Effect Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Effect of Luffa cylindrica Leaf Extract on Hematological Parameters of Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Luffa cylindrica is a tropical fibrous flowering plant used in folkloric medicine. This study aims to examine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Luffa cylindrica on hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice. Materials and methods: 70 adult mice of both sexes with mean weight of 22 ± 5 g were used for this study. Luffa cylindrica leaves was pulverized to coarse powder from where methanolic extract was obtained. 0.2 ml of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg respectively of leaf extract was administered to mice for four days. After administration, 1 ml of blood was collected from each mice through cardiac puncture into EDTA bottle for full blood count estimation using Abacus-80 hematological analyzer. Results: The administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract resulted in increased lymphocyte count from 29.4 ± 7.35% to 82.6 ± 0.30%, 81.9 ± 0.25% and 60.0 ± 0.35% respectively at P>0.05 while neutrophil value was reduced from 55.2 ± 11.05 × 109/l to 11.0 ± 0.12 × 109/l, 04.8 ± 0.13 × 109/l and 17.0 ± 0.11 × 109/l. The administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract increases platelet count from 99.0 ± 0.52 × 103/ul to 979 ± 1.03 × 103/ul, 286 ± 0.32 × 103/ul and 913 ± 0.70 × 103/ul respectively. Conclusion: Ingestion of methanolic leaf extract of Luffa cylindrica resulted in a dose dependent changes in hematological parameter of albino mice including significant increase in lymphocyte and platelet counts. This plant’s leaf extract may therefore have the potentials of being effective in the treatment of diseases caused by thrombocytopenia and lymphocytopenia in mammals. It is believed that information provided in this study can enhance appropriate usage of Luffa cylindrica in folkloric medicine in Nigeria.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract B21: Potassium dichromate and sodium arsenite toxicities: Modification by methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria in albino mice

Abstract Exposure to arsenic and hexavalent chromium is a major public health concern especially in the developing part of the world and there is still no reliable treatment. This study evaluates the effect of combined exposure to potassium heptaoxochromate VI (K2Cr2O7) and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) in mice as well as the effect of methanol leaf extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria (MRV) on the toxicity of both toxicants. Test mice were pre-treated with 275mg/kg body weight MRV before being challenged with either NaAsO2 and/ or K2Cr2O7 on the seventh day. The control animals were exposed to distilled water or a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight NaAsO2 or 12mg/kg of K2Cr2O7 a day before the animals were sacrificed. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was monitored in bone marrow cells, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were assessed in the plasma. Hepatic glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were also monitored. The NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 significantly (P<0.05) increased the frequency of mPCE formation, AST, ALT, CAT and GST activities when compared with the control. Simultaneous exposure to NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 further increased (p<0.05) the levels of the markers. In addition, GSH and GST were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in mice exposed to NaAsO2 or K2Cr2O7 or their combination. However, MRV reversed the markers towards that of the control. Our study therefore suggests that MRV ameliorates NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 induced toxicities via reduction of oxidative stress and fortification of anti-oxidant system Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Kazeem Akinyinka Akinwumi, Olabode Olatunbosun Osifeso, Olajumoke Jumoke Aboyewa, Oyeronke Aduni Odunola. Potassium dichromate and sodium arsenite toxicities: Modification by methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria in albino mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference: New Frontiers in Cancer Research; 2017 Jan 18-22; Cape Town, South Africa. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(22 Suppl):Abstract nr B21.

Antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity and gastroprotective mechanisms of Mallotus roxburghianus (Muell.) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar albino rats

Mallotus roxburghianus (MR) is being employed as a dietary supplement and therapeutic agent to treat inflammation and stomach ulcers in Southeast Asia. Gastroprotective effects of methanol leaf extract of MR (MRME) and its possible mechanisms were elucidated in ethanol induced gastric ulcers in Wistar albino rats. MRME was abundant with polyphenols (bergenin and betulinic acid) as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by low IC50 values. Significant (p<0.05) enhancement in gastric tissue injuries, histopathological alterations, higher infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells, increase in pH, total acidity and malonaldehyde levels, reduction in mucus content and antioxidant defense enzymes and down regulation of HSP70 expression were noticed in ulcer control group while these pathological manifestations were significantly recuperated by pretreatment of MRME in the doses between 5 and 200mg/kg. Based on these findings, MRME could be used as a new source of gastroprotective therapeutic agent in animals.

Renoprotective and antioxidative effects of methanolic Paederia foetida leaf extract on experimental diabetic nephropathy in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevancePaederia foetida Linn. (Family: Rubiaceae) is widely used as a natural remedy for diabetes mellitus by the Nepali and Lepcha tribes of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayan region. The plant is administered to a diabetic individual in the form of leaf infusion for 2–3 weeks. Therefore, we investigated the effects of methanolic leaf extract of Paederia foetida (MEPF) on alloxan (ALX) induced diabetic renal oxidative stress and NF-kB dependent renoinflammatory events in rat.MethodEffects of MEPF on blood glucose, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), serum and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in ALX induced diabetic wistar rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to estimate serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and renal tissue NF-kB p65 levels. MEPF treatment was given to the diabetic rats at a dose of 250 and 500mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Results & discussionMEPF treatment significantly reduced hyperglycaemia, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides (TRIGs), and total cholesterol (TCHOL) levels in the diabetic rats, whereas it significantly restored GFR and serum albumin level. The activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant machineries was remarkably augmented by MEPF treatment. Likewise, it also significantly lowered lipid peroxidation which was evidenced by decreased concentration of thiobarbituric reactive substances (malondialdehyde, MDA) in the renal tissue of treated diabetic groups. Moreover, MEPF treated animals exhibited low serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the diabetic control rats. It showed a dose dependent inhibition of NF-kB activation in the diabetic kidney, but the effects were more prominent at a dose of 500mg/kg. Histopathological examinations also confirmed its nephroprotective action during diabetes. ConclusionMEPF treatment mitigates oxidative stress and suppresses renal inflammation via inhibition of NF-kB in diabetic kidney in early progressive diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch on Ocular ATPase Profiles of Selenite-induced Cataract in Wistar Pups

Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch on Ocular ATPase Profiles of Selenite-induced Cataract in Wistar Pups

In vivo ameliorative effects of methanol leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis Linn on experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection in Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of Lawsonia inermis Linn used traditionally against trypanosomosis. Twenty-five adult Wistar rats of both sex were individually infected intraperitoneally (IP) with 106Trypanosoma congolense per ml of blood. Following establishment of infection, the rats were randomly divided into five groups of 5 rats each. Rats in groups I, II, and III were treated with 125, 250 and 500mg/kg of the extract, respectively, while rats in groups IV and V were treated with 3.5mg/kg and 2ml/kg of diminazene aceturate (DM) once and physiological buffered saline, respectively. All treatments except DM were given orally for 7days IP. The antitrypanosomal effect of the plant was assessed by observing the level of parasitaemia daily, packed cell volume (PCV) weekly, erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration on day 21. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, triterpenes, steroids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced levels of parasitaemia at 250mg/kg. PCV was higher (P>0.05) in extract treated groups but significantly higher (P<0.05) in group II at week 2 when compared to group V. Rats in group II had significantly lower values of EOF and MDA when compared with groups IV and V. Thus, the leaf of L. inermis has in addition to an antitrypanosomal effect against T. congolense in rats, an attenuating effect on the trypanosomosis pathology probably mediated via protection of the erythrocyte membrane against trypanosome-induced oxidative damage to the erythrocytes.

Effect of methanol leaf extract of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f (fabaceae) on renal function.

Dalbegia saxatilis (D.saxatilis) is used as a decoction in traditional medicine for ailments such as cough, small pox, skin lesions, bronchial ailments and toothache. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of methanol leaf extract of D.saxatilis on renal function. Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into four groups of five: control animals (group 1) received distilled water 1 ml/kg while groups 2, 3 and 4 were given graded doses of the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively) daily for 28 days. Body weight changes were estimated by weighing the rats twice weekly using digital weighing balance. After 28 days, blood samples were obtained for evaluation of renal indices and the kidney was used for histopathology. Data were analysed using one-way and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS version 20. Significant weight increase in all groups were observed (p<0.05). Significant reduction in electrolytes concentration was observed following treatment with extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) (p<0.05). Histopathological findings of the kidney revealed massive necrosis of the glomerulus with tubular distortion and lymphocyte hyperplasia at 250 and 500 mg/kg while intense glomerular and tubular necrosis was observed at 1000 mg/kg of the extract. Since different doses of the extract caused reduction in electrolyte concentration and damage to the kidney it is suggested that prolonged administration of the extract is associated with increased risk of kidney toxicity.

In vitro antiaggregation and deaggregation potential of Rhizophora mucronata and its bioactive compound (+)- catechin against Alzheimer’s beta amyloid peptide (25–35)

Objective: Amyloid hypothesis states that endogenous β-amyloid peptides (Aβ), especially its aggregated oligomers and fibrils are the key pathogenic factors leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, inhibition of Aβ fibrillation rather than blocking its production is considered promising therapeutic intervention. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of methanolic leaf extract of R. mucronata (MERM) and its bioactive compound catechin on in vitro fibrillation of Aβ (25–35).Methodology: Antiaggregation and disaggregation effect by MERM and (+)- catechin against Aβ (25–35) were assessed in three different phases by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay and confocal microscopic analysis. The conformational changes in the aggregated Aβ fibrils in the presence and absence of MERM and catechin were analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and CD spectroscopy.Results: Results of ThT and confocal microscopic studies showed decrease in fluorescence intensity in MERM and catechin-treated groups illustrating that both MERM and catechin effectively inhibited fibril aggregation as well as destabilized preformed Aβ fibril. TEM revealed that MERM incubated samples were virtually devoid of structured fibrils but had an amorphous-like consistency, whereas the control contained structured fibrils of various width and length. FTIR analysis showed decrease in absorbance at 1630 cm−1 (amide I region) in MERM-treated groups substantiating the results of ThT assay. Circular dichroism data indicate that catechin prevents the formation of β-structured aggregates of Aβ peptide.Conclusion: Results suggest that MERM and catechin might have direct interaction with Aβ peptide preventing its fibrillation.

Effect of methanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.) on vaginal cytology, serum hormonal levels and ovarian histomorphology of female (Sprague—Dawley) albino rats

Telfairia occidentalis is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetable and a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. It is used frequently as a hematinic in the treatment of postmenstrual blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of the oral administration of methanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis on vaginal cytology, serum hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels, and histomorphology of the ovaries of female albino rat. Fifteen female albino rats were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of five rats each. The first group (A) served as the untreated control and received distilled water while the second group (B) and third (C) received 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Evaluation of vaginal cytology did not show any effect of the extract on the estrous cycle. The group C rats that received the highest dose (800 mg/kg body weight) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) serum concentration of progesterone during the prestrus and estrus phases and a significant lower (p < 0.05) serum levels of oestrogen during the metestrus and diestrus. Histological examination of ovarian tissues of the different groups did not show obvious abnormalities.

Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effect of &lt;i&gt;Ficus benghalensis&lt;/i&gt; against Alloxan Induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats

Neuropathic pain in diabetics is characterized by both hyperalgesia and allodynia. This is attributed to both uncontrolled glycemia and the further complications which it leads to. The objective of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis against alloxan induced diabetic neuropathy in rats.Material and methods:Experimental diabetes was induced in wistar albino rats by single intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). The methanolic extract of leaves of Ficus benghalensis at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered at single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 28 days. Neuropathic pain was assessed in diabetic rats with various painful procedures. hot and cold water tail immersion test, pinprick test, cold allodynia, hot plate test, actophotometer and rota-rod tests were performed to assess the degree of thermal, mechanical, cold hyperalgesia and locomotor activity as well as motor co-ordination.Results:Animals treated with methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis (200, and 400 mg/kg p.o.) showed good results in different parameters such as thermal allodynia (hot and cold), thermal hyperalgesia and motor co-ordination in comparison with diabetic control group. Thus, from this study we conclude that Ficus benghalensis exhibits significant neuroprotective activities against Alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats.

Antidiabetic effect of &lt;i&gt;Crossopteryx febrifuga&lt;/i&gt; methanolic leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a potentially morbid condition with high prevalence worldwide thus the disease constitutes a major health concern. Presently, it is an incurable metabolic disorder which affects about 2.8% of the global population. This study, investigate the antidiabetic effect of methanolic leaf extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga in alloxan induced diabetes rats. The plant was found to be safe with an LD 50 value of 5000mg/kg and phytochemical screening reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and carbohydrates. The plant significantly decreased blood glucose level at p < 0.05 from 139 to 83 mg/dl but body weight of treated rat and control slightly increased significantly after seven days of administration of the extract. The result from this study shows possible beneficial effects of Crossopteryx febrifuga in the management of diabetes. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Crossopteryx febrifuga ; Alloxan; Blood glucose; Diabetic rats

Amelioratory Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Some Liver and Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress Markers in Lead-intoxicated Rats

Amelioratory Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Some Liver and Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress Markers in Lead-intoxicated Rats

Efficacy of Crude Leaf Extracts of Aloe secundiflora on Selected Enteric Bacterial Pathogens and Candida albicans

The main aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of methanolic leaf extract of Aloe secundiflora against four Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella flexineri, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis), one Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and on one fungal pathogen (Candida albicans) by Kirby Bauer method. The extract was found to be more effective against all the bacterial pathogens and Candida albicans using ciprofloxacin as the standard antibiotic for Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, Vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus and Fluconazole for Candida albicans with an MIC range of 3-11 mg/ml. the preliminary analysis for the extracts confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. Our study revealed that, the extract from Aloe secundiflora leaf can be used in treating the diseases caused by the bacterial pathogens.

Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Talinum triangulare (Jacq). Willd. on Biochemical Parameters in Diet induced Dyslipidemia Wistar Rats.

Objective:To investigate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Talinum triangulare on hematological parameters, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status, and serum lipid in Wistar rats fed standard laboratory, or 2% cholesterol-enrich diet.Material and Methods:Wistar rats (180-210g) divided into six groups of six animals (males) each were fed 2% cholesterol-enriched diet and orally treated with 0.9% saline or extract of Talinum triangulare (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg per body weight) daily for eight weeks. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (MDA), hematological parameters, and their functional indices and serum antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione -S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase) activities and glutathione status were assessed in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic extract treated rats and compared with the rats treated with 100 mg/kg per bwt standard drug gemfibrozil.Results:A significant (P < 0.05) increase in lipid profile (total glyceride, total cholestrol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), MDA and reduction (P < 0.05) in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status coupled with alterations in hematological parameters was observed in the serum of hypercholesterolemic rats when compared with animals on a normal diet. Coadministration of methanolic leaf extracts of Talinum triangulare or gemfibrozil significantly (P < 0.05) restored the elevated serum lipid profile, MDA, and the deranged hematological parameters to near normal. The extract also protected against hypercholesterolemic-induced diminished enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status. The activities of the plant extract are dose (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) dependent and it compared favorably with the standard drug gemfibrozil.Conclusion:The present study suggested that the extract of Talinum triangulare might protect against hypercholesterolemic-induced altered lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and also improve the status of antioxidant defense system and hematopoiesis.SUMMARY Elevated lipid profile (total glyceride, total cholestrol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and reduced enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status coupled with alterations in hematological parameters was observed in the serum of hypercholesterolemic rats when compared with animals on a normal dietCoadministration of methanolic leaf extracts of Talinum triangulare significantly (P < 0.05) restored the elevated serum lipid profile, MDA, and the deranged hematological parameters to near normal.The extract also protected against hypercholesterolemic-induced diminished enzymatic and bnonenzymatic antioxidant status.The activities of the plant extract was dose-dependent and it compared favorably with the standard drug gemfibrozil. Abbreviations used: Lipid peroxidation (MDA), (catalase (CAT), glutathione–S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), Thrombocytes indices (PLT), Red blood cell (RBC), Packed cell volume (PVC), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Total glyceride (TG), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), Total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), High density lipoprotein (HDL) and 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase(HMG-CoA).

Methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre augments glucose uptake and ameliorates insulin resistance by upregulating glucose transporter-4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, adiponectin, and leptin levels in vitro.

Aims:The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre (MLGS) on glucose transport (GLUT) and insulin resistance in vitro.Materials and Methods:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and GLUT-4 expression were assessed in L6 myotubes for concluding the GLUT activity, and adiponectin and leptin expression was studied in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line to determine the effect of MLGS (250-750 μg/ml) on insulin resistance.Results:The findings of the experiments have demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake in all the tested concentrations of MLGS, further the glucose uptake activity of MLGS (750 μg/ml) was at par with rosiglitazone (50 μg/ml). Concomitantly, MLGS has shown enhanced GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ gene expressions in L6 myotubes. Furthermore, cycloheximide (CHX) had completely abolished the glucose uptake activity of MLGS when co-incubated, which further confirmed that glucose uptake activity of MLGS was linked to enhanced expression of GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ. In addition, in another experimental set, MLGS showed enhanced expression of adiponectin and leptin, thus confirms the ameliorative effect of MLGS on insulin resistance.Conclusion:These findings suggest that MLGS has an enhanced glucose uptake activity in L6 myotubes, and ameliorate the insulin resistance in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line in vitro.

Toxicological evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina methanol leave extract in rats

Vernonia amygdalina or commonly known as “bitter leaf” in Malaysia has been widely used for the treatment of malaria and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to examine the possible toxic effect of methanol leaves extract of V. amygdalina after 28 days oral administration in female Sprague Dawley rats. This 28 days toxicity study of V. amygdalina was conducted according to OECD 407 guidelines. Sub-chronic effects of methanol leaf extract of V. amygdalina on liver and kidney functions in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were examined by measuring the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubins, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol in both control and treatment groups. Based on the results obtained, 28 days administration of V. amygdalina (300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg bw) did not cause any significantly changes in serum biochemical parameters, body weight changed and relative organ weight when compared to the control group. In conclusion, sub-chronic (28 days) oral administration of methanol leaves extract of V. amygdalina at a dose up to 1200 mg/kg exhibited no adverse effects on liver and kidney functions in female SD rats.

Effects of methanolic leaf extract of salacia senegalensis (Lam) DC on some biochemical and haematological indices in albino mice

Effects of methanolic leaf extract of salacia senegalensis (Lam) DC on some biochemical and haematological indices in albino mice

Evaluation of the effects of methanol leaf extract of Palisota hirsuta on the biochemical and hematological parameters of rats

The effects of 28-day oral administration of the methanol leaf extract of Palisota hirsuta (MLEPH) on biochemical, hematological parameters, and relative organ weights (ROWs) in albino rats were investigated. There were no significant (p > 0.05) variations in the ROW of the heart, kidney, spleen, and liver on days 14 and 28 in all the rats given the different doses of MLEPH. The hematology showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) alterations of the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, total white blood cell (tWBC), and differential WBC counts by MLEPH at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg when compared with control. The serum biochemistry also revealed no significant (p > 0.05) variations in the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total bilirubin, and creatinine when the groups that received the extract at the different doses were compared with the control. Therefore, MLEPH did not cause significant toxicity after 28 days of oral administration.

Amelioration of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress indices in diabetic Wistar rats using methanol leaf extract of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).

Ethnopharmacological practitioners in Nigeria have used aqueous and ethanol extracts of Bridelia micrantha leaves to manage conditions associated with inflammation, and these include diabetes, chest pain, edema, arthritis and joint pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of methanol leaf extract of B. micrantha on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress which accompany diabetic conditions, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Albino Wistar rats. The dried leaves were extracted by percolation in 80% methanol:water for 72 h after which the mixture was filtered using Whatman No. 1 (11 μm) filter papers. Acute toxicity studies were done using Wistar rats and given orally up to a dose of 2,000 mg/kg. The animals were monitored for 48 h. The experimental design involved five (5) groups of six (6) albino Wistar diabetic rats each. Groups A, B and C rats received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B. micrantha respectively while groups D (negative control) and E (positive control) rats received 10 mL/kg normal saline and 200 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) respectively by gastric gavage for 7 days. Two sterilized cotton pellets (10 mg each) were implanted subcutaneously into both sides of the dorsal area of each diabetic rat in all the groups. Post cotton pellet implantation, rats in three groups (A, B and C) were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B. micrantha extract, while those in two groups (D and E) were treated with acetyl salicylic acid (ASA 200 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) respectively by gastric gavage for 7 days. Serum obtained from the animals on Day 8 of the cotton pellet test were used for malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) assays. The administration of the leaf extract up to a dose of 2,000 mg/kg to rats produced absolutely no death or observable signs of toxicity in 48 h. The cotton pellet granuloma weights in 200 mg/kg (44.88±1.2 mg), 400 mg/kg (42.10±1.2 mg) B. micrantha extract treated groups and ASA at 200 mg/kg (43.25±1.8 mg) were significantly lower compared to weight of granuloma (85.50±3.2 mg) obtained in the group treated with normal saline. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the 200 mg/kg (3.32±0.72 nmol/mL) and 400 mg/kg (1.88±1.27 nmol/mL) B. micrantha extract treated groups were significantly (p<0.05) lower compared to MDA level (6.88±0.79 nmol/mL) in the serum of normal saline treated group. Treatment of diabetic rats with the B. micrantha extract also caused significant (p<0.05) elevation in serum catalase, SOD and GSH levels. The study showed that B. micrantha methanol leaf extract significantly inhibited some chronic inflammation and oxidative stress parameters in diabetes mellitus.