Effect Of Aqueous Leaf Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of the protective activity of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Cissus populnea</i> against lead-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats.

Cissus populnea, a plant native to West Tropical Africa, has garnered attention, particularly for its use in traditional medicine to improve genital erection in males. Accordingly, this study investigated the possible protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cissus populnea (ACPE) against lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups and administered various treatments, including 50mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate, 1000 mg/kg BW of ACPE, or a combination of both, for 28 days via an orogastric tube. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and various parameters, including body weight changes, sperm quality, and histology of testes were evaluated. Lead acetate exposure led to significant (P<0.05) weight loss, reduction in sperm count and motility as well as histological alterations of the testes. However, ACPE treatment significantly (P<0.05) mitigated the adverse effects induced by lead in the testes of exposed rats. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of Cissus populnea as a possible protective agent against lead-induced testicular toxicity, thus offering important insights for future treatment options derived from natural sources.

Evaluation of hematinic effects of aqueous leaf extract of hibiscus acetosella welw. Ex hiern on phenyl hydrazine-induced anemia in wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological information indicates that the leaves of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern are used in the treatment of anemia in western and central Uganda. In this study, the aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern was tested for its haematinic activity in Wistar rats. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ- 4 mg/kg, IP) was used to induce anemia in rats for a period of two weeks. Animals were grouped into six groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6); each group had six rats. Group 1 (negative control), group 2 (positive control), group 3 were treated with FeSO4, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with different doses of the extract (1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, and 4000 mg/kg, respectively). Screening of phytochemicals was performed, and acute toxicity study was carried out according to the Lorke's experiment 1993. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern contains tannins, flavonoids, diterpenes, steroids, and saponins. The aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern exhibits haematinic effects. Keywords: Hematinic effects, Aqueous leaf extract, Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern, Phenyl hydrazine induced anemia, and Wistar rats.

Protective Effect of Green Chiretta (Andrographis paniculata) against Methotrexate-induced Cardio and Spleen Toxicity: In-vitro and In-vivo

Background:: Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used medication for treating various conditions, including skin infections, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. However, prolonged and extreme use of MTX can lead to detrimental effects on multiple organs. Green Chiretta (GC) is a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties. Objective:: The objective of this study is to examine the antioxidant potential of GC through in-vitro analysis and to assess the potential protective effects of aqueous leaf extracts of GC against MTXinduced cardiac and spleen toxicity. Methods:: In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring total phenolic content, DPPH, catalase and peroxidase activity. We divided rats into five groups (n=6), and after the study, rats were euthanized and the levels of antioxidants (SOD, CAT & GSH) and lipid peroxidase (MDA), as well as histopathology modification of the heart and spleen tissues were examined. Results:: Our study's findings highlight the superiority of the aqueous GC extract's antioxidant capacity relative to other solvents (ethanol and methanol). Moreover, the aqueous GC extract's administration to rats yielded significant progress in antioxidant levels (Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione), a reduction in lipid peroxidation (MDA), and the restoration of cardiac and spleen histoarchitecture against MTX-induced toxicity. These results collectively emphasize the extract's potential as a valuable therapeutic option against oxidative stress and tissue damage. Conclusion:: The present study revealed that the aqueous GC extract demonstrated its protective efficacy against MTX-induced cardio and spleen toxicity in Wistar albino rats

Modulatory effect of aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa on dyslipidemia in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Dyslipidemia is a major cause of cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus. This study was carried out to evaluate the modulatory effect of Terminalia catappa leaf extract on dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. Twenty-five (25) male wistar rats weighting 150-200 g were divided randomly into five groups with five rats each for the study. Group 1 was control administered 5 ml/kg body weight of distilled water orally. Group 2 was treated with aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa at 130 mg/kg body weight orally while Group 3 was diabetic group orally administered with distilled water, 5ml/kg body weight. Groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats treated respectively with 130 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa and subcutaneous administration of insulin, 0.75 U/Kg body weight. Diabetes was induced with alloxan; 150 mg/kg body weight. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in TC, TG, HDL, LDL and VLDL in diabetic untreated group. These were all reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in the Terminalia catappa leaf extract treated group. There was significant (p< 0.05) reduction in Fasting blood glucose and increase in insulin levels. These changes were observed to be similar in diabetic insulin administered group. Therefore, the aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa modulates hyperglycemia induced dyslipidemia suggesting its potency in managing dyslipidemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus and may be used to ameliorate diabetes associated cardiovascular complications.

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barteri on baker's yeast-induced pyrexia in wistar albino rats

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barteri on baker's yeast-induced pyrexia in wistar albino rats

Bioactive composition and protective properties of Talium triangulare in dextran sodium sulphate-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

BackgroundsThe prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is gradually becoming a global health challenge. Talinum triangulare, commonly called "waterleaf" (Tu ren shen in Chinese) is a plant that is cultivated in Asia, western Africa, and other tropical rainforest regions as a food and medicine plant. Due to its medicinal significance, Talium triangulare has been used in Chinese traditional medicines to treat various human diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of aqueous leaf extract of Talium triangulare (TT) on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. MethodsExposure of rats to 5 % DSS in drinking water induced colitis, and the effect of 200 mg/kg TT was studied over a 10-day period via oral administration. The effect of TT on anti-inflammatory, redox assays, clinical manifestations (disease activity index), and colonic mucosa histological changes was determined. ResultsDSS induced colonic inflammation in rats with a significant increase in NO, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels compared to the untreated group. Oxidative stress was markedly increased in the DSS group with concomitant suppression of antioxidant enzymes activities. Exposure of rats to DSS causes lipid peroxidation with a marked increase in colonic level of malondialdehyde. Nevertheless, the administration of TT significantly suppressed inflammation in the colon by downregulating expression of the inflammatory indicators. TT suppressed the levels of MDA and H2O2 thus mitigating lipid peroxidation chain reaction. Furthermore, TT attenuated DSS-facilitated oxidative damage by improving the enzymatic activities of the protective enzymes (CAT, GST, and SOD) and increasing GSH level. ConclusionTT enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activities, attenuated oxidative stress, suppressed lipid peroxidation, inhibited inflammation, and reduced DAI score. These beneficial activities of TT could be attributed to its phytoconstituents depicted in GCMS results. The results of this research indicated that TT could contain therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory colitis.

Immune boosting and ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile against MSG-induced genotoxicity: An in silico and in vivo approach

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is popularly consumed as food and as medicine due to its nutritional and bioactive constituents. This study assessed the anti-genotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extract of VA against monosodium (MSG) –induced genotoxicity. Crude extraction and phytochemical analysis were done using standard methods. In silico studies was done using compounds in the extract against Bcl-2, NF-kB 50, DNA polymerase lambda, DNA ligase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Twelve rats were divided into three groups with four rats in each group. Group I was fed on food and water, group II received MSG (4 g/kg) per body weight (pbw) intraperitoneally, group III received MSG (4 g/kg) pbw intraperitoneally followed by oral dose of VA leaf extract (250 mg/kg) per body weight. The number of the micronucleated red blood cells and white blood cells were determined from blood smears microscopically. Results showed that aqueous extract of VA contained in mg/100 g alkaloids (7.04 ± 0.16), saponins (3.91 ± 0.13), flavonoid (1.64 ± 0.16), phenol (3.40 ± 0.12) and tannins (0.07 ± 0.32). In silico studies revealed high binding interaction (ΔG > −8.6) of vernoniosides D and E with all the tested proteins. There was a reduction in the number of micronucleated cells, neutrophils and eosinophils of the treated group compared to the MSG group, while there was an increase in the lymphocyte count. The anti-genotoxic effects of VA leaf extract might be attributed to the synergistic interaction of the various bioactive components in the extract. VA could be a potential plant for the prevention of cancer and other diseases that attenuate the immune system.

Prophylactic Anti-Ulcer Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mormodica foetida (Schumach & Thonn) Against Indomethacin-Induced Ulcers in Wistar Rats

Prophylactic Anti-Ulcer Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mormodica foetida (Schumach & Thonn) Against Indomethacin-Induced Ulcers in Wistar Rats

The comparative effect of aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens and Telfairia occidentialis leaf on liver enzymes and serum protein of albino rats

An experiment was conducted to determine the comparative effect of aqueous leaf extract of Mucuna prurines and Telfairia occidentalis on liver enzymes and serum protein in albino rats. Complete randomised design was used to assign twenty (20) Albino rats into four (4) groups of five rats per cage. Group 1 (control) received rat feed and water only, Group 2 received 25 mg/kgbw of M. pruriens, Group 3 received 25 mg/kgbw of T. occidentalis while group 4 received 50 mg/kgbw dose equipotent concentration of T. occidentalis and M. pruriens. After 21 days, liver enzyme and serum protein were estimated. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of all the experimental animals across the groups especially T. occidentalis (44.203.47 µ/L) treated group when compared with control (88.803.87 µ/L). Also, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of M. pruriens (36.20 0.98* µ/L) treated group was significantly increase whereas T. occidentalis (16.86  2.69* µ/L) treated group was significantly decreased. The elevated ALT in M. pruriens treated group showed extract may cause liver damage since elevated ALP is a more specific indicator of liver damage. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly deceased in all experimental animals across the groups when compared with the control. Serum protein result showed significant decrease in albumin level of all the experimental groups, however, globulin level was slightly increased in all the experimental groups. There was no significant difference in total protein of all the experimental groups. In conclusion, extract of T. occidentalis showed high hepatoprotective effect while extract of M. pruriens was hepatotoxic. The two extracts were generally low in protein. It is recommended that leaf extracts should be used singly, combination therapy should be avoided to reduce hepatotoxic effect of M. pruriens. T. occidentalis is hepatoprotective and highly recommended for use in control of anaemia.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica on insect repellent-induced injury in the lungs of adult Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica in the lungs of adult Wistar rats exposed to insect-repellent mist. 30 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups; group A-E comprising of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed on rat food and water only. Group B rats were exposed to insect repellant only via inhalation. Group C rats were given Mimosa pudica extract orally at 500mg/Kg body weight per day (BWT/D) and Group D rats were exposed to Mosquito repellent and received low dose of the plant extract at (250mg/kg BWT/D) and Group E rats were exposed to mosquito repellent and received (500mg/kg BWT/D) of extract. The dosages were given for 30 consecutive days via orogastric method. There was significant increase in body weight in all treated groups. The haematological outcome showed that insect repellent caused some derangements in haematological parameters especially haematocrit, plateletcrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Histologically, Group D showed an expanded lumen of the bronchioles and shrunken activated immune system. Group E showed a more activated immune system and contracted bronchial artery. Mosquito repellant induced vascular ulceration, bronchiolar mucosal ulceration and activated lymphoid tissue in Group B. These effects were reversed by Mimosa pudica leaf extract. In conclusion, Mimosa pudica had ameliorative effect against mosquito repellant induced injury in the lungs.

Protective effect of aqueous leaf extract of vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in adult wistar rat

This study evaluated the protective effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on the kidney functions and histological architecture of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in adult Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) Wistar rats were divided into five groups (groups 1–5), with five rats in each group. Group 1 served as the normal control. Group 2 was the negative control and received 40 mg/kg of body weight of gentamicin. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received an aqueous extract of V. amygdalina at doses of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, for 21 days. The gentamicin was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days, starting on day 8, while the aqueous leaf extract was given orally. There was a significant (P< 0.05) increase or derangement in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, and potassium in group 2 when compared to the normal control. The groups that received the extract of V. amygdalina showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the levels of deranged serum urea, creatinine, and potassium compared to group 2. The kidney histological photomicrograph of group 2 was characterized by epitheloid granulomas, glomerular necrosis, and severe nephrotic tissue degeneration. The groups treated with the extract showed significant protection against these alterations. The protection was found to be dose-dependent. It was discovered that V. amygdalina had a dose-dependent protective effect against kidney damage caused by gentamycin toxicity.

Modulatory Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Gongronema latifolium (asclepiadaceae) on Some Natural and Adaptive Immune Responses in Rodents

Modulatory Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Gongronema latifolium (asclepiadaceae) on Some Natural and Adaptive Immune Responses in Rodents

Preclinical evaluation of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. in the treatment of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. (H. cannabinus) leaves on cholelithiasis and urolithiasis. MethodsThe study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of H. cannabinus on thiouracil and cholesterol cholic acid diet induced cholelithiasis in BALB/c mice and ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats. Three doses of aqueous extract (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg) were selected to evaluate the effectiveness in cholelithiasis in mice; another three doses of aqueous extract (400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg) were administered for evaluating the effect on urolithiasis in rats. Biochemical parameters such as biliary cholesterol, biliary phospholipid, and bile acid were determined in cholelithiasis model. Similarly, 24-hour urine output, urinary parameters such as creatinine, uric acid, protein, urea, presence of calcium oxalate crystals, red blood cells (RBCs), and pyuria were determined in urolithiasis model. ResultsStatistically significant differences were noted in the biliary and urinary parameters after administrating three test doses of H. cannabinus aqueous extract (P < 0.05). ConclusionH. cannabinus was found to be effective against high fat lithogenic diet urolithiasis and cholelithiasis.

AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF Ficus carica L. INHIBITS HISTAMINE INDUCED GASTRIC ACID SECRETION, WHILE PROMOTING INTESTINAL MOTILITY IN SPRAGUE DAWLEY RAT

Background: Ficus carica is a plant belonging to the family Moraceae, popularly known as ‘Opoto’ in Southwest Nigeria. It is used in folk medicine as an emollient, demulcent, laxative and galactogogue. However, these claims need to be scientifically evaluated. In this study, the effects of oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus carica L. on gastric acid acidity and intestinal motility were studied in laboratory rats. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus carica on gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility in the laboratory rats. Method: The research was divided into two phase; gastric acid secretion and gastric motility studies. A total of forty-two male rats used for this study were divided into two groups; group for gastric secretion study (10 rats) and those rats for intestinal motility study (32 rats). The groups were further divided into control and extract treated group and the latter were gavaged with 2.0 mg/kg of the extract daily for three week prior to the assay while the control group received equal volume of distilled for the duration of the study. Animals were fasted overnight before the day of the test. The motility study was carried out using the activated charcoal method while the effect on gastric acid secretion was carried out by gastric effluent titration method at basal rate and after the administration of histamine and histamine receptor blocker respectively. Results: Aqueous Ficus carica L. leaf extracts significantly reduced gastric acidity while reducing the gastrointestinal transit time with increased peristaltic index. Conclusion: Aqueous leaf extract of Ficus carica reduced the acidity of the gastric secretion while increasing the motility. This extract may further be explored for possible development of drugs for treating gastric ulcer and constipation.

Evaluation of cardiopreventive effects of Ximenia americana (Linn.) and Pappea capensis (Eckl. and Zeyh.) leaf aqueous extracts in rat models with myocardial infarction

BackgroundMyocardial infarction is a significant health issue in both wealthy and underdeveloped nations. Globally, it is the leading cause of deaths among cardiovascular diseases. In 2012, myocardial infarction-related deaths were about 14.1 million out of 17.5 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Clinical management of myocardial infarction remains a challenge because most conventional drugs provide symptomatic relief only. In addition, conventional remedies are associated with numerous advese effects and arguably, in many cases are quite expensive. Hence, herbal remedies, which are widely available, with comparatively fewer side effects, and are affordable, provide a more attractive therapeutic alternative. This study aimed at determining cardiopreventive effects of aqueous leaf extracts of X. americana and P. capensis. Phytochemical screening was done using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Wistar albino rats were employed to test for cardiopreventive effects of the extracts and were randomized into 6 groups of 5 animals each. Groups I, II, and III were normal, negative, and positive controls, respectively, and rats were given normal saline, salbutamol (7.5 mg/Kg bw), and propranolol, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI rats were treated with extracts dose levels 50, 100, and 150 mg/Kg bw, respectively. Biochemical analysis was done to determine effects of the extracts on levels of serum cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase-1, and lipid profiles. Levels of oxidative stress markers were determined in the heart tissue.ResultsThe LC–MS analysis revealed different phytocompounds in the extracts, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides and tannins, which are known to confer cardioprotective activities. The extracts significantly prevented increase in cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase-1, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and MDA levels, as well as a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and HDL levels.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that Ximenia americana and Pappea capensis extracts have the potential to prevent myocardial infarction in rats. Generally, P. capensis extract showed better activity as compared to X. americana extract. The effects of the extracts could be attributable to the presence of various cardioactive phytocompounds. Therefore, these plants can be considered in the development of potent and safe cardiopreventive drugs.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Alleviates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats.

Andrographis paniculata is a herbal plant used in traditional medicinal approaches to treat various ailments and diseases. Methotrexate (MTX) is a clinically used immunosuppressant and anticancer drug. One of the increasing concerns with MTX use is liver toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effect of aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity. Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups, and the drugs were administered. MTX (20 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally injected into rats on the ninth day alone. Aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata (500 mg/kg b.w./day) was orally administered for 10 days. We confirmed the beneficial effect of aqueous extracts of Andrographis paniculata on restoring the hepatic enzyme markers, lipid profile, antioxidant level, anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10), anti-apoptosis (bcl-2), significant suppression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, and IL-6), apoptosis marker (caspase 3) and cellular tissue damage caused by MTX. Overall, we revealed that Andrographis paniculata reduces critical aspects of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and apoptosis, thus protecting against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia carnea on Hematological Parameters of Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Thioacetamide

This study evaluated the haematological potential of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea against thioacetamide (TAA) induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six (6) groups of five (5) animals each. Group A served as control. Group B received a single dose of TAA (300 mg/kg b.w.t) intraperitoneally, group C received TAA and 50 mg/kg b.w.t of silymarin while groups D, E, and F rats received TAA prior to administration of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.w.t of the extract. The values of haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count (RBC) were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) decreased, while a significant (p ˂ 0.05) increase in white blood cells (WBC) was observed in rats exposed to TAA. Treatment with the extract ameliorated the haematological alterations caused by TAA toxicity. These findings show the extract’s efficacy in ameliorating haematological alterations induced by TAA exposure and also validate its use in the folkloric&nbsp;management of haemolytic anemia.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina on High-Fat Diet-Induced Injury in the Heart and Aorta of the Adult Wistar Rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina in Wistar rats fed with high-fat diet. 30 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed on rat food and water only. Group B rats received 1000mg/kg body weight / day (BWT/D) of margarine. Group C rats received 300mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. Group D rats received 1000mg/kg BWT/D of margarine and 150mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. Group E rats received 1000mg/kg BWT/D of margarine and 300mg/kg BWT/D of V. amygdalina. The dosages were given for 56days via orogastric method. The biochemical outcome showed that Group B revealed decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) and marked elevation in the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels when compared with the other groups. Histologcally, Group B showed moderate stenosis, perivascular fibrosis, asymmetrical vascular hypertrophy and mild intimal erosion while Group A, C, D and E revealed normal myocardium and vascular architecture. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina have antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties against margarine-induced injury in the heart and aorta of Wistar rats.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Amaranthus tricolor On the Liver of the Adult Wistar Rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Amaranthus tricolor on the liver of adult Wistar rats. 24 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g were randomly assigned into 4 groups; (A-D) comprising of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed on rat food and water only. Group B rats received 100mg/kg body weight / day (BWT/D) of Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract. Group C rats received 300mg/kg BWT/D of Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract. Group D rats received 600mg/kg BWT/D of Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract. The dosages were given for 56 consecutive days via orogastric method. At the end of the 56th day, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and the liver was harvested and processed for histological examination. The histological sections of the liver of the control group (Group A) showed normal histoarchitecture of hepatocytes radiating from the central vein with intervening sinusoids. There were no observable histological variations in the liver histoarchitecture of the rats treated with 100 mg/kg body weight (Group B), 300 mg/kg body weight (Group C) and 600 mg/kg body weight (Group D) of Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract. It was therefore concluded that Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract has no histomorphologic effects on the liver tissue of Wistar rats.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides on Spray-Paint-Induced Injury in the Lungs of Adult Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides on spray-paint-induced injury in the lungs of adult Wistar rats. The 30 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g that were used in this research were divided into 5 groups of six 6 rats per group. The haematological outcome showed that spray paint caused some derangements in haematolodical parameters especially lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and platelets. Histologically, interstitial haemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and activation of lymphoid tissue were observed in the rat treated with spray paint only. Ageratum conyzoides shrunk the local activated immune system and the florid-activated broncho-alveolar aggregates of the immune system in the Ageratum conyzoides treated rats. In conclusion, Ageratum conyzoides has ameliorative effects against spray-paint-induced injury in the lungs of Wistar rats and its effect is inversely proportional to dosage. It is more potent at low doses.