Piliostigma Thonningii Research Articles

Diversity of tree flora in the forest galleries of four ponds in the Comoé National Park (north-east Ivory Coast)

The riparian forest galleries of the ponds in the Comoé National Park (CNP) constitute microhabitats colonised by a specific plant and animal community. These plant formations are of great research interest. These initiatives could lead to efficient management of these biomes in the short, medium and long term. This study is part of an effort to make the most of plant resources in forest galleries. The aim of this study is to assess the diversity of riparian species in the ponds of the CNP. The information was collected using the surface survey method combined with the roving inventory method. The inventory identified 78 species divided into 63 genera and 30 families. The buffalo pond forest gallery has the highest species richness, with 39 species in 33 genera and 19 families. The study also showed that for trees with DBH ≥10 cm, the species Diospyros mespiliformis (25.89%), Mitragyna inermis (17.11%), Khaya senegalensis (12.27%), Piliostigma thonningii (11.65 %), Cola gigantean (11.16 %), Vitellaria paradoxa (10.90 %) and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (10.84%)) are the most abundant in riparian pond formations. The Fabaceae and Rubiaceae families are the most represented in terms of number of species, demonstrating that the flora of the forest galleries in Comoé National Park is of major ecological interest.

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Skin Toxicity of Piliostigma thonningii in Female Rabbits

The recurrent nature of dermatophytes, combined with the development of resistance to antifungal agents, makes the management of these infections more difficult. The search for plant-based compounds that can effectively combat dermatoses offers an ideal alternative in the African cultural context. Aims: Fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, pose an increasing challenge to public health. This study explores the antifungal efficacy and cutaneous toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii, a medicinal plant used in Africa. Methodology: The methodology involved two main components. First, antifungal tests were conducted to evaluate the activity of the extract against the three fungal species using the double dilution method in inclined tubes. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined. Second, a cutaneous toxicity assessment was performed by applying the extract to the skin of female rabbits to observe reactions according to a modified Draize scale. Results: The results showed that the Piliostigma thonningii extract inhibits the growth of all three fungal species in a dose-dependent manner. The MFC values were 100 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus and above 100 mg/mL for Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Antifungal assays calculated the inhibitory concentrations necessary to ensure the survival of 50% of the microorganisms, with IC50 values of 8.2 mg/mL for Candida albicans, 10.26 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus, and 16.75 mg/mL for Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Regarding skin toxicity, the results indicated that the extract is slightly irritating but not corrosive, with reversible effects within 72 hours. Conclusion: This suggests that Piliostigma thonningii is a promising therapeutic alternative. However, further research is needed to confirm its safety and clinical efficacy.

Seminal Morphology and Organ Morphometrics of Rabbit Bucks Fed Piliostigma thonningii Essential Oil Supplemented Diet

This study aimed to investigate whether the inclusive supplementation of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil in rabbit diet was beneficial to their seminal morphometrics. Forty-five clinically healthy weaned male Dutch rabbits of about five weeks of age were used for the experiment. The rabbits were divided into three treatment groups, with fifteen rabbits per group and balanced for their body weight such that rabbits in each group had similar average initial BW of 0.27 kg. The experimental rabbits were administered P. thonningii essential oil at 0, 2 and 4 ml/kg for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively for 12 weeks. The results showed that left testis weight increased with increasing levels of P. thonningii essential oil supplementation. The normal cells, right testis weight and right and left testis volume were higher in T2 and T3 treatments than in T1. Right and left testis lengths were higher in T3 treatment than T1, with T2 being intermediate between T1 and T3. Mid-piece droplet, coiled tail, detached head, free tail, bent tail, right and left epididymis volume, head weight and length, body weight and length, weight and tail length and weight were not affected by treatments. It is concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved some organ morphometrics without necessarily affecting sperm morphology in the experimental rabbit bucks.

Exploring the Pharmacognostic Characteristics, Antioxidant Potential, and Anticholinesterase Activity of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redh.: Implications for Neuroprotection and Cognitive Health

Aim: The aim of this research is to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and anticholinesterase activity of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redh. This study seeks to evaluate its potential applications for neuroprotection and cognitive health enhancement. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Nigeria by the Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu – Abuja, Nigeria between January 2024 and March 2024. Methodology: Physicochemical studies, including total Ash value and moisture content, were assessed using the powdered leaf sample. Leaf microscopy was conducted to examine the epidermal layer of the leaves. Anti-oxidant assays (Total phenol, total flavonoid and 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging activity), as well as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition assay was carried out on the methanolic leaf extract of the plant. Results: The powdered leaves of P. thonningii contained a total ash of 5.00% ± 0.00 and 7.74% ± 0.01 moisture. The alcohol- and water-soluble extractive values were 8.51% ± 0.24 and 9.77% ± 0.31, respectively. Leaf microscopic analysis showed the presence of polygonal cell walls, unicellular multiseriate trichomes, trichome base, xylem vessels, rosette-type calcium oxalate crystals, parenchyma, and collenchyma cells. The methanolic leaf extract exhibited antioxidant capacity, inhibiting DPPH in a dose-dependent manner, with total phenolics and flavonoids of 53.74(GAE) ± 1.59 and 42.51mg QE/g ± 0.38, respectively. The methanolic extract of P. thonningii in this study showed an AchE inhibition of between 5.89 % at 10 mg/ml to 16.56 % at 20 mg/ml Conclusion: The study reveals significant pharmacognostic characteristics, robust antioxidant potential, and notable anticholinesterase activity of P. thonniingii, suggesting its promising role in neuroprotection. These findings highlight its potential application in enhancing cognitive health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

PHYSIO-ANATOMICAL EVALUATION OF SOME TREE SPECIES FOR AFFORESTATION IN DRY REGION OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The stomatal features of plant species have ability to release water vapour into the air. Hence, correlations between the stomatal features and transpiration rate of five tree species namely Danielli oliveri, Delonix regia, Piliostigma thonningii, Azadirachta indica and Tectona grandis was studied to evaluate their capacity for afforestation. The leaf epidermal layers were isolated using nail polish; they were observed under the light microscope to examine their stomatal features. The transpiratiom rate was evaluated using the cobalt chloride method. The results revealed that Delonix regia and Piliostigma thonningii are amphistomatic; while the remaining three species are hypostomatic. The stomatal complex types observed are anomocytic, brachyparacytic and paracytic, The stomatal density ranged from 14.41 mm-2 to 93.61 mm-2; the stomatal index ranged from 7.15% to 28.23%; while the stomatal size ranged from 11.19 µm2 to 29.36 µm2. The study revealed that stomatal traits such as hypostomatic leaf nature, stomatal complex types (i.e. paracytic, brachyparacytic), low stomatal index, small stomatal size possessed by the plant species may be responsible for their lower rate of transpiration; which in turn might be suitable for their afforestation in dry areas. Therefore, Tectona grandis which released the lowest amount of water (2.49 × 10-6 mol m-2s-1) into the atmosphere might be the most suitable for afforestation, followed by Piliostigma thonningii, Daniellia oliveri, Delonix regia and lastly Azadirachta indica (2.97 × 10-6 mol. m-2s-1). Conclusively, the stomatal features showed positive correlations with transpiration rates; thereby enhancing the potentials of the studied species for afforestation in dry region.

Isolation, characterization, and screening of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi isolated from Nigerian Piliostigma thonningii for antimicrobial activities

Piliostigma thonningii leaves are used in Nigeria folk medicine for the treatment and management of diverse ailments. This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the secondary metabolites produced from endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves of Piliostigma thonningii. The isolation of endophytic fungi was carried out according to the standard procedures. The fungi were subjected to solid-state fermentation on rice medium and the secondary metabolites extracted using ethyl acetate. The fungal crude extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against selected clinically important microbes using the agar well diffusion method. The fungus with the best antimicrobial activity was molecularly characterized and its secondary metabolites profiled using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy to establish the correlation between the observed activity and its phytochemical composition. The fungal extracts showed antimicrobial activity with inhibitory zone diameter ranging from 2.00 to 9.00 mm. The secondary metabolites of Aspergillus fumigatus (the most bioactive endophyte) contain 50 compounds with several of them having established antimicrobial activity. The results of this study suggest that Aspergillus fumigatus an endophytic fungus associated with P. thonningii could be a promising source of novel bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial importance. Keywords: Antimicrobial, Endophytic fungi, GC-MS, Piliostigma thonningii

Survey of plant species used in the treatment of common ailments in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

To record the locals' knowledge of some of the medicinal plant species in the area, a survey of plant species used for the treatment of common ailments was carried out in Hawul Local Government Area Borno State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Numerous quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Shannon Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Importance Value (FIV), were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. The Jaccard Index (JI) was used to assess the degree of homogeneity between the current study and earlier research as well as within indigenous tribes. A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plants species, which were distributed under twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. The majority of species that have been identified are tree species, and the most common plant portion used to make ethnomedicines is leaf material. The Fabaceae were the predominate families among the species that had been documented (11 species) Accacia nilotica, Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Faidherbia albida, Sennia siamea, Prosopis Africana, Parkia baglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Senna occidentalist, Senna obtusifolia, while the least represented was (1 species) Apocynacea. For digestive system problems, the highest ICF score was 0.77. According to the data gathered from the questionnaires, pile, yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, stomach ache, and ulcer were the most prevalent diseases, in that order. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40), Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) while the least was (0.01) Guinea senegalensis. The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral while least cited was sit bath. Phytochemical profiles demonstrated that flavonoids, alkaloids phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical component in Khaya. senegalensis and Piliostigma. thonningii leaves. This further justifies the frequent application of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different forms of illnesses. It is stated that due to their physiologically active ingredients and accessibility, herbal medicine will continue to play a significant role in the community's health care delivery system.

Ethnobotanical survey of plant species in folkloric medicine in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State

Area of Borno State was conducted with a view to document the indigenous knowledge of some medicinal plant species found in the area. The information was obtained through semi-structured questionnaire. The benefits, importance and coverage of ethnomedicine were expressed through several quantitative indices including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL). The agreement of homogeneity between the present and previous studies and among the indigenous communities was evaluated using the Jaccard Index (JI). A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plant species, which were distributed in twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. Majority of documented species were trees, and leaves were the most utilised plant parts for the preparation of ethnomedicines. The highest ICF value was 0.77 for digestive system disorders. The information retrieved from the questionnaires revealed that the most common ailments were pile and ulcer. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40) and Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) . The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral. Phytochemical profiles showed that flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical components in Khaya senegalensis and Piliostigma thonningii leaves. This justified the frequent use of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different illnesses.

Savannah chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) nesting behavior in the unprotected area of Tikankali near to a mining exploitation and the Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal

This work focuses on the nesting behavior of the West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in the anthropized habitats of the village of Tikankali and its surroundings. Studies on chimpanzee nesting behavior are carried out at several sites of Senegal but never in Tikankaly. Thus, proximity with the Niokolo Koba National Park and the presence of a gold mining industry mean that data on chimpanzee nesting behavior and anthropogenic impacts in their habitats for decisions-making about chimpanzee conservation in this area. We recorded a total of 213 chimpanzee nests during two surveys over a distance of 47.81 km (i.e., 47.81 km x 2). Data were collected in October 2020 and October 2021. The majority of nests (63%) were found in wooded savannah, 19% in bamboo savannah, 09% in gallery forest and 07% in open forest. The results showed that 22 plant species belonging to 08 families are used for chimpanzee nests in and around Tikankali. However, half of the nests were in Pterocarpus erinaceus (53%); followed by Hexalobus monopetalus (8%); Diospyros mespiliformis (6%), Piliostigma thonningii (6%), Lannea acida (6%); and Grewia bicolor (4%). The average height of trees used as chimpanzee nest supports was 9.88 m (SD=3.60) and the average height of nests was 7.46 m (SD=3.23). Linear regression analysis (r=0.84; N=213; p< 0.05) suggested a preference for nesting at a particular height but also that nest height is a function of the supporting tree’s height. The current study contributes to the knowledge of chimpanzee nesting behavior in Tikankali, the anthropogenic disruption and will help in the implementation of a good chimpanzee management and conservation strategy in Senegal.

Nutritional and toxicological assessment of Piliostigma thonnigii leaves and Tubaani food samples: a preliminary investigation.

Tubaani is a local delicacy prepared with Piliostigma thonningii leaves. The leaves may contain trace/heavy metals and important phytonutrients that could impact consumers' health. Concerns over the nutritional and toxicological implications of Piliostigma thonningii leaves are critical. Tubaani food and Piliostigma thonningii leaf samples were investigated using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Spectrophotometry technique. The health risk of Tubaani was also assessed by calculating the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of potentially toxic elements. Fifteen trace elements were detected at non-toxicological concentrations in the samples analyzed. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the samples' mean concentrations. The phenolic content in leaf extracts was higher as compared to the flavonoids. However, the flavonoids in the leaves had an effect on the food samples, unlike the phenols. The THQ and HI of the elements were below 1.0. There is no reason to be concerned about the current dietary intake of the potentially toxic elements in the routine consumption of Tubaani as portrayed in data obtained in this investigation by NAA, THQ, and HI.

Hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves extenuates the severity of diarrhoea in female Wistar rats.

Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. P.thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual andperistalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw.

Antibacterial and phytochemical evaluation of methanolic leaf extracts from Acacia ataxacantha and Piliostigma thonningii

Antibacterial and phytochemical evaluation of methanolic leaf extracts from Acacia ataxacantha and Piliostigma thonningii

In-Vitro antidiabetic potential of Piliostigma thonningii leaf column chromatographic fractions

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar that profoundly affects human health and economy. Although there are a plethora of antidiabetic drugs in the market, the efficacy shown by some medicinal plants sometimes outperforms that of synthetic drugs while being more affordable and less toxic. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of column-chromatographic fractions of Piliostigma thonningii leaf. Phytochemical screening, column, and thin layer chromatography were respectively conducted following standard laboratory protocols. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity of the extracts was assessed using alpha-glucosidase and hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory methods. A total of 175 column fractions (CF1-CF175) were eluted respectively. Thin layer chromatography protocols employed pooled a total of 11 (A-J) fractions. The result showed significant (P&gt;0.05) inhibition of alpha-glucosidase in only fraction J2, which was significantly greater when compared to standard drug (Voglibose) and crude extract. Also, there was no significant hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory effect in all fractions compared with crude extract and standard drugs (Voglibose). In conclusion, P. thonningii leaf exhibited alpha-glucosidase and hemoglobin glycosylation inhibitory potentials that further support its usage as a hypoglycemic agent.

1, , 2, 3, 4

The study aims at optimizing the uptake of tannins obtained from Piliostigma thonningii by goat skin, using a central composite design. The study was carried out using the central composite design of experiment version 10.0.3.1 which consists of four factors. Bark of Piliostigma thonningii were collected freshly. The barks were dried in an electric oven at a temperature, of 100-105oC and later crushed to powder, to increase the surface area. The samples of goat skin were obtained and were then divided vertically through the backbone into two equal halves, and subjected to the standard procedure of the leather tanning processes. The samples of skin pieces obtained were tanned using the standard procedure of leather tanning. The plant samples were subjected to four experimental conditions, concentration (%), pH, particle size (mm), and time (min). The result indicates that the optimization conditions required for the uptake of tannins by the sample (goat skin) were 20% of plant material, pH of 4.81, 1.988 mm of particle size, and 50 min of time. The optimum responses of the leather produced were 77°C (shrinkage temperature), 27.934 N/mm2 (tensile strength), 13.009 mm (lastomer distention), and 0.293% (water vapor permeability) obtained respectively. Control of these parameters resulted in producing the most stable and flexible leather, which will release fewer contaminants into the environment. Based on the result obtained in the study, Piliostigma thonningii bark can be used as one of the vegetable tanning materials.

Antioxidant Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Herbal Practitioners to Treat Cancer in Malawi

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh, Psorospermum febrifugum Spach, Inula glomerata Oliv. and Hiern, Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. and Monotes africanus A.DC., claimed to treat cancer by Malawian traditional herbal practitioners. Ground and dried plant extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total alkaloid content (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using standard assays. The TPC, TFC, and TAC ranged from 539 ± 2.70 to 4602 ± 32 mg GAE/g DW, 6.18 ± 0.03 to 64.04 ± 0.16 mg QE/g DW and 19.25 ± 0.07 to 76.05 ± 0.36 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and the variations were significant, p &lt; 0.05. FRAP values ranged from 82.15 ± 0.7 to 687.28 ± 0.71 mg TEAC/g DW and decreased in the following order: P. thoningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh &gt; P. febrifugum Spach &gt; M. africanus A.DC &gt; Z. chalybeum Engl &gt; I. glomerata Oliv. and Hiern. The scavenging activity (SA50) of the extracts ranged from 0.09 ± 0.01 to 1.57 ± 0.01 μg/mL of extract with P. thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh showing the lowest value. Based on the levels of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity, the plants in this study could be considered for use as medicinal agents and sources of natural bioactive compounds and antioxidants.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants Against Diarrhoea Causing Pathogens

Diarrhea has been a major cause of death, especially among children in developing countries. Traditional preparations of medicinal plants with antimicrobial activities have been extensively used in West African regions. This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activities of selected medicinal plants against pathogens that cause diarrhea. Fresh leaves of three medicinal plants, namely Anogeissus leiocarpus, Vernonia amygdalina, and Piliostigma thonningii, were collected in Minna, Niger State. Pathogens causing diarrhea (Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enterica serovar) were isolated and identified from stool samples of individuals suffering from diarrhea. The plant material was extracted using the maceration technique with methanol. The antibacterial effectiveness of the selected plant extracts was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the Broth tube dilution method, while the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by plating out on nutrient agar plates with no visible growth. The results indicated that all plant extracts effectively suppressed the microbial growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria with varying potency. Among them, the extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus consistently exhibited the largest inhibitory zone diameters across all three bacterial strains at a concentration of 300 mg/mL (Vibrio cholerae: 32.33 mm, Klebsiella pneumoniae: 34.00 mm, and Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky: 36.33 mm). This extract can be considered the most active. For Anogeissus leiocarpus, the MIC values ranged from 0.19 to 0.96 mg/mL, and the MBC values ranged from 0.20 to 1.09 mg/mL. For Vernonia amygdalina, the MIC values ranged from 0.96 to 1.80 mg/mL, and the MBC values ranged from 1.20 to 1.920 mg/mL. The results of this study validate the traditional use of these plants in medicine. However, further studies, including the isolation and identification of active compounds would be necessary to fully understand the mechanisms behind the observed antimicrobial effects.

Seed Pre-Treatment and Early Growth Performance of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redhead under Nitrogen Amendment in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Survival of wildlife in protected areas is dependent on innate attributes and response of vegetation to climate change. Piliostigma thonningii holds promise for wildlife conservation in Old Oyo National Park, but its population is threatened by physical dormancy. There is dearth of information on long-term benefits of its seed pretreatment and early growth response to nitrogen fertilizer. This study assessed effects of acid scarification on germination and early growth of P. thonningii under different nitrogen application rates. Seeds harvested from three purposively selected seasonal wetlands in Old Oyo National Park (OONP) were treated with 1N H2SO4 at durations ranging from 0 – 120 minutes in three replicates. Germinated seeds were enumerated over a 14-day period. Top soils from the wetlands were randomly sampled using soil auger in three replicates for physical and chemical analyses, and for early growth study with Urea fertilizer at rates 0, 50 and 100 kg/ha in experimental pots in completely randomized design. Growth and dry matter were assessed using ANOVA at P.05. Germination commenced in control treatments at 14 days after plating (DAP) and was low (13.3%). Germination progressively increased in acid treatment. At 5 DAP for soaking for 30 minutes gave 46.67%; while it was 96.67% at 40 minutes at 14 DAP. Higher soaking times gave 100% germination by 14 DAP, but with low growth vigor. The response of P. thonningii to Urea application was significantly higher in number of leaves at 12 weeks than in other rates. Other growth parameters are not significantly different at all rates. The biomass yield of P. thonningii was 1.98 g ±0.21and 2.6 g ±0.36 root and shoot dry weights at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS); and 7.3 g ±0.04 root and 6.4 g ±0.95 shoot dry weights at 12 WAS. Piliostigma thonningii can restore and improve wildlife abundance to mitigate climate change effects in the Park.

Toxicological Status of the Hydroethanolic Extract of &lt;i&gt;Piliostigma thonningii&lt;/i&gt; Leaves in Female Wistar Rats

This study aims to evaluate the toxicological impact of Piliostigma thonningii leaves on liver and renal function in rats and the plant extract was screened for heavy metals. Rats were divided into four groups, comprising five animals each, with the control group receiving distilled water orally and the other groups receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses of the plant extract, orally, for seven days. On the eighth day, animals were sacrificed, and liver and kidney function parameters were assessed. Heavy metal screening revealed the absence of chromium and nickel, while trace amounts of lead and cadmium were detected. The liver bodyweight ratio significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in rats treated with the plant extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Liver functioning tests showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) changes in total protein and albumin levels, suggesting no major adverse effects on protein metabolism or liver function. However, the significant (p&lt;0.05) changes in Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) may be detrimental. Renal function tests revealed some variations, with significant (p&lt;0.05) alterations in uric acid, creatinine, and urea levels which may affect renal function. The significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in phosphate ion and potassium ion levels further suggested potential side effects on renal functions.

Histo-Architectural and Testicular Weight Changes in Wistar Rats Fed with Graded Doses of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach)

Introduction: Piliostigma thonningii is an under explored leguminous plant that belong to the family, Leguminosa – caealpiniodae. The objective of this study therefore was to investigate the effect(s) of its ethanolic leaf extract on male testicular weight and histo-architecture.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Forty (40) male Wistar rats of an average of 160-200 g weight were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into four (4) groups of ten (10) rats each. The groups were represented as: group 1 served as control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extract for 14 days respectively. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, testes harvested, weighed and checked for histological changes in seminiferous tubules, epididymis and vas deference. Where necessary, obtained values were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a level of p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that ethanolic leaf extract of P. thonningii caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in testicular weight following 14days of administration. Histomicrograph showed that 500mg/Kg Piliostigma thonningii for 14 Days caused vascular dilatation and congestion within the lining of the seminiferous tubules, 1000 mg/kg P. thonningii for 14 days caused less deteriorating effects on the histo-architecture of the rats’ testes as the seminiferous tubules appeared normal; even though there was mild hyperplasia of the interstitial cells of Leydig. 1200 mg/kg Piliostigma thonningii caused vascular dilatation and active congestion in the seminiferous tubules with moderate hyperplasia of the interstitial cells of Leydig. Histological features of the testes showed the presence of marked vascular dilatation, active congestion and mild hyperplasia of interstitial cells of Leydig in the testes of rats treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg P. thonningii. Thus, this study has shown that 14 days treatment of 500 mg/kg Piliostigma thonningii caused active interstitial congestion, 1000 mg/kg with plump fibroblast in the epididymis.

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity assessment of leaves from Piliostigma thonningii (Fabaceae), a plant used in traditional medicine against diabetes in Côte d’Ivoire

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity assessment of leaves from Piliostigma thonningii (Fabaceae), a plant used in traditional medicine against diabetes in Côte d’Ivoire