centre where crops co-occur with their wild progenitors. However, the identification of reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation have been overlooked in plants under domestication. We assessed pre- and post-pollination reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in its domestication centre. We found that wild and domesticated chaya both exhibit a high degree of reproductive isolation. However, the reproductive isolation barriers exhibited some asymmetry: while pre-pollination barriers (differential pollen production and pollinator specificity) were only detected in wild plants, post-pollination barriers (pollen-pistil incompatibility and/or failure to set fruit) were observed in both wild and domesticated plants. We conclude that complete reproductive isolation has evolved in sympatry in co-occurring domesticated and wild chaya.

Effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaf Extract on Selected Renal Parameters and Hematological Indices of Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Toxic Rats

Effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract on selected renal parameters and hematological indices of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced toxic rats was investigated using standard analytical methods. Forty-two (42) wistar rats weighing 91-185g was used for this study. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats each and allowed to acclimatize for one week with food and water ad libitum. Carbon tetrachloride was prepared in the ratio of 1:5 (v:v) in olive oil and administered subcutaneously at 0.17 mL/kg body weight on the first day after acclimatization. Group I received normal feed and water only, group II received CCl4 only, group III received olive oil only, groups IV, V and VI received 50 mg/kgbw, 75 mg/kgbw and 100 mg/kgbw oral dose of C. aconitifolius respectively in addition to CCl4 while group VII received vitamin C plus CCl4. After oral administration for twenty-one days, the rats were painlessly sacrificed; plasma and blood were collected for renal and hematological analyses respectively. Results showed that CCl4 increased Ca, Na, K and decreased RBC, PCV, Hb and platelet number of rats induced, however oral administration of C. aconitifolius significantly decreased; Ca and Na at 50 mg/kgbw, K in a dose-dependent pattern and significantly increased RBC, PCV, Hb and platelet number at all doses. This study has shown that the leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius had a dose-dependent positive effect on the hematological indices as well as the potential to ameliorate kidney parameters of CCl4 treated wistar rats at the given concentrations.

Anti-anaemic effect of ethanol leaf extract of Cnidosculus aconitifolius on cyclophosphomide-induced anaemia in rats.

The folkloric claim that Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) could ameliorate anaemia requires scientific revalidation in anaemic models. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-anaemic effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on cyclophosphamide-induced anaemia in rats. The leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius were collected, dried and extracted with ethanol. Twenty five Wistar Albino rats weighing 120-180kg were used. Anaemia was induced in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 with a single injection of cyclophosphamide, while group 1 served as a negative control without anemia and was treated with 0.5mL of normal saline, Group 2 rats were treated with 100mg/kg body weight of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Group 3 rats were treated with 500mg/kg body weight of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Group 4 served as the positive control rats and was treated with 0.5mL of normal saline. Group 5 which served as the standard control rats and were treated with 5mg/kg body weight of standard drug Chemiron. The treated lasted for two weeks during which blood samples were collected from each rat for haematological analysis. The result shows that hematological parameterswere elevated in groups 2, 3 and 5 rats treated with100mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and chemiron respectively. Ethanol leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius at a graded dose of 500mg/kg body weight had higher ameliorative effect on the haematological parameters of cyclophosphamide-induced anemia in rats.