The mechanism of action of the antidiabetic capacity of Momordica charantia is still under investigation. Here, we assessed phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and effects of total and filtered fruit and leafy stem juices of Momordica charantia on human T cell proliferation and differentiation through quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines. In the absence of stimulation, total fruit and leafy stem juices induced significant T cell proliferation. Under PHA stimulation, both juices potentiated plant-induced T cell proliferation. However, the filtered fruit and leafy stem juices significantly inhibited PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation, while neither juice influenced T cell proliferation. Moreover, total and filtered fruit juice increased IL-4 secretion, while total and filtered leafy stem juice enhanced IFN-γ production. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyans, steroids, and triterpenoids in both juices. Alkaloids, quinone derivatives, cardenolides, and cyanogenic derivatives were undetectable. The saponins present in total juices were undetectable after filtration. Moreover, both juices had appreciable antioxidant capacity. Our study supports the type 1 antidiabetic effect of filtered fruit juice of M. charantia which may be related to its immunosuppressive and T-helper 2 cell inducing capacities. Due to their immune-stimulatory activities and their ability to increase T-helper 1 cell cytokines, total fruit and leafy stem juices may serve in the treatment of immunodeficiency and certain infections.

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Background Several studies have reported the implication of HLA-DR/DQ loci in the susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Since no such study has yet been performed in Benin, this pilot one aimed at assessing HLA class II allele, haplotype, and genotype associations with T1D. Material and Methods Class II HLA genotyping was performed in 51 patients with T1D and 51 healthy unrelated controls by means of the PCR-SSP method. The diagnosis of T1D was set up according to American Diabetes Association criteria. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to assess the associations between T1D and HLA alleles, haplotypes, and genotypes. Results Participants were aged 1–24 years. T1D was significantly associated with DR3, DQA1∗05:01, DQB1∗02:01, and DR3-DR4. No significant associations were observed with DR4, DQB1∗03:02, and DQB1∗06:02. Conclusion Certain HLA class II alleles, haplotypes, and genotypes were related to T1D and may be used as genetic susceptibility markers to T1D in Benin.

Crateva adansonii DC.ssp. adansonii (CA) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including hypertension. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of the plant on high blood pressure. The crude aqueous extract of CA has undergone a liquid-liquid fractionation with increasing polarity solvents. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out by using the thin layer chromatography method. The pharmacological effect was evaluated in Wistar rats made hypertensive by administering the N (ω)-Nitro-L-Arginine-Methyl Ester (L-NAME). The crude extract was administered at 500 mg / kg (b/w) and the fractions (aqueous, butanol, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate) at 30 mg / kg (b/w). Blood pressure was measured by a non-invasive caudal arterial measurement method. Flavonoids, coumarins terpens, anthracens were detected diversely distributed either the crude extract or in the fractions. The crude aqueous extract induced a significant decrease in blood pressure from 155.6 ± 9.28 mm Hg to 106.00 ± 8.27 mm Hg. On the other hand, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions exerted the highest effects among the fractions by reducing the blood pressure respectively from 139.8 ± 6.83 mmHg to 98.6 ± 8.38 mmHg and to 106.6 ± 6.80 mmHg. The results obtained justify the traditional use of the leaves of CA in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Purpose: To evaluate the 90 day sub-chronic toxicity of aqueous extract of Gmelina arborea leaves in Wistar rats. Methods: Rats were submitted to repeated daily oral administration of extract (250, 62.5 and 15.62 mg/kg) of Gmelina arborea leaves. The control groups were given distilled water and the rats were monitored for any toxicity symptoms as well as body and organs weights, water and food intake changes. The biochemical, haematological and histolopathological parameters were analysed. Results: The 90 days administration of the aqueous extract did not produce any toxicity signs or mortality. In addition, no significant alteration in water or food intake by the rats was observed. Although there were no changes in the body weights, significant decrease in the weight of the kidneys of the rats was observed at 250 mg/kg. Biological parameters as well as the histopathology of liver and kidneys were not significantly affected. Significant decreases were noted in glucose level at the three dose levels. In addition, significant difference in the levels of transaminases, glucose and platelets were observed. Conclusion: The 90-days subchronic toxicity test on Gmelina arborea did not produce any toxic effects. This confirms the safety of the plant leaves by traditional medicine practitioners. Keywords: Gmelina arborea, Subchronic toxicity, Wistars rats, Biological parameters

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