Search

Background Malaria has continued to be a threat to man and his wellbeing, especially Africans and Asians. New antimalarial drugs are urgently needed to mitigate malaria treatment failure due to resistant Plasmodium species. Medicinal plants used by indigenous Nigerians for treating fever and malaria such as Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae) could be a promising source of lead compounds for developing new generations of antimalarial drugs. The effects of ethanol extract of S. acuta leaves (EESAL) on malaria parasitemia, haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice were investigated, using the 4-day curative test. Methodology EESAL was prepared by maceration method. The phyto-constituents and acute toxicity profile of the extract were evaluated using standard protocols. In addition, malaria parasitemia and chemo-suppression, and indicators of haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice treated with EESAL were assessed. Results At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/d b.w., p.o doses for 4 consecutive days, EESAL significantly (p p.o) used as standard antimalarial drug in this study. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts of negative control are significantly (p p p.o. Conclusion These results indicate that the EESAL possesses antimalarial activity and normalizes alterations in haematological and biochemical status of malaria-infected mice.

This study evaluated the effects of methanol extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum stem bark (MEPTS) on blood glucose level and lipid profile of Plasmodium berghei ANKA 65-parasitized mice. The levels...

This study investigated the application of crude methanol extract (CME) of Zapoteca portoricensis root and its methanol (MF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions in managing benign prostatic hyperplas...

The aim of this research was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antimalarial effects of the methanol extract of Erythrina senegalensis leaves (MEES) and its ameliorative effects on so...

The cost and worrisome toxicities associated with currently available anti-inflammatory drugs necessitate continuous search for more effective, cheap, and safe anti-inflammatory agents. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of ethanol extract of Hymenodictyon pachyantha stem bark (EEHP). The anti-inflammatory activity of EEHP was evaluated by determining its effect on egg albumin–induced rat paw edema, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, calcium chloride (CaCl2)–induced platelet aggregatory response, and membrane stabilization. The effect of EEHP on acetic acid–induced writhing responses was used as a model for analgesic property. The presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols was detected in EEHP. There was no sign of toxicity and mortality 24 h post-EEHP administration, suggesting that it is safe up to 5000 mg/kg b.w. EEHP significantly inhibited egg albumin–induced rat paw edema, in a dose-dependent manner and in both early and late stages of inflammation. Similarly, EEHP significantly inhibited PLA2 activity and platelet aggregatory response. EEHP also inhibited hypotonic-induced haemolysis by 23.99, 54.99, and 92.68% at 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 mg/ml respectively. Similarly, EEHP produced 44.64, 58.04, and 70.54% reduction in the number of writhings induced by acetic acid at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg p.o. respectively. These results demonstrated that EEHP has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The results also showed that the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect may be by inhibiting PLA2 and aggregation of platelets, and stabilization of lysosomal membrane.

Over the years, humans have relied on plants as sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote health and wellness. Interestingly, drug discovery has benefitted immensely from the use of bioactive phytochemicals derived from food and medicinal plants. Phytoglycoproteins (PGPs) are plant-derived proteins with sugar moieties covalently linked to amino acid side chains, formed by glycosylation during posttranslational modification of polypeptides. Several studies in the last two decades, including cell culture and animal studies, have documented a variety of health-beneficial effects of PGPs, including hypolipidemic, wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. Despite the prospects, there is a dearth of information on the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of PGPs, including possible induction of immune reactions, and the potential effects of stereospecific variation in PGPs isomers on their physiological functions. Further exploration of the multifunctional glycoproteins will position them as strong candidates for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Background Different parts of the Parkia biglobosa plant are employed in traditional medicine in different African communities. However, information ratifying its use and biochemical influence on health is still scanty in literature. Thus, the present study assessed the influence of the ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves (EAFPB) on some biochemical parameters of sub-chronic fructose-loaded rats. Methodology Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (n = 5). The normal control group was maintained on normal diet only while the high fructose solution (HFS) control (placebo), reference and treatment groups received high fructose solution (3 g/kg/d b.w of fructose) for 30 days before treatment. Based on pilot study, two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/d b.w) of EAFPB were selected and were administered to two groups of test animals while the reference group received 300 mg/kg/d b.w. of metformin for 14 days. Thereafter, blood was collected from fasted animals for biochemical analyses for the examination of level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), liver status (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin level), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoproteins levels) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde – MDA level). Results EAFPB was shown to have a good DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 0.395 mg/ml). Chromatographic analysis of EAFPB revealed 28 known flavonoids (mainly kaempferol (21.31 mg/100 g), quercetin (12.84 mg/100 g), and luteolin (6.75 mg/100 g)), four hydrocinnamic acids derivatives (mainly P-coumaric acid (6.73 mg/100 g)), and 11 phenolic acids derivatives (mainly chlorogenic acid (48.18 mg/100 g) and protocatechuic acid (21.58 mg/100 g)). Relative to normal control, it was observed that fructose overload significantly increased serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST, and levels of MDA, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride in placebo. However, EAFPB significantly tapered the elevated serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST. In addition, relative to placebo, the increased levels of HbA1c, MDA, and lipid health markers were also rebated by EAFPB. Conclusions Ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves attenuates biochemical aberrations in fructose-loaded rats, an effect attributable to the rich store of polyphenolic compounds in the fraction. Graphical abstract

The existence of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), characterized by elevation in markers of oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation (8-hydroxyguanosine, malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxynonenal) and reduction in antioxidant status (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione) is scientifically documented. We hypothesize that a good treatment regimen for BPH should return the pro-oxidant/antioxidant status to normal; hence, pro-oxidant/antioxidant status is an indirect indicator of treatment response. In this study, the effect of crude methanol extract (CME) of Zapoteca portoricensis root and its methanol (MF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions on the pro-oxidant/antioxidant status of experimentally-induced BPH was investigated. Forty-five Wistar albino rats (7 weeks, 180-200 g) used in this study were divided into nine groups (n = 5). Group 1 served as normal control. BPH was induced in groups 2-9 by daily subcutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone (400 μg/ml) and estradiol (80 μg/ml) for 28 days. Group 2 served as BPH-control (was left untreated) while group 3 received dutesteride (Avodart®). Groups 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 8 and 9 received, by gavage 200 and 400 mg/kg/d b.w. of CME, 200 and 400 mg/kg/d b.w. of MF, and 200 and 400 mg/kg/d b.w. of EAF, respectively for 14 days. There were increased prostatic specific (PSA) and malondialdehyde but reduced antioxidant status in BPH-control relative to normal control. At 400 mg/kg/d b.w, CME, MF and EAF decreased prostatic specific antigen by 55.91%, 57.54% and 56.75%, respectively comparable to 58.80% by dutesteride. In addition, the results of histological assessment of prostate tissues of the experimental rats fed extracts demonstrate an improved prostate status. The extracts returned the pro-oxidant/antioxidant status modified by BPH to normal. These findings may justify the plant’s folkloric use and suggest that extracts can be exploited further as potential source of entities for managing BPH.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in many chronic diseases and the use of natural antioxidants has been suggested to be beneficial in the prevention and management of some chronic diseases. Deep Root® herbal mixture (DRHM) is a branded Nigerian polyherbal drug composed of Cymbopogon citratus (17%), Carica papaya leaves (16%), Magnifera indica bark (15%), Moringa oleifera leaves (14%), Citrus limonia (12%), Psidium guajava (11%), Zingiber officinale root (9%) and Allium sativium (6%). Considering the bioactivities of the individual plant components in literature and the indications for managing chronic diseases, the potential of modulating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in rats by DRHM was assessed. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats used for this study were divided into six groups of five rats each with group 1 serving as normal control - was neither intoxicated nor treated with any drug. Groups 2-6 were intoxicated (3 ml/kg b.w of 5% v/v of H2O2, i.p). Group 2 served as H2O2 control, groups 3-5 received 1, 2 and 3 ml/kg/d b.w. p.o of DRHM, respectively while group 6 was given silymarin (100 mg/kg/d. b.w. p.o) for 14 days. The hematological, liver, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status of H2O2-intoxicated rats were evaluated. H2O2 elevated aspartate and alanine aminotransferases activities, and malondialdehyde and total bilirubin levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, H2O2 decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and antioxidant vitamins and reduced glutathione levels, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts (p < 0.05). However, in a dose-dependent manner, DRHM reversed the hematological status and attenuated oxidative damage to hepatic tissues likely by enhancing antioxidant defense system. This effect may be attributed to the phytoconstituents detected in DRHM. The polyherbal drug was shown to be tolerable up to 10 ml/kg. b.w. dose.

The bioactive compounds in methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruits were determined using a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The compound identification was based on the molecular structure, molecular mass and calculated fragments. Interpretation on mass spectrum of GC-MS analyzer (Hewlett Packard GC-MS system) was done using the database of National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST). The results showed different peaks representing the presence of about 58 bioactive compounds which are mainly carboxylic acids, esters, phenolic compounds and fatty acids. The most abundant bioactive compounds detected were 2,4,6-octatriene (2.74%), cyclohexanemethanol (2.57%), kaurene (3.59%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (5.63%), 1,6-cyclodecadiene (10.81%), terpineol (3.22%), cyclohexene (3.32%), copaene (3.04%), 1,6-cyclodecadiene (5.53%), 1-hexadecyne (5.63%) and silane (4.63%). The presence of these bioactive components suggests that the extract is of great pharmaceutical value.

Background Malaria still remains a serious global public health challenge and the growing resistance of Plasmodium species to the existing antimalarial drugs is aggravating the burden. Considering the growing knowledge of the contribution of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and hepatic and kidney damages, in addition to the well-known anaemia and hypoglycemia in pathogenesis of malaria complication, a good antimalarial candidate should not only kill malaria parasite but also normalize the associated haematological and biochemical modifications. Buchholzia coriacea (Capparaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in treating malaria whose antimalarial activity has been investigated. Aim to evaluate the ameliorative effects of flavonoid-rich extract of B. coriacea seeds (FEBCS) on modifications in haematological and biochemical status induced by malaria in mice. Materials and methods FEBCS was prepared and its effects on malaria parasitemia, haematological (packed cell volume, total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts and haemoglobin concentration) and biochemical (liver, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant and lipid profile) status of P. berghei Anka-65-infected mice were evaluated using established protocols. In addition, the phytochemicals in FEBCS as well as its acute toxicity status were investigated. A total of sixty inbred Swiss albino mice (7 weeks, body weight of 26 ± 5 g) were used for this study (30 were used for acute toxicity study while the rest for antimalarial study) and were maintained on commercial rodent diet and water ad libitum in our animal laboratory. Results Upon treatment with combisunate (140 mg/kg/ b.w.) and FEBCS (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/d body) for four consecutive days (4-day suppressive assay), there were significant reductions in parasitemia levels compared with baseline. When the parasitemia levels of mice post-treatment and pre-treatment were compared, it was observed that FEBCS exhibited a dose-dependent chemosuppression which were however, lower compared to that by combisunate. Compared to the malaria control, it was observed that FEBCS improved the status indicators of haematology and biochemistry to near normal levels. There was no significant morphological and behavioural sign of toxicity, indicating that FEBCS was tolerable up to 5000 mg/kg b.w. Conclusion These findings suggest that FEBCS possesses antimalarial activity, and normalized haematological and biochemical alterations triggered by malaria. This finding necessitates the isolation and characterization of the active principles in FEBCS which could serve as lead compounds for the development of novel antimalarial agents.

Mineral contents and amino acid and fatty acid profiles of Xylopia aethiopica fruits from Enugu State, Nigeria were evaluated in this study. The amino acid and fatty acid profiles, phytochemical, proximate, mineral, anti-nutrient and vitamin contents of X. aethiopica fruits were determined using standard methods. The proximate, vitamins, phytochemical, anti-nutrient of both the crude and methanol extract were determined while the mineral and amino acid profile were determined in the crude fruit powder while fatty acid profile was determined in the oil extract of the fruits. Results show that the predominant amino acids present include proline, alanine, norleucine, isoleucine, glycine, threonine, cysteine, methionine, and tryptophan. Also, the most abundant fatty acids include arachidonic acid, dihomoÏ’-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, caproic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid and myristic acid. The mineral contents of X. aethiopica fruits detected in high amount were calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Sodium, zinc and manganese were detected in lower amounts. However, lead, silicon, nickel and chromium were not detected. The result of the proximate analysis shows moisture, total protein, crude ash, total fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate contents. Anthraquinone was not detected in both crude and methanol extract of the fruit. The concentration of flavonoids, steroids, anthocyanin and terpenoids were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in crude sample when compared with methanol extract. The levels of carotenoid and glycosides were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the methanol extract when compared with crude sample. Vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9, B12, C and E levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in crude extract when compared with methanol extract. However, vitamin A content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in methanol extract when compared with crude extract. Results obtained showed that X. aethiopica fruits are rich in nutrients and that methanol extraction decreased the anti-nutrient contents of the fruits thereby increasing the bioavailability of the nutritive factors. However, the quantities of some of the nutritive factors were reduced after extraction

Background & objectives: The alarming failure in malaria treatment using conventional drugs calls for urgent search of alternatives; one of which is to exploit natural products such as plants. This study evaluated the effects of three selected commercial herbal preparations on albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65, a lethal strain of rodent malaria. Methods: This study was conducted in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka between February and September 2017. A total of 30 adult albino mice were randomized into six groups of five mice each. Group 1 served as normal control. Mice in Groups 2-6 were parasitized with P. berghei. Group 2 mice were untreated while mice in Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 20 mg/kg body weight of artesunate; and 5 ml/kg body weight of the seleceted commercial herbal preparations designated as HA, HB and HC, respectively. The percent malaria parasitaemia, haematological parameters, lipid profile, liver function markers, antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation index were evaluated using standard protocol. Results: It was observed that mice in Group 2 had significantly higher percentage of malaria parasitaemia when compared to mice in parasitized and treated groups. Also, haematological dysfunctions, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity seen in parasitized and untreated mice were restored in parasitized and artesunate- and herbal preparations-treated mice. Interpretation & conclusion: Findings from the present study revealed that oxidative stress, characterized by low antioxidant status and high lipid peroxidation, contributes to complications in malaria. The results also indicate that the studied commercial herbal preparations possess good antimalarial and ameliorative effects on malaria-induced haematological, lipid, antioxidant and liver aberrations in mice. The acute toxicity profiles of the commercial herbal preparations suggested that they are tolerable and safe at the doses administered.