BackgroundGongronema latifolium Benth. (family Apocynaceae) leaves (GL) has interesting medicinal properties. The effects of extracts from G. latifolium on blood pressure (BP) and the possible mechanisms of action were also investigated.MethodsThe ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis was used to identify the phytochemicals present. Normotensive Wistar rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and the jugular vein was cannulated for infusion of drugs while the carotid artery was cannulated for direct BP measurement. GL extract (5–20 mg) alone or with nifedipine (10 mg/kg), atropine (2 mg/kg), L-NAME (5 mg/kg), methyl blue (3 mg/kg) and propranolol (1 mg/kg) were administered intravenously to Wistar rats and direct BP measurements were carried out.ResultsSystolic and diastolic BP levels (128/90 mm Hg; MAP 103 ± 3 mm Hg) and heart rates were all significantly (p < 0.01) decreased after GL administration. Raised mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate by atropine, L-NAME and methyl blue were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced after GL administration, while propranolol significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited hypotension caused by GL. Infusion of GL reduced MAP (95 ± 3 mm Hg) comparable with nifedipine (93 ± 2 mm Hg), a calcium channel blocker. The phytochemicals identified were 34 compounds, including oleanolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, antioxidant fatty acids, 2 coumarins and 2 iridoids.ConclusionsThese results suggest that G. latifolium has hypotensive properties mediated by the synergistic activity of the compounds, probably via the β-adrenergic blockade mechanism.

Learning and memory are vital attributes of human intelligence. These processes underlie the very nature of our self-awareness, planning and execution of task. The number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 35.6 million. About 80% of the world’s population depend on herbal remedies to curb mental disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of administration of ethanolic leaves extract of Gongronema latifolium (GL) on learning and memory in mice. Thirty (30) adult male Swiss white mice were assigned into three groups of ten mice each. Group I served as the control. Groups 2 and 3 received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of GL extract respectively. All the animals were allowed food and water ad libitum. Learning and memory was assessed using the Morris water-maze. Results showed that the swimming latencies during the acquisition and reversal trainings, and probe trial were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in the extract treated groups when compared with the control. The south-east duration was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the extract treated groups when compared with the control group. There was a corresponding decrease (p<0.001) in the south-east duration in the extract treated groups when compared to the control. In conclusion, extract of GL enhances visio-spatial learning and cognitive memory. It could therefore be of therapeutically use in cases of memory loss or impairment.  Keywords: Gongronema latifolium, learning, memory, Morris water maze, mice.

Gongronema latifolium (GL) is reported to have hepato-protective and nephron-protective ability. Diabetes is associated with liver and kidney damage. This work was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on liver and kidney functions in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 40 Wistar rats of both sexes (150g-200g) were divided into five (n=8). Group 1- normal control (received normal saline placebo orally). Group 2 received 200mg/kg GL orally. Group 3 was the diabetic group administered 65mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally for two consecutive days with an interval of one day in between. Group 4 (diabetic + GL group) had STZ (65mg/kg i.p.) + oral administration of 200mg/kg GL. Group 5 was the diabetic group treated with insulin subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to assess Liver enzymes activity, Serum electrolytes biomarkers, Urea and Creatinine. The Result shows a significant (P<0.05) increase in the glucose level of the diabetic group compared to the control. Intervention with GL and insulin significantly reduced the glucose level towards normal. The liver enzymes activity was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the diabetic group but was significantly (p<0.01) decreased following treatment with GL and insulin. Sodium, potassium, chloride, urea and creatinine were significantly (p<0.01) increased in the diabetic group with a decrease in bicarbonate. GL and insulin significantly (p<0.01) reversed these changes in electrolytes and liver enzymes activity towards normal. Results presented shows that GL just like insulin possess hypoglycemic, nephro and hepato-protective potential. Thus, in diabetic condition, Gongronema latifolium leaf extract may exert ameliorative effect on these target organs. Keywords: Gongronema Latifolium, Diabetes, insulin, serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, rats.

Lepidium sativum (LS) has been documented to possess numerous properties but little is known as regards its mechanism on male reproductive features which the study aimed to clarify by evaluating its effects on luteinizing hormone, testosterone, sperm characteristics, and histology of reproductive organs in rabbit bucks. Twenty mature, intact bucks were randomly assigned into four treatment groups and fed either normal rabbit feed or diets containing LS seeds powder at varying levels for 63 days. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit weekly to determine LH and testosterone levels. Semen was collected three times for evaluation of sperm characteristics; weight and histological examination of reproductive organs were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Inclusion of LS seed in the feed of rabbit bucks significantly increased plasma LH concentrations in a bimodal dose-dependent manner with no significant difference in the levels of testosterone. Percentage motility and live sperm percent were significantly reduced in all rabbits fed LS based diet while the control rabbits showed an increasing pattern in percentage motility and live sperm. Sperm abnormality percent was significantly increased in all rabbits in LS dose-dependent manner. There were no significant effects of LS on the relative weights of all bucks accessory glands but significantly affected the relative weights of paired testis and caudal epididymis. Marked alterations in the testis were also noted. The findings suggest that mechanism underlying the effects of LS seed on reproduction is mediated through multiples pathways which depend greatly on the amount of LS seed ingested.

Introduction This paper was not written to bemoan the backwardness and underdevelopment of Africa and hold Europeans responsible for the prevailing situation in the continent (Rodney, 1972; Agbo, 2012). Rather, it was a soul-searching discourse to identify what Africans have done to keep themselves under bondage (Igwe, 2010; Meredith, 2011) and neglected to do(Garba, 1987; Guest, 2004) to extricate themselves from the vice grip of neo-colonialism, underdevelopment and lack of a sustainable development ideology (Okonkwo, Ejiogu & Osakpa, 2017). This paper places Africans in proper perspective to assess the predicament of the continent and its people (Ashimolowo, 2007; Clarke, 2008; Morris, 2011).Since the fall of apartheid, the last vestige of slave trade and colonialism in Africa, the challenge of growth