Browsing by Author "Charles, NC"

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    Biochemical Modulation of Streptozotocin Neurotoxicity by Cinnamonum Verum Bark Extract in Wistar Rats
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2025-04) Charles, II; Charles, NC; Immaculata, OM; Chioma, OJ; Akpan, JA.
    This study investigates the effects of Cinnamomum verum bark extract on Streptozotocin (STZ) induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty five (25) Male Wistar rats weighing between 93.4 -107.6g were divided into five groups: Group A: Control, Group B 65mg/kg STZ, Group C 65mg/kg STZ + 200mg/kg cinnamomum verum extract, Group D 65mg/kg STZ-induced + 400mg/kg Cinnamonum Verum extract and Group E 600mg/kg Cinnamomum verum extract for 28 days. STZ was administered intraperitoneally to induce neurotoxicity, followed by oral administration of Cinnamomum verum bark extract. Neurobehavioral test using Ymaze were conducted to assess cognitive functions. Biochemical assays measured oxidative stress markers, and neurotransmitter levels in the brain tissue. Hippocampal absorbance rates and latency periods were also measured to assess hippocampal intergrity and cognitive performance. The extract showed a significant increase in cognitive functions compared to the STZ-induced group. There was a marked reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), and an increase in antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione. Treatment with Cinnamomum verum bark extract particularly in Group D and E, significantly reduced (p?0.005) MDA levels and restored SOD and GTT levels, suggesting enhanced antioxidant protection. In the Y-maze, the STZ only group showed prolonged latency periods, reflecting impaired spatial learning and memory. Cinnamonum verum bark treatment notably reduced latency period in Group D and E,demonstrating improved cognitive function. Furthermore, hippocampal absorbance rates were significantly attenuates STZ induced cognitive impairment in male wistar rats. The extract enhances antioxidant defenses, reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive performance, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease.
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    Cannabis sativa Boosts Brain Functions and Ameliorate Anxiety, when used Sensibly and not Abusively
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-04) Charles, II; Fidelis, OO; Ugwuishi, E; Charles, NC; Blessing, IO; Chidimma, OB.
    Cannabis sativa is an illegal substance with documented analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal properties. Numerous other cannabinoids found in cannabis have an impact on brain activity. So, the purpose of this study was to examine how cannabis sativa extract affected the cognito-motor activity in rats. Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats weighing between 80.53 and 100.49g were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) of six animals each after a 14-day acclimatization period to laboratory conditions. Only food and water were provided to Group A. Groups B and C received an oral ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Group D received an intraperitoneal dose of diazepam at a rate of 50 mg/kg. To ascertain the impact of the cannabis sativa extract on the neuro behavior of the rats, each animal in the four groups is subjected to an experimental test following each administration of the extract (the Barnes maze test, the beam walk test, and the inverted screen tests). The rats in groups B and C that received cannabis sativa extract showed a notable improvement in learning and memory, and the majority of the rats in group C who received cannabis sativa extract walked upright without stumbling. Group A, the control group, exhibited indicators of anxiety and panic but no discernible change in learning or memory. Due to muscle weakness, members of group D (standard drug group) were essentially inactive throughout the experiment, staggering and falling. It can be concluded that cannabis sativa's ethanolic leaf extract is not harmful, boosts brain functions, and promotes learning and memory when used sensibly and not abusively. Thus, it can be inferred that the plant may help with the treatment of several mental health conditions, such as anxiety.
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    The Effects of Mkpuru Mmiri Consumption on Cognitive Performance and Brain Histology in an Animal Study
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-04) Charles, II; Charles, NC; Salome, IC; Ovie, F. O; Blessing, IO; Paul, IC.
    Mkpuru mmiri, popularly known as ice or methamphetamine (METH) is one of the illegal substances that young people in Nigeria abuse most frequently. The purpose of the study is to determine how methamphetamine affects the cognitive-motor behavior of Wistar rats. In the study, twenty-five Wistar rats weighing between 117 and 138 grams were split into five groups: group A had only rat feed and water, group B - D received doses of METH ranging from 5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, and group E received a dose of 5 mg/kg of diazepam. Neurobehavioral tools such as the navigator maze test, elevated plus maze and beam walk were used to assess the rats’ memory, anxiety-related behavior, balance, motor coordination, and working memory respectively. Two weeks after the injection, samples were taken and examined for oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde - MDA) and tissue antioxidant indicators (Superoxide dismutase - SOD, Glutathione - GSH, and Total Antioxidant Capacity - TAC). The data were analyzed using SPSS and post hoc LSD and the significance level was established at p<0.05. The results showed that the test groups' body weight was significantly lower than the control groups' (p<0.05). The test groups' relative brain weights increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. The data also showed a significantly (p<0.05), level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, and TAC levels) and a significantly (p<0.05) greater level of MDA when compared to the control group. When comparing the test groups' cognitive abilities to the controls, the experimental rats' cognitive powers significantly declined. The study's conclusion demonstrated that chronic consumption of methamphetamine may deteriorate cognitive function.
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    Ginkgo biloba and Curcuma longa Root’s Synergistic Potency on Neurobehaviour of Streptozotocin-Induced Neurodegenerative Disorders
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-03) Charles, II; Charles, NC; Ochanya, IB; Paul, IC; Immaculata, OM.
    Neurodegenerative conditions like anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's disease can result from prolonged exposure to stress. Herbal supplements like Ginkgo biloba and Curcuma longa (turmeric) are being investigated as a result of the search for natural neuroprotective agents. In order to mitigate streptozotocin-induced neurodegeneration, this study examined the effects of combining ginkgo biloba supplements with Curcuma longa root extract. Twenty-five rats weighing between 90 and 120 grammes were split into five groups of five animals each. Group A was the control group; Group B was the negative control group (STZ alone); and Groups C–E were given extracts orally for 21 days at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of Ginkgo biloba supplement and 200, 400, and 500 mg/kg of turmeric root extract. Following daily extract administration, a neurobehavioral test was performed. After 21 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood was extracted via ocular puncture into an EDTA container, and the serum was separated for oxidative biomarker analysis by centrifugation. The brain hippocampus was extracted and homogenized to measure the hippocampus absorbance level. Ginkgo biloba supplement and Curcuma longa root extract, at the doses tested on the Group C-E, significantly decreased p?0.05 MDA, while GSH and SOD significantly increased p?0.05 compared to group B. The hippocampus absorbance level increased non-significantly when compared to B. When comparing the test group to group B, there was a notable improvement in spatial memory and cognitive function, as evidenced by the significant decrease in escape latency and the number of errors (p?0.05) and the significant increase in path efficiency. This study implies that some neurodegenerative diseases in diabetic rats may be lessened by the combined application of Curcuma longa roots and Ginkgo biloba supplements.
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    Metformin and Caffeine’s Influence on Lipid Profile Indices of Streptozotocin-Induced Dyslipidemia in an Animal Model
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-09) Oluchi, OK; Charles, NC; Charles, II; FO, Ovie; Joseph, A; Daneil, NC.
    Dyslipidemia has been linked to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, which is the outcome of either insufficient insulin production or insensitivity to insulin, is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin were used to determine the effect of metformin and caffeine on blood glucose levels and lipid profile indices. The rats weighed between 150 and 200 grams and were split into six groups of six animals each at random. Group A was given unlimited access to chow (Grower feed) and water adlibitum. Group B was administered 60 mg/kg of streptozocin (STZ) without any medication, while Group C was given 60 mg/kg of STZ together with 50 mg/kg of metformin. Groups D and E were administered 60 mg/kg of streptozocin and 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of caffeine, for a duration of 21 days respectively. Group F was given 50 mg/kg of caffeine together with 50 mg/kg of metformin for a duration of 21 days. After performing a post-hoc LSD comparison and using ANOVA to analyze the results, the lipid profile and blood glucose level were deemed significant at p<0.05. A paired t-test was used to analyze body weight. Rats with diabetes had reduced body weight, whereas those receiving metformin and caffeine treatments had noticeably increased body weight. The findings demonstrated that whereas metformin and caffeine therapy greatly reduced blood glucose levels, STZ caused hyperglycemia in group B. However, diabetic rats had considerably higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), which were reduced by metformin and caffeine administration. HDL activity was considerably increased after treatment with metformin and caffeine, despite the rats' reduced HDL levels in group B. Rats with diabetes had considerably elevated levels of LDL and VLDL, and therapy with metformin and caffeine markedly restored their activity. The study shows that caffeine plus metformin may be utilized to control the lipid profile and blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.