This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of monosodium glutamate on the liver and lipid profile of eighteen adult male Wistar rats as measured by biochemical parameters. The rats received monosodium glutamate at dose rate of 0, 0.5 and 1.0g per day for 28 days. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in aminotransferases i.e. alanine and aspartate aminotransferases as well as increase in total plasma cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol most obvious at higher dose of 1.0g of monosodium glutamate. Though there was decrease in plasma protein concentration, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol which was not statistically significant, therefore monosodium glutamate has both hepatotoxic and dyslipidaemia effects due to its alterations in both aminotransferase activities and lipid profile, hence monosodium glutamate though a flavor enhancer food additive but it must be carefully used in food preparation due to it alterations in both the liver enzymes and the lipid profile.

Aqueous extracts of 5 medicinal plants comprising of the root bark of Morinda morindiodes and leaves of Tithonia diversifolia, Lippia multiflora, Ocimum gratissimum and Acalypha wilkesiana were investigated for antitrypanosomal activities in albino rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The plant extracts at 400mg/kg body weight (of rats) were administered once daily for 7 days in an established infection of 5 x 10 6 parasitaemia before starting treatment. There was significant reduction in parasitaemia (P< 0.05) on the 3 rd day of treatment in rats treated with Morinda morindiodes, Tithonia diversifolia and Acalypha wilkesiana but parasitaemia later increased till survival time. Morinda morindiodes , a plant well known for its potents antimalarial effect, has it root bark extracts exhibiting the highest value of mean survival time (12.6+0.7) days this study. The result may probably suggest reduction in parasite virulence by Morinda morindiodes root bark extract.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves were investigated. Anti-inflammatory effect was studied using acute rat model (carrageenan -induced rat paw oedema) in which aspirin at 150 mg·kg -1 , indomethacin at 10 mg·kg -1 (both are standard anti-inflammatory drugs) and aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves at 150 mg·kg -1 were administered orally to 24 Wistar rats 1 h before induction of oedema and compared with a negative control given 10 ml·kg -1 saline. Using the same dose of the plant extract, the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves was also investigated by measuring the number of acetic acid-induced writhing in 18 mice. The mean percentage inhibition of paw volume of rats treated with indomethacin was 83.9% followed by aspirin treated group with 64.3%, and the Jatropha curcas treated group with 60.7%. The mean number of writhing was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in mice given aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves (34.0) compared to the control group (55.8) but higher than that of the standard analgesic, paracetamol (23.5). This result suggests that Jatropha curcas has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties comparable with those of standard drugs and may be useful for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions.

Cases of canine poisoning pose a great challenge to pet owners and veterinarians due to incomplete patient history, late/delayed presentation of pets and the large array of poisonous agents. A ten-year retrospective study on canine poisoning cases presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize animal signalment, mode, month and year of exposure, severity, treatment and outcome. Associations between explanatory demographic characteristics of patients (age, sex and breed) with poison type and route of exposure were determined using a binary logistic regression model. Fifty-two case records with poisoning history and complete data were reviewed. The study population consisted of twenty males and thirty-two females between two months and five years of age. Poisonous agents that were identified included insecticides/acaricides (83%), cleaning products (2%), rodenticides (4%) and snake venom (6%). Poisoning occurred more in Alsatians, especially during the rainy season. No association between the dog demographics with type of poisoning and route of exposure was observed (p>0.05). There were 4 fatalities and 48 recoveries. This study highlights the heterogeneity of poisonous agents, associated clinical signs, treatment and outcome, and the challenges involved in poison control. Standardized approaches for the collection, assessment, integration of poisoning data and risk management is needed.

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(AI) is a medicinal plant with reported antioxidant and cardio-protective properties. The use of plant-based polyphenols has become greatly increased in the last one decade. The present study investigated the protective effect of the polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) of the methanol-extract of against N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension and cardiorenal dysfunction in rats. Fifty (50) Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups. Group A, the control, was administered potable water. Groups B-E received orally, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME only, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 100 mg/kg of AI extract, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 200 mg/kg of AI extract, and 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 25 mg/kg of captopril, respectively for 21 days. The results of the present study revealed that L-NAME administration led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde,protein carbonyl) increased significantly while there was reduction in reduced glutathione level, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase as well nitric oxide bioavailability. Immunohistochemistry revealed higher expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-B) and kidney injury molecule 1(Kim-1) and lower expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in hypertensive rats. Our results indicated that with PRF of AI restored high blood pressure, reduced markers of oxidative stress, normalized serum NO bioavailability and increased the expressions of Nrf2. Hence, PRF of could be used for the treatment of hypertension.

The findings indicate the significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rates during Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection and with diminazene aceturate administration. Hence, caution should be exercised when treating trypanosome-infected patients with diminazene aceturate.