Sphenocentrum Jollyanum Research Articles

The Anti-Hyperglycemic and Antioxidative Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Sphenocentrum jollyanum: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The Anti-Hyperglycemic and Antioxidative Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Sphenocentrum jollyanum: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Root Extract in Malaria Treatment: Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions

Malaria remains a critical global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. This review examines the therapeutic potential of the ethanol root-extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a plant traditionally used in West Africa for malaria treatment. Utilizing the Plasmodium berghei rodent model, which mirrors human malaria, we assess the extract’s efficacy in restoring haematological markers, safety profile, and potential as an adjunct or alternative therapy. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, known for its rich phytochemical composition, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, has demonstrated significant restorative effects in preliminary studies. The extract improved hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and platelet counts in infected mice, indicating potential benefits in mitigating malaria-induced anemia and other haematological abnormalities. Its mechanisms of action include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Despite its promising results, rigorous safety evaluations are necessary, including acute and chronic toxicity studies, to ensure its safe use. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate efficacy, optimize dosage, and explore combination therapies with standard antimalarial drugs. The review emphasizes the need for standardized preparation methods, quality control, and integration into public health strategies to enhance malaria management, particularly in resource-limited regions. Keywords: Sphenocentrum jollyanum Root Extract, Malaria, Treatment, Efficacy, Safety.

Diverse mitochondrial effects, antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory potentials of Costus afer (Ker Gawl), Nauclea latifolia (Sm) and Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Pierre) in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

ObjectivesThis study reported the antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory and mito-protrective effects of Costus afer (CA), Nauclea latifolia (NA) and Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJ) methanol extracts in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. MethodsAir-dried CA, NA and SJ were extracted with methanol. Antiplasmodial activity of these extracts were monitored using chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium berghei. Heme and hemozoin contents, interleukins and C-reactive protein as well as mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening, lipid peroxidation (mLPO) and F0F1 ATPase activity were determined by spectrophotometry. Phytochemical constituents were determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Results and ConclusionsCA, NL and SJ decreased percentage parasitemia to 0.25 ± 0.07; 0.30 ± 0.14 and 0.25 ± 0.07% relative to control (8.60 ± 0.15%) in the chloroquine-sensitive model and to 0.40 ± 0.14; 0.30 ± 0.14 and 0.45 ± 0.07, respectively as against 10.88 ± 0.26% of the infected control in the chloroquine-resistant model. In chloroquine-resistant model, NL decreased mLPO (0.41 ± 0.04) F0F1 ATPase (0.15 ± 0.02 mmol pi/mg protein /min) while CA enhanced mPT pore opening at 100 mg/kg,and SJ (50 mg/kg) reversed parasite-induced mPT pore opening (1.66 vs 9.4 folds). The NL increased heme, decreased hemozoin, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, while SJ dose-dependently increased IL-10. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis showed that coumaric acid, divaricatinic acid, diocin and aferiosides A and C were present in CA, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 18, 19-dihydroangustine, jatrorrhizine, 17-epinaucleidinal, strictosamide and quinovic acid 3-O-rhamnoside in NL and quinic acid, jatrorrhizine and mabioside B in SJ. While the three medicinal plants have varying antimalarial effects, their decoction will be better for a synergistic purpose.

Co-administration of Acarbose with Aqueous Extract of Root and Leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Accelerates Wound Closure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Co-administration of Acarbose with Aqueous Extract of Root and Leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Accelerates Wound Closure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Biochemical and histological insights of 1,4-polyisoprene isolated from Sphenocentrum jollyanum pierre (menispermaceae) stem in wound healing activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum whole stem extract is used traditionally in combination with its leaves to treat chronic wounds and also ameliorate conditions that exacerbate wounds such as diabetes mellitus. The study isolated the major wound healing bioactive compound from the non-polar fraction of S. jollyanum extract and evaluated the in vivo wound healing activity of a 0.10% w/w 1,4-polyisoprene-based ointment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The major bioactive constituent of S. jollyanum was isolated using a wound healing activity-guided approach and characterized the compound using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The wound healing activity study adopted both excision (wound contraction) and incision (biochemical) models. In the excision model, the 1,4-polyisoprene caused 99% wound closure and restored the excised wound on day 12. On the 6th and 12th post-wounding days, 1,4-polyisoprene caused a significant (p<0.001) elevation in the tensile strength (486g) of the incision wound compared with the control (388g). The biochemical (hexosamine and hydroxyproline) and antioxidant/inflammatory (ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) parameters increased significantly while malondialdehyde was down-regulated in the wounds treated with 1,4-polyisoprene compared with control. The histological analysis of tissue sections taken from the edge and center of the wounds at 0-12 days post wounding revealed an increased tissue regeneration, accelerated collagen formation, and epidermal regeneration without edema or inflammation on the 12th day. The major wound healing constituent of S. jollyanum is 1,4-polyisoprene and the study has provided a new class of compounds for further optimization.

Ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum abrogate hyperglycaemia and low body weight in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats

Abstract Objectives Effects of ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on fasting blood glucose and body weight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats were carried. Methods Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned into eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 were diabetic rats treated with 0.5 ml of normal saline and 0.5 mg/kg b.w of glibenclamide, respectively while group 3 were non-diabetic rats treated with 0.5 ml of normal saline. Groups 4, 5 and 6 rats were diabetic rats treated with 250, 500 and 1 000 mg/kg b.w of extract, respectively, while rats in groups 7 and 8 were diabetic rats treated with 250 mg/kg b.w of methanol and ethylacetate fractions of S. jollyanum, respectively. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 70 mg/kg b.w of streptozotocin. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined with glucometer. Key findings Treatment of diabetic rats with the extract and fractions of S. jollyanum at varied doses significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) decreased glucose level in a dose- and time-dependent manner. There was an increase in body weights of rats during treatment. Conclusion The extract and fractions lowered glucose levels and raised body weights of diabetic rats. This suggests that S. jollyanum possess antidiabetic property and could be useful in the management of diabetes.

Anti-nutritional and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum

Abstract Objectives The anti-nutritional composition and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJ) were carried out. Methods The anti-nutritional factors and GC-MS were analysed using standard methods. Key findings The anti-nutritional constituents of the samples were in the order of phenols &amp;gt; terpenoids &amp;gt; flavonoids &amp;gt; tannins &amp;gt; glycosides &amp;gt; alkaloids &amp;gt; hydrogen cyanide &amp;gt; saponins &amp;gt; steroids. The phytochemicals were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in extract than fractions, the terpenoids value obtained as 1904.72 mg/100 g from ethanol extract is significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than the values of 935.80 mg/100 g and 968.92 mg/100 g gotten from it ethyl acetate and methanol fractions, respectively. There is no significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for the ethyl acetate 0.74 mg/100 g and methanol 0.79 mg/100 g fractions of steroids. However, the methanol fraction of tannins, phenols, glycosides, saponins and hydrogen cyanide were significantly higher than its ethyl acetate fractions. Conclusion Chromatogram of GC-MS analysis of the samples of SJ showed 49, 43 and 24 peaks for crude ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the crude ethanol root extract and fractions as shown in Tables 2–4 contain hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid and nonanoic acid methyl ester. The ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of SJ contain 16.9 and 10.1% of 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (8-methylnonyl) ester, respectively.

Invitro antioxidant capacity, phytochemical screening and Gas chromatography GC-MS analysis of Ethanol root extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Pierre)

Background: In-vivo antioxidants potentials of Sphenocentrum jollyanum had been reported in disease conditions. However, there is a paucity of information on its invitro capacity compared to standard antioxidants. The objective of the study is to screen ethanol root extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJE) for its invitro antioxidants capacity and phytochemical components.Methodology: Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content were determined using ABTS DPPH and GC-MS techniquesResults: Free radicals were scavenged by SJE in all the In vitro methods used in a concentration dependent manner. Howbeit, the free radical scavenging ability and reducing power potentials of SJE were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) when compared to standard antioxidants such as Trolox and Vit.E The qualitative screening shows the presence of alkaloids, phenols, phlobatanins, saponins, tannins, amino acid and reducing sugar while GC-MS revealed thirty-four plant bioactive principles among which are members of Octadecadienoic acid family including 12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester also known as Linoleic acid.Conclusion: Sphenocentrum jollyanum ethanol root extract possesses antioxidant capacity and important phytochemicals that can be useful in the design, synthesis, and advancement of new medications.

Bioprospecting for Anti-COVID-19 Interventions From African Medicinal Plants: A Review

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emanated from Wuhan in China in 2019 has become a global concern. The current situation warrants ethnomedicinal drug discovery and development for delivery of phytomedicines with potential for the treatment of COVID-19. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed evaluation of available information on plant species used in African traditional medicines with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and COVID-19 symptoms relieving effects. Literature from scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar, African Journals OnLine (AJOL), Science Direct, and Web of Science were used for this review. A total of 35 of the 38 reviewed plants demonstrated a wide range of antiviral activities. Bryophyllum pinnatum, Aframomum melegueta, Garcinia kola, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, Adansonia digitata, Sutherlandia frutescens, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Moringa oleifera, and Nigella sativa possess a combination of antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and COVID-19 symptoms relieving activities. Nine, 13, and 10 of the plants representing 23.7%, 34.2%, and 26.3% of the plants studied had antiviral activity with 3 other activities, antiviral activity with 2 other activities, and antiviral with one pharmacological activity alone, respectively. The plants studied were reported to be relatively safe at the subchronic toxicity level, except for 2. The study provides baseline information on the pharmacological activities, toxicity, and chemical components of 9 African medicinal plants with antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and symptoms relieving activities, thereby making the plants candidates for further investigation for effectiveness against COVID-19.

Effect of aqueous extract from root and leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum pierre on wounds of diabetic rats: Influence on wound tissue cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor and microbes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSphenocentrum jollyanum is a flowering plant of the Menispermaceae family with bright yellow roots and wedged-shaped leaves. The plant is reputed to possess exceptional wound healing properties and used in folkloric medicine to dress chronic wounds. Aim of the studyWound repair in a hyperglycemic state is known to be impaired and delayed making treatment a difficult challenge. This study sought how the aqueous extracts of root and leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum facilitated wound healing by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor and microbial colonization on excision wound created in diabetic rats. MethodsDiabetes (blood glucose >250 mg/dl) was induced by feeding normal rats with high fat diet for 14 days after which intraperitoneal injection of low dose streptozotocin (35 mg/kg b.w.) was administered. Wounds were subsequently created and treatments administered afterwards for 14 days. ResultsAdministration of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root and leaf extracts both orally and topically (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), number of microbial colonies (CFU/ml × 102), activity of myeloperoxidase and significantly increased growth factor secretion on wounds of the diabetic rats. Histological evaluations of wound tissues of treated diabetic rats revealed matured tissue granulation, presence of new blood vessels, collagen and fibroblast with fewer inflammatory cells. ConclusionThe use of Sphenocentrum jollyanum effectively enhanced wound healing which may be related to constituents identified by GC-MS analysis and can thus, be suggested as a therapeutic agent for diabetic wound management.

Ethanol Root Extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Pierre) Ameliorates Paroxetine -induced Erectile Dysfunction in Rabbits

Ethanol root extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJE) was evaluated for its erectogenic activities in paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction rabbits. Mating behavior was evaluated by scoring mount latency (ML), mount frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL) and intromission frequency (IF). The ex-vivo study was carried out on strips of penile muscle to evaluate the mechanism involve in SJE relaxation. The extract reduced mount latency by 98.0%, while intromission frequency was increased by 150.0% in paroxetine-treated rabbits. Ex-vivo study of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle showed that the ethanol root extract of SJE had myorelaxant effect on the rabbit. SJE attenuated both phenynephrine and potassium chloride pre-contraction. Ethanol extract of SJE ameliorated paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction associated with but not limited to blocking Ca2+ influx into the erectile tissue and this is attributable to the presence of linoleic acid in the extract.

Time-Dependent Influence of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre on Neuro-Hepatic Mitochondrial Metabolizing Enzymes in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The use of herbal concoctions as a means of medication with no regard for quality assurance and toxicological study increases daily. Meanwhile, cases of accidental poisoning due to consumption of herbal concoctions had been previously reported. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre methanolic leaf extract on mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes in the brain and liver Methods: Fresh leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre was collected at Igbajo, South West, Nigeria. The methanolic extract of the leave was administered at varying doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg for 14, 28, and 42 days respectively. The liver and brain were excised from the rat after the last administration, and mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes were assessed in the brain and liver samples of the rat Results: The Hepatic Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was up-regulated at 200mg/kg-600mg/kg (28days) and 200-600mg/kg (42days), while other doses had no significant SDH activity. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity increased at all doses, with its peak activity observed at 600mg/kg (42days). Increased hepatic Complex I+III activity was observed at all doses, with its peak at 200mg/kg(42days). Furthermore, the activity of hepatic Complex II+III was upregulated at all doses of administration. Liver Complex IV activity significantly increased at 400mg/kg (28days) instead of the declined activity recorded at other doses. Neural SDH activity increased at all doses. MDH activity significantly decreased at all doses except at 200mg/kg (28days) and 600mg/kg (42days). There was an observed up-regulation of neural Complex I+III activity at all doses; Complex II+III activity increased at all doses. Neural Complex IV activity increased significantly at 400-600mg/kg (42days). All data are relative to control. Conclusion: Data from this study indicate perturbations (increase and decrease) in the neuro-hepatic mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes

Assessment of the activities of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. combined with other plants on chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei

The prevalence of Plasmodium strains resistant to conventional monotherapy drugs has necessitated the need for more effective and affordable antimalarial agents. This study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activities of some indigenous plants alone and in combination with chloroquine with a view to proffering herbal combination therapy as an alternative to the currently used antimalarial combination therapy. Extracts obtained separately from the decoctions of the roots of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. (Menispermaceae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) and methanol extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) leaf were analysed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluated for repeated-dose oral toxicity in mice using standard protocols. Assessments of C. dependens and V. amygdalina with their combination were carried out on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium-infected mice with the 4-day chemosuppressive antimalarial test. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, C. dependens and their combinations with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were assessed on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium using the curative test model. The combination of C. dependens and V. amygdalina exhibited chemosuppression (71.1±3.7%) that was not significantly (p>0.05) different from chloroquine (80.1±1.9%). In the curative model, a significant parasite clearance (98.2%) was observed with the combination of C. dependens and chloroquine. The study concluded that the aqueous root extracts possessed potent antimalarial activity in chloroquine-sensitive malaria infection. It also revealed an additive interaction between C. dependens and chloroquine that could be further investigated as a herbal combination for chloroquine-resistant malaria.

GC-MS ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN ETHANOL LEAVES EXTRACT OF SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a plant genus of the family Menispermaceae. It has high medicinal importance as it is used traditionally to treat various diseases such as jaundice, breast engorgement related to the menstrual cycle, tumour, fibroids and improve the health of people. The present investigation was carried out to analyze the bioactive compounds present in ethanol crude extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum leaves using GC-MS analysis. GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract Sphenocentrum jollyanum was done using a 7890A GC system (Agilent Technologies), coupled with 5977B MSD (Agilent Technologies) while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. A total of 45 bioactive compounds representing 99.98% of the total extract based on the retention time, peak area, molecular formula, molecular weight, and biological activities were identified by GC-MS which ranges from high molecular weight to low molecular weight compounds. The major compounds identified with their peak area percentages were 2,4-Di-tertbutylphenol, (21.05%), Z-8-Methyl-9-tetradecenoic acid (19.12), Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (7.86%), Diisooctyl phthalate (7.13%), Phytol, Oleic Acid (7.03), 6,9,12- Octadecatrien-1-ol (6.65%), 3-Eicosene, (E)-(4.63%), 2-Methyl-Z, Z-3,13-octadecadienol (4.24%), n- Hexadecanoic acid (4.09%), trans-13-Octadecenoic acid (3.81%), Cyclohexene, 4-(4-ethylcyclohexyl) -1- pentyl- (3.74%), Dibutyl phthalate (3.20%), and 9-Oxabicyclo (6.1.0) nonane, cis-(3.18%). The presence of these major phytoconstituents in the leaf extract provides various biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour which supports the ethno-medicinal uses of the plant in curing diseases. We recommend

ISOLATION WITH CHARACTERIZATION OF COLUMBIN AND NOVEL CLERODANE FURANO-DITERPENE WITH GC-MS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ANALYSES OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre

The methanol extract of the seed of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre, was subjected to partition chromatography in gradient elutions, using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and HPLC techniques. It led to the isolation of two compounds labelled as DO5d-2 and DO6, whose structures were determined by complete analyses of their spectroscopic data, utilizing modern techniques (LC-MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, DEPT-NMR, HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY). The Essential oils of the leaf and stem were extracted by hydro-distillation using Clevenger-typed apparatus and analysed by GC-MS technique. It was subsequently subjected to antimicrobial analysis using the agar diffusion method. The major isolated compound – DO6, was further characterized as ‘columbin’, while DO5d-2 was characterized as a new clerodane type furano-diterpene, which has not been previously reported. Essential oils obtained by hydro distillation from leaf and stem of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre, were dominated by aldehydes in 10.93% and 15.14% respectively. Fifty (50) compounds were identified in leaf oil comprising 68.73% of it, with phytol (6.62%) and n-hexanol (6.28%) as most abundant compounds. Twenty-eight (28) compounds identified in the stem oil comprised 44.90% containing pentadecanal (14.72%) and phytol (6.38%) as its prominent compounds. The antimicrobial result showed the oil from the leaf was active against all the bacterial and fungi tested, while that from the stem revealed moderate activity against the tested bacterial and fungi.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum root and leaf extracts enhanced wound closure by improving the glycemic state of diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet/streptozotocin

Sphenocentrum jollyanum root and leaf extracts enhanced wound closure by improving the glycemic state of diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet/streptozotocin

Preliminary protective evaluation of stem bark ethanolic extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum against n-acetyl-para-aminophenol (apap)-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats

The toxicity of paracetamol (APAP) overdose is one of the leading causes of liver injury that finally may lead to drug-induced acute liver failure. Global attention has been shifted towards the use of herbal plants as an alternative use to modern or pharmaceutical drugs, especially in rural communities. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum stem bark on N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP)-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six (n=5) groups (A-F). Control (group A), 1000mg/kg of APAP only (group B), 700mg/kg of Stem bark of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SBSJ) only (group C), 1000mg/kg of APAP + 700mg/kg of SBSJ (group D), 1000mg/kg of APAP + 350mg/kg of SBSJ (group E), 1000mg/kg of APAP for 14 days + 700mg/kg of SBSJ for the next 7 days. The administration was done via oral gavage daily for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under mild anaesthesia and their liver was carefully harvested. Histological examination of the liver was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. APAP causes significant histopathological damages on the histoarchitecture of the liver tissue with tissue tears, hepatocyte degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis while significant regenerative changes similar to control were observed following administration of stem bark of Sphenocentrum jollyanum. The result suggests that the stem bark of Sphenocentrum jollyanum has beneficial effects on APAP-damaged live

Anti-inflammatory potential of ethanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in experimental mice

Anti-inflammatory potential of ethanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in experimental mice

Anti-inflammatory potential of ethanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in experimental mice

Anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (ELESJ) was assessed in-vivo in mice by using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced paw oedema, and xylene-induced ear oedema model at doses of 474.34, 948.68, and 1423.03 mg/kgbw respectively. A total of seventy-five matured mice of both sexes weighing between 20 g and 24 g (divided into three groups of 25 mice each for the 3 different studies) were used for this study. Treatment was done intraperitoneally. Distilled water (10 mL/kgbw), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (100 mg/kgbw) or dexamethasone (4 mg/kgbw) served as the normal and standard drugs respectively. The results showed that ELESJ produced significant (p &lt; 0.05), dose-dependent and time-dependent reductions in mean paw thickness in groups III-V compared with control group. Similarly, the extract caused a dose-dependent increase in percentage inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and egg-albumin induced paw oedema (34.49%, 36.71%) at the highest dose (1423.03 mg/kg), comparable with the anti-inflammatory effects of the standard drug ASA (34.69%, 31.54%). The ELESJ also caused significant (p &lt; 0.05), dose-dependent decreases in xylene-induced ear oedema weight in all the test groups relative to control group and standard drug group. In addition, ELESJ showed a dose-dependent percentage inhibitory effect (44%) at the highest dose (1423.03 mg/kg) comparable with that of the standard drug, dexamethasone (48%). The results obtained from this study support the use of the leaf in folk medicine as it has significant anti-inflammatory properties and this may be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the leaf.

Assessment of Reproductive Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, and Paullinia pinnata.

PurposeMale sexual dysfunction negatively affects an individual’s quality of life and thus its of prime public concern, hence the need to boost reproductive abilities in such individuals. This study assessed the effect of hydroethanolic root extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana (CBRE), Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJRE), and Paullinia pinnata (PPRE), commonly used as aphrodisiacs in Ghana, using male Sprague-Dawley rats.MethodsPlasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were assayed in grouped rats treated orally with 1 mL/kg normal saline, 50 mg/kg monosodium glutamate (MSG), and 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE, respectively, for 60 days. Epididymis and testis weights were determined. Semen was assessed on spermatozoa count, motility, and morphology. Malonyladehyde formation in lipid-peroxidation assay and histological examinations were performed to assess pathological changes in testes. Testicular testosterone was also assayed.ResultsWhile MSG, CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE treatments did not result in significant reduction (p>0.05) in plasma testosterone, there was significant reduction (p≤0.05 −0.0001) in plasma luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The combined mean wet weights of epididymides and testes of all treated groups did not vary significantly (p>0.05) from the control. There was significant reduction (p≤0.0001) in sperm motility and count, with significant morphological changes (p≤0.05–0.001), ie, bent necks, tails, and midpieces, and multiple anomalies in the spermatozoa in extract and MSG-treated groups. There was also significant (p≤0.0001) reduction in testicular testosterone among all treatment groups.ConclusionHydroethanolic CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE were found to have detrimental effects on reproductive function with prolonged usage and thus may not be safe to use in healthy males who intend to reproduce.