Search

Introduction There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria and valuable scientific reports that the leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (TV) hook are used for the treatment of various diseases; however, there is paucity of information on it used in the management of cardiovascular complications despite the rich presence of phytochemicals. This study aimed at investigating effects of solvents extracts of TV leaves and stem on lipid profile of poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and Methods Varying doses of the solvent extracts (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) of plant material were administered to experimental animals (Albino Wistar rats) induced with hyperlipidemia using poloxamer 407 (P-407). Results The results of the phytochemical screening of leaves and stem revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phlobatannins, and flavonoids in powdered sample of leaves and stem of TV. Aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest yield (18.21 ± 1.12%), while acetic acid extract of stem had the lowest yield (7.21 ± 1.21%). The cholesterol and triacylglycerol level of rats induced with P-407 was significantly (p ≤0.05) higher than normal rats. This study showed that aqueous extract at 50mg/kg body weight significantly (p≤0.05) lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol levels. Indices of cardiovascular function atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and cardioprotective index were positively modulated by the treatment. Conclusion The study indicated that the aqueous leaves extract of TV possesses antihyperlipidemic effects and may explains why it has been found to be useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases by traditional medicine practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The local use of medicinal plants in the management of reproductive abnormalities is a common practice in Africa. One prominent plant used in Nigeria for such purpose is Secamone afzelii. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the effects of Ethanol Extract of Secamone afzelii (EESA) on reproductive dysfunction induced by Aluminum Chloride (AlCl) in 3 male rats. Material and Methods: Thirty matured male Wistar rats equally divided into six groups were used for this study. Group I served as control, group II received AlCl (35 mg/kg bw), groups III and IV 3 received 35 mg/kg bw and 100 and 200 mg/kg EESA respectively. Groups V and VI received 100 and 200 mg/kg EEESA respectively. Doses were given once daily via oral route for 14 consecutive days. Results: The results revealed that, AlCl caused significant 3 decrease in final body weight, sex organs relative weight, sperm concentration, motility and viability, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone concentration and Glutathione (GSH) activity, accompanied with significant increase in sperm abnormalities. AlCl also induced apparent 3 alteration in the histoarchitecture of the testis and epididymis. Treatment with EESA modulated the harmful effects of AlCl. This was proved by 3 improvement in the gross anatomical, hormonal and antioxidant activity of treated rats. There was a noticeable improvement in the histopathology of testicular and epididymal tissues. EESA significantly increased serum testosterone in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: EESA is a possible ameliorative agent in AlCl -induced reproductive toxicity and 3 oxidative stress in male rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]