Effects Of Aqueous Methanolic Extract Research Articles

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus norvegicus

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus norvegicus

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus Norvegicus

There is an increasing trend in the usage of medicinal plants in livestock production with some significantly toxic effects especially to vital organs such as reproductive tissues which necessitates this search. Twenty (20) matured male rats weighing 150-239g randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5) were used for the sub-acute toxicity. Group 1 rats were treated with distilled water while groups 2-4 were treated with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg respectively of the aqueous methanolic extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark (AMEBFSB) for 30 days. Animals were terminated on day 31 and some of the reproductive organs were collected and weighed. The Cauda epididymis served as a semen source for sperm analysis and testes were collected for histological examination. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the final body weights, average weights of testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland of the treated groups as compared to the control. The semen evaluated showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sperm motility, sperm count, and percent normal sperm cell morphology in the 400mg/kg group, no significant difference (p<0.05) in the sperm viability and acrosome integrity as compared to control. Photomicrograph revealed loss and thinning of germinal epithelium and widened seminiferous tubule lumen. In conclusion, the oral administration of AMEBFSB for 30 days in male rats showed that the plant has antispermatogenic effects on reproductive functions.

Effect of dietary celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and bacterial resistance against Vibrio anguillarum of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

In this study, we evaluated to reveal the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and resistance against Vibrio anguillarum in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). For this purpose, twenty fish (initial mean weight of 4.80 ± 0.06g) were placed into twelve tanks (400 L) in triplicate and fish were fed with control (C) and three different levels (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1g/kg) of A. graveolens (AG) extract-containing diets (AG0.01, AG0.05, and AG0.1) for 30days. Blood and tissue (kidney, spleen, and intestine) samples were taken from the fish every 10days during the study to determine the immune responses of the fish. Respiratory burst activity (RBA) was significantly decreased in the AG0.1 group compared to all other groups on the 10th day of the study (P < 0.05). Significance was noticed in the RBA of fish in all AG groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment Lysozyme activity (LYS) was raised on the 10th day of the study in all celery groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05). No differences in the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) were observed among the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The final mean weight (FMW) was not affected in any experimental groups (P > 0.05). However, in the AG0.05 group, the specific growth rate (SGR) increased, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased compared to other groups (P < 0.05). IL-1β in the kidney was highly elevated in the AG0.01 group on the 20th day of the study (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed on IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α expression in the kidney (P < 0.05). Anti-inflammatory responses (IL-10 and TGF-β) also increased in all experimental groups and tissues compared to the C group (P < 0.05). COX-2 was upregulated on the 20th day of the study in all tissues (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial, the survival rate of the AG0.1 group in fish infected with Vibrio anguillarum infection was higher than the C group. Dietary celery extract did not affect growth performance directly but increased innate immune responses and a high survival rate. Overall, compared to the control group, the growth, immunity, and resistance of European seabass fed with a diet containing 0.05g/kg celery aqueous methanolic extract has been improved, and this could be used as an immunostimulant feed additive.

A safety profile of aqueous methanol aerial extract of Alysicarpus glumaceus in mice: acute and subacute administration

Alysicarpus glumaceus (Vahl D.C), family-leguminosae is used traditionally for a number of ailments in Nigeria, as well as in other African countries, Asia and middle east. The leaf is taken orally for thrush, sores and asthma. While root decoction is taken for coughs and its combination with leaf sap is taken for diarrhea and as an abortifacient. The aerial parts are used for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders mainly depression and currently been used by drivers in combination with tea to keep alert on long drive in northern Nigeria. The aim of this work was to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) and the effect of aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Alysicarpus glumaceus on the body weight, behavioural changes, heamatological, histopathological parameters and rate of mortality after an acute and sub-acute toxicity study of 28 days using three graded doses (500, 1000 &amp; 1500 mg/kg) in mice via the oral route. From the results obtained LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg, it had no significant effect on their body weights as well as on their physical behaviour. Slight lesions were observed in kidney and liver of animals given 1500 mg/kg of AME. There was no statistical difference (p&lt; 0.05) between the control and the treated groups for packed cell volume and platelet count. These findings suggest that the AME of Alysicarpus glumaceus is not likely to produce toxic effects and suggest that the extract is relatively safe in mice.

Cytokine Gene Expression, Immune Responses and Disease Resistance of Oncorhynchus mykiss after Raphanus sativus By-products Supplementation

In the present study, we examined the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of radish seed (Raphanus sativus) by-products (RS) on innate immune responses and growth performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish was fed diets containing 4 different doses of RS (0 % (Control), 0.1% (RS0.1), 0.5% (RS0.5) and 1% (RS1)) for 14 days. The results showed an increased activity of respiratory burst in fish of treatment groups compared to that of control on 14th day (P&lt;0.05). An enhanced bacterial killing activity was observed in R.05 and RS1 treatment groups compared to control (P&lt;0.05) on 7th day of the study. Lysozyme activity was elevated in fish of RS1 group on 7th day, and in all treatment groups on 14th day compared to that of the control. Myeloperoxidase activity increased significantly in RS1 and RS0.1 groups compared to the control on 7th day. IL-1b was up- regulated in head kidney of fish in RS0.1 group on 7th day and in RS0.5 group on 14th day of the study. In intestine of fish of experimental groups, IL-1b expression was significantly elevated on 7th day compared to the control. IL-12 was also up-regulated both in kidney and intestine of treatment group fish on 7th day. Similar results were observed on IL-10 expression. IL8 was up-regulated both in kidney and intestine of treated fish groups. Growth performance was affected positively in the RS1 group compared to the control. However, FCR value did not vary among different groups. Survival also improved against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in RS administered fish. All these results suggest that supplementation of RS through diets for 7 days could improve immune responses and growth in rainbow trout.

The potential protective effect of the Polygonum hydropiper L against the development of fructose-induced oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in male Sprague-Dawely rats.

Polygnum hydropiper L (Polygonaceae) is commonly known as smart weed. This study was designed to assess the effect of aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper on oxidative stress and metabolic changes in fructose-induced hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawely rats were divided into six groups of five animals each (n = 5) and designated as normotensive group with distilled water, fructose-fed group with 10% fructose, standard control group with 10% fructose plus amlodipine (10 mg/kg) and treated groups with different doses of the aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) plus 10% fructose daily for 6 weeks. Body weight gain was checked every week. Blood pressure parameters [systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR)] and reactivity of extract with phenylephrine and adrenaline were measured by invasive method. Metabolic changes and oxidative stress parameters were measured from blood samples. Phytochemical analysis was also performed. Aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper at 400 mg/kg decreased the blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and produced significant effect on metabolic and oxidative stress changes as compared to fructose-fed group. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in it. The present results showed that aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper possesses effect on oxidative stress and metabolic changes due to polyphenols and flavonoids.

Effect of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Pomegranate Peel (Punica granatum) and Veratrum (Veratrum album) on oxidative status, immunity and digestive enzyme activity in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Aquaeous methanolic extracts of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum) and veratrum (Veratrum album) were evaluated for their effects of supplementation in fish diets on oxidative status, digestive enzymes and immunity of rainbow trout fingerlings (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three different concentrations of pomegranate 250 (P250), 500 (P500) and 1000 (P1000) mg kg-1 and veratrum 250 (V250), 500 (V500) and 1000 (V1000) mg kg-1 were added to the diet and the fish were fed these diets for 60 days over a control diet without any supplementation (P0 and V0, respectively). Immune responses and oxidative status of fish were evaluated every 20 days. Digestive enzyme activity and growth performances were determined at the end of study. We observed that the respiratory burst activity significantly increased (P<0.05) at the end of the study compared to control except in V500 fish group. Lysozyme was increased on 20th and 40th day of the study in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity was observed to increase on 40th day in veratrum treated groups and significantly decreased (P<0.05) on 60th day in all groups compared to control. Haematological responses showed a declining trend in all the groups supplemented with veratrum extract. SOD activity increased in pomegranate groups while no differences were observed on catalase activity. G6PDH activity was observed to decline in the veratrum groups, however, GPx activity significantly increased (P<0.05) in V500 and V100 groups. Lipid peroxidation was determined at the lowest level on 20 and 40th day of the study in P1000 and V250 fish groups. The study indicated a positive impact of pomegranate peel extract on the immunity of rainbow trout at moderate doses of supplementation.

Influence of Ocimum sanctum (L.) Extract on the Activity of Gliclazide in Alloxan-induced Diabetes in Rats

Ocimum sanctum L. is widely used as traditional remedy to manage hyperglycemia. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous-methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves (OSE) on the anti-diabetic activity of gliclazide in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneally injecting alloxan (120 mg/kg b.w.) in rats. Treatments including OSE (100 mg/kg b.w.), gliclazide (100 mg/kg b.w.), and in combination were given daily to diabetic rats till the 21st day of study. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were determined at regular intervals, while blood and organ samples were taken at the end of the study for biochemical and histopathological studies. Results showed that treatments exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity through significantly (p [ 0.05) restoring body weight, fasting blood glucose level, and serum levels of glucose, insulin and HbA1c. The anti-lipidemic activity was noticed as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-/low density-lipoproteins (HDL-C, LDL-C) levels were restored in treated diabetic rats. Ameliorative effects of treatments were observed as significant (p [ 0.05) reduction in serum levels of liver function biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase; ALT, aspartate aminotransferase; AST, alkaline phosphatase; ALP and bilirubin; BIL) and restoration of oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase; CAT, superoxide dismutase; SOD and malondialdehyde; MDA) in liver tissue. Histopathological findings supported these results as an increase in pancreatic islets size and protective effects on liver tissue was observed in diabetic rats treated with gliclazide and OSE alone and their combination. Conclusively, the combination of OSE and gliclazide produced a synergistic anti-diabetic effect as compared to that of alone treatment.

Antimalarial Activity of Meriandra dianthera Leaf Extracts in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice.

Objective To evaluate the antimalarial effect of aqueous methanolic extract and solvent fractions of Meriandra dianthera leaves against Plasmodium berghei in mice model. Method M. dianthera leaves were extracted with 80% methanol and dried. The dried crude extract was then defatted and further fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Acute oral toxicity test was performed as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline 425. Peter's 4-day suppressive test was used to determine the in vivo antimalarial activity of the extract and fractions. Result The crude leaf extract of Meriandra dianthera leaves against P < 0.001) chemosuppression compared to the negative control. Both the extract and fractions were able to prevent P. berghei induced body weight loss and body temperature reduction and also increased the survival time of the mice as compared to the negative control. The aqueous methanolic leaf extract of M. dianthera leaves were extracted with 80% methanol and dried. The dried crude extract was then defatted and further fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Acute oral toxicity test was performed as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline 425. Peter's 4-day suppressive test was used to determine the Conclusion The extracts of M. dianthera leaves showed promising antimalarial activity, with no sign of toxicity and therefore may support its traditional use for the treatment of malaria.M. dianthera leaves were extracted with 80% methanol and dried. The dried crude extract was then defatted and further fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Acute oral toxicity test was performed as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline 425. Peter's 4-day suppressive test was used to determine the

Bombax ceiba (Linn.) calyxes ameliorate methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress via modulation of RAGE expression: identification of active phytometabolites by GC-MS analysis.

Non-enzymatic reactions between proteins and methylglyoxal (MG) result in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs play a vital role in the development of diabetic complications by stimulating oxidative stress and acting upon their receptor RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products). This study examined the effect of aqueous methanol extract of Bombax ceiba L. calyxes (BCCE) on MG induced protein glycation and oxidative stress, followed by the identification of phytometabolites present in the calyxes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study revealed that priming of bovine serum albumin protein with the BCCE inhibited MG induced AGE formation in vitro and restrained AGE-induced RAGE up-regulation in HEK-293 cells. The BCCE significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the MG induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Improvements in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were also observed in HEK-293 cells. Furthermore, the decrease in primary cellular defense against AGEs, the glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1) activity, due to MG treatment was restored in BCCE treated cells. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of antioxidant and antiglycation compounds such as myo-ionisitol, scopoletin, d-sedoheptulose, succinic acid, and xylitol in B. ceiba calyxes. The observed beneficial effect in our study might be attributed to the presence of these compounds in B. Ceiba calyxes. This is the first report presenting the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of B. ceiba calyxes and GC-MS analysis of active phytometabolites. These observations show that B. ceiba calyxes may become a potent and promising functional food to manage/control the development of diabetic complications.

Rosa canina L. methanolic extract prevents heat stress-induced memory dysfunction in rats.

What is the central question of this study? Heat stress has harmful effects on the brain structure and synaptic density via induction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which result in neuronal damage in the hippocampus and thereby cognitive impairments. In this study, we investigate the effect of Rosa canina treatment on cognitive function in heat stress-exposed rats and its underlying mechanisms. What is the main finding and its importance? We show that R.canina improves cognitive deficits induced by heat stress by attenuation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and by upregulation of synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Rosa canina (RC) dried fruits on oxidative stress, inflammation, synaptic degeneration and memory dysfunction induced by heat stress (HS) in rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: the control group received normal saline (NS); the HS group was exposed to heat stress (43°C) for 15min once a day for 2weeks; and HS+R groups were exposed to heat stress and received one of three doses (250, 500 or 1000mgkg-1 ) of RC methanolic extract for 2weeks. A passive avoidance test and a Y-maze test were performed to assess learning and memory. The levels of reactive oxygen species were assessed. The serum cortisol concentration and hippocampal total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also detected using spectrophotometry. The protein expressions of c-Fos, heat-shock protein-70, tumour necrosis factor-α, growth-associated protein43, post-synaptic density-95 and synaptophysin were evaluated in the hippocampal tissue. The results showed that RC significantly improved cognitive dysfunction induced by HS, which was accompanied by downregulation of tumour necrosis factor-α and upregulation of growth-associated protein43 and synaptophysin proteins in the hippocampus of HS-exposed rats. Furthermore, RC significantly attenuated serum cortisol concentrations and upregulated heat shock protein-70 and c-Fos in the hippocampus. In addition, the administration of RC attenuated reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced antioxidant defense in the hippocampus. These findings indicate that RC attenuated the deleterious effect of HS on cognition through its antioxidant properties and by enhancing synaptic function and plasticity.

Bombax ceiba flowers extract ameliorates hepatosteatosis induced by ethanol and relatively moderate fat diet in rats.

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption could induce serious liver injury. In this study, therapeutic effect of aqueous methanol extract of Bombax ceiba L. flowers (BCE) (Family: Bombacaceae) was investigated against hepatic steatosis. This study included seven groups, and the research period was eight weeks. The first group served as control. The six remaining groups were divided into two categories, three groups in each. The first category was fed fat diet. The second category was fed fat diet and orally administrated ethanol, which was given in graduate doses from 2 g/kg/d to 6 g/kg/d. Then, one group from each category was orally treated with the standard drug fluvastatin (2 mg/Kg/d). Another group was orally treated with BCE (200 mg/kg/d). The third group left untreated. The results revealed that BCE significantly decrease both the body and liver weight. The treatment with BCE extract also ameliorates the effect of alcohol induced increase of liver enzyme activities. In addition, the extract was significantly increased hepatic liver antioxidants and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Also, serum lipid profiles: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly decreased after BCE treatment. Histopathological study showed fatty changes induced by alcohol which were improved by BCE treatment. These data suggest that the BCE has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-steatosis potential properties against alcohol induced liver damage. This may be due to the presence of flavonoids and other phenol compounds.

In vivo anticoccidial effects of Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) in broiler chickens

Recently, use of botanicals as an alternative to anticoccidial drugs has been appealing approach for controlling avian coccidiosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial activity of aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight) of Beta vulgaris (roots) in broiler chicks. A total of 315 day old broiler chicks were divided into seven equal groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G). At 14th day of age, all groups except group G, which served as non infected non medicated control, were infected orally with 60,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. At the same day, groups A, B and C were treated with graded oral doses of B. vulgaris aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Group D was treated with Vitamin-E, group E served as infected medicated control group (Baycox® treated) and group F served as infected non medicated control group (PBS treated). Treatment with extract, reference drug Baycox®, Vitamin E and PBS was continued for three consecutive days (14–16 days of age). Though, not at par with reference drug (Baycox®), B. vulgaris demonstrated good anticoccidial activity adjudged based on considered criteria, i.e., feed conversion ratio, lesion score, oocyst score and oocysts per gram of feces. Results of serum profile of infected chicks revealed no adverse effects of aqueous methanolic extract of B. vulgaris on the experimental chicks.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous-methanolic leaves extract of two medicinal plants of Meghalaya in mice

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous-methanolic extract of Olax acuminata and Bauhinia accuminata leaves in normoglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic mice. For hypoglycemic study, normoglycemic mice were administered with varying doses of extracts and the optimal dose was selected for glucose tolerance test (GTT). For antihyperglycemic study, the optimal dose of extract was administered to diabetic mice and GTT was also performed. In addition, elements in the leaves of plants were also analyzed to relate the presence of elements to their anti-diabetic property. At the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w., O. acuminata leaves extract showed significant reduction in the blood glucose level in normoglycemic and diabetic mice while B. acuminata leaves extract showed significant reduction at 500 mg/kg b.w. Glucose tolerance was also improved in both normal and diabetic mice on administration of the extracts. The results were compared with those of insulin and metformin which were used as standard drugs. Elements found in the leaves of O. acuminata were Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe, V, Mg, K, C, Sr and P whereas B. acuminata leaves contain all the above elements except for V and Pb. These mention elements are widely known for regulating blood glucose level. The aqueous-methanolic leaves extract of both the plants demonstrates hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect, thus, could be promising plants in the treatment of diabetes.

Parkia javanica Extract Induces Apoptosis in S-180 Cells via the Intrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis

ABSTRACTParkia javanica is a leguminous tree, various parts of which are used as food and folklore medicine by the ethnic groups of northeastern India. The present study investigates the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of aqueous methanol extract of P. javanica fruit (PJE). HPLC analysis was done to establish the fingerprint chromatogram of PJE and its in vitro radical scavenging activity was measured. PJE caused significant cytotoxicity in sarcoma-180 (S-180), A549, AGS, and MDA-MB435S cancer cells in vitro. Exploration of the mechanistic details in S-180 cells suggested that the reduced cell viability was mediated by induction of apoptosis. Increased expression of proapoptotic proteins such as p53, p21, Bax/Bcl2, cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase 9, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and decrease in proliferative and antiapoptotic markers (Ki-67, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA], Bcl-2) validated the anticancer effect of PJE. A decline in the relative fluorescence emission upon staining S-180 cells with Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123), enhanced expression of cytosolic Cyt c and mitochondrial Bax, and inhibition of apoptosis in the presence of caspase-9 inhibitor in PJE-treated cells indicated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Liver function test and hepatic antioxidant enzymes demonstrated non-toxicity of PJE. Finally, the detection of PJE in sera by HPLC confirmed its bioavailability.

Antihyperglucolipidaemic and anticarbonyl stress properties in green, yellow and red sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Effect of aqueous methanol extract of different colour sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) on parameters of diabesity and carbonyl stress was analysed in vitro. Yellow pepper displayed significantly (p < 0.001) higher intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than green and red pepper. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was significantly (p < 0.01) high in yellow and red pepper than in green pepper. Green and red pepper inhibited vesperlysine-type advanced glycation end products (AGEs) more potently than yellow pepper; however, pentosidine-type AGEs were similarly inhibited by all three peppers. Yellow and red pepper inhibited lipid peroxidation more potently (p < 0.01) than green pepper. Total polyphenol content and free radicals scavenging activities in yellow and red bell peppers were higher than in green pepper. Total flavonoid content was high in green pepper than that present in yellow and red peppers. Green pepper displayed presence of proanthocyanins; however, oligomeric anthocyanins were detected in yellow and red peppers.

Effects of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Unripe Carica Papaya Fruit on Midterm Pregnancy in Wistar Albino Rats

This study investigated the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of unripe Carica papaya (AMEUCP) on midterm pregnancy in rats. The unripe papaya fruits were extracted by cold marceration. The abortifacient effect of AMEUCP was studied using mature albino rats (15 females and 8 males). Successfully mated rats were separated and classified into three (3) groups (n=5). Group I (control) received 0.5 ml of distilled water while groups II and III received AMEUCP at 450 and 900 mg/kg respectively from the 10th to 12th day of pregnancy and were closely observed for signs of abortion. They were sacrificed on their 20th day of pregnancy and the viable and non-viable fetuses, adsorbing sites and corpora lutea were counted. Data obtained from the study were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Variant means were separated using the Duncan’s multiple range test and significance was accepted at p < 0.05. This study demonstrated that oral administration of the extract to successfuly mated rats induced abortion and was embryotoxic The mean live foetal number (LFN) and the mean day 20 foetal crown rump length (FCRL) in the AMEUCP treated groups were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the control. Therefore, consumption of unripe papaya fruits and its products by man and animals should be done with caution especially during the breeding season or during pregnancy.

Antihyperlipidemic effect of &lt;i&gt;Berberis orthobotrys&lt;/i&gt; in hyperlipidemic animal models

The present study was undertaken to evaluate antihyperlipidemic effect of aqueous methanolic extract of Berberis orthobotrys in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic animal models. Atorvastatin was used as standard drug. The crude extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly prevented the increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), atherogenic index and coronary risk index in high fat diet, cholesterol, fructose and olive oil-induced hyperlipidemic rat models whereas in ethanol treated mice, the extract reduced VLDL, TG and TC levels. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly increased in high fat diet, olive oil and cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic rats. The reduction in serum level of above parameters with 100 mg/kg dose of extract was comparable with atorvastatin. It is concluded, that B. orthobotrys has atheroprotective and lipid lowering potential. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjp.v9i3.19922

Comparative effects of Sorghum bicolor leaf base extract on tissues isolated from some body systems of experimental animals

The knowledge of the effect(s) of substances to be used as medicines on different body systems is very vital in drug development vis-`a-vis drug safety. The effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Sorghum bicolor leaf base were tested on cardiovascular system-related in vitro models (such as isolated rat atria and rat portal vein), gastrointestinal system-related in vitro models (such as isolated rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum, rat stomach fundus strip) and reproductive system-related in vitro models (such as isolated rat uterus and rat vas deferens). The results showed that the extract did not alter the intrinsic myogenic contraction of both isolated rat atria and rat portal vein. The extract caused relaxation of rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum but contraction of rat stomach fundus strip. The extract did not alter the rhythmic contractions of stilboestrol pre-treated rat uteri. It, however, caused minimal contractions on the isolated rat vas deferens. The results of the studies therefore suggest that the extract may not have detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system if use as drug. The results also showed that the extract has the potential of being developed into antispasmodic and/or anti-motility agent as a remedy for gastro-intestinal system related problems. Results also suggest that the extract may be non-uterogenic and may not be contraindicated in pregnancy. It may, however, have effect on the male reproductive secretary activity and ultimately, fertility. Key words: Sorghum bicolor, atria, portal vein, jejunum, ileum, stomach fundus, uterus, vas deferens.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of the Acacia nilotica flowers on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous methanol extract (MeOH: H2O, 7:3) of Acacia nilotic flowers was investigated against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rat. The extract was tested in two dose levels 20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt., for 4 weeks versus silymarin (25 mg/kg), samples were taken after 2, 3 and 4 weeks of treatment. Serum aspartate (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) CCl4-treatment group were elevated to be: 97.4 ± 2.11; 57.8 ± 1.65 U/L and 71.3 ± 2.3 IU/dl; respectively comparing with the control values. Treatment with the plant extract (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reduced ALT, AST and ALP in dose dependant manner after 4 weeks in the CCl4-intoxicated rats. Also, A. nilotic significantly increased the activities of SOD (19.4 ± 0.98; 22.1 ± 1.25; 21.7 ± 1.54 U/mg protein), CAT (3.24 ± 0.043; 3.85 ± 0.06; 4.32 ± 0.05 U/min), GPx (65.3 ± 2.11, 73.5 ± 2.18, 77.0 ± 2.24 nmol/mg protein), GSH (412 ±.7.2; 543 ± 5.41; 731 ± 8.6 mol./mg tissue), while MDA decreased significantly (71.2 ± 1.33; 78.5 ± 1.72; 79.4 ± 1.92 nmol/mg protein) in lower and higher dose and silymarin, respectively compared with CCl4-treatment. Microscopic examination of CCl4 treated animals revealed focal necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration in the periportal areas with massive fatty infiltration. The histopathological examination showed that extract markedly reduced the alterations induced by CCl4 in liver. In addition, A. nilotica decreased inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation in CCl4-treated rats. Phenolic compounds are commonly found in plants and have been shown to display remarkably of biological activities, such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Therefore, our findings suggest that the phenolic compounds are the major active compounds responsible for the hepatoprotective activity of A. nilotica flowers.