Effect Of Ethanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Effect of ethanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum splendens (G. Don) (Verbenaceae) on some biochemical parameters of Alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

BackgroundThe lack of significant breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes, a global threat has led to continuous search of herbs that contain bioactive constituents with hypoglycemic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum splendens on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. MethodThe induction of Diabetes to albino wistar rats was done intraperitoneally using 120 mg/kg body weight of Alloxan monohydrate and the diabetic rats were randomly divided into five groups of four rats each comprising Group I (Diabetic rats), Group II (normal control), group III (200 mg/kg of ethanol extract), group IV (400 mg/kg of ethanol extract) and group V (5 mg/kg Glibenclamide - standard drug). All treatments were administered orally once daily for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, the blood sera of the blood samples from rats across the groups were collected and biochemical assays were carried out on them to evaluate their individual concentration of ALP, AST, ALT, TG, HDL, TC and LDL. ResultsA significant reduction (p<0.05) in the serum TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C was recorded in alloxan-induced diabetic treated groups. The ethanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum splendens at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed improving activities of the tested biochemical parameters. However, the group treated with 400 mg/kg showed more significant reduction (p<0.01) in the values of ALP (40.25±0.75), AST (25.25±3.84), ALT (3.25±0.25) and LDL (14.25±0.85).The 200 mg/kg showed more significant reduction in TC (67.25±2.59) than 400 mg/kg with TC value of 96.25±1.49. There was no significant effect on the TG value with 200 and 400 mg/kg while a significant increase (p<0.01) in HDL was recorded in the group treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg for HDL with 200 mg/kg showing more significant increase. ConclusionsThese findings revealed that Clerodendrum splendens has ameliorating activities on the lipid profile and liver function parameters of degenerating condition of diabetes mellitus associated secondary complications.

Neuroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata (Wight &amp; Arn) against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats

Introduction: Commiphora caudata contains various essential phytoconstituents and is a potential medicinal plant used traditionally to treat various ailments such as neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata against the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced behavioral changes in rats. Methods: The in-vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay methods. For in-vivo studies, the animals were pre-treated with ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata (EECC) at 200 and 400 mg/kg of b.w for 30 days, and neurotoxicity was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS 1 mg/kg, b.w on day 31. The neurotoxicity was evaluated with a chain of behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze test, radial arm maze, and choice reaction time (CRT) tests. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, the brain hippocampal region was removed, and the levels of acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and protein were measured. Results: The IC50 value in the DPPH method was 71.58 ± 15.62 μg, and the total antioxidant activity of EECC was found to be 742.33 ± 14.57 μmol Fe (II)/g extract. In behavioral tests, animals treated with EECC at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed a neuroprotective effect in the Morris water maze test, an 8-arm radial maze test, and in the CRT test. Both doses reduced acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and protein levels (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The present study results showed the promising neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Commiphora caudata and its action against the LPS-induced cognitive impairment in rats.

Hepatotoxic Effects of Ethanolic leaf Extract of Breynia nivosa (Snow bush) in Wistar rats

The hepatotoxic effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Breynia nivosa in male albino Wistar rats were studied. The Breynia nivosa leaves were extracted using 70% ethanol. The phytochemicals were evaluated and found to contain – tannin, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and cyanogenic glycosides. Twenty (20) adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups – three tests of A, B, C and one control – and were administered with 400mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the ethanolic leaf extract of Breynia nivosa respectively for 21days after two weeks of acclimatization. The animals were sacrificed under anaesthesia after the experiment and blood samples collected for determination of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), malondialdehyde, and liver enzyme: aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine transaminase (ALT). The results showed that there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase level (P&lt;0.05). Changes in other markers (malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase) were however not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05) when compared with the control. The extract significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP levels (p&lt;0.05). Hence Breynia nivosa may be toxic and caution should be exercised in its consumption.

Nutritional Compositions and In-vivo Antioxidant Effect of Corchorus olitorius Ethanol Leaf Extract in CCl4-induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various disease conditions with concomitant toll on the body’s defense mechanism against free radicals. To continuously sustain and support the efficiency of the body’s antioxidant defense system, natural plant sources are required. Thus, the need for alternative options especially of plants that are neglected and under-utilized. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the proximate and phytochemical compositions and in-vivo antioxidant effect of ethanol leaf extract of C. olitorius on antioxidant enzyme activities in CCl4-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty albino rats of Wistar strain (120-150g) were divided into six groups (A – F) of five rats each. Groups A, B and C served as test groups and were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg doses of C. olitorius leaf extract respectively while Group D served as normal control. Groups E and F served as the positive and negative controls and were administered 50 mg/kg Silymarin and distilled water respectively. The administration lasted for 15 days after which blood was collected via cardiac puncture.&#x0D; Results: Findings showed that the leaf was rich in total phenol (21.47 ± 0.00 mgGAE/g) and tannin (23.34 ± 0.75 mgTAE/g) with little quantity of oxalate (0.48 ± 0.09 mg/g), cardiac glycosides (0.30 ± 0.07 %) and phytate (0.25 ± 0.01 %). The result of the proximate composition revealed that the leaf was rich in carbohydrate (44.16 ± 1.21 %), ash (20.31 ± 0.51 %) and protein (11.29 ± 2.06 %) with negligible quantity of lipid (0.46 ± 0.11 %). More so, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were all increased in the extract treated group when compared to the controls.&#x0D; Conclusion: From the above findings, it can be concluded that the ethanol leaf extract of C. olitorius may possess exploitable nutritional components and potential antioxidant activity against the debilitating effects of free radicals.

The Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Cnidosculus Aconitifolius on Cardiorenal Functions in Hypertensive and Normotensive Male Wistar Rats

The Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Cnidosculus Aconitifolius on Cardiorenal Functions in Hypertensive and Normotensive Male Wistar Rats

Toxicity Study and Anticonvulsant Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Piliostigma thonningii Milne-Redhead (Fabaceae)

Background: Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach) Milne-Redhead [Fabaceae] is a plant widely used locally for the treatment and management of several ailments which include epilepsy in Northeastern Nigeria.Objectives: This study aimed at evaluation of the toxicity and anticonvulsant effect of ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii in rats and mice with a view to determining the efficacy of the plant as an anticonvulsant drug.Methods: Fresh leaves of Piliostigma thonningii were air-dried, pulverized and extracted using soxhlet extraction apparatus. Acute toxicity study was carried out by Lorke’s method and the anticonvulsant activity of the ethanol leaf extract was carried using pentylenetetrazole and strychnine-induced convulsion model on Wistar strain albino rats and mice respectively.Result: The soxhlet extraction yielded 21.04% w/w of extract after being concentrated. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 were ≥ 5000 mg/kg implying that the extract is relatively safe according to literatures. Anticonvulsant effect of the ethanol leaf extract using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), revealed the ability of the extract to confer protection on rats treated with doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg bd. wt. by exerting 60%, 80% and 80% protection on rat against PTZ induced convulsion respectively in a dose dependent manner as well as protected 20%, 60% and 80% of mice against death induced by strychnine when treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanol extract.Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii was able to provide anticonvulsant effect and is relatively safe for consumption as medicine.

Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Scoparia Dulcis (Linn) in Wistar Rats

Scoparia dulcis (Linn) is a widespread herbal medicine; it bears an enormous number of pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to find out the chronic toxicity profile of oral administration of Scoparia dulcis ethanol leaf extract (SDELE) on the liver and the kidney of wistar rats. The animals were grouped into four and administered varying doses of SDELE (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg body weight and 0.2 ml distilled water respectively) for a period of fourteen weeks (100 days). The acute toxicity, body weight, relative organ weight, hematological parameters, biochemical markers for liver and kidney damage were monitored and histopathology of the liver and kidney of the rat were carried out. The LD50 of SDELE was found to be 1131 mg/kg body weight. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in weight of the rat administered 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg when compared with the control though there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the relative weight of the organs. There was also a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the lymphocytes, serum level of aspartate amino transferase (ASP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkali phosphatase (ALP), total protein, A/G ratio, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and potassium ions while there was a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and sodium ions in the animal group administered 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histopathology of the liver and kidney revealed haemorrhage and vascular congestion at 200 mg/kg doses and renal damage at 400 mg/kg body weight doses respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in any of the parameters studied in the group administered 100 mg/kg body weight dose when compared with the controlled group. Ethanol leaf extracts of Scoparia dulcis showed hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic tendencies and should be used with caution especially when employed in the treatment of chronic diseases

Upregulation of PCSK9, rho kinase and cardiac troponin by Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract improves fructose-streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiac dysfunction in rats

Context The effect of Eucalyptus globulus in diabetic cardiac dysfunction and the possible mechanisms involved have not been explored. Objective To evaluate the effect of ethanol leaf extract of E. globulus (NEE) on the cardiac function of fructose/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Type-2 diabetes was induced in rats with 10% fructose feeding for 14 days and an intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg streptozotocin. Diabetic animals were treated with NEE (100–400 mg/kg) or 5 mg/kg glibenclamide orally for 21 days. Biochemical assays, histopathological examination and analyses of PCSK9, Rho kinase and Cardiac troponin expression were performed. Results The untreated diabetic group showed decreased expression of the genes, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, increased activities of creatine kinase MB and lactate dehydrogenase, reduced nitric oxide level, and depletion of cardiomyocytes, which were reversed in NEE treated groups. Conclusions Eucalyptus globulus ameliorated diabetic cardiac dysfunction through increased PCSK9, Rho kinase and Cardiac troponin expression.

ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF ONIONS (Allium cepa) ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR ALBINO RATS

ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF ONIONS (Allium cepa) ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Identification, characterization of fungus which infects domestic fishes and its prevention using plant extracts

Fish fungus is one of the main concerns of people who culture fishes in hatcheries and aquariums as they adversely affect fishes leading to its death. Chemical formulations are used to treat fungus growing on fishes but not all fishes can be cured with the chemical formulations and the effects of these chemicals maybe shown when human consumes those fishes. Hence, it is always better to go for medicine from natural sources to treat these kinds of diseases. In this study, we have isolated fish fungus by culturing infected part of fishes Carassius auratus and Cyprinus carpio on Potato dextrose agar. The fungus was allowed to grow for 5–7 days at 28-30 ˚C, white spongy and grey colonies were observed. Genomic DNA was isolated from fungus and ITS gene was PCR amplified. They were further characterized using Sanger sequencing method to characterize its taxonomic nature of fungus and its growth properties. Further few common plants having antimicrobial properties were used to inhibit the growth of these funguses using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the isolated funguses are Aspergillus fumigatus and Saprolegnia parasitica when sequences were subjected to NCBI BLAST. The results of antimicrobial studies highlighted the effect of ethanolic leaf extracts of Cardiospermum helicacabum, Kirganelia reticulata, Urena lobata, Vitex negundo, Scoparia dulcis and Pongamia pinnata plants against growth of above mentioned pathogenic fungus.

Antiplasmodial and haematological effects of Senna occidentalis leaf ethanolic extracts on Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

A research was conducted to investigate the haematological effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Senna occidentalis on Swiss albino mice infected with 0.2 ml of Plasmodium berghei infected blood. Fifteen (15) mice weighing between 140-260g were assigned into five study groups of three mice each. The first group is treated with 0.2 mL of normal saline (drug free control). Group 2, 3, 4 were treated with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg of theethanolic leaf extract respectively while group 5 received 10mg/kg of chloroquine phosphate. All doses were administered orally. The results obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test to separate the means. The result of the preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, diterpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, Triterpenoids, carbohydrates and proteins. The level of parasite suppression ranges from 35% to 75% and the activity increased with increase in concentration of the extracts (dose dependent). The extracts were found to increase the level of some haematological parameters such as Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Haemoglobin. The effect is concentration dependent, increases with increase in concentration. Thus, the anti plasmodial efficacy of the leaf extract of S. occidentalis on P. berghei is confirmed. It is recommended that , 400 mg/kg leaf ethanolic extracts of S. occidentalis couldbe use in the treatment of malarial fever.

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Carica Papaya and New bouldia Laevis on Hormone Profile of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Carica Papaya and New bouldia Laevis on Hormone Profile of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat

Effects of Dacryodes edulis Leaf Extract on Pain and Inflammation

Background: Dacryodes edulis leaf extract is used in traditional settings in management of many disease conditions including pain and inflammation. However, these empirical claims have not been evaluated scientifically. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Dacryodes edulis on pain and inflammation using rodents. Materials and Methods: Writhing test using acetic acid for induction of pain and tail-immersion in temperature controlled water were used to study the effect on pain sensation while xylene-induced ear oedema and carrageenan-induced paw oedema were used for the effect of Dacryodes edulis on inflammation. Male mice divided into seven groups and three different doses of extract viz,100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg based on the results of the acute toxicity study and the mean effective dose study, ED50 were used for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar Animal Research Ethics Committee with number: 012PA31116. Results: 400mg/kg extract showed significant analgesic activity having 75% inhibition of pain in the writhing test while aspirin showed 80% inhibition of pain. The extract also significantly (p&lt;0.05) prolonged flick latency period comparable to morphine in tail immersion test. The extract caused 72% inhibition of xylene induced ear oedema compared to 91% of dexamethasone. Similarly it showed comparable activity (p&lt;0.05) with aspirin in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Conclusion: Dacryodes edulis leaf extract has activity against pain and inflammation. This validates its application in management of inflammation and pain in local settings.

Ameliorative Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Physalis angulata (Ewe Koropo) on Diabetic-Induced Wistar Rats in South West Nigeria

Excessive consumption of foods high in calories, lack of exercise and oxidative stress play crucial roles in diabetic physiopathology, and if not diagnosed and treated early, damages to kidney, eyes, heart and nerves are inevitable. Medicinal plants have long been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases. In this study, qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals analyses of ethanolic extract of Physalis angulata were carried out using standard biochemical methods. In addition, evaluation of the antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential of the plant extract against key enzymes associated with hyperglycemia-a symptom that characterizes diabetes were done. Antioxidant activities were determined using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), ABTS (2, 2l-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), lipid peroxidation assays while the alpha–glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. The ethanolic extract of Physalis angulata exhibited significant strong scavenging activity on DPPH, lipid peroxidation, reducing power, ABTS activity as compared with the standard drug Ascorbic Acid against the diabetic group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract did exhibit significant α-amylase and α–glucosidase activities with IC50 (23.88, 15.10), when compared with standard drug acarbose with IC50 (24.75, 41.74). The findings of this study indicate that the ethanolic extract of Physalis angulata leaves possess anti hyperglycemic properties; and thus provide pharmacological benefits to the ethnomedical use of this plant in the treatment, management and control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Ethanol Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Moringa oleifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Leaf on Nissl Granules, Immunohistochemistry of Inferior Colliculus and Oxidative System Following Quinine Toxicity in Wistar Rats

The metabolite of Quinine, 3-hydroxyquinine is the active substance and more toxic than quinine hence, it can exert pro-oxidant effect in the body. In this study, the effect of ethanol leaf extract of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> was evaluated against quinine toxicity on nissl granules, immunohistochemistry of inferior colliculus and oxidative system of Wistar rats. Fifty Wistar rats weighing 180 – 200g were alloted into 10 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control while Groups 2 to 10 were the treatment groups. Groups 2 – 4 received 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight of quinine hypochloride injection intramuscularly eight hourly for 7 days. Groups 5 – 7 were orally administered 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body weight of <i>M. oleifera</i> leaf extract daily for 7 days respectively. Group 8 received 250mg/kg of leaf extract orally and intramuscular (IM) 10mg/kg of quinine; Group 9 was treated with oral 500mg/kg of the extract and IM 20mg/kg of quinine while Group 10 received 750mg/kg of the extract orally and IM 30mg/kg of quinine for 7 days. Results revealed that quinine significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) in treated rats. However, <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf extract showed significant increase in the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation. Histomorphological and immunohistochemical observations revealed that quinine caused neuronal distortions, nuclear degenerations, and depletion of Nissl granules, vascular congestions and vacuolations and increased astrogliosis in the inferior colliculus. Incorporation of the extract to the quinine treated groups revealed neuronal regenerations, increased staining intensity and density of the Nissl granules, reduced astrogliosis and restoration in the inferior colliculuscyto-architectures. In conclusion, <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf extract can be used to ameliorate the adverse effects of quinine toxicity on inferior colliculus.

Effect of ethanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on male reproductive activities

Effect of ethanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on male reproductive activities

Effect of ethanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on male reproductive activities

Telfairia occidentalis is a medicinal plant known to exhibit a wide range of biological activities because of the presence of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. In this research work, the phytochemical screening and the antioxidant activities of Telfairia occidentalis leaves were evaluated. Also, this research work was designed to evaluate the effect of Telfairia occidentalis on reproductive hormones and sexual behaviour in male Albino Wistar rats using standard analytical methods. Twenty-five (25) sexually matured male rats were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each; groups 1 and 2 were the normal and positive controls and were given distilled water and the standard drug (Manix Capsule) respectively while groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered the ethanol extract of the plant in graded dosages of 400, 200, and 100mg/kg respectively. Also 12 sexually matured female Albino rats were used for the assessment of sexual behavior.The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenes and flavonoids while, the leaves showed a significant free radical scavenging activities with IC50 90μg/ml. The hormonal result showed that the extract cause a dose dependent significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in testosterone when compared with the normal control. However, there was a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels also in comparison with the normal control. In conclusion, the ethanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis increases the reproductive hormones which might increase the reproductive activities of the male rats.

Ethanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis ameliorates hepatorenal toxicity of Plasmodium berghi-berghi infected mice treated with Hippocratea africana root bark extract

The effect of ethanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on hepatorenal function of Plasmodium berghiberghi infected mice treated with root bark extract of Hippocratea africana was evaluated. Twenty-One (21) male mice weighing between 27 – 33 g used for the study were divided into seven groups. Group 1 served as normal control while Groups 2 – 7 were parasitized with Plasmodium berghi-berghi and Group 2 was the test control group (parasitized without treatment). Group 3 was administered 8 mg/kg bw of artemether-lumefantrine for 3 days. Group 4 and 5 received daily, 200 mg/kg bw and 300 mg/kg bw of Hippocratea africana and Jatropha tanjorensis respectively for 4 days. Group 6 received 8mg/kg bw of artemether-lumefantrine for 3 days followed with 300 mg/kg bw of Jatropha tanjorensis for 4 days. Group 7 was treated with 200 mg/kg bw of Hippocratea africana for 4 days followed by 300 mg/kg bw of Jatropha tanjorensis for 4 days. The concentration of urea, creatinine and the activities of the liver enzymes were observed to increase significantly following induction of malaria when compared to normal control. Treatment with artemether-lumefantrine and root bark extract of Hippocratea africana showed drug induced hepatorenal toxicity which was ameliorated with the administration of ethanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis. The study showed that Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract had hepatorenal protective function against Plasmodium berghi-berghi infection and malaria treatment induced toxicity, that may be due to its rich phytochemicals with antioxidant activity.

Effect of Gloriosa superba linn (EEGS) on mPT and monosodium glutamate-induced proliferative disorder using rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHyperplasia, Tumors and cancers are various forms of proliferative disorders affecting humans. Surgery is the main treatment approach while other options are also associated with adverse effects. There is therefore a need for the development of better alternative therapy that is cost effective and readily available with little or no adverse effect. Some bioactive agents in medicinal plants exhibit their anti-proliferative potential by induction of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPT) opening. Gloriosa superba, a medicinal plant, is folklorically used in the treatment of tumors and cancers.Aim of the study: This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gloriosa superba (EEGS) on mPT and monosodium glutamate-induced proliferative disorder in some specific tissues using rat model. Materials and methodsIsolated rat liver mitochondria were exposed to different concentrations (10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 μg/ml) of EEGS. The mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation were assessed spectrophotometrically. Caspases 9 and 3 activities were carried out using ELISA technique. Histological assessment of the liver, prostate and uterus of normal and monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated rats were carried out. ResultsThe results showed significant induction of mPT pore opening, release of cytochrome c, enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and activation of caspases 9 and 3 activities by EEGS. The histological assessment revealed the presence of MSG-induced hepato-cellular damage, benign prostate hyperplasia and uterine hyperplasia which were ameliorated by EEGS co-administration. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that EEGS contains putative agents that can induce apoptosis via induction of mPT pore opening and as well protect against MSG-induced hepato-cellular damage and proliferative disorder in prostate and uterus.

Evaluating the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on some reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats

This research was aimed at evaluating the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on some reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) male Wistar rats weighing 120-200 g were divided into three (3) groups of six (6) animals each. The animals were allowed to undergo acclimatisation period for seven days before the start of the research. Animals in group A served as the control, while group B and C were administered 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of G. latifolium, respectively. The administration was performed for 14 days. Twelve hours after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed and cardiac puncture procedure was used to collect the blood for some reproductive hormonal analysis. The extract produced a (P<0.05) significant increase in serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone respectively at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight compared to normal control and progesterone produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in all experimental groups compared with normal control. The extract was found to contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and glycosides at varying concentrations. The rich phytochemicals in the extract of Gongronema latifolium strongly contribute in enhancing sexual health and libido in males. It is possible to use the plant extract in the management of erectile related dysfunction.