European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151205

Chief Editors: Dr. Marcello Iriti, Dr. Valentina Savo
ISSN: 2231-0894

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.sciencedomain.org/journal-home.php?id=13

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 484

Quantitative estimation of Carthamin and Carthamidin from the Florets C. tinctorius L., (Safflower Florets)
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-06) Sultana, A.; Laxmi, V.; Anwar, S. Y.; Hussain, M. M.
Natural colorants derived fom plant materials have gained increasing popularity due to their non toxic nature. pigment extraction from the florets is normally done by Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and hydro distillation are conventional methods that have been widely used in industry and laboratory .phytochemical analysis of safflower florets revealed the plant presence of high amount of Carthamin and carthamidin.
Bioactivity of Hibbertia scandens – an Australian Aboriginal Traditional Medicinal Plant
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Alreemi, R. M; Alkatabi, H. A.
The First Australian Community is one of the ancient civilizations which has been dependent upon the available surrounding natural resources for their clothing, nutrition and healing of disease. Unfortunately, some of their traditional medicines and / or their practical applications are lost because of poor written documentation. Plants form parts of ancient remedies used by Aboriginal peoples to heal several ailments due to their therapeutic activities. One of these medicinal plants is Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine), which has been used by Aboriginal Communities as a traditional medicine to treat sores and rashes due to antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this plant.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Chrysophyllum albidum Collected in Nsukka, South East Nigeria
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-06) Cyril, A.; Ibeabuchi, A.; Romanus, O.
Background: Chrysophyllum albidum is widely used by African people for the treatment of various types of diseases such as ear infection, sore throat, typhoid, cellulites, septicaemia, bactericemia, abscesses and tooth infections. Aim: The study was conducted to investigate the chemical components and antibacterial activity of the extract and fractions from the root bark of Chrysophyllum albidum from Nsukka, South-east Nigeria. Methodology: The fresh roots were collected, washed, cut into small pieces, air dried and pulverized to powder using mechanical grinder. Extraction and fractionation were done by cold maceration method and technique of liquid–liquid extraction respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract and, n-hexane, butanol, aqueous and ethylacetate fractions of the plant part was carried out using standard method. The antibacterial activities were determined using cup-plate agar diffusion and agar dilution methods. Results: The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, reducing sugar and cardiac glycosides. The inhibition zone diameter (IZD) produced by the agents against some selected Gram positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram negative bacteria (GNB) pathogens ranged from 6 – 25 mm and 6 – 12 mm respectively. The MIC and MBC values produced by the extract and fractions of the plant’s part against the GPB ranged from 1.25 – 40 mg/ml and 5 – 80 mg/ml respectively Many of the GNB were not sensitive to the agents tested except Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp that exhibited mild to moderate sensitivity to the agents. Conclusion: These agents, therefore, exhibited a potent antibacterial activity against all the GPB and a few GNB pathogens tested due to their potent phytochemicals. The results of this work have corroborated the trado-medical use of root of Chrysophyllum albidum for treating ear infection, sore throat, typhoid, cellulites, septicaemia, bactericemia, boils and tooth infection/decay.
Effectiveness of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Terminalia ivorensis on Feet Fungus Disease
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Sitapha, O.; Marcelin, K. K. A.; Elisée, K. K.; Albert, L. B. K. P.; Issa, B.; Mathieu, K. A. K.; David, N. J.; Joseph, D. A.
Despite the evolution of modern medicine, traditional medicine remains widespread in developing countries and its use continues to increase in industrialized countries.It is the same way that the effectiveness of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia ivorensis was tested on the feet fungus disease of volunteers. Objective: The present work is oriented in the preparation of an antimicrobial hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia ivorensis, a medicinal plant in order to enhance it. Materials and Methods: One hundred (100) grams of powder from trunk bark’s Terminalia ivorensis were extracted by homogenisation in a solvent mixture of 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water in a blender. After six grinding cycles, the homogenate obtained in each case was first wrung out in a clean white cloth square and then successively filtered twice on cotton wool and on Whatman 3 mm filter paper. The filtrate obtained was dried in a Venticell oven. The powder obtained constitutes the hydroalcoholic extract (or The 70% hydroethanolic extract). The 70% hydroethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis obtained was mixed with water to obtain a pasty liquid form before being tested on feet fungus disease using a cotton ball. Results: The extract had activity on these different shapes of feet fungus disease with a marked improvement. The volunteers who finished their treatment have been cured of feet fungus disease. Conclusion: The treatment results obtained revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract has good antimicrobial activity. The hydroalcoholic extract can be an undeniable source for the development of Improved Traditional Medicines (ITM) against feet fungus disease.
Ethnopharmacological Characteristics of Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Warb. (Myristicaceae), a Plant Used in the Traditional Treatment of Viral and Parasitic Diseases
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Bene, K.; Azokou, A.; Kouame, K. B.; Fah, M. A.; Traore, I. T.; Koné, M. W.
Background: Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Warb. (Myristicaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional Ivorian medicine. A recent ethnobotanical survey has discovered Pycnanthus angolensis in the traditional treatment of viral and parasitic diseases. Aim: The present study aims to highlight the distinctive ethnopharmacological characteristics of Pycnanthus angolensis. Methods: The aim was to identify some groups of chemical compounds by thin layer chromatography, to assay some minerals and finally to characterise the specific anatomical and micrographic features of the plant. Results: Terpenes and sterols, saponosides, flavonoids and tannins are the main phytocompounds revealed. Magnesium with 621.3 mg/100 g dry matter is the most abundant mineral. Anatomical sections and plant powder revealed starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals, secretory pockets and tector hairs that are responsible for the formation of various biological substances in the plant. Conclusion: These results add to the data on Pycnanthus angolensis, a taxon much used in traditional Ivorian medicine for the treatment of antiparasitic and antiviral diseases.
Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potentials of the Ethanol Leave Extracts of four Medicinal Plants
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Ogunjinmi, O. E.; Oriyomi, O. V.; Olasunkanmi, A. A.
For many years, medicinal plants have been a resource for healing in several local communities around the world and the phytochemicals in them such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic, tannins, and terpenoids are attributed to their many medicinal values. Vernonia amydalina, Senna alata, Jatropha curcas, and Grewia pubescens are important plants with immense value. In this study, phytochemical screening, antioxidant analysis and the potential anti-hyperglycemic properties of the plants was investigated in-vitro. The ethanol leave extracts of the plants were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and tannin, flavonoids and phenol quantification. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical inhibition of the extracts was done by spectrophotometric method while the anti-diabetic potential was analyzed through the in-vitro ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition. Phytochemicals detected in the ethanol leave extracts of the four plants are tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. Flavonoids, phenols, and tannin content were highest in Senna alata (0.27±0.0.002 mg: mg of rutin per g of extract, 10.63±0.0.017 mg: mg of gallic acid per g of extract, and 6.72±0.06 mg/g respectively) followed by V. amygdalina (0.20±00.002 mg: mg of rutin per g of extract, 8.27±0.0.017 mg: mg of gallic acid per g of extract, and 7.98±0.03 mg/g respectively). While the least content of all was found in the extracts of Jatropha curcas. Concentration dependent and statistically significant difference was observed in both the FRAP and DPPH radical inhibition of all the extracts. Senna alata showed the strongest reducing power followed by the V. amygdalina. Both Senna alata and V. amygdalina showed DPPH radical inhibition that is not significantly (p>0.05) different from that of trolox. ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition was also demonstrated in a concentration dependent manner. In both the ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition, V. amygdalina and S. alata exhibited the most significant inhibitory properties among the plant extracts. The overall result in this study suggested that V. amygdalina, S. alata with the highest content of the phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities are potential source of antioxidant constituents and might be useful for the management of diseases such as diabetes.
Evaluation of Elemental and Volatile Compounds of Three Selected Plants of Genus Hibiscus
(Sciencedomain International, 2022-02) Deliza, H; Maibam, D.
Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the minerals, bioactive compounds of 3 selected Hibiscus Genus i,e. Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Hibiscus cannabinus L., and Hibiscus acetosella Welw. Place and Duration of Study: The selected plants were collected during May to October 2018 from Imphal (24°37’N and 93°39’E) Manipur North Eastern State of India, which lies 2590 feet above sea level, and study were carried out in Genetics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University. Methodology: The minerals composition and bioactive compounds were evaluated by using Graphite Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS) method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), respectively. Results: The elemental analysis shows the presence of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt. By using the GC-MS method, the compounds are identified with Retention time (RT) and area percentage. The two compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. For Hibiscus cannabinus L., three compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract and for Hibiscus acetosella Welw. eleven compounds for methanol extract and three compounds for chloroform extract. Conclusion: The selected plants are good source of Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper and bioactive compounds which had antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant properties and renal related disorders protection effects. However, it is needed to study the pharmacological activity for further evaluation.
Intake of Fruits and Vegetables as Self Prescribed Weight Reducing and DASH Diets among Obese-Hypertensive Individuals Attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Babangida, P. M.; Ofili, C.; Peters, E.; Nwose, E. U.
Background: Five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, along with relatively unprocessed whole grains or legumes with each meal, are essential for reducing the risk of obesity, hypertension and other related non communicable diseases. While being low or relatively low in calories, fruits and vegetables include a large amount of dietary fiber and a range of micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals which are all essential for health. Aims: To investigate the intake of fruits and vegetables as self prescribed weight reducing and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diets among obese - hypertensive individuals attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used with a sample size of 440 obese hypertensive individuals (with body mass index of = or > 30Kg/m2 and blood pressure of = or > 140/90mmHg). Questionnaires, personal interviews and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data using purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) 22 Version. Results: A total of 440 respondents were used in the study and data were elicited from all of this number giving a 100% response rate. A total of 242 (55.0%) and 215 (48.9%) of the respondents consumed fruits and vegetables only one to two days per week with only 36 (8.2%) and 26 (5.9%) consuming fruits and vegetables every day. Conclusion: It can be concluded based on the key findings of this study that there is statistically significant mean difference in fruits and vegetables consumption amongst obese - hypertensive individuals attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria (p<0.05).
Anti-inflammatory Assessment of Methanol Extract of Acalypha ciliata Leaves and It’s Leucocyte Mobilization in Adult Wistar Rats
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Celestine, U. O.; Jude, A. I.; Keneolisa, A. F.; Chigozie, U.- ugo J.; Chijioke, O. R.; Maduabuchi, O. R.; Ifeanyi, U. F.; Ogbonna, O. R.; Assumpta, A. C.
Aim: The study's objective was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity and leucocyte mobilization of a methanol extract of leaves from Acalypha ciliata in adult Wistar rats. Study Design: Egg albumin-induced edema was used for anti-inflammatory test and leucocyte mobilization test was carried out to check for total leucocyte cout and differentials. Place and Duration of the Study: This original study was conducted between January and June 2013 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Methology: The pulverized leaf of Acalypha ciliata was extracted using cold maceration, and the Treas and Evans technique of phytochemical screening was used. The anti-inflammatory study was conducted using the method of Winter et al., and the acute toxicity study was assessed using Lorke's method. ANOVA was used to statistically examine the collected data. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, soluble carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Soluble carbohydrates appeared in abundant concentration (2199.76±10.81, 2141.6±7.583, 913±21.06). Acute toxicity tests showed no toxicity and mortality at doses up to 5000 mgkg-1. Anti-inflammatory study revealed that group treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of extract significantly (P =0.05) and in a dose dependant manner decreased in TLC when compared with normal control. Moreover, the group treated with 100,200,400 mg/kg b.w of extract and reference drug(Indometacin) mobilized the leucocyte at the rate of 36, 22, 12 and 62 % respectively. A significant (P = 0.05) reduction in the mean paw oedema was observed for all the treatment groups from 1 hour to 5 hours when compared to the toxic group. Conclusion: As a result of this study's findings, it can be concluded that methanol extract of the Acalypha ciliata leaf has anti-inflammatory characteristics. High dosages of the extract resulted in a better decrease of oedema and an increase in leukocyte mobilization in response to agar suspension than low doses. Many anti-inflammatory herbs and substances alter inflammatory reactions by hastening the breakdown of or reversing the effect of the inflammatory mediators. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties could potentially result from the interaction of different photochemical substances present. The findings suggest that, if used, the plant may serve as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.
The Ameliorative Effect of Ashwagandha- Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal on park25 Induced Neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster Parkinson’s Disease Model
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-06) Murthy, M. N.; Chandana, V.; Nisarga, H. D.; Shyamala, B. V.
Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years in traditional Indian Ayurveda for treatment of various neurological, and stress disorders. The root of Ashwagandha (ASH) is regarded as a tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant. Ashwagandha with other herbal decoctions was recognized to treat Kampavatha (Parkinson’s Disease) since 18th century. With this wide array of ethnopharmacological relevance, Ashwagandha has been recognized as one of the prominent complementary and alternative medicine to treat many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is a prominent increase in the cases of AD and PD all over the world and it demands the requirement of complementary and alternative herbal remedies with no/minimal side effects. Many genetic factors are responsible for the onset and progression of PD. Loss-of-function mutations in the parkin gene are a major cause of early onset of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP). Drosophila park25 loss of function mutants exhibit significantly increased number of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts and a significantly decreased number of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain which is the main cause of PD condition. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of Ashwagandha in imparting neuroprotection, improved locomotory ability, memory and learning abilities. The challenge lies in scrutinizing the mechanism and the pathways involved in the neuroprotective properties of this well-known herb. Here in our study, we test the possible neuroprotective effect of Ashwagandha on park25 mutants of Drosophila using lifespan analysis and climbing disability as a disease marker. Parkinson’s mimicking flies were administered with aqueous extraction of Ashwagandha-root mixed with the fly food and subjected to negative geotaxis assay. We observed that there is a prominent increase in the climbing ability in park25 treated flies compared to its age-matched untreated flies. This is the first report showing that, aqueous extraction of Ashwagandha-root extract was able to ameliorate the disease phenotype in the park25 Drosophila Parkinson’s disease model.
Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Tapinathus bangwensis Leaves
(Sciencedomain International, 2022-02) Ndidiamaka, H. O.; David, N. I.; Daniel, L. A.; Ibeabuchi, J. A.; Ifeanyi, E.
Background: The leaves of Tapinathus bangwensis have been used in the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases by the herbalist. This instigated evaluation of extract and fractions of Tapinathus bangwensis leaves for antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic organisms and identifications of the phytoconstituents. Methods: The standard phytochemical methods and GC-MS were used to identify the phytoconstituents of extract and fractions. The antimicrobial activity was determined using agar dilution method. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroidal glycosides in the extract whereas n-hexane fraction contains terpenoids only, ethyl acetate contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins and n-butanol contains saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The GC-MS analysis identified fatty acids, phthalic acid esters, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons in the extract and fraction. Most of the compounds identified possess antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects. However, the antimicrobial activity showed that Escherichia coli alone was susceptible to the extract with mics of 5 mg /ml. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Candidiaalbicans were susceptible to the n-hexane fraction which showed good activity with MIC range of 2.5-5 mg/ml. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were susceptible to ethyl acetate fraction with MIC range of 2.5-5mg/ml and Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were susceptible to ethyl acetate fraction with MIC range of 2.5-5mg/ml and Escherichia coli and candida albicans were susceptible to butanol fraction. with MIC range of 2.5-5mg/ml. klebsiella pneumoniae was not susceptible to the extract and any of the fractions. Conclusion: The findings provide justification for the use of Tapinathus bangwensis leaves as antimicrobial agent. Hence, the phytochemicals if isolated can serve as a template for the development of antimicrobial agent.
Andrographis paniculata as Promising Novel Protective Therapy of Oxidative Stress in Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Kokelu, A. N.; Ani, J. E.; Ubong, Ime A.; Abiola, S. T.; Alagbonsi, A. I.; Okesina, B. K.; Niyodusenga, A.
This research investigated the effect of Andrographis paniculata (AP) on oxidative stress following indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. A total of 20 male albino Wistar rats (150-180g) used for this study were grouped into four (n=5): 1, Negative Control; 2, Positive Control and 3, test group treated with normal chow, 20mg/kg indomethacin, 20 mg/kg indomethacin plus omeprazole at 20mg/kg and 20mg/kg indomethacin plus AP at 16.7 mg/kg respectively. After treatment period, estimation of oxidative stress parameters was carried out on the animals. The LD50 of aqueous extract of AP was 50mg/kg bw. Body weight change was significantly reduced in omeprazole treated group compared to all other groups while extract treated group had significantly increased body weight change. There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level of ulcer untreated group compared to other groups. The two treated groups had significantly reduced MDA compared to ulcer untreated group. There was a significant decrease in the levels of GPx and SOD of ulcer untreated group compared to control. Meanwhile, these were significantly increased in extract and omeprazole treated groups compared to ulcer untreated group. Catalase was significantly increased in all three groups when compared to control but its level was significantly increased in extract treated group compared to ulcer untreated and omeprazole treated groups. From this study, AP has proved to protect against oxidative stress implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcer. If this result is applicable to humans, further research and use of AP in ameliorating debilitating consequences of peptic ulcer should be encouraged.
Production and Physicochemical Analysis of Glycerol Produced from the Transesterification Reaction of Locally Processed Fatty Acids
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Faruk, M. U.; Olayemi, O. S.; Zanna, M. A.
The study uses the transesterification reaction method to extract glycerol from three locally processed fatty acids namely; palm oil, palm kernel and shea butter. The glycerols extracted from the three fatty acids were subjected to physicochemical tests to determine if their properties are in conformity with the reported standard values. Results of the physical properties of the substances tested show that the values were in close agreement with the results of the standard values and the results reported impervious literatures. As such, the investigation concluded that the three fatty acids contain appreciable quantities of crude glycerol and can thus serve as a source for natural glycerol whose properties can be compared with standard glycerin products.
Hepatoprotective Activity of 6-Heptadecylcyclohex -3-ene-1 Carboxylic Acid Isolated from the Methanol Extract of Dichrostachys cinerea Wight & Arn. Stem Bark
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Babu, P. S.; Krishna, V.; Bhavya, D. C.
Aim of the Study: The phytoconstituent 6-heptadecylcyclohex 3-ene-1 carboxylic acid isolated from the methanol extract of Dichrotachys cinerea Wight. stem bark was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced toxicity. Materials and Methods: The constituent 6-heptadecylcyclohex 3-ene-1 carboxylic acid isolated from the methanolic extract of D. cinerea and the structure was confirmed by spectroscopic studies. Hepatoprotective property was screened in male wistar strain rats. The parameters studied were estimation of liver function serum markers such as serum total bilirubin, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and histological profile of the liver tissue. Results: The LD50 of methanolic extract and constituent, 6-Heptadecylcyclohex -3-ene-1 carboxylic acid were evaluated and found to be 500 and 100 mg/kg body weight respectively. The hepatoprotective activity of constituent was more significant as similar to the standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. The histological profile of the liver tissue showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration as similar to the controls. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of D. cinerea stem bark and the phytoconstituent 6-heptadecylcyclohex-3-ene-1 carboxylic acid showed significant protection from CCl4 induced liver damage.
Positive Stimulatory Potentials of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Juice Extract on in vivo Antioxidants, Renal Function and Lipid Profile of Male Wistar Rats
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Kpomah, E. D.; Arhoghro, E. M.
Coconut juice is a natural drink from coconut fruit. This study was aimed at evaluating its positive potential on biochemical indices. Fresh coconut fruits were de-dshelled and washed. The cotyledon was broken to extract the water which was used in blending the fruits. The extract was filtered and the filtrate was collected in a vial. Twenty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 160 -180 g, were grouped into two groups of ten rats each and were treated as follows for four weeks. Group A: control rats received oral dose of 2 mL/kg body weight of distilled water once daily for 28 days, and group B: received oral dose of 2 mL/kg body weight of coconut juice extract once daily for 28 days, both groups were, however, allowed free access to feed and water ad-libitum. The animals were weighed before and on completion of the experimental protocol. Blood was also collected via cardiac puncture and used for renal function and lipid profile assay, kidneys were excised and weighed, homogenized and the supernatant was used for antioxidant enzyme evaluation. Findings showed that there was no significant change (p>0.05) in the kidney-to-body weight ratio and renal function indices. Significant reduction (p<0.05) was seen in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL but with an increase (p<0.05) in HDL. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased (p<0.05). The study concludes that coconut juice extract has positive stimulatory potentials on antioxidants, renal functions and lipid parameters of wistar rats.
Reversal of Hypertension and Amelioration of Oxidative Stress by Persea americana and Allium sativum in Experimentally-Induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Oridupa, O. A.; Adefila, S.; Aliyu, M.; Olakojo, T. A.; Obisesan, A. D.
Aim: This study evaluated the antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Persea americana and Allium sativum in experimentally-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental Research. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ibadan (Animal House), between May 2019 and December 2019. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in 85 rats randomly divided into 17 groups. Group 1 were normotensive rats while hypertension was induced in groups 2-16 by unilateral nephrectomy and inclusion of NaCl (1%) in drinking water. Group 17 had abdominal incision without nephrectomy (sham). Treatment groups were administered P. americana or A. sativum extracts at 20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg dose and standard antihypertensives; lisinopril or hydrochlorothiazide. Results: Results of the experiment showed treatment of hypertensive rats with 50 mg/kg of A. sativum hexane and P. americana methanol extract caused the most significant decrease in blood pressure compared to normotensive rats. Various extracts of these two plants elevated antioxidants levels (GPx, GST, GSH and SOD) in the brain, heart, kidney and liver significantly while H2O2 and MDA were significantly decreased compared to untreated hypertensive rats. NO, an important neurotransmitter for normal endothelial function was also restored in the extract-treated rat, as a deficiency contributes greatly to the development of hypertension. Conclusion: The study concluded that P. americana and A. sativum do not only lower blood pressure. The plants also inhibited generation of free radicals by enhancing the antioxidant system and mopped up generated free radicals demonstrated by decline in H2O2 and MDA levels. These plants have been shown in this study to contain potential drug candidates which can be proposed for treatment of hypertension.
Histopathological Profile of Obese Zebrafish Liver after Administration of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.)
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Yuniarto, A.; Putri, A. Z.; Selifiana, N.; Megawati, S.; Rangkuti, S. N.; Adnyana, I. K.
Aims: Obesity is a non-communicable disease whose prevalence continues to increase every year throughout the world. Obesity contributes to the emergence of several diseases such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. A number of studies report that natural ingredients have the potential to be used as a treatment for obesity while reducing a fatty liver. The aim of this research is to evaluate the activity of red spinach ethanol extract in reducing the accumulation of fatty liver in diet-induced obese zebrafish based on its histopathological profile. Methodology: Zebrafish must be adapted for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the zebrafish were divided into 6 groups which included: the normal group (or negative control); the obesity group (positive control group); the standard drug (orlistat with dose 4.5 µg/ml); the EERS group (dose of 50 µg/ml); the EERS group (dose of 100 µg/ml); and the EERS group (dose of 200 µg/ml). For a period of 4 weeks, the normal group received a standard diet. A positive control group received Artemia. The treated group received Artemia which was combined with the administration of red spinach (preventive method). The obese group and extract-treated group were given 60 mg/group/fish in the experimental diet. Results: The results showed that EERS at a dose of 100 µg/ml did not show any fatty liver based on their histopathological profile. The EERS dose of 200 µg/ml is more effective in reducing fatty liver when compared to doses of 50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml on obese zebrafish. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that EERS is very prospective for further research and development as a drug for treating obesity and reducing fatty liver.
Traditional Uses and Anticancer Potential of the Combretum Genus: A Literature Review
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Coulidiati, T. H.
Background: Cancer incidence is increasing annually in all countries. So, it is nowadays a great burden for the different nations of the world. Research for new therapeutics is becoming an urgent need, particularly for intractable and chemoresistant cancer cases. The solutions can still be found by investigating natural products which are recognized as promising sources of bioactive compounds with a potential for the discovery of new preventive and therapeutic anticancer agents. Methodology: The present work used databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct and Google scholar to investigate the ethnobotanical uses of some Combretum species in the literature. It also allowed us to summarize some pharmacological studies on Combretum species. Results: This review gathers all available traditional uses and cytotoxicity studies of Combretum species in the literature. Special focus is given to pharmacological studies highlighting isolated potential anticancer molecules. These molecules present potent cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines and may contribute to improving the health of people suffering from various cancer diseases. Conclusion: The Combretum species are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of several pathologies including cancers. This study is of fundamental importance in highlighting Combretum species as a potential source for research of new anticancer compounds.
Induction and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Plant Extract in Rats: A Systematic Review
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Esan, W. S.; Akintayo, C. O.; Sanya, O.; Oluwaseun, O. A.; Olubayo, G.; Adelekan, A. L.
Aims: To review the induction and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with plant extract in rats in light of the rising incidence of the condition, its accompanying physical and mental issues, and the role that sex hormone alterations play in its development. Methodology: An extensive literature search was carried out using relevant publications, which were published between 2012 and 2022 and indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scientific Information Database, and Science Direct were investigated. Results: This review shows that the majority of research examined the levels of sex hormones in the serum, the induction of PCOS, and the treatment of animal models. The review also found that 43.75% of the studies induced PCOS with Letrozole, 31.25% with estradiol valerate, 6.25% with Testosterone Enanthate (TE), and 6.25% of the studies induced PCOS with Testosterone Propionate (TP). Conclusion: This study showed that Letrozole, Estradiol valerate, Dhea, Testosterone Enanthate, and Testosterone Propionate effectively induce PCOS in rats. Also, `plant extracts are effective in treating PCOS. More research into the mechanisms of action for plant extracts is required to complete our understanding of the reproductive endocrinological effects of plant extract treatment for PCOS.
Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant and Antidepressant Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Ascotheca paucinervia (T. Anderson ex C.B. Clarke) Heine in Mice
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Judicaël, B. D.; Radar, O.; Gelvid, O. N.; Antoine, A. A.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticonvulsant and antidepressant effects of Ascotheca paucinervia leaves on mice by using strychnine at 2.5mg/kg to induce convulsions and the forced swimming test to create a stressful situation, respectively. Concerning convulsions, only the 500mg/kg extract significantly increases (p<0.001) the time to onset of convulsions and it non-significantly reduces the duration of convulsions induced by strychnine. In addition, the extract reduces very significantly in a dose-dependent manner the time of immobility and it significantly increases the swimming time as well as the climbing time at both doses. At the same time, the estimation of the acute toxicity of the extract from the leaves of Ascotheca paucinervia according to guideline No. 425 of the OECD (2022) shows that the latter is weakly toxic and its LD50 is greater than 5000mg/kg. In addition, the evaluation of the sedative effect of this extract shows that it produces a dose-dependent sedative effects and at doses of 250m/kg and 500mg/kg, the extract significantly potentiates the sleep induced by phenobarbital. In summary, the results obtained suggest that Ascotheca paucineervia leaves extract possesses anticonvulsant and antidepressant effects.

Browse

Recent Submissions