No abstract

No abstract

The effects of long-term administration of boiled aqueous extract of Syzigium aromaticum (SYZ), commonly known as clove (which has been locally employed for treating gastrointestinal tract diseases and also used as food spices), on some biochemical indices, such as body weight, liver functions and blood parameters were studied in adult albino rats of both sexes. Selected doses of 300 and 700 mg kg -1 were given orally through cannular to groups of animals for a period of 90 days, while the control group received distilled water throughout the duration of study via the same route. Blood samples collected after therapy and assayed for activities of some liver enzymes recorded a significant (p<0.05) and prominent effect on ALP and AST. Measurement of haematological parameters also revealed significant effects (p<0.05; p<0.001) on Hb, RBC (p<0.05), PCV (p<0.001), platelets (p<0.001) and granulocytes (p<0.001). An insignificant reduction was recorded for total WBC. The histopathological study conducted was in consonance with the results of the biochemical investigations that the aqueous extract of SYZ even at moderate doses, significantly affects body organs, their enzymes as well as the various functions. LD 50 for both intraperitoneal and oral routes of SYZ were 263 and 2500 mg kg -1 respectively. The present work has revealed the toxicity of sub chronic administration of SYZ, which suggests that its prolonged usage must be avoided.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It is a global epidemic ravaging both developed and developing countries. The situation will worsen if nothing is done urgently. In fact, the need to identify natural products with antidiabetic potentials is of great importance as supported by several research efforts all over the world, in search of antidiabetic plant based products that are safe and efficacious. Available literatures show that several phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties have been identified in certain plants amongst which include Uvaria chamae. The potentials of Uvaria chamae as an antidiabetic and hypolipidemic drug-candidate are thus tested.MethodsDiabetes mellitus was experimentally induced after the rats were fasted overnight by administering intraperitoneally, 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. After 72 h, the rats with plasma glucose levels >200 mg/dl were classified as diabetic. A total of six groups containing five rats per group were used. One group of diabetic rats was untreated. Three diabetic groups, each were treated orally with 100, 250 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Another diabetic group was treated with insulin (0.5 IU/kg) subcutaneously. The control received 0.5 ml (2% solution) of acacia orally. The treatment was for 8 days. The effects of the extract on weight, plasma glucose and other biochemical parameters were evaluated using standard procedures.ResultsThe diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in weight, plasma glucose levels, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol compared with the control. The 100, 250 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed maximum glucose reduction of 85.16, 81.50 and 86.02% respectively. Histologically the pancreas of the diabetic rats treated with the extract, showed clusters of variably sized regenerated islet of Langerhans within sheets of normal exocrine pancreas, while the pancreas of diabetic rats treated with insulin showed no islet of Langerhans.ConclusionThe study showed that Uvaria chamae caused weight loss and has good hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities that may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

In the present study, 50 -400

No abstract

Context: Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) (CF) is used in traditional African medicine in the management of CNS disorders. The degeneration and dysfunction of cholinergic neurons is closely associated with the cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and oxidative stress has been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, the influence of C. ferruginea on the cholinergic system and oxidative stress parameters has not been explored. Objective: The present study investigates the effect of methanol root extract of C. ferruginea and its active constituent amentoflavone (CF-2) on memory, oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in scopolamine-induced amnesia. Materials and methods: Mice were orally treated with CF (25-200 mg/kg), CF-2 (6.25-25 mg/kg) for three days and memory impairment was induced by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine (3 mg/kg). Memory function was evaluated by passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress and cholinergic function were estimated in brain after the completion of behavioral studies. Results: Scopolamine caused memory impairment along with increased AChE activity and oxidative stress in mice brain. Oral administration of CF and CF-2 significantly prevented scopolamine-induced memory impairment, inhibited AChE and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in the brain following scopolamine injection as compared to vehicle administration in scopolamine (i.p.)-treated mice that were comparable to the effect of tacrine. Discussion and conclusion: The study demonstrated that C. ferruginea and its constituent have significant protective effect against scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice that can be attributed to their antioxidant and antiAChE activity.

No abstract