We estimated the content of specific phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of the powder, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of ripe Dennettia tripetala fruits. We also tested the biochemical and histological effects of these fruit extracts on healthy rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of ripe D. tripetala fruits, and standard phytochemical methods were used to evaluate its phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups, one of which served as control, while the second and third groups received the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of D. tripetala fruits, respectively, at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw daily for 28 days. Our results show that the powder as well as the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ripe D. tripetala fruits contains phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. The plant powder as well as both extracts scavenged DPPH and hydrogen peroxide as well as reduced ferric ions. The extracts of D. tripetala fruits did not alter liver marker enzymes or serum protein profile of the rats. The extracts also did not alter the serum concentration of urea and creatinine and the antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver but altered that of the kidney. The extracts altered the serum and liver lipid profile but not to any significant extents. Also, the extracts caused minimal congestion to the centrioles of the liver but were not in any other way toxic to the liver, kidney, or heart of the rats. Our results point to the fact that the fruits of D. tripetala possess phytochemicals with medicinal properties and are well tolerated by rats.

A hundred years have passed since vitamin E was identified as an essential micronutrient for mammals. Since then, many biological functions of vitamin E have been unraveled in both cell and animal models, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regulatory activities on cell signaling and gene expression. However, the bioavailability and physiological functions of vitamin E have been considerably shown to depend on lifestyle, genetic factors, and individual health conditions. Another important facet that has been considered less so far is the endogenous interaction with other nutrients. Accumulating evidence indicates that the interaction between vitamin E and other nutrients, especially those that are enriched by supplementation in humans, may explain at least some of the discrepancies observed in clinical trials. Meanwhile, increasing evidence suggests that the different forms of vitamin E metabolites and derivates also exhibit physiological activities, which are more potent and mediated via different pathways compared to the respective vitamin E precursors. In this review, possible molecular mechanisms between vitamin E and other nutritional factors are discussed and their potential impact on physiological and pathophysiological processes is evaluated using published co-supplementation studies.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on some serum parameters that are indicators or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, in salt loaded rabbits. Method: Thirty experimental rabbits used for this study were randomized into five groups (A to E) of six rabbits. Rabbits in groups A to D were given salt loaded diets. Groups B and C animals were also treated with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves respectively while rabbits in group E served as control. Results: Salt loading resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum albumin, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and lower serum globulin, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, as compared with the control. Treatment with Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts (aqueous or ethanol), at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight, resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, and lower serum total protein, albumin, LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol, as compared with the control, in the salt loaded rabbits. Conclusion: Acalypha wilkesiana may be useful in the management of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

People do not generally eat single or individual meals; rather they eat mixed meals, consisting of two or more individual meals. These mixed meals usually have glycemic indices which differ from that of the individual food type. This study was aimed at evaluating the glycemic indices of three commonly consumed mixed meals eaten in Okada; rice and beans (test food 1), rice and plantain (test food 2), beans and plantain (test food 3). Two hundred and forty healthy subjects aged between 18 and 30 participated in this study. They were randomized into three groups of eighty persons each, and fed with the standard food (50 g glucose) on day one and one of the test foods on day two, after an overnight fast. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the food had been eaten. The results showed that the Glycemic Index (GI) values for the test foods were high: 86.60 (test food 1), 89.74 (test food 2), 86.93(test food 3). The incremental increase in blood glucose was monitored and calculated for each food and when compared with that of the standard food (glucose), there was significant differences (p < .036) for test food 1 and (p < .068) for test food 3; both at 30 min. At 120 min, no significant differences in blood glucose levels were observed (p > .05). The results from this study indicated that the GI of the mixed meals was affected by the constituent nutrient and the response is also affected by the proportion of each nutrient. Our findings show that the selected test foods (mixed meals) consumed in Okada have high GI values.

Background: In traditional medicine, Acalypha wilkesiana is frequently used solely or as a composite part of many herbal preparations for therapeutic purposes. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, on some serum diagnostic enzymes in normal experimental rabbits. Methods: Eighteen adult male experimental rabbits were randomized into three groups (A, B and C), comprising of six animals each. Group A animals were given aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, while group B animals were given ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves. The extracts were administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for a period of twenty-one (21) days. Group C animals were given water, thus they served as control. Data are represented as Mean ± S.E.M (n = 6). Significance of Difference was tested by ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Administration of the aqueous or ethanol extracts, to the experimental animals resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), non-significantly (P > 0.05) lower serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine kinase (CK), as compared with the control animals. Conclusion: In view of the effects of the plant extracts on ALP and LDH levels, the use of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf in traditional medicine should be with caution.