Ethanol Extract Of Stem Bark Research Articles

Estimation of Anti Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Property of Ethanolic Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer in Albino Rats

The hallmark of peptic ulcer illness is desisting in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to either pepsin or gastric acid release. It expands into the muscularis propria layer of the gastric epithelium. It may include the lower esophagus, distal duodenum or jejunum. The emergence and resistance of some over the counter anti-ulcer agents and its cost in developing countries have necessitate the need to optimize antiulcer actions of stem bark of Dialium guineense and its efficacy. The purpose of this study is to assess the anti-ulcerogenic properties of ethanol extract and stem bark fractions from Dialium guineense in albino rats that have been given an ethanol-induced ulcer. When compared to omeprazole and the fractions of the groups treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark, the results of TNF-α, IL-β, and PGE2 revealed a substantial rise in the ulcer group. In GPx and CAT there were significant increase in normal control when compared to the ulcer group and different fractions, this findings showed that By enhancing the effectiveness of nicotineamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) or by safeguarding the detoxifying enzymes, catalase lowers oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Further research should be on the identification of compounds which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant of Dialium guineense stem bark.

Antitrypanosomal activities of ethanol extract of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir against Trypanosoma brucei brucei - An in vivo model

African trypanosomiasis constitutes public health and veterinary challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Development of vaccine for its prevention is beset with challenges. Hence, trypanosomiasis control is premised on vector control and treatment of identified cases. Effect of oral administration of ethanol extract of stem bark of H. madagascariensis on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain) was investigated in experimentally-infected rat model. Harungana madagascariensis stem bark powder (300 g) was macerated in 1.5 l of 100 % n-hexane for 48 hours. The residue was dried and re-macerated in 1.5 l of 70 % ethanol for 48 hours. The filtrate was dried by evaporation on water bath at 60oC. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenols and tannins. Acute toxicity test revealed oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of the extract did not exert curative effect. Parasitaemia persisted in the extract treated rats (Group A-1250 mg/kg and Group B-2500 mg/kg body weight) till death. Rats administered 1250 mg/kg body weight outlived all inoculated rats by 2 days despite the significant (P < 0.05) rise in parasitaemia. Anaemia was ameliorated in rats taking 1250 mg/kg body weight compared to groups B, C and D that were severely anaemic. Emaciation was ameliorated in both extract-treated groups A and B compared to groups C and D. Harunga madagascariensis demonstrated promising prospects as potential source of therapeutic agent for ameliorating the severity of anaemia and African trypanosomiasis.

TOXICITY PROFILING REVEALED BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA(MALVACEAE) AT LOW DOSE

Background: The increasing patronage of Adansonia digitatafor medicinaland cosmeticsvalues makes it a potential source of indiscriminate uses. This studyaimsat establishing the toxicity potential of the ethanol stem bark extract with a view to providing scientific evidence for the safe use of the plant. Materials and Methods: The stem bark of Adansonia digitatawas identified, collected, dry, milled to powder, extracted in absolute ethanol, filtered and concentrated in vacuowith rotary evaporator at 45oC. The oral median lethal dose (LD50)was determined using Lorke‘s method. Male and female rats (100 –140 g) were used in this study. Toxicity effects on haematological and plasma biochemical indices, as well as histopathological effect in the selected organs was done usingsingle (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) and repeated dose (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) toxicity profiling, and in silicotoxicity profiling of its selected phytoconstituents. Results: The oral LD50was greater than 5000 mg/kg, suggesting non-toxic potential. Our results show varying degree of significant alterations in heamatological, biochemical and histopathological indices following single and repeated doses. These alterations were dose and sex dependent,more pronounced at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kgand correlated well with in silicotoxicity profiling. Though some of the phytoconsituents were predicted to show some elements of toxic potentials,ourin silicotoxicity profiling revealed that none has potential formutagenicity, genotoxicity, nor inhibit major P450 cytochromeenzymes.Conclusion: The study concluded that the extract may be more beneficial at lower repeated doses than high doses with toxic potential

Methanol fraction of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark reduces oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rat pancreas

Methanol fraction of ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark reduces oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rat pancreas

In vitro Anti-trypanosomal Activity of Ethanolic and n-Hexane Extracts of Hymenocardia acida Stem Bark against Trypanosoma bruceibrucei and Trypanosoma congolense

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt The potential of Hymenocardia acida stem bark extracts as an anti-trypanosomal agent was assessed. The results indicate significant in vitro activity of both ethanolic and n-hexane extracts against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma congolense. Hence, H. acida could be a valuable source for developing new, broad-spectrum trypanocidal drugs. Full Abstract The development of resistance by trypanosomes to existing trypanocidal drugs necessitates the need to search for safer and more effective alternative drugs with a broad spectrum of activity. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of ethanolic and n-hexane extracts of Hymenocardia acida stem bark against Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The stem bark of H. acida was collected, identified, dried and then ground into fine powder. The powdered H. acida stem bark was extracted successively using n-hexane and ethanol to obtain n-hexane and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using standard procedure. In vitro, anti-trypanosomal activity of different concentrations of the stem bark extracts (2.5 mg/mL to 40.0 mg/mL) were determined using motility assay with diminazeneaceturate (100 µg/mL) and phosphate buffered saline used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Results of the phytochemical screening revealed that flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins were present in the ethanolic and n-hexane extracts. In vitro, the anti-trypanosomal activity of ethanolic and n-hexane extracts was observed against T. brucei brucei and T. congolense. Cessation of trypanosome motility was observed after 30 and 50 minutes of exposure to 2.5 mg/mL of ethanolic extract and n-hexane extract, respectively, for both T. brucei brucei and T. congolense. In conclusion, ethanolic and n-hexane extracts of H. acida exhibited anti-trypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma congolense. Hence, the plant could serve as a source of new trypanocidal drugs.

Himatanthus bracteatus stem bark ethanolic extract obtained by sequential pressurized liquid extraction: Chromatographic characterization and profiling of cytotoxic, antitumoral and immunopharmacological properties

This study aims to characterize the cytotoxic, antitumoral and immunopharmacological profile of the ethanolic extract of Himatanthus bracteatus (EEHB) stem bark. Chromatographic analysis revealed the major EEHB composition in dimethyl isoplumerideo acid, 13-deoxyplumerido, isoplumeride, and plumeride. Cytotoxicity was performed on MCF-7 and MCF-10A cell lines using MTT assay. The antitumor activity was assessed using sarcoma 180 tumor cells subcutaneously implanted in mice. After seven days, hematological and biochemical analysis, and pathological evaluation of tumors and visceral organs were carried out. The IC50 value was 28.49 ± 2.05 μg/mL on MCF7 cells, but over 320 μg/mL on MCF-10A cells. Molecular docking was predicted using the caspase 3 molecular target with plumeride and isoplumeride ligands. Both compounds were also analyzed by PreADMET. The tumor growth inhibition was comparable to 5-FU. EEHB reduced the proliferative index (Ki67 immunoexpression) but increased the expression of apoptotic markers in a sarcoma 180 model. The ligands showed interaction with Caspase 3 with a binding energy between −7.2 and −6.6 kcal/mol for isoplumeride and −7.8 to −7.0 kcal/mol for plumeride. Hydrogen interactions were present between the ligands and caspase 3. Both phytochemicals showed low or no permeability in blood-brain barrier and medium permeability in Caco-2 cells and only isoplumeride showed mutagenic potential and carcinogenic. EEHB presented no toxicological effect either on the hematological parameters or average weight and histological features of liver, kidneys, and spleen. Our data suggest that EEHB has antitumor activity in S-180 tumor-bearing mice by blocking cell cycle and increasing apoptosis.

Effect of ethanolic stem bark extract of Annona muricata (soursop) on reproductive hormones and ovary in female Wistar rats

The effect of ethanol extract of stem bark of Annona muricata (soursop) on reproductive hormones and ovaries of Wistar rats was studied. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, flavones, flavonols, xanthones, flavanonols, flavonones, and condensed tannins. Twenty (20) experimental animals were randomly grouped into five groups of 4 rats per group and were allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks. Rats in group A served as the control and were fed with rat feed and water, rats in group B severed as positive control and received low dose clomiphene citrate (20 mg/kg) daily for 21 days, rat feed and water, rats in groups C to E were fed with normal rat feed, water and received different doses of fresh stem bark of Annona muricata extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia after the experiment and the ovaries were surgically extracted, weighed and sent for histology. Blood samples were collected for analysis (hormonal assay of luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone and prolactin. This was carried out using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The results showed that there were significant changes in the hormone level of the test groups when compared with the control rats. Significant increase was recorded in progesterone, estrogen, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone p< 0.05. Hence Annona muricata improves fertility in female Wistar rats. There were no histological changes in the ovaries and hence, it was concluded that Annona Muricata does not cause organ damage with increasing dose.

Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet attenuates pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure and cognitive impairment in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress

ObjectivesEpilepsy is a neurological disorder resulting from excessive electrical discharge in the brain. Bombax costatum (BC) is an herb being used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of seizures. This study evaluated the possible anti-convulsant potential of stem bark ethanolic extract of BC on PTZ-induced kindling in rats.MethodsThirty-five Wistar rats were grouped into five (n = 7) and received normal saline, 35 mg/kg of PTZ, 5 mg/kg diazepam followed by 35 mg/kg PTZ after 30 min and BC stem back ethanolic extract at 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg followed by 35 mg/kg of PTZ intraperitoneally after 30 min. BC was administered orally daily while normal saline and PTZ were given intraperitoneally every other day for 26 days. Seizure activity was evaluated using the Racine scale, cognitive abilities through modified elevated plus maze and anxiety through forced swimming test. Further, the levels of GABA and oxidative stress biomarkers were also evaluated from the rat’s brain homogenate.ResultsPretreatment with BC significantly reduced (p < .05) the seizure score and increased GABA level in BC treated rats when compared to PTZ alone treated rats. The first transfer latency of PTZ alone treated rats was significantly increased (p < .05) relative to the control rats and rats pretreated with diazepam and BC extract. Pretreatment with BC extract at 250 mg/kg was shown to significantly increase (p < .05) the activities of catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase compared to the PTZ alone treated rats.ConclusionsConclusively, BC was found to prevent seizure, avert neurodegeneration, and enhance cognition in PTZ-treated rats by regulating GABA level and enhancing antioxidant activity. Therefore, BC could be explored further for possible development of antiseizure agents.

Effects of ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;Aristolochia repens&lt;/i&gt; on biochemical and histological changes in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rats

The study evaluated the lipid profile, electrolytes and histological changes in diabetic Wistar rats treated with stem bark extract of Aristolochia repens. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats with high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight). A total of thirty-five Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for eight (8) weeks, while five (5) Wistar rats (Sham control) were fed with low-fat diet. Non-induced male Wistar rats were treated with distilled water (Sham control); while the induced male Wistar rats were treated with distilled water, metformin (100 mg/kg), 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg ethanolic extract of Aristolonchia repens stem bark for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed; liver, kidney and serum were collected and analyzed for serum glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes and histological changes. Treatment with ethanolic extract of Aristolonchia repens stem bark significantly reduced the body weight, glucose level, total cholesterol concentration, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein concentration and atherogenic indices. Mild pathological alterations were observed in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats at dosage above 50 mg/kg. However, the extract reduced the blood glucose, lipids and improve the selected electrolyte balance. This study suggests that ethanolic extract of stem bark of A. repens possesses antihyperglycaemia and antilipidaemic potential and might not be safe at dosage above 50 mg/kg.

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities of the ethanol extract of Erythrina sigmoidea stem bark used for the treatment of malaria in the Western Region of Cameroon

BackgroundMalaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and/or mortality in tropical Africa. The spread and development of resistance to chemical antimalarial drugs and the relatively high cost of the latter are problems associated with malaria control and are reasons to promote the use of plants to meet healthcare needs to treat malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiplasmodial activities of extracts of Erythrina sigmoidea (Mah quat), which is traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in the western region of Cameroon.Material and methodsThe ethanol extract of E. sigmoidea stem bark was obtained through the maceration process using 95% ethanol, while the aqueous extract was prepared by infusion. The in vitro antiplasmodial effect of extracts against P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains was determined using the Trager and Jensen method. On the other hand, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the extract was evaluated in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei strain NK65 using the Peters’ 4-day suppressive test and Ryley test (curative test). A total of 36 mice were used, subdivided into six groups of six mice each: one normal control, a negative control, a positive control, and three other groups for the tested product. Blood samples were collected on the 10th day of each test for hematological parameters.ResultsThe aqueous extract had an in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 29.51 ± 3.63 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 35.23 ± 3.17 µg/mL. The highest in vitro antiplasmodial activity was observed with the ethanol extract against the chloroquine-sensitive strain with an IC50 of 6.44 ± 0.08 µg/mL and against the chloroquine-resistant strain with an IC50 of 7.53 ± 0.22 µg/mL. The ethanol extract demonstrated suppressive activity in vivo with reduction rates of 87.69%, 86.79%, and 81.08% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively; and curative activity in vivo with reduction rates of 80%, 78.5%, and 77.5% at doses of 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively. The number of white blood cells in the negative control (44.55 ± 5.02 103/µL) was higher compared to the other groups. As for the red blood cells, we observed a massive destruction of the latter in the infected and untreated group (5.82 ± 1.50 106/µL) compared to the infected and ethanol extract-treated groups (8.74 ± 1.57 106/µL for 500 mg/kg, 7.54 ± 1.77 106/µL for 250 mg/kg, and 8.9 ± 1.50 106/µL for 125 mg/kg).ConclusionThis study provides scientific data on the use of E. sigmoidea by the local population for the treatment of malaria. It shows that E. sigmoidea has antiplasmodial activity, and we also see that there are differences between the parameters that we have in the treated groups and those of the untreated group. However, toxicity tests are necessary to assess its safety.

Antiseizure Activity of Mitragyna inermis in the Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure Model in Mice: Involvement of Flavonoids and Alkaloids.

This study aimed to investigate whether Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Otto Kuntze organic and aqueous extracts are able to control seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in mice based on flavonoid fingerprints and alkaloidal contents. Ethanolic extract and decoction-derived fractions from roots, leaves, and stems were subjected to chromatographic fingerprinting using AlCl3 and screening for their antiseizure effects using PTZ-induced acute seizure model. From the fractions that showed potent bioactivities, plausible antiseizure alkaloids were isolated using thin layer chromatography, and their structures were elucidated using 1H NMR, 2D NMR, 13C NMR, and FAB-HR (+ve or -ve). All fractions, with the exception of the dichloromethane and hexane fractions, revealed remarkable flavonoid fingerprints. An acute PTZ-induced seizure test revealed that ethanolic extract of stem bark [500 mg/kg body weight (bw)], ethyl acetate extract of stem bark (500 mg/kg bw), and aqueous extract of leaves (300 mg/kg bw) significantly delayed the occurrence of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE); however, a non-significant delay was observed in the onset of first myoclonic jerk compared with control animals. Isolation yielded four main alkaloids: that are, pteropodine (1), isopteropodine (2), mitraphylline (3) and corynoxeine (4). Corynoxeine is a new compound derived from M. inermis. This study suggests that flavonoid fingerprints are tracers of M. inermis anticonvulsant ingredients. The stem bark ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts and leaf aqueous extracts contain anticonvulsant bioactive principles that delay notifying the HLTE occurring in male naval medical research institute mice. Furthermore, alkaloidal contents also remain plausible bioactive anticonvulsant principles. All observations support the traditional use of M. inermis to manage epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to understand the effects of alkaloid fractions, flavonoids, and the isolated compounds as promising antiseizure agents derived from M. inermis in experimental animals.

Comparative Study of Hepatoprotective and Hematinic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Flacourtia indica's Leaf and Stem Bark

Comparative Study of Hepatoprotective and Hematinic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Flacourtia indica's Leaf and Stem Bark

Invitro antibacterial activity of bark, leaf and root extracts of combretum molle plant against streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles in donkeys and horses

BackgroundEffective therapy for many infections is becoming difficult due to the evolutionary development of drug resistance, and hence, the development of alternative treatment options mainly from herbs is crucial. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of ethanol extracts of stem bark, leaves and roots of Combretum molle against Streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles using in vitro tests.MethodsPlant extraction was performed using a maceration technique with 80% ethanol. The mean zone of inhibition was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Six serial dilutions with different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625% and 0.3125%) of each plant extract were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). A modified agar microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the extracts.ResultsThe results revealed that all plant extracts showed significant antibacterial activity. The root extract showed the best antibacterial effect compared to the others at all concentrations, with MZI values of 27.5, 23.225, 20.5, 17.9, 15.65 and 12.25 for the respective concentrations mentioned above and an MIC of 250 µg/ml. It was followed by the stem bark extract, which had MZI values of 24.67, 22.35, 18.225, 16.175, 11.125 and 8.2 millimeters and an MIC of 375 µg/ml. The leaf extract also had significant activity, with MZI values of 20.175, 18.25, 15.7, 13.125, 9.4 and 6.75 in millimeters and an MIC of 500 µg/ml. There was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the plant extracts and the level of inhibition.ConclusionThe test plant extracts were compared with the conventional antibiotic penicillin G, and the results indicated that the parts of the test plant have significant antibacterial activity, which may support traditional claims and could be candidates for alternative drug discoveries.

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense stem bark in albino Wistar

Aim: The hepatoprotective effect of Detarium senegalense ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Material and methods: The ethanol stem bark extract of D. senegalense at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were orally administered once daily for 3 days.The liver function tests and biochemical investigation such as asparte transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin were carried out against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytochemical investigation was performed to find active constituents of the plant extracts by the different phytochemical tests. Results: Pre-treatment with the ethanol stem bark extract significantly prevented the biochemical, histological, and changes induced by paracetamol in the liver. The extract showed significant hepatoprotective effects as evidenced by decreased serum enzyme activities such as AST, ALT,, ALP, TB and DB which was supported by histopatological assessment of the liver.The ethanol stem bark extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with silymarin, the standard drug as well as hepatotoxin agent, paracetamol. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, resins and balsam. Conclusion: The results of this study strongly show that ethanol stem bark extract of Detarium senegalense possess a potent hepatotoxicity activity against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.

Antiplasmodial Properties of Ethanol Stem-Bark Extract of &lt;i&gt;Newbouldia Laevis&lt;/i&gt; (P. Beauv) Seem in &lt;i&gt;P. Berghei&lt;/i&gt; Infected Mice

Background: Despite substantial improvement in the management of malaria infection over the last centuries, it remains a significant public threat especially to those in the tropical and subtropical African regions due to the emergence of drug-resistant P. falciparum strains, delayed diagnosis, high cost as well as contraindications of some available antimalarial medications. Hence, the need for necessary measures in terms of alternative therapeutic approaches to counter this threat is of utmost importance. The present study was aimed at determining the antimalarial potential of ethanol stem-bark extract of Newbouldia laevis in P. berghei (NK65) infected mice. &#x0D; Methodology: The antimalarial activity of Newbouldia laevis stem-bark at 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg was investigated in mice infected with 1 x 107 parasitized erythrocytes using three experimental animal models: Peter's 4-day suppressive, curative and prophylactic models. Phytochemical screening of the stem bark was also conducted.&#x0D; Results: The extract at all tested doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/ kg showed significant (p&lt;0.01) and dose-dependent reductions in the parasitemia levels of the treated rats with percentage chemosuppresion of 90.7, 91.8 and 94% respectively in the Peters 4-day suppressive test. There were also significant (p&lt;0.01) dose- dependent reductions in parasitemia density of the treated rats at all doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg in the curative and prophylactic studies compared to the distilled water group. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids and anthraquinones in the crude extract.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results suggest that ethanol stem-bark extract of Newbouldia laevis possesses antimalarial activity and this justifies the traditional use of the stem-bark of the plant in antimalarial herbal remedy.

Effect of ethanolic stem-bark extract of Blighia unijugata on body and organ weight, biochemistry, and hematology in Sprague-Dawley rats

Introduction: While the efficacy of Blighia unijugata against various conditions has been scientifically validated, very little is known of its safety in normal rats. This study aimed to assess the toxic effects of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Blighia unijugata (EBU) on body and organ weight, biochemistry, and hematology of Sprague Dawley rats following repeated oral administration.&#x0D; Method: Twenty (20) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 5) and administered distilled water or EBU at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg respectively for 28 days. For each group, percentage changes in body and organ weight, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose levels, liver, and kidney functions, and the various hematological variables were determined.&#x0D; Results: EBU treatment (50-200 mg/kg body weight) caused no significant changes (p&gt;0.05) in the body weight and the relative organ weight of the heart, kidney, and spleen. Similarly, no significant changes (p&gt;0.05) were observed in the lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High-Density Lipoproteins, Low-Density Lipoproteins, and Very Low-Density Lipoproteins), fasting blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, total protein, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the hematological measures, except for a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in Alkaline Phosphatase after treatment with 200 mg/kg EBU.&#x0D; Conclusion: Overall, this investigation underscores that EBU administration did not cause significant effects on the evaluated parameters, suggesting relative safety within the experimental conditions. However, for potential clinical trials and human use, additional studies such as chronic toxicity assessments across diverse animal models and dosage ranges are recommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Blighia unijugata; biochemistry, hematology, body weight, organ weight

Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of Blighia unijugata Possesses Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model

Introduction: The global rise in the incidence of diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its associated complications have become a public health threat. Besides hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia has been associated with diabetes due to the defect in insulin secretion and/or action. Medicinal plants are being investigated to discover drug alternatives with better efficacies, lesser adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness. This work investigated the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic stem bark extract of Blighia unijugata (EBU) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague- Dawley (SD) rats.&#x0D; Method: T2DM was induced in male SD rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg in 0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5) and confirmed 72 hours later. EBU (100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were administered orally to the diabetic rats (n = 5) for 28 days. The effect of the treatments on fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, atherogenic predictor indices, and body weight were assessed.&#x0D; Results: EBU treatments significantly reduced (p≤0.001) elevated blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c, p≤0.001) but increased High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, p≤0.05) compared to the diabetic control. Also, all the atherogenic risk predictor indices were significantly reduced (p≤0.001). In addition, EBU treatment mitigated the significant weight loss (p≤0.01) associated with the diabetic state when compared to the normal control.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings first report the anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-atherogenic properties of the stem bark of ethanolic extract of Blighia unijugata, and can be further studied and used as an anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic agent.&#x0D; Keywords: Blighia unijugata; hyperglycemia; atherogenic index; hyperlipidemia; diabetes

Acute and subacute toxicity profile of ethanolic stem bark extract of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Wistar albino rats

Albizia coriaria (Fabaceae) crude extracts are key ingredients of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products in East Africa. However, there is limited and often contradicting information regarding its toxicity. We therefore evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria in mature healthy Wistar albino rats following Lorke’s method and OECD guidelines 407. The LD50 of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was 2000 mg/kg. The acute toxicity signs observed included piloerection, hyperventilation, lethargy, and loss of righting reflex. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, red blood cells and haemoglobin in rats after 28 days at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Histological analyses revealed multifocal random parenchymal necrosis and scattered periportal mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver, interstitial nephritis in the kidney and multifocal lymphoid accumulation in the peribronchiolar and perivascular lung tissue at 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic stem bark of A. coriaria was therefore moderately toxic to the rats when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h. The extract caused a dose dependent toxicity with significant damage to the kidney, liver and lung tissues at a dose of 500 mg/kg after 28 days. Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of toxicity particularly at higher doses greater than 500 mg/kg.

A review on ecology, distribution, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the medicinally important plant Pterocarpus santalinus L. (Red sanders)

Pterocarpus santalinus L., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is well-known for its distinctive wood, which has a stunning color, a delicate appearance, and exceptional technical features. The natural dye santalin, which is produced by the red wood, is used to color foodstuffs and pharmaceutical formulations. The decoction made from the heartwood is given numerous therapeutic characteristics in the ancient system of medicine. It has been used to induce vomiting as well as treat ulcers, mental disorders, and eye illnesses. It is known that the heartwood of Red sander trees has diaphoretic, aphrodisiac, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic, hemorrhage, and dysentery-preventing properties. Additionally, it has served as a cooling agent. It has been claimed that an ethanol extract of stem bark has anti-hyperglycemic properties. Various studies on the phytochemistry of stem bark extracts in ethanol extracts showed the presence of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, as well as saponins. Isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumor lignans, savinin, and calocedrin, are found in the heart wood. However, despite numerous claims of pharmacological activity, the species has not been thoroughly investigated. The current article emphasizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, and applications of P. santalinus.

Investigation of the Subchronic Toxicity of Graded Doses of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats

Aim: To investigate the subchronic toxicity of graded doses of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of seventy (70) rats (35 per extract) weighing 160 to 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were divided into seven (7) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as control, while rats in groups II – VII received graded doses of extract (200 – 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt) for a duration of 28 days. Weight parameters, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and histopathological assessment were carried out. Results: Percentage increases in body weights of rats treated with aqueous or ethanol extract of D. guineense stem bark were significantly reduced, when compared with control group (p &lt; 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the corresponding relative organ weights and tissue MDA level, among the groups (p &gt; 0.05). Similarly, the extracts did not significantly alter the normal architecture of the liver, but induced mild periportal lymphocytosis and kupffer cell activation. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the medicinal plant stem bark did not elicit any deleterious effects on rat liver.