Saponins Research Articles

Characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity of saponin-conjugated silver nanoparticles against bacteria that cause burn wound infection.

Saponins are glycosides, which destabilize the membrane by altering the membrane permeability. Thus, the present study was aimed to fabricate the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fenugreek derived saponin (SN) against multi-drug resistant bacteria. This study has optimized the concentration of SN (240mg/mL) for the synthesis of an effective AgNPs against the test organism Escherichia coli. The SN reduced AgNPs produced a reddish-brown colour and displayed UV absorption at 416nm. The bio-reducing efficiency of SN (62.76%) was calculated from the HPLC quantitation of free SN in the colloidal solution of AgNPs. The FESEM-EDAX analysis of SN-AgNPs revealed a spherical shape and showed signals for elemental silver along with carbon and oxygen. The spherical morphology of SN-AgNPs was also confirmed from its TEM and AFM micrographs and their sizes were found in between 2-15nm. The hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and crystalline nature of SN-AgNPs were studied by DLS and XRD analyses and were found to be 9-30nm, -18mV and fcc crystallinity respectively. The FT-IR analysis of SN-AgNPs revealed that the functional groups such as C-O, C=C, C=O and O-H of SN are involved in the reduction and stability of AgNPs. The SN-AgNPs have depicted a notable in vitro structural stability and showed a remarkable antibacterial activity against the bacterial species, related to severe burn wound infections. In conclusion, the findings of our study clearly demonstrate that the SN-AgNPs conjugate would be a novel effective antibacterial agent for the prevention/eradication of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections in severe burn wounds.

Physicochemical characterization of medicinal essential oil made obtained from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale (ginger), grown in San Carlos, Costa Rica, in order to standardize future hydroponic cultivations of the plant

Introduction: Ginger is a medicinal plant native to India. Has been reported their potential use in cosmetics, medicines and natural products, however depending on crop conditions the medicinal components of the different parts of the plant not only changes in concentration but in its composition, this modifies its medicinal action. The aim of this study was to characterize by physicochemical methods the chemical composition of essential oil obtained from rhizomes of Zingiber officinale grown in the area of San Carlos, Costa Rica in order to standardize future hydroponic cultivations of the plant and validate their subsequent pharmacological or cosmetic effects. Materials and methods: the rhizomes of the plant were used, the active principles were extracted by ethanolic extraction with Soxleth and distillation by entrainment with vapor, analysis was performed by using a qualitative phytochemical profile for the ethanolic extract, and the composition of the essential oil was studied by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Results and Conclusions. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and triterpenes in the ethanolic extract was qualitatively determined. In characterizing the essential oil by GC-MS were identified as lead compounds the geranialdehyde (27.42%), neral (20.11%), 1.8-cineole (13.35%), camphene (4.65%) and E-geraniol (3.92%). The composition obtained was compared with the composition reported in the literature, obtaining a clear difference with those reported in other studies, allowing predicting an antimicrobial behavior unlike most traditional essential oils of the rhizomes.

Quinoa seed coats as an expanding and sustainable source of bioactive compounds: An investigation of genotypic diversity in saponin profiles

Saponins (SAPs) are a diverse family of plant secondary metabolites and due to their biological activities, SAPs can be utilised as biopesticides and as therapeutic compounds. Given their widespread industrial use, a search for alternative sources of SAPs is a priority. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a valuable food source that is gaining importance worldwide for its nutritional and nutraceutical properties. SAPs from quinoa seed coats could represent a new sustainable source to obtain these compounds in high quantities due to the increasing production and worldwide expansion of the crop. This research aims to characterise saponins of seed coat waste products from six different quinoa varieties for their potential use as a saponin source. Gas chromatography (GC)- and Liquid chromatography (LC)- with mass spectrometry (MS) were applied for qualitative and relative quantitative analysis of saponins. GC–MS led to the identification of three main aglycones, oleanolic acid (Ole), hederagenin (Hed), and a phytolaccagenic acid (Phy), while LC–MS enabled characterization of 24 SAPs with varying sugar moieties. Hed was the most abundant aglycone, followed by Phy and Oledepending on the genotype. Saponin distribution and relative abundances are discussed in the light of genotype provenance and agronomic features. Improved knowledge on the phytochemicals present in quinoa varieties might help in finding valuable and sustainable uses for quinoa SAPs in agroindustry as biopesticides as well as in the production of food and pharmaceuticals.

PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA FRUIT: A NUTRACEUTICAL AGENT IN THE TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA

ABSTRACT The growing need for safe and accessible drugs for various ailments in the third world countries have drawn scientific minds to evaluating scientific bases of the use of some plant materials in traditional medicines. Food substances are chief among these plant materials owing to their safety and nutritional benefits aside the purported medicinal claims. The main objectives of this study were to determine the proximate nutritional composition and the antidiarrheal activity of aqueous fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm). Methods: Antidiarrheal activity of the Phoenix dactylifera aqueous fruit extract was evaluated on castor oil induced diarrhea in male wistar rats using Loperamide (standard drug) as control. The proximate nutritional composition of the fruit was determined standard laboratory methods and the antinutritional factors in the fruit were determined using standard Spectrophotometric method. Result: The result of the nutritional analysis revealed that the date fruit contain high carbohydrate content and relatively high crude ash content and low antinutrients concentration. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous fruit extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids. The acute toxicity test showed that the extract is practically non toxic. The antidiarrheal activity of the aqueous fruit extract was found significant (P < 0.05) at 1000mg/Kg and 2000mg/Kg body weight. Conclusion : The result of this research showed that Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) fruit can be used as an effective nutraceutical in the management and treatment of diarrhea especially in the third world countries. Key word : Phoenix dactylifera, Diarrhea, Loperamide, Antidiarrheal activity

Phytochemical screening (qualitative) of certain medicinal plants of Saharanpur city

Saharanpur city is situated close to the borders of Haryana and Uttarakhand states, the city is surrounded by a fertile agricultural region. Medicinal plants are the major source of raw materials and good resources for pharmaceutical industry. These are the good source of primary and secondary metabolites. In present study phytochemical screening of three medicinal plants of Saharanpur city i.e. Achyranthus aspera, Euphorbia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus were carried out by using standard methods for conducting Qualitative phytochemical analysis and studying the presence of active compounds like Alkaloids, Tannins, Saponins, Glycosides, Phenols, Flavonoids, Anthroquinone, Terpenoids and Steroids. Achyranthus aspera showed maximum of these phytocompounds in ethanolic extract. Ethanolic extracts of all plant species revealed the presence of most of the phytochemicals

Phytochemical analysis of some medicinal plants of district Saharanpur

District Saharanpur is a rich source of medicinal plants because of its physical features, the north and the north-east of the district is surrounded by Shivalik hills and having rich biodiversity. The objective of present study was to investigate the presence of phytochemicals in five medicinal plants such as, Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.)Miers, Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.)Oken , Terminalia belerica Roxb., Xanthium strumarium Linn. and Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn. For the study the solvents used were water, methanol, ethanol and acetone. Soxhlet apparatus was used for the organic solvent extraction. Carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, tannins, saponin, and phenols were detected in these selected medicinal plants. Our analysis proved that crude aqueous and organic solvent extracts of these plants having the bioactive compounds which are medicinally important for the use in the treatment of various diseases

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Scientific Validation of the Anti-Diabetic Effect of the Dried Husk of Zea mays L. (Corn, Poaceae)

The dried husk of Zea mays L. (Poaceae) also known as corn husk (CH) has been used as traditional remedies in some cultures including Ghana for the management/treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM, Type 2). However, there is no evident documentation on the phytoconstituents of CH and the scientific validation of the antidiabetic properties of CH. Therefore, the methanolic and aqueous extracts of CH were phytochemically screened, and the decoction of CH was administered to human subjects (type 2 diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood glucose level). The fasting blood glucose levels of subjects on regularly prescribed oral antidiabetic agents were determined over a period of three weeks. In addition to the regular oral antidiabetic medications, decoctions of CH were administered to the subjects for a further period of three weeks, and the fasting blood glucose levels were again determined. The fasting blood glucose level of the control group was however monitored continuously for a period of six weeks. The phytochemical analyses of the CH extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides as common constituents of the aqueous and methanolic extracts, whereas tannins and phenols were found exclusively in the methanolic extract. The decoction of CH demonstrated a significant anti-diabetic property, attesting to the traditional use of CH as antidiabetic therapy.

Antitussive properties of the root extract and fractions of Acanthospermum hispidum (L)

Acanthospermum hispidum (Asteraceae) is plant widely used in South Eastern Nigeria to treat cough. This study investigated the antitussive properties of the root extract and fractions of A. hispidum . The antitussive effects of oral administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg of A. hispidum root methanol extract (ME), hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EF) and methanol fractions (MF) were evaluated using sulphur (iv) oxide and ammonia induced cough models in mice. The extract and fractions were subjected to acute toxicity test, phytochemical analysis and HPLC finger printing. The extract and fractions of A. hispidum exhibited strong and significant antitussive effects in both cough models. The MF and EF exhibited significant ( p 5000 mg/kg in mice was established for the extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins and flavonoids which may be responsible for its antitussive effects. Results revealed the antitussive property of A. hispidum and root which correlate to its ethnomedicinal use to relieve cough.

Baobab seeds as an alternative protein source in poultry feed

Alternative cheap sources of protein in poultry diets are desired hinged on feed safety, production cost and nutritional quality. The preceding review looks at how baobab seeds have featured as an alternative protein source in poultry diets. This is on the backdrop that the cost of compound feeds continue to be on the rise due to the high expense of conventional protein sources used in manufacturing animal feed. Soya bean has been the predominantly used and most expensive conventional protein source used in the manufacturing of compound feeds. It is suffice to suggest that there is an urgent need to accord adequate consideration to alternative cheap protein sources, and baobab seeds are one such alternatives. Previous studies have shown that baobab seeds have excellent nutritive value, despite containing inconsiderable levels of anti-nutritional factors. Baobab seeds contain some anti-nutritional factors, such as phytate (2%), oxalate (10%), tannins and saponins (3-7%) which reduces digestive efficiency and utilization of dietary nutrients in poultry. However, these anti-nutritional factor levels are generally assumed to be low enough not to cause any adverse effects in avian species. The seeds have a protein value that ranges from 20-36 % CP and an energy level of 4.19-16.75 kJ/kg, which is comparable to sunflower meal (24.4-36.7 CP and 19.1-20.2 kJ/kg) and soybean hulls (10.5-19.2 CP and 17.5-18.7 kJ/kg). It is apparent from previous studies that inclusion of baobab seeds at 5-10% level in poultry diets improves performance of broilers in terms of growth rate. Inclusion of the baobab seeds as partial replacers of soybean meal can be cost effective by inevitability reducing the escalating costs of poultry feed.

A Study on the Effects of Hair Nutrient Containing Saponin Astragaloside from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge on Eyebrows growth and development

A Study on the Effects of Hair Nutrient Containing Saponin Astragaloside from Astragalus membranaceus Bunge on Eyebrows growth and development

Anti Ulcer Activity of the Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts Of Mikania scandens in Rats

Background: Mikania scandens (family: Asteraceae), known as climbing hempvine, is a twining herb with long petioles, opposite leaves and small monogamous flower heads. It has been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-ulcer activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of the plant in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Ulcer was induced by pylorus ligation method in experimental Wistar albino rats. Gastric juice content, pH, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer index and percentage of ulcer protection were used for evaluation. The aerial parts of the plant were collected, shade dried, powdered and successively extracted with ethanol and water (1:10 w/v in g/mL).The extracts were separately collected using rotary evaporator. Percentage yield of ethanol and aqueous extracts were 17.6 g, (9.8% w/w) and 24.3 g, (15.5% w/w). The crude extracts were tested qualitatively for presence or absence of selected phytoconstituents. The anti-ulcer activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts was carried for the two selected common doses (100 and 200 mg/kg of b.w per day orally) for each of the extract against the standard drug, [lansoprazole (pure drug suspension)] at a dose of (8 mg/kg) day orally.Results: The phytochemical study has revealed that both extracts of M. Scandens contain flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins and glycosides. The anti-ulcer activity, the two extracts was found significantly high (p<0.05) at the dose of 200 mg/kg orally compared to lansoprazole (8 mg/kg).Conclusion: The present study of aerial parts of M.scandens in ethanolic and aqueous extracts has shown to possess effective anti-ulcer activity.

Effect of panax notoginseng saponins on efficacy and hemorrhagic transformation of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective To study the effect of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the efficacy and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 200 patients with early acute ischemic stroke (the length of time between attack and hospital admission < 4.50 h) were divided into 2 groups according to random number table method: treatment group (N = 100) and control group (N = 100). The control group was treated with routine rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis treatment, and the treatment group was treated with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis plus PNS injection. The ischemia-reperfusion injury index [malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], hemorrhagic transformation prediction index [matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and fibronectin (FN)] and nerve function index [National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI)] were measured and compared before treatment, 24 h after thrombolysis and 14 d after thrombolysis. Adverse drug reactions and hemorrhagic transformation rate were observed 14 d after thrombolysis, and the prognosis (mortality and BI) was evaluated 12 months after thrombolysis. Results Compared with control group, serum SOD ( P = 0.000) and BI ( P = 0.000) in treatment group were significantly higher, while serum MDA ( P = 0.001), MMP-9 ( P = 0.001), plasma FN ( P = 0.000) and NIHSS score ( P = 0.006) were significantly lower. In treatment group, 24 h after rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis plus PNS injection, serum MDA ( P = 0.000), MMP-9 ( P = 0.000) and BI ( P = 0.000) were significantly increased, while NIHSS score ( P = 0.000) was significantly decreased; 14 d after treatment, serum MDA ( P = 0.000) and MMP-9 ( P = 0.000) were decreased, serum SOD ( P = 0.000) and BI ( P = 0.000) were continuously increased, plasma FN ( P = 0.000) and NIHSS score ( P = 0.000) were continuously decreased. On the 14th day after thrombolysis, hemorrhagic transformation rate of treatment group was lower than that of control group [9 cases (9%) vs 19 cases (19%); χ 2 = 4.153, P = 0.042]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions between 2 groups [14 cases (14%) vs 11 cases (11%); χ 2 = 0.411, P = 0.521]. Twelve months after thrombolysis, there were 5 cases of death (5% ) in control group and one case (1% ) of death in treatment group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of mortality between 2 groups ( χ 2 = 1.546, P = 0.241). The BI of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group (88.51 ± 11.49 vs 84.47 ± 9.83; t = 2.451, P = 0.015). Conclusions PNS reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury after rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It can reduce the rate of hemorrhagic transformation after rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis and improve the prognosis with good safety. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2016.11.012

Comparative analyses of the main active ingredients of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos

Objective To compare the quality of Lonicerae flos and Lonicerae japonicae flos by determine the main active ingredients. Methods According to methods and standards of determination in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition), the content of chlorogenic acid , galuteolin , macranthoidin B and asperosaponin B in 50 batches of samples of Lonicerae japonicae flos and .Lonicerae flos were determined. Results For Lonicerae japonicae flos (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), the contents of galuteolin was higher, and chlorogenic acid was lower, less or no contain saponins. For the main species of Lonicerae flos (Lonicera macranthoides Hand. -Mazz. and Lonicera hypoglauca Miq.), the contents of chlorogenic acid and the sum of saponins were higher, less or no galuteolin. Conclusions The main active ingredients of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos were different. The contents of saponins in some samples of Lonicerae japonicae flos were higher, so the test of saponin should be considered when its raw material for injection. Key words: Flos lonicerae japonicae; Flos lonicerae; Main active ingredients; Determination; Quality control

Antioxidant Assessment of Pleurotus sajor-caju Extracts Obtained throughHot Extraction Process

Current work reports antioxidant activities of extracts derived from P. sajor-caju using several in vitro models. Dried samples were sequentially extracted in hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water using hot extraction method. Extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate resulted in negligible recovery. Methanol and water extracts tested positive for phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and saponins. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were found in the range of 19.78-23.59 μg propyl gallate equivalent/mg and 23.27-26.44 μg quercetin equivalent/mg in aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. Comparatively lower activities were observed for both the extracts in DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Appreciable metal ion chelating activity was demonstrated by aqueous (57% to 86%) and methanolic (36% to 71%) extracts in the concentration range 100-400 μg/ml, showing dose dependent response. Total antioxidant capacity for both the extracts was found in the range 83-96 μg PGE/ml at test concentration. The study showed P. sajor-caju aqueous and methanolic extracts have antioxidant potential.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant of ethnopharmacological significance.

Most herbal medicines utilized in complementary and alternative medicine lack safety evaluation setting our lives under unwarranted risks. Present study comprised of genotoxic and cytotoxic appraisal of Terminalia citrina fruits which are used as a folklore medicine for treatment of various ailments. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. citrina fruit extracts were evaluated for the presence of different phytochemicals. Genotoxic potential of both the extract of T. citrina was assessed through Ames reverse mutagenicity assay in Salmonella TA 100 and 102 strains. Cytotoxic potential of T. citrina was determined in baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21). Statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA following post hoc test. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins, catechins and saponins. It was revealed that both the extracts of T. citrina exhibited significant mutagenicity in tester strains. Ethanolic extract showed higher mutagenicity in TA 100 strain, whereas aqueous extract of T. citrina exhibited higher mutagenicity in TA 102 strain than TA 100. Both the extracts of T. citrina showed dose-dependent mutagenicity. Fifty percent cell viability was exhibited by 260 and 545 µg/mL of ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. This study concludes that the ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts of T. citrina may not be safe owing to their mutagenic and cytotoxic potential and it necessitates further investigation regarding its safety evaluation.

Bioactivity of Platycerium angolense Flavonoid Fraction on Biochemical Parameters of Acetaminophen-induced Rats

This study evaluated the effect of flavonoid fraction (FF) of Platycerium angolense on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rat with a view to considering the possibility of utilizing the extracts of the plant for the management and treatment of liver related ailments. Powdered leaves of P. angolense were extracted with methanol 70% (v/v) to yield methanolic extract of P. angolense (MEPA). The MEPA followed successive partitioning with n-hexane, chloroform and ethylacetate. The ethylacetate fraction was termed flavonoid fraction (FF). FF was phytochemically screened and total phenolic and flavonoid contents estimated. Biochemical effects of FF on liver marker enzymes (L-alanine and L-aspartate aminotransferases, gamma glutamyltransferase, acid and alkaline phosphatases); lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol) enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation) and metabolites (total protein, albumin and bilirubin) were evaluated in the plasma and liver homogenates of albino rats. Phytochemical screening of FF tested positive for the presence of flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. The total phenolics and flavonoids in FF were (33.58 ± 0.11 mg TAE/g, 50.98 ± 0.89 mg RE/g), respectively. Analyses of plasma and liver homogenates of rats (control and experimental) revealed that acetaminophen caused metabolic dysfunction in acetaminophen-induced rats. Administration of FF reversed the altered biochemical parameters. The study concluded that FF of P. angolense increases plasma lipid profile level, exhibits moderate anti-oxidant activity and elicits hepatoprotective potential. Key words: Hepatotoxicity, Platycerium angolense, acetaminophen, flavonoids, flavonoid fraction.

Therapeutic potential of Ginsenoside Rg3 via inhibiting Notch/HES1 pathway in lung cancer cells

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 is a steroidal saponin extracted from Panax ginseng with various anti-tumor effects. While very few studies have focused on exploring the cytotoxic effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 in lung cancer treatment via Notch/hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1) pathway. We examined the underlying mechanism of action and the anti-tumor effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 in lung cancer cells and attempted to develop it as a systemic treatment strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: NCI-H1650, H520 and H1963 cells were used for experiment. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Annexin V/PI assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the level of Notch1, Notch2, HES1, p38 MAPK, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expressions. Results: Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H1650, H520 and H1963 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Ginsenoside Rg3 induced significant cell apoptosis. The level of Notch1, Notch2 and HES1 expressions decreased but the level of p38 MAPK, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expressions increased with Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 could target the Notch/HES1 pathway to cause apoptosis leading to inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells and the results suggested a therapeutic potential of Ginsenoside Rg3 in clinical use for lung cancer treatment.

Phytochemical screening and anti-emetic activity of Leonotis nepetifolia leaves extract

Objectives: Leonotis Nepetifolia (Family: Lamiaceae) is a herb distributed in central and eastern peninsular India which is used as bitter tonic in fevers and also used in pneumonia, flu, mouth and lip infections. The present study focuses on the investigation of antiemetic activity of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract. Method: The study includes preliminary investigation of phytochemical constituents followed by the antiemetic activity of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract on 2-4 days male chicks (32-52gms). Results: The results reveal the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, glycosides, steroids and saponins in different solvents and also have antiemetic potential comparable with that of the reference drug Metoclopramide. Ethanol extract of 200 mg/kg inhibited the retches up to 73.761%, which inhibited emesis to an extent equal to Metoclopramide at 50mg/kg. Conclusion: The antiemetic potential of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents like alkaloids and terpenoids.

Effects of crude ethanolic extract of Terminaliacatappa on the haematology parameters of red Sokoto goat sex perimentally infected with Trypanosomabruceibrucei

The in-vivo activity of crude ethanolic extract of Terminaliacatappa stem bark administered orally and intraperitoneally on red Sokoto goats experimentally infected with Trypanosomabruceibrucei was investigated. 15 male goats weighing between 8kg to 10kg were randomly grouped into 5 groups with three goats per group. Goats in all the 5 groups were infected intravenously with T. b. brucei and after demonstration of parasitaemia Groups 1 to 4 were administered crude ethanolic extract of T.catappa as follows: 50mg/kg orally to group 1, 100mg/kg orally to group 2, 50mg/kg intraperitoneally to Group3and 100mg/kg intraperitoneally to group4) while group5 served as untreated control. All treatments were given for 7 days. Result of phytochemical analysis shows alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroid, increase in weight, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Red Blood Cells (RBC) indices after treatment in treated groups were also observed. It was concluded that T. catappa ethanolic extract given at a dose of 50 to 100mg/kg is effective and safe for the treatment of T. b. brucei infection in goats.

Histopathology of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected red Sokoto goats experimentally infected and treated with crude ethanolic extract of Terminalia catappa

The trypanocidal activity of crude ethanolic extract of Terminalia catappa stem bark was investigated on red sokoto goats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. 15 male goats weighing between 8kg to 10kg were used in this experiment, randomly grouped into 5 groups with three goats per group. Goats in all the 5 groups were infected intravenously with T.b. brucei and after demonstration of parasitaemia Groups 1 to 4 were administered crude ethanolic extract of T. catappa as follows: 50mg/kg orally to group 1, 100mg/kg orally to group 2, 50mg/kg intraperitoneally to group 3 and 100mg/kg intraperitoneally to group 4 while group 5 served as untreated control. All treatments lasted for 7 days. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroid. The histopathological findings did not reveal any effect of the extracts on the hearts of all T. catappa treated groups, although, lesions were observed on the spleen, liver, kidney and lung of both treated and untreated (control) group which could be as a result of the infection.