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Context: The anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic properties of the crude aqueous extract of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC). Guill. & Perr. leaves have been reported. Aims: To investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic properties of aqueous extract of A. leiocarpa leaves (AEAL) and its fractions to identify the bioactive compound(s). Methods: AEAL was fractionated successively and eluted in gradients of solvent mixture (n-hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol). Eluates, which showed similar TLC profiles were pooled to afford 5 fractions (F1-F5). AEAL and the fractions were subjected to phytochemical analysis and investigated for anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic effects using carrageenan-induced paw edema and Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats, and acetic acid-induced writhing in mouse models, respectively. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicated presence of terpenoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. At 200 mg/kg b.w, AEAL and F1-F5 recorded significant (p<0.05) improvements in paw edema, abdominal constrictions and pyrexia, which is comparable to the standard (ketoprofen or Aspirin), relative to the control groups, with F4 observed to be the most potent fraction. GC-MS analysis of F4 reveal the presence of hexadecenoic acid, 15-methyl-, methylester, 9-oxabicyclo (6.1.0) nonane, cis-, cholest-4-en-3-one, cholesterol and 3-diazo-1-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one. Conclusions: The results indicate that identified compounds, particularly 3-dihydro-indol-2-one, could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic properties of the extract.

This study investigated the pharmacological effects of methanol extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves (DVE) administered alone and when co-administered with Acarbose (ACA) in diabetic Wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study were carried out on DVE using standard methods. In the pharmacological study, diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of 150 mg alloxan/kg b.w. Seven groups (6 groups of diabetic rats and 1 group of normoglycemic rats) of four rats each were used for the study. Groups I and II served as normoglycemic (NDC) and diabetic controls (DC) respectively and received 1ml distilled water/kg b.w. Groups III and IV were administered 400 and 800 mg DVE/kg respectively while groups V and VI were administered the same doses (400 and 800 mg/kg respectively) but co-administered with a fixed dose of ACA (150 mg/kg b.w.). Group VII was administered 150 mg ACA/ kg b.w. alone. Weekly fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and body weight changes were estimated for 28 days. After the 28-day treatment regimen, rats were euthanized, and blood samples collected for serum biochemical analysis. Phytochemical analysis of DVE revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and terpenoids in varying proportions. Treatment with DVE alone and its co-administration with ACA significantly (p< 0.05) reduced FBS and serum biochemicals parameters of rats compared with diabetic control. DVE alone and its co-administration with ACA also significantly (p< 0.05) increased the serum total protein of rats compared with diabetic control. However, the pharmacological effects of DVE and ACA co-administration were significantly (p< 0.05) higher than that of DVE or ACA administered alone. It was concluded that DVE and ACA exhibited additive pharmacological effects in diabetic Wistar rats and as such could be useful in the management of diabetes.

The current work investigated the chemical profile, antimalarial potential and capacity of hydroethanolic Senna alata extract (SAE) to reverse hematological and biochemical pertubation in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated to be 45.29 ± 2.34 mg GAE/g and 25.22 ± 2.26 mg QE/g respectively. In vitro analysis of the extract also confirmed its antioxidant property. Results of the test for prophylaxis of P. berghei indicated that SAE suppressed parasitemia significantly in treated groups in a dose dependent manner when compared with negative control group. Similarly, SAE improved the mean survival time (MST) and packed cell volume (PCV) of infected mice. The test for curative effect showed that SAE significantly suppressed parasitemia to 4.50 ± 1.05% compared to untreated group 29.83 ± 3.49%. Results of liver and kidney functions indices of treated animals indicated that whereas infection with P. berghei caused increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine, treatment with SAE significantly reversed the perturbation. Similarly, infected mice were dyslipidemic with concomitant increased activity of HMG CoA reductase and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes with increase in lipid peroxides levels. However, these alterations were significantly reversed by administration of SAE. Results of this study shows that Senna alata possess antimalarial activity and therefore justify the traditional use of plant for the treatment of malaria.