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Conventional pollution control strategies in the cement industry have proven ineffective. As a result, effective and targeted complementary interventions are necessary. This study used roof rats (Rattus rattus) inhabiting the premises of a cement plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, to evaluate the ameliorative effects of moringa (Moringa oleifera), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on cement dust exposure. A total of 42 rats were divided into seven groups, with each group consisting of six rats. Group 1 served as the negative control group and was not exposed to any substances, while group 2 served as the positive control group and received standard feed throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, groups 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 served as the experimental group. Rats in these groups were fed with 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extracts of Z. officinale, M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, H. sabdariffa, and a mixture of the four extracts with a composition of 1:1:1:1, respectively, for 90 days. The plasma DNA concentrations, DNA purity, and lungs of the rats were examined before and after the experiment. Prior to the experiment, the exposed rats had higher plasma DNA concentrations and lower DNA purity, as well as severe fibrosis and congested alveoli in their lungs, compared to the unexposed rats. At the end of the experiment, the experimental groups showed a significant increase in DNA purity (p=0.05) and a decline in plasma DNA concentrations compared to the positive control group. In addition, the experimental groups showed fewer histopathological abnormalities than the positive control group. The mixture of the extracts yielded the most favorable results, followed by the extracts of Z. officinale, M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, and H. sabdariffa, respectively. These findings suggested that the selected vegetables and spices have the properties to ameliorate the effects of cement dust exposure. Therefore, individuals residing in close proximity to cement plants are encouraged to consume these vegetables and spices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Garcinia kola (Gluttiferae) is recommended traditionally for the management of diabetes in Nigeria. This present study evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of G. kola seeds on the biochemical and hematological status of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Diabetes was induced in groups 2–6 by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (130 mg/kg bwt.). Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 was left untreated, group 3 was treated with 2.5 mg/kg bwt. glibenclamide (standard drug), and groups 4–6 were given an oral administration of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg body weights of extract for 21 days. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, day 0, 7, 14, and 21 for blood glucose evaluation. Biochemical and hematological parameters were also investigated at the end of treatment. Results: The extract produced the best effects at 500 mg/kg bwt. Blood glucose concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from days 7 to 21. A reduction from 390.50 ± 28.21 in diabetic rats to 60.50 ± 2.96 mg/dl was observed on day 21. The extract also lowered the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations from 259.64 ± 52.22, 74.41 ± 15.39, 162.81 ± 48.44, and 57.75 ± 2.06 mg/dl to 120.32 ± 24.25, 41.05 ± 0.00, 82.31 ± 20.26, and 37.25 ± 2.21 mg/dl respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly increased from 31.25 ± 12.50, 33.59 ± 5.94, and 0.50 ± 0.01 IU/L to 68.75 ± 12.50, 81.52 ± 4.16, and 1.07 ± 0.15 IU/L respectively. Red blood cell (RBC) count was restored from 192.50 ± 28.72 to 271.25 ± 47.32 (× 109). At 100 mg/kg bwt., white blood cell (WBC) count was also normalized from 8000.00 ± 2648.26 to 12800.00 ± 365.14 (× 10 mm3). Conclusion: G. Kola seeds possess antidiabetic activity and capability of restoring aberrated biochemical and hematological indices in diabetic rats. This research therefore consolidates its traditional use for the management of diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, Annona muricata L. has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The mechanism of the antimalarial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (EEAML) was investigated using both an in vivo and an in silico approach. The experimental mice were divided into five groups: A-F. The mice in groups B-F were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei NK-65 and treated accordingly. Groups A and B are the negative and positive controls (infected and untreated), respectively. Group C received 10 mg/kg chloroquine (standard drug), whereas groups D-F received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract orally respectively. The mice were euthanized eight days after infection, and their liver and blood were collected and used in biochemical tests. Molecular docking was performed using the extract's HPLC compounds and Plasmodium falciparum proteins. In the suppressive, prophylactic, and curative tests, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in parasitemia levels in groups treated with the extract compared to the positive control and standard drug. When compared to the positive control, there was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in liver MDA, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels. The binding energies of luteolin and apigenin- pf protein complexes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to their respective references. The anti-plasmodial activity of the extract may result from its hypolipidemic effect, which deprives the parasite of essential lipid molecules needed for parasite growth, as well as from the inhibitory effects of apigenin and luteolin on specific proteins required for the Plasmodium metabolic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam (Moraceae) stem bark has been used locally in managing diabetes mellitus with sparse scientific information. This study investigates the in vitro antioxidant potential of polyphenolic-rich extract of A heterophyllus stem bark as well as its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were used with the induction of diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight) and were orally administered 400 mg/kg free and bound phenols of A heterophyllus stem bark. The animals were sacrificed on the 28th day of the experiment using the cervical dislocation method; antihyperglycemia and anti-inflammatory parameters were subsequently assessed. The polyphenolic extracts demonstrated antioxidant potentials (such as hydrogen peroxide and diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), as well as strong inhibitory activity against amylase and glucosidase. There was a significant (P <.05) increase in glycogen, insulin concentration, pancreatic β-cell scores (HOMA-β), antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activities, as well as glucose transporter concentration in diabetic animals administered the extracts and metformin. Also, a significant (P <.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, glucose-6-phosphatase, and all anti-inflammatory parameters were observed in diabetic rats administered the extracts and metformin. The extracts demonstrated antidiabetic potential, which may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem. Raising awareness is central to global and national action plans to address AMR in human and livestock sectors. Evidence on the best ways to reduce antibiotic use, and the impact of awareness raising activities is mixed. This paucity of evidence is acute in Low-Middle-Income Country (LMIC) settings, where healthcare professionals who prescribe and dispense antimicrobial medicines are often assumed to have limited awareness of AMR and limited knowledge of the optimum use of antimicrobials. Objectives: This research aimed to explore AMR awareness among human and animal healthcare professionals and the contextual issues influencing the relationship between awareness and practices of antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing across different LMIC settings. Methods: Qualitative interviews and field observations were undertaken in seven study sites in Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sierra Leone and Vietnam. Data included transcripts from interviews with 244 purposively sampled healthcare professionals, analysed for cross-cutting themes. Results: AMR awareness was high among human and animal healthcare professionals. This awareness of AMR did not translate into reduced prescribing and dispensing; rather, it linked to the ready use of next-line antibiotics. Contextual factors that influenced prescribing and dispensing included antibiotic accessibility and affordability; lack of local antibiotic sensitivity information; concerns over hygiene and sanitation; and interaction with medical representatives. Conclusions: The high awareness of AMR in our study populations did not translate into reduced antibiotic prescribing. Contextual factors such as improved infrastructure, information and regulation seem essential for reducing reliance on antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aloe barbadensis (AB) is a short stemmed succulent medicinal herb that is being used by locals in Nigeria to enhance libido. Therefore this study evaluates the aphrodisiac potential and acute toxicological effect of A. barbadensis (AB) root in male Wistar rats. Methods: Aphrodisiac potential was determined following the oral administration of graded doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of A. barbadensis root. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water served as positive and negative controls respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters (mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission and ejaculatory latencies) were observed. Serum testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were also progressively monitored on days 1, 7 and 14. The acute toxicological evaluation of the plant were based on any onset behavioural changes and mortality respectively. Results: The findings from the sexual behavioural study indicated that the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis significantly increased mounting frequency and intromission frequency but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies in a dose dependent manner particularly on day 1 and 14. The ethanol extract also prolonged ejaculatory latency. The testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were also increased as the dose increased particularly on day 1 and 7. The lowest dose of 100 mg/kg showed the best aphrodisiac effect. The toxicity studies showed that there were no acute behavioural changes with zero mortality. Conclusion: The increased blood testosterone and cholesterol concentrations by the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis can probably be said to be the possible mechanisms of action for its aphrodisiac property. The plant may also be used to treat hypotestosteronemia following its ability to increase testosterone. These findings therefore give backing to the acclaimed local use of A. barbadensis root as an aphrodisiac in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigated the most appropriate drying method (sun drying, oven drying, or air drying) for mistletoe leaves obtained from almond tree. The phenolic constituents were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector, while the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extracts of the leaves on angiotensin-l converting enzyme (ACE) was determined in vitro as also the antioxidant properties. Oven-dried extract (kidney [276.09 μg/mL] and lungs [303.41 μg/mL]) had the highest inhibitory effect on ACE, while air-dried mistletoe extract (kidney [304.47 μg/mL] and lungs [438.72 μg/mL]) had the least. Furthermore, the extracts dose-dependently inhibited Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat's heart and kidney. Also, all extracts exhibited antioxidative properties as typified by their radical scavenging and Fe-chelating ability. Findings from this study revealed that oven drying is the best of the 3 drying methods used for mistletoe obtained from almond host tree, thus confirming that diversity in drying methods leads to variation in phenolic constituents and biological activity of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]