Traditional Claims Research Articles

IDF21-0319 Zea mays leaves partitions ameliorated diabetic nephropathy via NRF2 antioxidant signaling pathways in Wistar rats

Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. There are traditional claims of the effectiveness of Zea mays leaf extract for the treatment of the disease.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Cordia myxa L.: A Review

Background: Cordia myxa L. (CM) is a valuable ethnomedicinal plant from Boraginaceae family. Traditionally, CM parts especially fruits and leaves are used in chest and urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, dysentery, tuberculosis, liver and spleen disorders, chronic fever, malaria etc. Objective: Despite of known importance and uses, CM has gained relatively less attention of researchers and concise reviews revealing the medicinal potential of CM are scanty. The present review summarizes the chemical constituents and biological activities of CM and aims to stimulate future research to develop it as a functional health food. Results: Analysis of literature on CM showed that its fruits are a rich source of nutrients and are frequently employed in wide ailments such as urinary and respiratory tract infections, chronic fever, liver disorders, asthma, used as anthelmintic, diuretic, expectorant and purgative. Scientific studies have shown the antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, antiulcer and antimicrobial activities of CM. More than 45 compounds belonging to carbohydrates, steroids, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids have been reported from various parts of CM. Conclusion: Systematic preclinical studies support the traditional claims of CM. The analysis of available literature showed that CM could be developed as a drug. Further, studies such as detailed pharmacological and toxicological evaluation, isolation of bioactive compounds, quantitative phytochemistry and structure activity relationship are scanty and thus, crucial to be addressed for uplifting the scientific value of this revered medicinal plant.

Polarity affects the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of jellyfish (Acromitus hardenbergi) extracts

Jellyfish is an emerging aquaculture species, farmed for Oriental cuisines and nutraceutical ingredients. This study aimed to examine antioxidative and antimicrobial potentials of various fractions of the jellyfish, Acromitus hardenbergi. The bell and oral arms of the jellyfish were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform (CHCl3), methanol (MeOH), and water (H2O) to extract its bioactive in an increasing polarity gradient. Test fractions were assayed for antiradical activities using electron spin resonance spectrometry, β-carotene-linoleate model and Folin-Ciocalteu assay; and antimicrobial activity against 2 Gram-negative bacteria, 4 Gram-positive bacteria and 2 fungal species using the disc diffusion assay. All fractions were also subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to identify types of functional groups present. It was found that the hydrophilic extracts (H2O fractions) possessed the most effective radical scavenging activity (p < 0.05) while the lipophilic extracts (PE fractions) the most active antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-positive bacteria (p < 0.05). Total oxidation substrates content was found to be highest in the PE fractions of jellyfish bell and oral arms (p < 0.05). FTIR data showed that the H2O and MeOH fractions contains similar functional groups including -OH, -C=O, -N-H and -S=O groups, while the PE, DCM, and CHCl3 fractions, the -CH3, -COOH groups. This study showed that A. hardenbergi contains antioxidants and antimicrobials, thereby supporting the traditional claim of the jellyfish as an anti-aging and health-promoting functional food. Bioassay-guided fractionation approach serves as a critical milestone for the strategic screening, purification, and elucidation of therapeutically significant actives from jellyfish.

Influence of statistical feature normalisation methods on K-Nearest Neighbours and K-Means in the context of industry 4.0

Normalisation is a preprocessing technique widely employed in Machine Learning (ML)-based solutions for industry to equalise the features’ contribution. However, few researchers have analysed the normalisation effect and its implications on the ML algorithm performance, especially on Euclidean distance-based algorithms, such as the well-known K-Nearest Neighbours and K-means. In this sense, this paper formally analyses the effect of normalisation yielding results significantly far from the state-of-the-art traditional claims. In particular, this paper shows that normalisation does not equalise the contribution of the features, with the consequent impact on the performance of the learning process for a particular problem. More concretely, this demonstration is made on K-Nearest Neighbours and K-means Euclidean distance-based ML algorithms. This paper concludes that normalisation can be viewed as an unsupervised Feature Weighting method. In this context, a new metric (Normalisation weight) for measuring the impact of normalisation on the features is presented. Likewise, an analysis of the normalisation effect on the Euclidean distance is conducted and a new metric referred to as Proportional influence that measures the features influence on the Euclidean distance is proposed. Both metrics enable the automatic selection of the most appropriate normalisation method for a particular engineering problem, which can significantly improve both the computational cost and classification performance of K-Nearest Neighbours and K-means algorithms. The analytical conclusions are validated on well-known datasets from the UCI repository and a real-life application from the refinery industry.

Preliminary Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Oral Toxicity Study of Latex of an Ethnomedicinal Plant Euphorbia fusiformis Buch.-Ham.Ex D.Don

Euphorbia fusiformis Buch.-Ham.Ex D.Don, (Synonym: Euphorbia acaulis Roxb) is an infrequent medicinal, geophytic herb belonging to family Euphorbiaceae. The latex obtained from tubers of Euphorbia fusiformis was traditionally used as an antidote in scorpion and snake bites. Fresh latex has been externally applied to heal chronic wounds and cracks and to cure skin diseases. Previous research on the Euphorbia fusifornis primarily focused on phytochemical investigation and pharmacological screening of various solvent extracts of dried root powder. Considering the therapeutic potential of the latex, there is a need to explore the studies on plant latex. The present work deals with the determination of physicochemical properties, preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute oral toxicity study of latex of Euphorbia fusiformis. Physicochemical characterization and preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out by using ethanolic solution of latex. The studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids and saponins. Acute oral toxicity study of latex were carried out by acute toxic class method of OECD 423 guideline. Euphorbia fusiformis latex was found to be safe at the dose of 2000 mg/kg and therefore characterized as Category 5 in the GHS system. It is concluded that further studies are essential for isolation and identification of chemical constituents from Euphorbia fusiformis and screening of pharmacological activities to support the traditional claims.

In silico Inhibition studies of constituents of Abutilon indicum on Xanthine oxidase

Objective: To find out the xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of constituents reported from the Abutilon indicum through in silico studies as there is traditional claim supporting the use of this plant in treating gout. Method: The 33 constituents of Abutilon indicum were chosen for the study and their drug likeness were read using online application SwissADME. Molecular docking studies were done in Autodock version 1.5.6. The docked samples were viewed using Molegro Molecular Viewer 2.5.0. and Pymol. Allopurinol was used as standard to compare the docking scores of the plant constituents. Results: All the 33 compounds (A1-A33) exhibited drug likeness. Good binding energies were observed for 19 constituents against 3AX7 protein. 6 compounds such as luteolin, beta-amyrin,1-lycoperodine, chrysoeriol, quercetin and flavone possessed binding energies greater than 8 and good inhibition constant values. Conclusion: The constituents of Abutilon indicum has good xanthine oxidase inhibiting potential and can further be developed into a drug candidate against gout.

Phytochemical Investigation and Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Solvent Leave Extracts of Carissa spinarum.

BackgroundAmong many traditionally used medicinal plants, Carissa spinarum (Agam) is a well-known indigenous plant in Ethiopia. It is used in its raw form to treat different diseases in different parts of the country. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate extraction, isolation, and determination of the antibacterial properties of the solvent leaf extract of Carissa spinarum.MethodsIn this study, 800 g of powdered leaves of Carissa spinarum were macerated with 2500 mL of methanol and yielded 58 g (7.25%, w/w) of gummy material. The extract was then further partitioned by using ethyl acetate and chloroform. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening test. The antibacterial activity of the three solvent leaf extracts of Carissa spinarum were evaluated using disc diffusion method. The methanol extract was subjected to column chromatography silica gel (60–200 mesh) by mixing methanol:petroleum ether (4:1). Then fractions were collected and investigated by TLC and finally identified using spectroscopy.ResultsThe three extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform) of Carissa spinarum were presented to antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against four bacterial species using gentamycin and ampicillin discs as positive controls and DMSO as a negative control. All extracts had a relatively antibacterial effect with different extent zones of inhibition. However, the methanol extract showed superior antibacterial activity compared with DMSO and ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts. These could due to variation of the phytoconstituents. The most probable structure of the compound isolated was 5-(2’,3’,4’,6’-tetrahydroxy-5’-methoxycyclohexyloxy)-2,3,4 trihydroxypentanoic acid.ConclusionData obtained from this study collectively indicated that the three solvent extracts of Carissa spinarum have a promising antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional claim of the plant for treatment of infection.

Neuropharmacological evaluation and HPTLC fingerprint profile of phytocompound-enriched chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley fruits - a potent Asian ethno-medicinal vegetable plant.

Lagenariasiceraria (Molina) Standley (Cucurbitaceae) is a traditional vegetable plant, popularly known as bottle gourd (English) and lauki (Hindi). It is a climbing herb characterized with a number of therapeutic properties. Traditionally Lagenariasiceraria (LS) fruits were used for their cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, diuretic, and purgative effects, but there is very little scientific data available on its neuroprotective potential.

Eleocharis dulcis individually and in combination with Brassica rapa as a best cure of diabetes with zero side effects

There is a lot of robust evidence of the use of various medicinal plants in lowering metabolic glucose levels in diabetic patients. The current study was designed to focus on the antidiabetic properties of Eleocharis dulcis and Brassica rapa. The stages carried out in this research are sample extraction, phytochemical analysis, FTIR analysis, proximate analysis, antioxidant, and clinical trial for antidiabetic activity. Twenty-two male and female diabetic patients were selected from Lahore who was already taking the oral hypoglycemics drug. They were asked to take orally the equally mixed powder of both E. dulcis and B. rapa (almost 500 g) one time per day for 20 days. Blood glucose levels were assessed with the assistance of a glucometer. It was taken note that after utilizing the E. dulcis individually and in combination with B. rapa, blood glucose level was altogether decreased in both males and females. The current experiment and investigation established a pharmacological indication to support the traditional claim that B. rapa and E. dulcis are good antidiabetic agents. Novelty impact statement The outcomes of this study back up previous studies on the effects of Brassica rapa and Eleocharis dulcis consumption on glucose control in diabetic patients. The findings of proximate and phytochemical studies of aqueous, hexane, and ethanolic extracts, as well as crushed powder demonstrated that both E. dulcis and Brassica rapa pulp contain a significant amount of nutrients.

Antidiabetic Activity of Hydromethanolic Extract of Crude Dorstenia barnimiana Root: Validation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic and Antidyslipidemic Activity.

BackgroundDespite modern therapeutic armamentaria, DM remains a 21st-century public health menace. Novel phytomedicines are a rapidly expanding focus of research. The juice of Dorstenia barnimiana roots has long been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional Ethiopian medicine, but its efficacy has not been supported by in vitro or in vivo scientific study. To investigate this, the present work was performed.MethodsIn this experimental study, simple random sampling was applied. Healthy male mice were used in normoglycemic and oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) models. Streptozotocin (IP, 150 mg/kg)–administered diabetic male mice were utilized. Animals were randomly divided into five groups of six each. Group I received 10 mL/kg distilled water, groups II–IV received 100 (DB100), 200 (DB200), and 400 (DB400) mg/kg crude extract, respectively, and group V received glibenclamide 5 mg/kg. A sham group (group VI) was added that received 10 mL/kg distilled water. All treatments were given orally. FBG, serum-lipid profiles, and body-weight changes were then measured. In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity was also evaluated.ResultsThe doses were atoxic up to 2,000 mg/kg. There was α-amylase inhibition activity of 67.52% at 500 μg/mL with an IC50 of 4.595 μg/mL. The OGTT revealed an antihyperglycemic effect of the crude extract. This was not attributed to a hypoglycemic side effect. In the diabetic mouse model, it shrank FBG levels remarkably. There were also significant reductions in serum TC, TGs, VLDL-C, and LDL-C. Nevertheless, HDL-C and body-weight levels returned.ConclusionThe present study confirmed the safety and promising in vivo antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity of D. barnimiana, thus corroborating the traditional claim.

OPUNTIA ELATIOR MILL.–ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES-A REVIEW

Opuntia elatior Mill. (OE) (Family Cactaceae), commonly recognized as Red Prickly pear, is a plant of varied nutritional and medicinal benefits. The species has been scrutinized for the composition and wide array of pharmacological activities. This review is attempted with an aim to document the updated status of OE with respect to its phytochemistry and pharmacological actions. The data is collected from the extensive review of literatures from scientific articles, dissertations and books available on various web-based search engines such as Pub-med, Google-scholar and Science direct and few unpublished observations. The fruit is reported to be rich in carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, betalains, vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and potassium. Extract and the fruit as a whole are reported for anti-oxidant, hematinic, anti-leukemic, anti-diabetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, broncho-dilatory, mast cell degranulation, radio-protective and anti-arthritic activities. It is reported to be safe for administration in a dose dependent manner. OE is a nutritionally and medicinally important drug with a wide range of traditional and pharmacological applications. There is a vast scope for research on the varied traditional claims of this drug. This review might help for the further research on the species.

Nephroprotective potential of Sharbat-e-Bazoori Motadil (sugar-free) in HEK-293 cells and Wistar rats against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity

Sharbat-e-Bazoori Motadil (SBM) is a traditional Unani syrupy formulation, widely used for the management of kidney diseases. Due to lack of scientific evidence, the present work prospective is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of sugar-free SBM against cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity using in vitro and in vivo followed by phytochemical studies. The sugar-free SBM formulation was chromatographically characterized for chemical analysis through HPTLC and evaluated for its metabolic contents. Thereafter, in vitro phytochemicals and free radical scavenging assays were performed to evaluate the total phenols and flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of sugar-free SBM. Human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cell was used to assess nephroprotective and antioxidant studies of sugar-free SBM. Further, in vivo nephroprotective studies were performed in female Wistar albino rats at different dose (32.1, 64.2, 128.4 mg/kg/day, p.o.) of SBM by assessment of biochemical markers, antioxidants status, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological analysis. Qualitative and quantitative HPTLC analysis of SBM revealed eleven and eight metabolites at 254 and 366 nm, respectively, while the content of caffeic acid and trans ferulic acid was found as 5.63 ± 0.29 and 12.64 ± 0.71 µg/mg, respectively. In vitro free radical scavenging assays showed the significant antioxidant potential of sugar-free SBM. The in vitro assay for nephroprotective and cellular antioxidant analysis of SBM showed significant (p < 0.001) nephroprotective and antioxidant potential. Additionally, in vivo studies of different doses of SBM showed significant (p < 0.001) amelioration in kidney and liver biomarkers. Besides, it also manifests antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activity confirmed by regulation of CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and caspase-3 levels. Additionally, normalization in histopathological changes of kidney tissue against cisplatin toxicity was also observed in SBM. The sugar-free SBM significantly ameliorated cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by exerting normalcy in biochemical markers, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. These findings indicated an opportunity to develop a sugar-free formulation from SBM composition, as well as scientific validation of its traditional claim in the Unani system of medicine.

Development of eClaim system for private indemnity health insurance in South Korea: Compatibility and interoperability.

South Korea has the mandatory National Health Insurance (NHI) and supplemental Private Indemnity Health Insurance (PIHI). According to the Financial Supervisory Service, the share of the population with PIHI increased to 66% in 2018 due to the financial burden. However, since the traditional PIHI claim workflow is based on the paper attachment method, it is a big burden to every stakeholder and limits the usability and accessibility of the claims data. To improve the traditional PIHI claim workflow, we developed the electronic claim (eClaim) service for the PIHI in Korea. We also applied the HL7® (Health Level Seven) FHIR® (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard to ensure interoperability of the claims data. The proposed eClaim Service has been launched in 2017. It has been increased from 8155 in the first half of 2018 to 114,087 in the second half of 2020. Currently, 60 healthcare providers and 22 payers participated in this service. In this study, we proposed an eClaim workflow and service to improve the legacy system. The proposed method can be helpful to other entities planning for their own health insurance system and also applied to various practical purposes including value-based care, automated claim review, and clinical research.

Network Pharmacology-Based Validation of Traditional Therapeutic Claim of Momordica Charantiain Alleviating Diabetic Nephropathy

For centuries, medicinal plants have been playing an important role in the alleviation of various diseases, traditionally. Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia) is a folk medicinal herb belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, used as the folk medicinal regime for the treatment of diabetes or diabetic nephropathy (DN), traditionally. Due to the lack of scientific evidence based on its molecular mechanism for treating DN, the study is aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of M. charantia metabolites using a network pharmacology approach. Furthermore, ADME analysis was performed to determine the lipophilicity and the drug-likeness response of the metabolites. The network pharmacology results showed a multi-mechanistic and therapeutic role of the metabolites present M. charantia by regulating several genomes involved in the pathophysiology of DN. Mean while, M. charantia ameliorates endothelial dysfunction, fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, acute kidney injury, fibrosis, hypertensive disease, obesity, etc. furthermore, it was also found that the targets potentially play an essential role in the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress-induced inflammation. In ADME analysis, each selected molecule of M. charantia exhibited good gastrointestinal (GI) absorption, lipophilicity and bioavailability response. Hence, it can be demonstrated that M. charantiapossesses several metabolites including polyphenols which exhibit an important role in the treatment of DN via regulation of several genomes such as AKTs, CASPs, MAPKs, ILs, NOs, etc, responsible for its pathophysiology. Furthermore, the generated evidence validates the traditional claim of M. charantia for alleviating DN.

Phytochemical, Biological and Traditional Claims on Averrhoa bilimbi: An Overview

Averrhoa bilimbi is primarily utilized in traditional medicine to cure blood pressure, high levels of sugar in the blood and many infectious diseases. The key objective of the current review is to assemble and establish literature based on traditional claims and relate those with up-to-date pharmacological results on the use of Averrhoa bilimbi for managing diverse diseases. Literature was collected, systematically assessed, understood and discoursed from the various scientific databases as Scopus, Pub Med and Science direct by using keyword Averrhoa bilimbi. Various biological activities have confirmed the potential of Averrhoa bilimbi to act as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective which indicates the excessive worth of plant holds as complementary and alternative medicine. Consequently, it is aimed to compile a current and complete review of Averrhoa bilimbi which offsets its traditional uses as medicine, phytochemistry and biological effects

A Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims of Desmodium Triquetrum(L.) DC.

Desmodium triquetrum(L.) DC.is synonym ofTadahagitriquetrum(L.) H.Ohashibelongs to the family Fabaceae.Desmodiumtriquetrum (L.) DC. is traditionally used in common cold, sore throat, hemoptysis due to lung diseases, hepatomegaly, enteritis, traumatic injury, etc. Aim:The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on ethnomedicinal claims ofDesmodium triquetrum(L.) DC. from published literatures, books related to ethnobotany and ethnomedicine. Materials and Methods:All the available information on Desmodium triquetrum(L.) DC.was collected via published literatures, books like Medicinal plants of Gujarat, Reviews on Indian medicinal plants, The wealth of India NISCAIR, etc. The obtained information was distributed into part-wise ethnomedicinal claims,region-wise traditional claims, local names in different languages, and therapeutic indications. Result:It has been found to be reported in more than 23 states in India, widely distributed in western parts of India common in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat etc.Its root, leaves, and the whole plant has been recommended in 19 different diseases both externally and internally. The whole plant has maximum application in 12 different diseased conditions, followed by root and leaves in 4 and 3 diseases respectively. Conclusion:Desmodium triquetrum(L.) DC. is widely used for treatment of chronic cough and tuberculosis and also, the leaves have been used as a substitute for tea by hill tribes in upper Assam. As the findings, Desmodiumtriquetrum (L.) DC. need to explore with the help of detailedinvestigation,especially through pharmacological properties.

Anti-dermatophyte activity of the aqueous extracts of Thai medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants have long been prescribed in Thailand for centuries. Different constituents of extracts have been used for treating of various infectious diseases. However, there is even less information available regarding the use in fungal skin infection. In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential, this study is focused on exploring the anti-dermatophyte property of the plants that are currently used as traditional medicines. The potential of four different plant species were selected for investigate in vitro anti-dermatophyte activity. Ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.), and Acorus calamus (L.). were analysed for their total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content and were then subjected to test of their anti-dermatophyte properties using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative flavonoids and phenolics analysis of the extracts showed their biologically active constituents. Among the species examined, the result indicated that most of the extracts demonstrated anti-dermatophyte activity. In particular, A. calamus showed the highest efficacy against test organisms. The experiment confirmed the chemical constituents and efficacy of some selected plants and provides a scientific confirmation of the use of Thai plants in traditional medicine for fungal skin infections.

2D finite elements for the computational analysis of crack propagation in brittle materials and the handling of double discontinuities

Crack growth simulations by way of the traditional Finite Element Method claim progressive remeshing to fit the geometry of the fracture, severely increasing the computational effort. Methods such as the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) allow to overcome this limitation by means of nodal shape functions multiplied by Heaviside step function to enrich finite element nodes. Through the medium of a discontinuous field, the entire geometry of the discontinuity can be modelled regardless of the mesh, avoiding remeshing. In this paper two shell-type XFEM elements (a three-node triangular element and a four-node quadrangular element) to evaluate crack propagation in brittle materials are presented. These elements have been implemented into the widespread opensource framework OpenSees to evaluate crack propagation into a plane shell subjected to monotonically increasing loads. Moreover, in the perspective of fracture propagation simulations, the problem of managing multiple cracks without remeshing or operating subdivisions on the integration domain has been investigated and a four-node quadrangular finite element for the computational analysis of double crossed discontinuities by the means of equivalent polynomials is presented in this paper. Equivalent polynomials allow to overcome inaccuracies on the results when performing standard numerical integration (e.g. Gauss-Legendre quadrature rule) over the entire domain of XFEM elements, without the need of defining integration subdomains. The presented work and the computational strategy behind it may be extremely useful not only in the field of fracture mechanics, but also to solve complex geometry problems or material discontinuities.

Evaluation of Anti Diabetic Activity of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Datura Innoxia Mill.

The current research has been performed to substantiate the traditional claim of the anti-diabetic activity of seeds of Datura Innoxia Mill. in rats. This plant contains scopolamine alkaloid, which has been reported to be used in operations as pre-anaesthesia, used in delivery, as well as in ocular surgeries and for travel sickness prophylaxis. Datura is a medicinal and hallucinogenic plant that is used everywhere in the globe. Datura is revered in Ayurveda because all parts of the plant have medicinal properties, including the roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers, and have been employed to treat a variety of ailments, including leprosy, rabies, and insanity. Withanolide has recently been found to have potent anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, hepatoprotective, soporfic, cytotoxic, and immune suppressant properties. An alloxan-induced diabetes model in rats was used to test the anti-diabetic activity of an ethanolic extract of the seeds of Datura Innoxia Mill. (Family-Solanaceae). A comparison was made between both the animals treated with extract from seeds and animals treated with known drug for diabetes i.e.., glibenclamide. The extract dose was chosen based on acute oral toxicity tests conducted in accordance with OECD norms. The outcomes revealed the fact that ethanolic extract significantly reduced the glucose levels in blood. The findings supported the use of seeds extract in the treatment of diabetes.

Survey of animals and their products used in traditional medicine in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Potent elixirs used for recreational and medical purposes are often prepared using by-products and parts of both wild and domesticated animals. In traditional medicine, they are used to manage both physical and spiritual illnesses. This study surveyed the various animals and animal products used in zootherapeutics in Bukuru and Jos metropolis, in Plateau State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were distributed to traditional healers, herb vendors and people willing to participate in the research. We carried out the survey between the months of January and March, 2022. The leaders of traditional healers’ associations, butchers and abattoir workers were subjected to extensive oral interviews. The highest percentage (43.7%) of the respondents were within ages of 31- 45 years, while 60.6% were males. A total of 38 different animals were used for different zootherapeutic purposes against a plethora of diseases, which include sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, asthma, erectile dysfunction, infertility, cancer, stroke, jaundice, leprosy, toothache, epileptic seizures, bone fractures, rabies, rheumatism and other conditions. Prominent animal parts or by-products used in the survey include head, skin, gall bladder, urine, faeces, fats and oil. There is a generous wealth of knowledge in the application of animals and their products in zootherapy. The traditional claims of the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, cardiovascular disorders, bacterial and viral infections require empirical validation via biological and pharmacological examinations.