Methanol Extract Of Stem Bark Research Articles

28 Days Sub Acute Toxicity Studies of the Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretacea) in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of Combretum hypopilinum stem bark extracted with Methanol (70%v/v). Preliminary Phytochemical screening of the crude methanol stem bark extract was carried out, and revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids. Initial oral acute toxicity test was carried out using the Limit Dose Test to ascertain the safety of the extract in rats. Sub-acute toxicity testing was conducted by 28 days oral administration of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg body weight to three groups of ten rats. The fourth group was administered distilled water 10 ml/kg. No major changes were observed in body weight of the animals following 28 days of daily oral administration. Biochemical parameters such as Total Protein, Total Bilirubin, Creatinine, Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT), were found to be within normal ranges. The levels of marker enzymes in the vital organs did not show any significant changes between control and treated groups. Histopathological examination of the major vital organs (liver, brain, and kidney) revealed no significant pathological changes in the treated groups of rats. The results of the present work suggested that the methanol stem bark extract of Combretum hypopilinum is relatively safe for use at the tested doses.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of Methanol stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa (Forssk) in wistar rats.

The study focused on evaluating the toxicity profile of the methanol stem bark extract of Cadaba farinose (Forssk), considering possibilities of adverse effects arising from continual use of herbal plants especially in the management of long-term conditions. Cadaba farinosa is a slender shrub plant widely used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, inflammations, rheumatic pains and various infections including skin and intestine both in Africa and India. The acute toxicity study and sub-acute toxicity studies were carried out in Wistar rats using Lorkes Method (1983) and the OECD Guidelines 425. For the sub-acute toxicity studies, twenty rats weighing between 120 and 170g were randomly grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (control) received 10ml/kg of distilled water and the others received doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg p.o of extract for 28 days. The acute toxicity revealed no mortality or behavioural signs of toxicity in both phases up to 5000mg/kg. The haematological indices revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the WBC count, MCV and PLT of the groups that received 1000mg/kg of the extract after treatment for 28 days. The liver function test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST and ALT. Renal indices showed a significant decrease in creatinine and a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma Na+, K+ and Cl- ion concentration across the groups. Histopathological section of the spleen revealed follicular hyperplasia. The results suggest that the plant could be slightly toxic to the liver and the spleen on long-term use.

Chemical Investigation of Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm

Repeated chromatographic separation and purification of pet-ether and carbon tetrachloride soluble fractions of a methanol extract of stem bark of Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm yielded five compounds. Extensive spectroscopic studies, including high field NMR analyses was conducted to identify these compounds which resulted to be friedelin (1), 3β-friedelanol (2),lupeol (3), 3-oxo-betulin(4) and spinasterol (5). Although compounds 1–3have been reported from various plant species, but 3-oxo-betulinand spinasterol have been discovered from M. nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm for the first time.

LC-MS Based Analysis and Biological Properties of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms Extracts: A Valuable Source of Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Compounds.

The impact of two extraction solvents on the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two parts (leaves and stem bark) of P. kotschyi was studied. Two different LC-DAD-MSn approaches were used to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in the different extracts. A total of thirty-two compounds were quantified, being the procyanidin the most abundant in stem bark while catechin and flavonoids are most abundant in leaves. Overall, the stem bark extraction using methanol showed higher amounts of total phenolic (131.83 ± 1.81 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (14.14 ± 0.11 mg CE/g) while the leaves extraction using water exhibited stronger levels of total flavonoid (44.95 ± 0.38 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (63.58 ± 2.00 mg CAE/g). As regards the antioxidant assays, methanol stem bark extracts were characterized by the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH: 1.94 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, ABTS: 3.31 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, FRAP: 2.86 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g, CUPRAC: 5.09 ± 0.08 mmol TE/g, phosphomolybdenum: 5.16 ± 0.23 mmol TE/g and metal chelating: 17.12 ± 0.46 mg EDTAE/g). In addition, the methanolic extracts of stem bark had highest impact on acetylcholinesterase (2.54 mg GALAE/g), butyrylcholinesterase (5.48 mg GALAE/g). In contrast, the methanolic extracts of leaves was potent against tyrosinase (77.39 ± 0.21 mg KAE/g) and α-glucosidase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g), while a higher anti-α–amylase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g) was observed for water extracts of the same part. All of the tested extracts showed inhibitory effects on elastase, except methanolic leaves extracts. Additionally, the extracts exhibited appreciable antifungal toward A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus, P. ochrochloron, T. viride, and P. funiculosum and promising antibacterial activity against M. flavus, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. cloacae, and S. typhimurium. Taken together, the outcomes demonstrated P. kotschyi as a novel source of bioactive molecules of interest with an evident therapeutic value.

Anti-diabetic Potential of Extract Obtained from Parkia biglandulosa (mimosaceae) Stems Bark using Alloxan Induced Diabetes Model

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that places a huge health and economic burden on societies. Since currently available medications have many drawbacks, it is important to seek alternative therapies. Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine are ideal candidates. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the anti-diabetic activity of the stem bark extract of Parkia biglandulosa (mimosaceae) in wister rats. The phytochemical composition of the stem bark extract was qualitatively evaluated using standard procedures. In vivo anti-diabetic activity was performed by using the alloxan-induced diabetes method by orally administering methanolic extract of stem bark at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight and profiling blood glucose levels at 0, 7, 14, 21 days using a glucometer. Biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, creatinine, urea and alkaline phosphatase were also evaluated. P. biglandulosa stem bark extract at the tested dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level with 175.34 ± 9.357 and 171.69 ± 6.248 mg/dL respectively as compared with diabetic control grouP. The observed anti-diabetic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. The results suggest that P. biglandulosa bark extract possess anti-diabetic activity and this validates its folkloric use.

Biopesticidal potential of Moringa oleifera on the oviposition and foraging rate of storage insect pests, Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus oryzae

An experiment was conducted between April to June 2014 at the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to compare the biopesticidal effects of Moringa oleifera (leaf, seed and stem bark) methanol extracts (MOLME, MOSME and MOSBME) on the oviposition and foraging rate of stored cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). MOLME, MOLME and MOSBME were screened for their phytochemicals and proximate compositions. A Completely Randomized Design of five treatments (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg) replicated three times was used for each extract. Different concentrations were separately evaluated on 5 g each of cowpea and rice with three pairs of male and female of C. maculatus and S. oryzae respectively. The eggs laid by the weevils from the onset of their oviposition were counted on alternate days, while the loss in weight of the grains as a result of foraging activities was recorded. Oviposition and foraging were noted to be dependent on the concentration and duration of biopesticide. Oviposition of the two weevils varied with extract concentrations. Higher concentrations of 300 and 400 mg of MOSME and MOLME significantly decreased (p<0.5) the egg laying potentials of the two weevils when compared with their control groups. The foraging rate of C. maculatus and S. oryzae on their respective grains were significantly reduced (p<0.5) with increase in MOSME concentration when compared with MOLME and MOSBME and their control groups. The study therefore recommended the use of MOLME and MOSME, but more preferably MOSME as biopesticide in the control of C. maculatus and S. oryzae on their respective grains.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity, cytotoxicity, antioxidant action and GC-FID analysis of Allanblackia floribunda Oliv

This study evaluated the in vitro antiplasmodial efficacy and cytotoxicity of Allanbackia floribunda stem bark extract, leaf extract and oil. It also assessed the phytochemical compositions and antioxidant action of the stem bark fractions as well as the phytochemical fingerprint of the most active fraction (dichloromethane). Trager and Jensen method was used to culture Plasmodium falciparum, Mark III test developed by WHO was used to assess the antiplasmodial activity of the plant’s crude extract and fractions against the ring stage of P. falciparum strain, Pf3D7. Cytotoxicity was determined against Vero cell line using microculture tetrazolium (MTT) test. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was employed to identify phytochemical fingerprint of the most active fraction. The stem bark extract had better antiplasmodial activity (IC50Pf3D7 of 4.3 ± 0.17 μg/mL) compared with the leaf extract (IC50Pf3D7, 8.0 ± 0.28 μg/mL) and oil (IC50Pf3D7 > 100 μg/mL). Both the leaf and stem bark extracts were found to be non-cytotoxic compared with the standard cytotoxic drug, doxorubicin. The selectivity indices (S.I.) of the extracts against the parasite were 20.06 and 8.85 for the stem bark and leaf respectively. Dichloromethane fraction had the highest inhibition against the P. falciparum parasite with IC50Pf3D7 of 1.51 μg/ mL. GC-FID analysis showed high presence antiplasmodial flavonoids and terpenes. This investigation confirmed that A. floribunda stem bark has potent activity against P. falciparum, and it is relatively safe to normal cell.Article HighlightsAllanblackia floribunda methanol stem bark and leaf extracts could inhibit the growth of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum (Pf3D7) in vitro.The stem bark infusion of Allanblackia floribunda was found to be nontoxic and safe at moderate doses to normal cell line (Vero cell line).Dichloromethane fraction of the stem bark showed excellent inhibition against chloroquine sensitive malaria parasite.

In vitro inhibition of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas efflux pump by Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich

Global health is under constant threat due to antimicrobial drug resistance. Bacterial Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are of importance because of their antibiotics resistance. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of extracts of Xylopia aethiopica (XA) on multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas isolates. Fresh samples of XA leaf, stem bark and roots were collected from the botanical garden, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Dried and pulverized samples were extracted with methanol and partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was performed by standard methods. Antimicrobial activity and synergistic interaction were determined using microdilution and checkerboard broth dilution methods, respectively. The results revealed that crude methanol extracts of XA leaf, stem bark and root significantly (p&lt;0.05) inhibited the growth of all tested MDR Pseudomonas isolates at 10 mg/mL. At 1 mg/mL, the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf, and dichloromethane fraction of the roots produced clear zones of inhibition of 12 – 20 mm, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1 µg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The modulation factor (MF) of ciprofloxacin, dichloromethane fraction of XA roots and ethyl acetate fraction of XA leaf were 4, 8, and 4 on MDR isolates E01006, OAU058 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, respectively. In all tested isolates, but not E01006 and E01024, the fractional MICs of ciprofloxacin/ethylacetate fraction of XA leaf extract combination was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) compared with ciprofloxacin/verapamil combination. In conclusion, the root and leaf fractions Xylopia aethiopica that demonstrated antimicrobial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa and synergised with ciprofloxacin have the potential to rejuvenate the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin in MDR P. aeruginosa.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Griffipavixanthone and Morelloflavone the Main Compounds from Garcinia Chromocarpa Engl. (Clusiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe genus Garcinia is a rich source of species mostly used in traditional medicine to treat a many diseases. Bioactive constituents from this genus have been used as antimicrobial, anticancer, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anti-HIV. The methanol stem bark extract from Garcinia chromocarpa has been fractionated using preparative HPLC and column chromatography to identify major compounds of this plant and to evaluate their antiplasmodial activity.Aim of the studyThis study was aimed to report the antiplasmodial activity of Griffipavixanthone and Morelloflavone isolated for the first time from G. chromocarpa. And the absence of cytotoxicity at the highest tested dose (100 µg/mL) have been demonstrated. This aspect could justify their use in traditional medicine.Materials and methodsChromatographic fractionation of the stem bark methanol extract led to the isolation of major compounds, identified by NMR and MS spectroscopic techniques. The crude extract and pure compounds were used for the in vitro evaluation of the malaria parasite growth inhibition by colorimetric method (p-LDH assay), of the antiradical activities and of their cytotoxicity through WST1 assay.ResultsBased on the chromatographic profile two major compounds were isolated. They were characterized by spectroscopic analysis interpretation and comparison with the data in the literature: one biflavonoid (1) and one xanthone (2). The compound 2 (Griffipavixanthone, IC50 ± S.D = 5.80±0.32 μg/mL) was found to be more active against the malaria parasite, chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strain of P. falciparum, than the compound 1 (Morelloflavone, IC50 ± S.D = 9.20±0.96 μg/mL). The antiradical activities connected to the ability to scavenge free radicals were determined for the ethanol crude extract of the stem bark, and the leave of G. chromocarpa.ConclusionsThis work demonstrated for the first time the antiplasmodial activity of G. chromocarpa and its isolated major compounds. These latest are known in the genus Garcinia but, here, firstly described in G. chromocarpa Engl.

Antimicrobial Efficacy, Cytotoxicity, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Phytochemical Investigation of the Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Bridellia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill

Introduction: Microbial infections cause high morbidity and mortality in humans globally. Antimicrobial resistance, emergence of new strains, high costs of antibiotics, inaccessibility-especially in remote areas, and adverse effects, impede successful eradications of pathogens, hence the need for novel strategies. Bridellia micrantha is used in traditional medicine to treat microbial infections; however, it has not been empirically validated. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of Bridellia micrantha was investigated using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, described by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The brine shrimp lethality assay technique was used to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the studied plant extracts in exposed nauplii. Acute oral toxicity effects of the studied plant extracts in Winstar rats were investigated following the up-and-down procedure described by the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation (OECD). Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed following standard procedures. Results: The aqueous and methanolic extract of B. micrantha indicated varied antimicrobial activities against E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, and C. albicans, with inhibition zones ranging from 6.00mm to 19.00mm. Furthermore, the studied plant extracts exhibited low MIC values (≤100 μg/ml) on selected microbes. Since the MIC values were much lower than 1000μg/ml (the cutoff for antimicrobial efficacy appraisal), it is anticipated that, the studied plant extracts can be strong antibiotics. The aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of B. micrantha were cytotoxic to brine shrimp nauplii, with LC50 values of 486.67±3.15 μg/ml and 458.33±2.87 μg/ml, respectively; however, these extracts did not elicit any observable signs of toxicity in rat models. Pharmacologically active phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and anthraquinones were detected in the two studied extracts. Conclusions: The aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of B. micrantha have appreciable antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. aureus and C. albicans. Besides, the studied plant extracts are cytotoxic to brine shrimp nauplii; but they do not cause acute oral toxicity effects in rat models. Additionally, the studied plant extracts contain bioactive phytochemicals, with antimicrobial activity.

The in Vivo Effects of Cassia Abbreviata Oliv., on Sperm Parameters And Testicular Histology of The Male Wistar Rat

Introduction: A lot of unsubstantiated claims have been made regarding the ability of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. to promote male reproductive function. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous and 50% (v/v) methanol stem bark extracts of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. on hormonal levels, sperm parameters, testicular histo-architecture, mean body and right testis weights of the male Wistar rat. Methodology: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A, control rats received pure tap water; group B received aqueous extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight; group C received aqueous extracts at 400 mg/kg body weight; group D received 50% (v/v) methanol extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight and group E received 50% (v/v) methanol extract at 400 mg/kg body weight. After 8 weeks, reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histological structure of the right testis were evaluated. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) whereas prolactin levels were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the presence of of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Conclusion: Cassia abbreviata Oliv. increased sperm parameters, reproductive hormones and mean body weight of the male Wistar rat. This study supports the folklore claims that Cassia. abbreviata Oliv.modulates male reproductive function.

Sub-Acute Toxicity Effects of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Entada abyssinica on Biochemical, Haematological and Histopathological Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats.

Background: Whereas the efficacy of Entada abyssinica (fabaceae) extracts against various ailments has been scientifically validated, its safety has not been established. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity effects of methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica on biochemical, haematological and histological parameters of Wistar albino rats following repeated oral administration.Methods: Wistar albino rats of both sexes were randomized into groups and orally administered daily with determined doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) of E. abyssinica methanolic extract using 1% tween 80 in distilled water as a control for 28 days. On the 29th day, all the animals were sacrificed and dissected to collect blood and selected organs. The serum and whole blood were assayed for biochemical and haematological parameters respectively while selected organs were examined for histopathological lesions. Numerical data was analyzed using graph pad prism and expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. The differences between the treatment and control groups were tested for statistical significance using one-way analysis of variance and/or Student’s t-test.Results: In repeated daily oral doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg), the methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica did not cause significant alteration in majority of the biochemical and hematological indices. However, the extract significantly elevated the level of uric acid (all doses), aspartate aminotransferase (300 and 600 mg/kg), low density lipoproteins (150 mg/kg) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (all doses). On the other hand, the extracts reduced high density lipoproteins (150 and 300 mg/kg), mean corpuscular volume (all doses), haematocrit (150 and 600 mg/kg), mean platelet volume (150 and 600 mg/kg) and procalcitonin (150 mg/kg). In the vital organs, there were no significant lesions observed except at the highest dose (600 mg/kg) where there was mild evidence of lymphocyte infiltration in the liver and focal interstitial nephritis.Conclusion: The methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica is relatively safe in Wistar albino rats when repetitively administered orally in small doses for a prolonged period of time. We recommend more chronic toxicity studies and clinical trials on herbal remedies containing this plant to ensure that its use is free of potential toxicity to humans.

Toxicological Studies of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on Wister Albino Rats

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the toxicological profiles of methanol stem bark extract of E. camaldulensis (MSEEC) on Wister albino rats.&#x0D; Methods: Acute toxicity study was conducted according to OECD, 2001. The rats were grouped into six groups of one rat each and were given single oral dose 5000 mg/kg of the extract. A total of 30 albino rats of both sex were used for the toxicological study. The rats were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats. Control group (group 1) received distilled water orally 1 ml/kg. Groups (2-5) received doses of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg of the extracts. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. &#x0D; Results: The LD50 of MSEEC was greater than 5000mg/kg. The sub-chronic doses of 500-2000 mg/kg of the extract shows no significant (P&gt;.05) difference of the hematological parameters when compared to the control. The Serum biochemical parameters were no significant (P&gt;.05) compared to the control. However, there was an increase in creatinine level at doses 500, 1500 and 200 mg/kg.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that administration of methanol stem bark extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis did not produce significant toxic effect.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activity of Gardenia aqualla Stem Bark Methanol Extract

Aim: This study was aimed at examining the antimicrobial and wound healing activities of Gardenia aqualla stem bark methanol extract (GASBME) in order to provide scientific basis for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties.&#x0D; Methodology: Preliminary phytochemical screening was done and antimicrobial activity determined using some pathogenic micro-organisms were evaluated following its wound healing effectiveness in Wistar rats using the model of superficial skin excision wound. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet’s t-test.&#x0D; Results: The results of preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, alkaloids with anthraquinones being absent. The extract showed antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella typhi and significant (p&lt; 0.05, p&lt; 0.001) decrease in wound measurement by the 11th day.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study demonstrated that GASBME possesses antimicrobial activity with wound healing properties that justifies the ethno-medicinal use of the plant in wound/ulcer healings.

The antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of the Psychotria camptopus Verd. Hook. (Rubiaceae) stem bark methanol extract contributes to its antiepileptogenic activity against pentylenetetrazol kindling in male Wistar rats.

A substantial number of epileptic patients are resistant to the current medication thus necessitating the search for alternative therapies for intractable forms of the disease. Previous studies demonstrated the acute anticonvulsant properties of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Psychotria camptopus (MEPC) in rats. This study investigated the effects of MEPC on pentylenetetrazole-kindled Wistar rats. Kindling was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (37.5mg/kg) on every alternate day, 1h after each daily oral pretreatment of rats (8 ≤ n ≤ 10) with MEPC (40, 80 and 120mg/kg), vehicle or diazepam (3mg/kg) for 43days. The kindling development was monitored based on seizure episodes and severity. Rats' brains were collected on day 43 for the determination of oxidative stress parameters. The histomorphological features and neuronal cell viability of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were also assessed using H&E and Cresyl violet stains. Chronic administration of pentylenetetrazole time-dependently decreased the latency to myoclonic and generalized seizures, and increased seizure scores and the number of kindled rats. MEPC and diazepam significantly increased the latencies to myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These substances also reduced seizure score and the number of rats with PTZ-kindling. MEPC improved glutathione status and decreased lipid peroxidation in the brains of kindled rats. MEPC also exhibited neuroprotection against pentylenetetrazole-induced hippocampal and PFC neuronal damages. These results suggest that P. camptopus has antiepileptogenic activity, which might be related to the augmentation of antioxidant and neuroprotective defense mechanisms, and further confirm its usefulness in the management of epilepsy.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and Anti-diarrheal Activity of Methanol Stembark Extract of Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae)

Introduction: The plant Combretum hypopilinum has many medicinal uses in Africa. Infusion of fresh or dry leaves are commonly taken as cholagogic, diuretic, and purgative and also to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhoea, dysentery, and stomach achesObjective: To carry out phytochemical and antidiarrheal studies on the methanol stembark extract of C. hypopilinum.Methods: The C. hypopilinum stembark (1kg) were extracted with methanol using cold maceration method for 9 days. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporator and the extract was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate to give the n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions respectively. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity study and antidiarrheal activity using animal models.Result: The following metabolites: carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenol, steroids, terpenes, saponins, flavonoids and tannins were revealed when the phytochemical screening of the plant extract was carried out. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of crude extract in mice and rats was estimated to be above 5000 mg/kg. The antidiarrheal activity carried out at dose 150, 300 and 600 mg/bw i.p. using castor oil induced diarrheal, gastric-transit time and anti-enteropooling tests in mice and rats. The extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) inhibited diarrheal in mice and rats with highest protection/ inhibition of 93.1% and 87.9% at doses of 600 and 300 mg/kg (dose dependently) which compared with atropine sulphate (86.2%) respectively, in the castor-oil induced diarrheal test in mice. The extract also significantly (P&lt;0.05) inhibited diarrheal in charcoal meal test with the highest % protection of 24.38% at dose 600 mg/kg and compared with loperamide (28.80%). The anti-enteropooling test in rats showed 68% inhibition of diarrheal as compared to atropine sulphate with 78% inhibition.Conclusion: The results indicated that the methanol stembark extract of Combretum hypopilinum possesses significant dose dependant antidiarrheal activity (p&lt;0.05) in all the antidiarrheal tests. Thus, the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of diarrheal is highly justified in this study.

Inhibitory Effects of Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Sterculia Setigera and Ficus Platyphylla on Hemoglobin Glycosylation and α-amylase

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to abnormal insulin secretion, action or both. The synthetic available anti-diabetic drugs exhibited various adverse effects such as diarrhea, hypoglycemia. In recent years, scientists have turned their attention towards the medicinal plants which bear the rich source of metabolites which offer specific therapeutic function in the human body without any adverse effect. Sterculia setigera and Ficus platyphylla are medicinal plants that are used to treat various diseases and including diabetes traditionally. The present study is aimed at investigating the antidiabetic activity of the S. setigera and F. platyphylla methanol stem bark extracts. Phytochemical screening was determined using the standard method. In vitro studies were carried out using α-amylase and glycosylated hemoglobin inhibitory assay. The results of phytochemical constituents detected were flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Saponins, cardiac glycosides, Terpenoids, and Phenols. Inhibitory effects of both plant extracts were dose dependent against haemoglobin glycosylation and α-amylase. At highest concentration (25mg/ml), highest inhibitions were recorded in S. setigera (70.30%) and F. platyphylla (70.00%) which was comparable to Metformin (57. 2%). IC₅₀ of Sterculia setigera (3.18mg/ml) and Ficus platyphylla (5.97mg/ml) were lower than metformin (8.84 mg/ml) against hemoglobin glycosylation. At concentration of (1.0mg/ml) S. setigera (72.21%) and F. platyphylla the (70.41%) showed the highest inhibitory effect which was not significantly different (p<0.05) compared to Voglibose (83.47%). In the present study, the IC₅₀ of both extracts were higher (0.64 and 0.69mg/ml) and not significantly comparable to the Voglibose (0.26mg/ml). In conclusion, this study suggests that Sterculia setigera and Ficus platyphylla methanol stem bark extract possess hypoglycaemic potentials. This justifies their ethnomedicinal use for the treatment of diabetes.

Antibacterial constituents from the roots, stem bark and leaves of Manilkara obovata (Sabine &amp; G. Don) J. H. Hemsl. (Sapotaceae)

• Obovacoumaric acid and obovatol were isolated from the methanolic extracts of Manilkara obovata . • A new ethylcanophyllate was obtained by esterification of canophyllic acid. • The structures were elucidated by NMR and single crystal X-ray crystallography. • Antibacterial effects of the methanolic extracts of Manilkara obovata . The investigation of the methanolic extracts of the roots, stem bark and leaves of Manilkara obovata (Sabine & G. Don) J. H. Hemsl. (Sapotaceae), synonym Manilkara argentea Pierre ex Dubard, has led to the isolation and characterization of a new 4-phenylcoumarin derivative, in form of a racemic mixture of obovacoumaric acid ( 1a ) and the previously reported callophyllic acid ( 1b ) as well as a new taraxerane type triterpene named obovatol ( 2 ), alongside twenty-five known compounds. In addition, ethylcanophyllate ( 3a ), obtained by esterification of canophyllic acid ( 3 ) is reported here for the first time. The structures of compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR, EI/ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis for 1a and 1b , accompanied by comparison with reported records. In addition, the antibacterial activity of crude extracts, fractions and some of the isolated compounds including the hemi-synthesized ethylcanophyllate ( 3a ) was determined against Salmonella typhi , Staphylococcus aureus ATCC4330, Enterobacter cloacae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa HM801, Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC491619 and Escherichia coli ATCC25322 applying the broth microdilution method. While the methanolic stem bark extract showed good to significant activity against all bacterial test strains with MICs between 7.8 and 62.5 μg/mL, its fractions A and B were less active, indicating synergistic effects. This effect was also observed for the methanolic root extract, which gave a significant MIC against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC4330 with MIC < 3.9 μg/mL, but only MICs of 31.2 and 7.8 μg/mL for its fractions D and E. Likewise, though fractions F 3 and F 4 of the methanolic leaf extract displayed good MICs of 31.2 and 15.6 μg/mL, respectively, against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC4330, tested compounds were not stronger active. Interestingly, the hemi-synthesized ethylcanophyllate ( 3a ) based on the completely antibacterial inactive canophyllic acid ( 3 ) displayed a good MIC of 15.6 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC4330, pointing here to a dominant role of the ester function in compound 3a in the structure-activity relationship.

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The study&#39;s main objective was to assess any pathophysiological significance of Acacia nilotica pods aqueous extract and Albizia lebbeck stem bark methanolic extract on the reproductive system of female multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). A total of 60 sexually mature female rats were randomized into a 2 &times; 3 factorial experimental design for treatments (Control, A. nilotica, and A. lebbeck) and treatment duration (7 or 14 days). Control rats consumed basal feed only, whereas extract-treated rats consumed the basal feed containing 2% w/w of either of the two plant extracts. At the end of treatment duration, treated female rats were cohabited with males for 16 days and sacrificed 20 days after the first day of cohabitation. Parameters including pregnancy rates, number of fetal implantations, possible resorption sites and fetal litter size were assessed at necropsy. Further post-necropsy parameters were evaluated in ovaries including the ovarian weights, follicular and corpora lutea numbers and general histopathology. Results showed that pregnancy percentages, the number of fetal implantations and fetal litter size were significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.01) in rats under the A. nilotica and A. lebbeck extract treatments relative to the control rats. The ovarian weights of rats receiving the extracts did not differ significantly from their control counterparts (P &gt; 0.05). However, the number of corpora lutea of pregnancy was significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.001) in ovaries of rats under extract treatments than in their control counterparts. Instead, ovaries of rats receiving the two extracts contained a larger number of degenerating follicles, signifying halted ovulatory and conception activities. The current study has demonstrated that dietary inclusion of crude extracts from A. nilotica pods and A. lebbeck stem bark can lead to decreased fertility success rates in M. natalensis female rats through suppression of ovulatory activities and induction of follicular atresia. Key words: Rodent pests, medicinal plants, fertility success, reproductive system.

Screening for anti-inflammatory activity of extract and fractions of Morinda lucida stem bark and detection of bioactive secondary metabolite

Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) is a versatile plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of ailments and the claims of its efficacy are particularly remarkable in the treatment of infections and immuno-inflammatory disorders. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic stem bark extract and fractions of M. lucida and also identifies the phytochemicals responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. The crude extract was subjected to liquid- liquid partitioning successively with n- hexane, ethylacetate, butanol and water. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the four fractions and Vacuum Liquid Chromatography fraction (VLC) of the promising fraction was evaluated. The effect of the fractions on egg albumen induced rat paw oedema were also evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was further screened using xylene induce ear oedema models and human red blood cell membrane stabilization test. Ulcerogenic test on the normal stomach mucosa was also evaluated. The result of the egg albumen induced rat paw oedema showed that the butanol fractions maximally inhibited egg albumen induced effect at 400 mg/kg (70%) and 200mg/kg (67.5%) after 180 minutes compared to the positive control, ibuprofen (20mg/kg) with 100% inhibition after 180 minutes. The result of the xylene induced ear oedema showed that the inhibition produced by 100 µg/ear of the Butanol fraction (BF) was 56.67 % and was greater than inhibition produced by 200 µg/ear of ibuprofen (38.89 %). HPLC analysis of the fractions revealed the following phytocompounds; Cytreo- a-pyrone, Cytosporin- J and Waol A. Ulcerogenic test was negative at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the fractions when compare with the indomethacin (positive control) at dose of 50 mg/kg. Human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay showed that BF-VLC 2 (Dichloromethane: methanol (8:2) VLC of Butanol fraction) exhibited concentration dependent inhibition of heat-induced haemolysis while other extract showed a non- concentration dependent inhibition of haemolysis when compared to the standard, ibuprofen. These findings suggest that the stem bark of M. lucida possess promising anti-inflammatory phytocompounds which justify its use in ethno-medicine.