Introduction: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is considered to be an important and effective medicinal plant in folklore remedies where it has been applied as an alternative therapy for the treatment of various ailments. Aim: The present study aims to determine the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on lipid profile and some oxidative stress markers of male Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of 15 male wistar rats were procured for the study and randomly assigned into three groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only. Group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400mg/kg of the hydromethanolic (1:4) extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius which was administered as single daily dose using oral cannula. On completion of treatment, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for determination of some serum lipid parameters and oxidative stress markers. Results: Results showed that there were no significant difference in the serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol at both doses of the extract, compared to control. However, compared to control, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase but significant reduction in malondialdehyde level. The catalase enzyme activity was not significant. Conclusion: The result obtained suggest that the extract may be useful in reducing oxidative stress by improving some antioxidant enzyme activities and may also prevent cell death due to lipid peroxidation.

Introduction: Medicinal plants have become increasingly useful as a form of alternative therapy. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a medicinal plant applied in folklore remedies in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on some hematological parameters of male Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of 15 male Wistar rats weighing between 100-250 g were randomly placed in groups. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only; group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400 mg/kg of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Extract was administered once daily using oro-gastric cannula for 30 days. Blood samples were collected by direct cardiac puncture into appropriate sample tubes for estimation of hematological parameters including red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count. Results: Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in RBC, PCV, Hb and platelet count with the higher dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract compared to control group. However, the WBC count was not significantly (P>0.05) altered. Conclusion: Oral administration of the leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius increases red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin level and platelet count at 400 mg/kg body weight.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; the possible uses of Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa rhizomes for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders have become prevalent in our environment. Aim: The present study attempts a Comparative assessment of the effects of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes on serum lipid profile and electrolytes in alloxan induced diabetes in male wistar rats. Methodology: 90 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 10 rats each. Diabetes was induced intraperitonially using alloxan at 200 mg/kg-bw. The different rat Groups were treated with extracts and glibenclamide orally for 42 days as follows: Group 1: untreated non diabetic; Group 2: untreated diabetic; Group 3: diabetic + low dose Spondias mombin; Group 4: diabetic + high dose Spondias mombin; Group 5: diabetic + low dose Curcuma longa; Group 6: diabetic + high dose Curcuma longa; Group 7: diabetic + low dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; Group 8: diabetic + high dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; and Group 9; diabetic + glibenclamide. Blood was collected on day 43 by cardiac puncture for determination of serum lipid profile and electrolytes. Results: Compared to Group 2, total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and electrolytes were significantly reduced while high density lipoprotein was significantly increased in all treated Groups (p<0.05). Compared to Groups 3 to 6, Groups 7 and 8 rats showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein as well as electrolytes (p<0.05): however, high density lipoprotein was significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spondias mombin showed better hypolipidemic effects compared to Curcuma longa.  However, results show that combined treatment with both extracts had better hypolipidemic effects than administration of individual extracts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the possible mechanism of action of these extract.

Introduction: Anthropometric parameters refer to several quantitative measurements of the body adipose and muscle composition. It serves as an important indicator of nutritive status and physical fitness among adults as well as children. Aim: This research aims to ascertain the relationship between anthropometric parameters and fasting blood sugar in healthy young adults. Methodology: This is a randomized cross sectional observational study. 220 apparently healthy students (54 male and 166 female) of Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Port Harcourt were recruited into the study. Anthropometric measurements including Waist Circumference (cm), Abdominal Circumference (cm), Hip Circumference (cm), were taken alongside Fasting blood sugar. Results: Males respondents were observed to have slightly higher values of waist, abdominal and hip circumferences while females were observed to have slightly higher values of waist to hip ratio. A significant positive correlation between fasting blood glucose and HC (r=0.165, p<0.05) was observed while showing a significant negative correlation between fasting blood sugar and WHR (r=-0.149, p<0.05). Conclusion: Waist, abdominal, hip circumferences and BMI are determined by gender, age and metabolic changes.

Introduction: Menopause simply refers to the time when a woman stops having monthly period. There have been numerous systematic studies into the age at onset of menopause and the factors affecting it, in different parts of the world. However, the establishment of this age and factors affecting it in Rivers state has been scanty. Aim: This research was therefore undertaken to ascertain the age at onset of menopause in women of Rivers state, residing in Port Harcourt and the effect of parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control on it. Methodology: This study used data from over 380 postmenopausal women from populations in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Different ages specified by the respondents through structural questionnaires were used. The data was collected and analyzed using the ANOVA method. It was used to obtain a percentage frequency which was presented in a table. Results: The result shows the mean menopausal age among Rivers state women to be 49.1 years. It was also found that menopausal age was affected by subjects’ parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control. Conclusion: The mean menopausal age of women of Rivers State, living in Port Harcourt has been found to be 49.1 years. This age has also been found to be positively affected by a woman’s parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control.