Justicia Carnea Research Articles

Protective Effects of Aqueous-Ethanol Leaf Extract of Justicia Carnea Lindl. and Silymarin on Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatorenal Injury in Rats

Background and Purpose: Liver and kidney injuries pose significant global health risks and are often linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Thioacetamide (TAA) is a hepatorenal toxin widely used in experimental models. Justicia carnea, has been used traditionally for treating liver disorders and silymarin, a flavonoid complex derived from Silybum marianum, is renowned for its hepatoprotective effects. This study investigated the potential protective effects of aqueous-ethanol leaf extract of J. carnea and silymarin on TAA-induced hepatorenal injury in rats.Methods: Six groups (n=5) of male Wistar rats were used in the experiments. Group A (control) received 10 mL/kg of distilled water; group B was administered TAA at a dosage of 300 mg/kg; group C received TAA (300 mg/kg) along with 50 mg/kg of silymarin; groups D, E, and F were administered 300 mg/kg of TAA and subsequently treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. TAA was administered intraperitoneally while silymarin and the extract were administered orally. Treatment was daily for 14 days after which sera and livers from the rats were assayed for enzymes, albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and antioxidants.Results: Exposure to TAA significantly elevated liver enzyme markers: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin but reduced albumin levels. TAA exposure also led to increased urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels and caused a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver homogenates. However, treatment with silymarin and doses of extract significantly ameliorated hepatorenal function parameters and improved the antioxidant status of the liver in the experimental animals.Conclusion: These findings suggest that both silymarin and J. carnea aqueous-ethanol extract possess hepatoprotective and renoprotective properties, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents in the management of hepatorenal injuries.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant, Nutritional, Phytochemical and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Justicia carnea and Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Meals

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in plant-derived compounds for their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. In this study, two botanical species, Alchornea cordifolia and Justicia carnea leaf meals were examined for their antioxidant characteristics, phytochemical and proximate composition, anti-proteinase properties and lipase, albumin, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory properties. A. cordifolia exhibited significantly higher levels of vitamin C, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity and flavonoid content compared to J. carnea, indicating superior antioxidant potential. Conversely, J. carnea showed higher saponin and cardiac glycoside content. Notably, A. cordifolia demonstrated stronger inhibition of lipase albumin and anti-proteinase activities, as well as higher inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes compared to J. carnea. Proximate composition analysis revealed differences in moisture, nitrogen-free extract, crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein contents between the two leaf meals. In conclusion, A. cordifolia emerges as a promising source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors, highlighting its potential as a valuable nutraceutical resource. Its superior properties to J. carnea suggest its potential application as a functional food ingredient for promoting health and preventing metabolic disorders. This study provides valuable insights into the biochemical and nutritional composition of these leaf meals, contributing to the understanding of their potential health benefits.

Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Cookies Produced from Flour Blends of African Walnut (Tetracarpidium Conophorum), Justicia Carnea and Wheat

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional and sensory properties of cookies produced from flour blends of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum), Justicia carnea and wheat.

Ameliorative Effect of Justicia carnea Methanol Leaf Extract against Nephrotoxicity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

This study investigated the antioxidant capabilities of methanol extract from Justicia carnea leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats, emphasizing its nephroprotective potential. Thirty-six (36) Wistar albino rats were randomized into six (6) groups (n=6/group). Group 1 served as the normal control, while groups 2-6 were induced with diabetes using 50 mg/kg of STZ intraperitoneally. Group 2 remained untreated, group 3 received 50 mg/kg body weight of Metformin, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were administered 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg body weight of the methanol Justicia carnea extract, respectively. Parameters assessed included fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight changes, acute toxicity, and oxidative stress markers. Acute toxicity testing indicated no deaths at 5000 mg/kg of the extract. The extract significantly lowered FBG levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats (p < 0.05). The control group exhibited the highest weight gain compared to the treated groups (p < 0.05). Treatment with the extract notably increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (p < 0.05) compared to diabetic controls. Overall, the methanol extract of Justicia carnea ameliorated oxidative stress in the kidneys of diabetic Wistar rats, suggesting its potential to mitigate nephrotoxicity associated with type I diabetes-induced kidney damage. These findings underscore its therapeutic promise in combating oxidative stress-related complications of diabetes.

Evaluation of Haemopoietic Parameters of Selected Ethnomedicinal Remedies

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion people, or 30% of the world's population, are affected by anaemia. In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of anaemia is highest among women of reproductive age and young children, with estimates suggesting that up to 60% of pregnant women and nearly 50% of preschool children suffer from anaemia.Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the haemopoietic parameters of four traditionally used blood building plants; Justicia carnea, Jathropha tanjorensis, Sorghum bicolor and Tetracera alnifolia; whose anti-anaemic parameters have not been compared.Method: The crude extracts were obtained by macerating 100g of each plant sample in methanol and dichloromethane, followed by concentrating the extracts using a rotary evaporator and drying in a desiccator. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, vitamin B3, B6, B12 analysis and GC-MS were carried out on the plant samples; J. tanjorensis, J. carnea, S. bicolor and T. alnifolia.Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of Triterpenoids, Flavonoids, Tannins, saponins, Phlobatamins, Anthraquinones, Cardiac glycosides, Steroids, Carbohydrates, and proteins. GC-MS analysis revealed some compounds.Conclusion: A comparison of the concentrations of the mineral and vitamins analysed revealed that J. tanjorensis had high concentrations of copper, iron and zinc, but was not statistically significant compared to the other plants investigated. The results obtained from the analysis of the vitamins, showed that Sorghum bicolor had high concentrations of vitamins: B3, B6 and B12 to the plants. Also. vitamin B3 was significantly higher at p<0.05 in Sorghum bicolor. The findings from this study showed that the investigated plants are suitable candidates for the development of blood building medications and their use in traditional settings as blood tonics is warranted. Furthermore, Sorghum bicolor is the most promising of the four medicinal plants as a candidate for further therapeutic studies.

Biochemical analysis of Justicia carnea leaves used as a hematinic

Justicia carnea is the largest genus of Acanthaceae and is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria, reported to have diverse functions, including blood-boosting potential. The phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, amino acid and proximate compositions of the leaf extract of Justicia carnea were determined using standard methods. Results of the quantitative phytochemical analyses on the leaves of Justicia carnea recorded appreciable presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalate, and phytate using GC-FID. Ribalinidine with 42.08±0.03 mg/kg was the highest alkaloid, Flavan -3-ol was 21.18±0.02 mg/kg, presented the highest amount of flavonoids, and phytate with 25.69±0.07 mg/kg as the highest antinutrient. Analysis of Justicia carnea leaves recorded iron (8.61mg/kg) as the major elemental content followed by potassium (5.29±0.11mg/kg). The concentrations of vitamins in Justicia carnea leaves showed vitamin C, with the highest value of (232.32±12.26 mg/100g) followed by Vitamin A (22.16±2.12 mg/kg). The results of proximate composition on Justicia carnea leaves showed a high concentration of carbohydrate (60.35±3.05%) and appreciable amounts of ash (15.02±1.01%), fibre (9.29±0.93%), protein (8.40±0.41%), and low amount of lipid (1.50±0.09%). The amino acid results showed the presence of both essential and non-essential amino acids with their concentrations in increasing and decreasing orders. These results obtained showed that leaves of Justicia carnea may serve as rich source of natural antioxidants, this may be attributed to its rich phytochemicals, nutrients and vitamin compositions and could be recommended as a potential source of useful bioactive constituents as vegetable supplement and has no toxic effect and as an effective hematinic supplement when prepared adequately.

Phytochemicals and volatile composition of Justicia carnea leaf ethanol extract

The present study assessed the bioactive and volatile composition of Justicia carnea leaf ethanol extract. The quantitative phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) while volatile components were determined using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results obtained from the study showed that the extract is rich in a battery of pharmacologically beneficial alkaloids and flavonoid which include Spartein (9.17 μg/ml), Epihedrine (7.35 μg/ml), Narigenin (7.20 μg/ml), Phytate (6.86 μg/ml), Kaempferol (6.43 μg/ml), Dihydrocytisine (5.73 μg/ml), Sapogenin(4.42 μg/ml), Flavone (3.9 μg/ml), Anthocyanin (3.86 μg/ml), and Ribalinidine (3.37 μg/ml). Spartein, Epihedrine, Narigenin, Phytate, Kaempferol and Dihydrocytisine were the most abundant secondary metabolites of J. carnea leaf ethanol extract. GC-MS analysis identified 86 volatile bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of Justicia carnea leaf; these includes 1-Piperonyl-3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole, 1,2-Dipiperonyl-3-imino-1,2,4-triazine (3.70%), 1H-Cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1,2]benzene,octahydro-7-methyl-3-methylene-4-(1-methylethyl)-(3.74%), (E)-.beta.-Famesene,1,6,10-Dodecatriene (4.34%), Aromandendrene Bicyclo [7.2.0]undec-4-ene (6.27%), Cyclohexene, 3-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-6-methylene- (7.59%), 1-Formyl-1-piperonylhydrazine Benzene, isothiocyanato- (8.32%) and (E)-.beta.-Famesene, .beta.-Bisabolene (10.87%) as the major bioactive compounds. These compounds may contribute to the documented pharmacological activities of the plants, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

Immunoglobulin stimulatory property of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea in male Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate

With regards to previously speculated hematinic/hematopoietic potentials of Justicia carnea, the present study set out to evaluate the effect of the administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea on the immunoglobulins levels in two sets of rats (non-lead intoxicated and lead- intoxicated rats). Forty (40) male Wistar rats were obtained and randomly distributed into eight (8) groups of 5 rats each as follows: Group 1 served as negative control/received 1ml of distilled water daily; Group 2 served as positive control/treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lead acetate (Pb); Groups 3 to 5 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea respectively daily and Groups 6 to 8 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bw extract + 10mg/kg.bw Pb respectively daily. At the end of 6 weeks of treatment, blood samples were harvested from the study animals via cardiac puncture after sedating them with 80% chloroform for laboratory analyses. The result of the present study indicated that immunoglobulins (Ig) G, M and A had significant (p<0.05) increases across all extract treated rats. In conclusion, this study has shown that extract possess humoral immunity enhancing potential. However, extrapolating from the present study, the frequency/consumption of the high dose of the extract should be checked in its ethnobotanical application as to prevent any possible consequent undesirable effects of autoimmune conditions.

Effect of Combined Methanol Extract of Mucuna Poggei and Justicia carnea Leaves on Hematological Indices and Biochemical Indices of Phenylhydrazine Induced Anaemic Albino Rats

All parts of Mucuna poggei and Justicia carnea have been known to possess valuable medicinal properties. This calls for the need to determine the effect of combined methanol extract of mucuna poggei and justicia carnea leaves on hematological and biochemical indices of phenylhydrazine induced anaemic albino rats. The study was done using 60 male albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. Group 1 (non-anaemic) was administered water and feed only which served as Normal control. Group 2 was administered Phenylhydrazine only which served as negative control. Group 3 through 5 were Phenylhydrazine induced anaemia treated with combined extract (1:1) at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg respectively. The results showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in Hepatic and renal biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, Urea, Creatinine) of the anaemic (negative) control. The combined extract significantly restored the alteration through significant (p<0.05) dose dependent decrease in the assayed hepatic and renal function biomarkers. The hematological indices of the treated rats were maintained compared to the anaemic control. The study showed great potential of combined methanol extract of Mucuna poggei and Justicia carnea leaves capable of ameliorating anaemia.

Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia carnea Treated Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Lead Acetate

Aim: To evaluate the effect of oral administrattion of the leaf extract of Justicia carnea on some haematological and biochemical parameters in rats.
 Study Design: It was a laboratory and experimental animal based study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out In Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Forty (40) male Wistar rats were obtained and randomly distributed into eight (8) groups of 5 rats each as follows: Group 1 served as negative control/received 1ml of distilled water daily; Group 2 served as positive control/treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lead acetate (Pb); Groups 3 to 5 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea (ALEJC) respectively daily and Groups 6 to 8 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bw ALEJC + 10mg/kg.bw Pb respectively daily. After all treatments, blood samples were harvested from the study animals via cardiac puncture Data were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Statistical significance was determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post-Hoc multiple comparison test and p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: The result of the present study indicated significant (p<0.05) increases in the levels of RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC and platelets in the 2 sets of rats when compared to those of groups 1 and 2. The amount of total/conjugated bilirubin were also seen to be markedly (p<0.05) raised in all ALEJC treated rats. The levels of liver enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) and beneficially regulated by ALEJC treatment compared to that of the group 2.
 Conclusion: Therefore, the plant extract may be a biologically helpful and antianaemic candidate but the arbitrary use of the ALEHC must be checked in order to prevent undesirable effects.

Phytochemical Analysis on Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia carnea (Acanthaceae) and its Antibacterial Activity on Some Isolated Bacterial

The present study was aimed to investigate the bioactive constituents and antibacterial efficacy of Justicia carnea leaf aqueous extracts on some pathogenic organisms involved in causing infections in humans. The antimicrobial and medicinal properties was examined through phytochemical screening of the plants constituents using standard qualitative methods and conducting bioassay on target bacteria of medical importance such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the agar well diffusion method. The screening revealed that tannins, saponins and alkaloids is highly detected followed by flavonoids that is moderately detected whereas phlobatannins, phenol and volatile oils are present in low amount. The result shows that the leaf extract was active against S. aureus, K. pneumonia, S. typhi, E. coli and P. aeruginosa measuring clear zones of inhibition 26.0mm, 22.0mm, 20.0mm, 18.0mm and 18.0mm respectively. Hence, the extracts exhibit strong antibacterial activity and could be used as a preventive and curative measures to common diseases related to the test organisms.

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

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

Justicia carnea extracts ameliorated hepatocellular damage in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic male rats via decrease in oxidative stress, inflammation and increasing other risk markers

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is still a raging disease not fully subdued globally, especially in Africa. Our study aims to evaluate the anti-diabetic potentials of Justicia carnea extracts [crude (JCC), free (JFP) and bound phenol (JBP) fractions], in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type-1 diabetes in male albino rats. Materials and Methods About thirty (30) animals were induced for type 1 diabetes with STZ; thereafter, treatment began for 14 days, after which the animals were euthanized, blood/serum was collected, the liver was removed and divided into two portions, for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Standard procedures were used to evaluate the liver biomarkers, like alanine transaminase (ALT), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6- phosphatase, hexokinase activities, albumin, bilirubin, hepatic glucose concentrations; antioxidant status and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were similarly assessed. Results These results revealed that the extracts ameliorated the harmful effects of STZ-induced diabetes in the liver by enhancing the activities of liver-based biomarkers, reducing the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine. Discussion The results agreed with previous research, and the free phenol fraction showed excellent results compared to others Conclusion These suggested that J. carnea could serve as an alternative remedy in ameliorating liver complications linked to oxidative damage and inflammation in STZ-induced type-1 diabetes.

Nutraceutical Effects of Justicia carnea Leaf Powder Supplementations on Performance, Blood Indices, Heat Shock Protein 70, Oxidative Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Biomarkers and Intestinal Microbes of Broiler Chickens, Under Tropical Condition.

The main reason preventing broiler chickens from reaching their genetic potential and hurting their performance in the tropics is heat stress. This study aimed to ascertain how Justicia carnea leaf powder (JLP) supplementation affects broiler chickens' performance, blood indices, antioxidant status, and gut microflora in tropical environments. A completely randomized method was used to assign 240 Cobb 500 broiler chicks to the experimental diets (6 replicates per diet, 10 birds per replication). Diet 1 included no supplement (negative control), diet 2 included 200 mg/kg vitamin C (positive control), diet 3 included 2,500 mg/kg JLP, and diet 4 included 5,000 mg/kg JLP. On day 42, the body weight gain (BWG) of the birds fed on diet 4 was significantly higher than those on diet 1. The packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration of the birds fed on diets 3 and 4 were significantly higher than those of the control (P<0.05). The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol were lower in birds fed on diets 3 and 4, compared to those on diet 1 (P<0.05). The serum heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were lower in birds fed on diets 3 and 4, compared to those on diet 1 (P<0.05). The lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) population was higher in birds fed on diets 3 and 4, compared to those on diet 1(P<0.05). However, the Coliform bacteria population was reduced in birds fed on diets 3 and 4, compared to those on diet 1. The 2,500 and 5,000 mg/kg JLP dietary supplementations enhanced BWG, improved erythrogram indices, and reduced blood AST, ALT, cholesterol, HSP 70, 8-OHdG, and caeca Coliform population but increased the caeca LAB population.

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Justicia carnea Leaf Powder

Determining the proximate composition, phytochemical profile, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of Justicia carnea leaf powder (JLP) is the goal of this study. The results revealed that the crude fat (8.19%) had the lowest content in JLP and the nitrogen-free extract (37.85%) had the greatest. JLP included 9.98 percent crude protein, 17.54 % crude fibre, and 18.18 % ash, respectively. Phenol had the highest concentration (383.15 mg/g), whereas flavonoids (1.84 mg/g) had the lowest concentration. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids all had concentrations of 24.03 mg/g, 84.81 mg/g, 188.13 mg/g, and 231.3 mg/g, respectively. JLP had a 62.21 % inhibition of lipid peroxidation and a 28.49 % scavenging of ABTS radicals, respectively. The percentages for the DPPH radical scavenging, Fe chelation, and hydroxyl radical inhibition were 54.05 %, 42.81 %, and 54.35 %, respectively. JLP's alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibition activities were 65.96 and 65.82 %, respectively. JLP had a 35.51 % albumin denaturation inhibition and a 61.58 % antiprotease activity. Thus, these results suggested that JLP possesses antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of aqueous and ethanol leaves extracts of Justicia carnea on selected biochemical and haematological parameters in Albino Mice

This study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanol leaves extracts of Justicia carnea on selected biochemical and haematological parameters in albino mice. LD50 for the ethanol extract was carried out using the guidelines proposed by organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Twenty four mice were divided into six groups of four mice/group. Groups 1 and 2 received distil water and 3%DMSO respectively as normal control, groups 3 and 4, 5 and 6 received 500 and 1000mg/kgbw of aqueous and ethanol leaves extracts respectively for six days. Mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the sixth day of treatment and blood sample collected for biochemical and haematological investigations. Result of quantitative phytochemical constituent of the leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids (1.01x10-1), terpenoids (8.55 x 10-1), saponin (449.43), sterols (30.58), phenolic acids (38.73), glycosides (39.27), flavonoids (430.24), tannin (744.24) mg/100g, oxalate (102.11) and phytate (12.37) ppm. Aqueous leaves extract showed significant (p≤0.05) increase in PCV, Hb and platelet values, while others were non-significant while ethanol extract was non-significant (p≥0.05) in all haematological parameters when compared to control. Significant decrease (p≤0.05) was observed in AST, ALT activities and Total bilirubin concentration in all the groups for aqueous extract and non-significant differences (p≥0.05) in all liver markers for all ethanol extract treated groups when compared to control. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Justicia carnea did not have any toxic effect on the experimental animals however aqueous extract boosted haemoglobin level.

The Antioxidant Modulating Properties of Justicia carnea Extract on Sheep Red Blood Cells Immunized Mice

Aims: Inflammatory cytokines as well as exogenously invading antigens among others are keenly involved in the generation of oxidative stress such as reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species capable of causing related diseases. hence this study aimed at evaluating the In-vivo antioxidant modulatory properties of Justicia carnea aqueous leave extract on sheep red blood cells immunized mice.&#x0D; Study Design: The animals were grouped into six with five animals per group (Vehicle; distilled water 10 mL/Kg, Sheep Red Blood Cells 0.2 mL/Kg, Justicia carnea 125 mg/Kg, 250 mg/Kg and 500 mg/Kg, and Levamisole 7.5 mg/Kg )&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The animals used for this study were breed, feed and housed at ambient temperature and well-ventilated animal house of the Basic Medical Sciences in Delta State University, Abraka and Emma-maria laboratory Abraka. The study lasted for two (2) weeks.&#x0D; Methodology: All groups were immunized at day zero and day 5 with SRBC inducing immune response except for the VEH group that was not immunized. Treatment of the various groups with respective treatment agents commenced on day 3 to day 9. On day 10 the antioxidant enzymes (Determination of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Myeloperoxidase, Malondialdehyde, Glutathione Peroxidase, Nitric oxide and Xanthine Oxidase) of the brain, liver, kidney and Spleen were carried out.&#x0D; Results: The findings in this study reveal the antioxidant enhancement by the plant Justicia carnea being significant when compared to the Vehicle and Sheep Red Blood Cells. Levamisole a standard immunostimulants drug also has significant antioxidant potentials.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study was able to showcase the antioxidants activities of the plant Justicia carnea. Pharmacological antioxidants may be developed from the plant, which might be helpful in immune related diseases.

Ameliorative Potentials of Justicia Carnea and Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius on the Fecundity of Chloramphenicol-Induced Lymphoma Rats

Justicia carnea and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius were tested for their capacity to ameliorate the fecundity of chloramphenicol-induced lymphoma in rats. Seventy male Wistar rats weighing an average of 128g were randomly divided into 14 groups of five rats each. Group 1 was provided with commercial rat diet and water on a daily basis. For 28 days, rats in groups 2-14 received 250mg/kg bodyweight chloramphenicol by oral intubation. Group 2 received no therapy and is thus referred to as the negative control group. The remaining groups (3–14) received aqueous leaf extracts of J. carnea (ALEJC) (Groups 3-6), C. aconitifolius (ALECA) (Groups 7–10), or a combination of both extracts (Groups 11–14) at dosages of 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 1500mg/kg, and 2000mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days. After anaesthesia with ether, blood was drawn from the retro-orbital venous plexus to determine the activities of oxidative stress indicators such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). The testes were dissected for histological inspection and the semen were collected for analysis. The results indicated a significant (p0.05) increase in weight across groups, as well as a reduction in sperm volume, viability, and motility in group 2 animals as compared to group 1. SOD and GSH levels increased significantly, but MDA levels increased in a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) manner. The results indicated that the extracts had a beneficial impact on infertility associated with excessive chloramphenicol exposure.

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Justicia Carnea

This study manifests the simple, environmentally-friendly and inexpensive synthesis of small sized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using the aqueous extracts of Justicia carnea. The aqueous extracts of Justicia carnea serve as effective reducing and capping agents for the green-synthesized NPs. The reduction of CuII was visually observed by the change of colour from light green to brown with formation of precipitate. The reaction was followed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and the characterization of the copper oxide nanoparticles by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometery. The UV-Visible spectra of aqueous solutions containing the synthesized copper nanoparticles showed a maximum absorption peak at 240 nm corresponding to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of copper oxide nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum of CuO NPs shows peaks corresponding to bands associated to Cu-O stretching and bands which represent characteristic peaks believed to be due to the interaction of CuO with biomolecules of extract.

Acanthaceae in the Serra Negra, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract We provide the floristic treatment for Acanthaceae in the Serra Negra, a region belonging to the Mantiqueira Range. We recorded nine genera and 16 species of Acanthaceae: Aphelandra longiflora, Hygrophila costata, Hypoestes phyllostachya, Justicia carnea, J. citrina, J. dasyclados, J. minensis, J. serrana, Lepidagathis kameyamana, Mendoncia puberula, M. velloziana, Odontonema barleriodes, Ruellia brevifolia, R. elegans, R. macrantha, and Staurogyne euryphylla. They occur naturally in the Atlantic Rainforest and other Brazilian domains, found predominantly in forest environments. Species studied had their distribution area expanded, with new records for the Atlantic Rainforest and for the state of Minas Gerais. Morphological descriptions, identification key, photographs, and the geographic distribution are provided for each species.