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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Olax subscorpioidea oliv. is a shrub plant of the Olacaceae family with reported usage in ethnomedicine as a nootropic agent for the management of Alzheimer's-like dementia., Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the nootropic potential of methanol extract of Olax subscorpioidea (MEOS) in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's-like dementia., Materials and Methods: Thirty male mice, assigned into six groups (n = 8), were used for this study. Group, I received distilled water, group II received scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), groups iii-v received 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o. of MEOS and scopolamine (1 mg/kg/i.p.), and group vi received donepezil 5 mg/kg, p.o.and scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). The animals were pre-treated with MEOS and Donepezil for 14 days, and scopolamine from the 8th to 14th day. Followed by cognitive, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and histology assessments., Results: 100 mg/kg MEOS significantly reduced transfer latency and increased discrimination index in the elevated plus maze and novel object recognition test cognitive assessments. 100 mg/kg MEOS, significantly reduced oxidative stress, protect endogenous antioxidants, suppressed neuroinflammation, and acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity. The histomorphometry study of the hippocampus revealed that MEOS prevented extensive pyknosis, karyolysis, chromatolysis, and loss of hippocampal neurons that accompanied scopolamine treatment., Conclusion: MEOS protected against Alzheimer's-like dementia via the suppression of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with scopolamine-induced amnesic behavior., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The Author (s) declares no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Honey contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are significant in developing drugs against neuroinflammation. The study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of honey in lipopolysaccharides-induced neuroinflammation. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, namely: the control group (10 mL/kg vehicle), the LPS only group (250 µg/kg), the honey (0.26, 0.31 and 0.36 g/kg) and the ibuprofen (100 mg/kg). LPS (250 µg/kg i.p) was administered for 7days followed by the treatment with honey and Ibuprofen for another 7days. Animals were assessed for memory impairment and anxiety levels using a Novel object recognition test (NORT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and open field test (OFT). Brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine level, acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress were determined. The neuronal alteration was assessed histologically using cresyl fast violet staining of the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum. Results: Honey (0.31 and 0.36 g/kg) significantly ameliorated LPS-induced memory impairment on NORT and increased time spent in the open arm and increased the locomotor activity in the OFT. Honey significantly (p < 0.05) reduced LPS-induced elevation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It significantly reduced malondialdehyde and nitrite levels in mice brains and reversed depletion of reduced glutathione levels. Honey attenuated LPS-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase activity in rat brains. Cresyl violet staining showed the restoration of neuronal organization and Nissl body distribution in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum compared to the LPS only group. Discussion: Honey effectively ameliorated LPS-induced poor cognitive performance, anxiety, motor coordination responses to neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Physiology remains one of the core disciplines on which all biological and medical sciences were founded. In Nigeria, it is known that most students study Physiology at the undergraduate level by chance and not by choice and end up performing poorly, which could be mainly due to low awareness and knowledge of the discipline, its opportunities, and prospects. Therefore, this study investigated the awareness, attitude, and knowledge about physiology among senior secondary school students in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional of 544 students in science-based senior secondary schools in south-west Nigeria were sampled. Our results showed a high level of awareness, with television being the dominant medium of information. However, knowledge of Physiology was low, while most of the students also showed interest in knowing more about it. Although gender does not seem to influence the level of knowledge, females had a better attitude towards learning about physiology. Similarly, residence did not affect attitude, howbeit associated with the level of knowledge. In conclusion, the high awareness and low knowledge observed in this study would give insights to educate students at the early stages of education about the opportunity and prospects of Physiology and other science-related disciplines.

The therapeutic and pharmacological management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is generally considered a major concern in ethnomedicine. Moreover, plant-based foods containing flavonoids were previously reported to show neuroprotective effects by modulating self-aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ)/or tau peptide into oligomers and fibrils, associated with the pathogenesis of AD. This study investigated the impact of Moringa oleifera-supplemented diet (MO-SD) in scopolamine-induced spatial memory deficit in mice. Mice were partitioned into two phases with five groups each (n=6) and pretreated intraperitoneally with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) prior the daily oral administration of MO-SD (1 %, 5 % and 10 %) for 7 and 14 days. Spatial memory function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Thereafter, markers of cholinergic system inhibition (Acetylcholinesterase; AChE) and oxido-inflammatory stress (Malonaldehyde, MDA; Nitrite; Superoxide Dismutase, SOD; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-α) and histo-morphology of the cortico-hippocampal neuron were measured. The scopolamine treatment led to loss of spatial memory function in mice spatial exploration of the escape platform in the MWM test. Meanwhile, treatment with MO-SD attenuated loss of spatial memory function via significant decrease in escape latency, significant increase in the frequency of cross with time spent in the platform quadrant. Furthermore, scopolamine treatment altered the endogenous antioxidants and pro-inflammatory mediators, elevated acetylcholinesterase activity and promoted chromatolysis of the cortico-hippocampal neuron. However, MO-SD significantly ameliorated oxido-inflammatory stress, restored cholinergic transmission via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and maintains neuronal integrity in the mice brain at both phases. These results suggest that Moringa oleifera-supplemented diet may serve a potential therapeutic and possible pharmacological macromolecule for preventing loss of neuronal cells and management of Alzheimer's disease., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius have been investigated to have abundant phytochemicals. However, study on the effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on neurobehavioral performance when supplemented with diet is lacking. The study is aimed at investigating the memory-enhancing effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius -supplemented diet (CAD) using Morris water maze and Novel object recognition test., Methods: Ninety male Wistar rats (80-100 g) were fed with CAD (1, 2.5, 5 and 10%) continuously for a period of 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively. Six animals per group were used for assessment of memory performance (Morris water maze [MWM] and Novel object recognition test [NORT]); afterwards the brain tissues were harvested for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) estimation. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentration was also determined. Hippocampal architectural change in the neuron was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and cresyl fast violet (Nissl) stain., Results: Higher percentage of CAD significantly (p<0.05) improve memory performance with time-dependent effects in rats fed with CAD on MMW and NORT. MDA significantly (p<0.05) reduce in 1 and 2.5% CAD groups at 4th weeks and in 2.5 and 5% CAD groups at 8th weeks while GSH concentration significantly (p<0.05) increase at 12th weeks in 2.5 and 10% CAD groups. However, CAT concentration significantly (p<0.05) increase in 2.5, and 5%, CAD groups, 1, 5, and 10% CAD groups and in 5, and 10% CAD groups at 4th, 8th and 12th weeks. AChE significantly (p<0.05) reduce at 4th and 12th weeks. Histological assessment reveals no neuronal and pyramidal degeneration (chromatolysis) at the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) region., Conclusions: The results suggest that CAD boost memory performance in rats through positive modulation of oxidative stress, cholinergic system and degeneration of hippocampal neurons., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Kolaviron is a mixture of bi-flavonoids from seed Garcinia kola seed, and has been previously shown to exhibit Nrf2 antioxidant-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. In this study, we investigated neuroprotective effects of kolaviron in LPS-induced memory impairment in rats. Wistar rats (225-250) g was used for this study. Memory impairment was induced with the systematic administration of 250 µg/mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effect of kolaviron on the cognition and learning processes were assessed using the behavioral responses in the Morris water maze model. Effects of LPS injections on the physiological activities were assessed by biochemical assays before and after treatment. Peripheral administration of LPS showed reduction in the cognitive and locomotor process. It also led to reductions in the core body temperature, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels, with an increase in Membrane lipid-peroxidation (MDA), intracellular glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO2). These pro-inflammatory mediators produced in response to LPS are hypothesized to affect cognition, and kolaviron was able to ameliorate the effect by significantly improving the cognitive and learning processes, revealed in the reduction of escape latency and path-length during the probe trial and increase in time spent within the quadrant during retrieval using Morris water maze. Similarly, LPS at 250 µg/kg induced a hypothermic effect in the treated animals. Kolaviron significantly was able to ameliorate the level of SOD and CAT by causing a significant increase while it caused a significant reduction in the level of NO2, GSH, and MDA. Kolaviron has considerable anti-inflammatory potentials, reducing lipopolysaccharide activation of macrophages. The memory-enhancing activity of kolaviron was comparable to Sulindac sulfide (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Objectives: The human body physiology rapidly changes and adapt to several environmental stimuli, including light. Abnormal artificial light exposures have been shown to affect sleep cycle, cognition, and mood. Although studies have reported inconsistent effects of short-term or constant long-term light exposures, human exposures to artificial lights occur at varying, unpredictable times and duration daily. Here, we studied the effects of long-term unpredictable light exposure on learning, memory, oxidative status, and associated cytokines in rats., Methods: Artificial lighting was provided using an array of white light-emitting diodes coupled to a microcontroller that switches them on or off at unpredictable times and duration (light intensity = 200 ± 20 lx). Within the last eight days of 40 days exposure, animals were subjected to open field test, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition behavioral paradigms. Brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assayed., Results: Exposed rats showed impaired spatial learning and memory (p<0.05), but no changes in object recognition memory or locomotor activity. Oxidative stress analyses also revealed significant changes in the concentrations of MDA, SOD, catalase, and GSH levels (p<0.05), not GST. Similarly, there was an increased TNF-α expression (p<0.05), not VEGF., Conclusions: We conclude that oxidative stress is involved in memory impairment in rats exposed to prolonged unpredictable lights, which again suggests the detrimental effects of extended light exposure on the nervous system., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Purpose: Ocimum gratissimum L. leaves has been traditionally used for management of febrile illnesses and symptoms typified of sickness behavior. In this work we investigated the modulatory effect of flavonoid-rich fraction of O. gratissimum leaves (EAFO g ) on sickness behavior, inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in LPS-challenged mice., Method: O. gratissimum leaf was first extracted with n-hexane, chloroform and methanol, and EAFO g was obtained by ethylacetate partitioning of a sequentially resultant methanol extract. The effect of EAFO g (25-100 mg/kg) on acute LPS-induced neurobehavioral impairment in an open field test (OFT) and depressive-like behavior in forced swimming test (FST) was investigated. Serum nitrite and TNF-α, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in liver and brain tissues., Result: EAFO g prevented the reduction in locomotor and rearing activity in OFT and the increase in immobility time in FST. The fraction significantly attenuated the elevation of serum TNF- α and nitrite levels. EAFOg reversed LPS-induced increase in MDA, MPO, and nitrite levels and attenuated GSH depletion in liver and brain tissues of mice., Conclusion: Flavonoid-rich fraction of O. gratissimum leaf demonstrated significant modulation of LPS-induced sickness behavior, inflammatory and oxidative stress response in mice. This suggests an important therapeutic strategy in slowing down LPS-mediated hepatic and neuronal disease processes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Methanol extract of Cola nitida (MECN) was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using rats and mice. Inflammatory activity of MECN was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw oedema while analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid -induced writhing and formalin paw lick test. Histological analyses of the paws were also carried out. There was evaluation of the mechanism(s) of action of MECN using naloxone, a blocker of opioid receptors; atropine, blocker of muscarinic receptors; and propranolol, blocker of beta adrenergic receptors. Findings from the study revealed that MECN has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties were found to be dose dependent with 200 mg/kg of MECN discovered to be the most potent dose. 200 mg/kg was able to cause statistically significant reduction in paw size (p < 0.001) when compared with the carrageenan group. Histological analysis revealed that rats treated with 200 mg/kg of MECN showed no inflammatory cells in the left paw compared to other groups treated with carrageenan. In the formalin test, the number of paw licking was significantly reduced by MECN at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg in both neurogenic and inflammatory pain responses (p < 0.001) even as 200 mg/kg showed the highest percentage inhibition of 98.17% while 100 mg/kg of aspirin showed percentage inhibition of 93.66%. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of MECN produced significant inhibition of writhes when compared with control as highest inhibition is observed in mice that received 200 mg/kg which is similar to aspirin. Administration of propranolol and naloxone was unable to reverse the analgesic function of MECN. However, atropine administration blocked the analgesic function of MECN. This shows that MECN exhibits its analgesic property through cholinergic pathway and not opioid and adrenergic pathways. Phytochemical screening revealed that MECN contains flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinines, terpenoids, and alkanoids. These phytochemical contents may thus be responsible for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Background: Vernonia amygdalina is well known as a medicinal plant in folk medicine as antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimalarial, laxative/purgative, and expectorant among others., Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of V. amygdalina ., Materials and Methods: Methanol extract of V. amygdalina leaf (MEVA) was evaluated for antinociceptive effect and possible mechanisms of action in the presence of naloxone (1 mg/kg), atropine (2 mg/kg), and prazosin (1 mg/kg) using acetic acid writhing test in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in carrageenan hind paw edema and carrageenan air pouch models. Protein concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were carried out for its antioxidative activities in inflammation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the level of inflammation., Results: From the acetic acid writhing test results, MEVA (50,100 mg/kg) showed significant antinociceptive effect. Naloxone, atropine and prazosin did not significantly reverse the antinociceptive effect of MEVA (50 mg/kg). MEVA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent inhibition of edema (41.4, 63.0, and 68.6%) at 4 h post-carrageenan injection. In the carrageenan air pouch model, MEVA (200 mg/kg) significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced infiltrating leukocytes, protein concentration and MDA levels, while GSH and SOD were unaffected. The histological study showed a reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in MEVA-treated groups., Conclusion: V. amygdalina showed antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory effect via reductions of leukocyte migration and lipid peroxidation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Buchholzia coriacea, taken by elderly, has phytochemicals that have neuro-active metabolites, and the folkloredocumented its use in neuro-behavioral despairs. Previous study in our laboratory shows that methanol extracts of Buchholziacoriacea (MEBC) seeds possess antidepressant-like potentials in laboratory rodents. This present study was conducted toinvestigate the probable mechanism(s) of action by which MEBC potentiates its effects using laboratory rodents.Involvements of serotonergic, cholinergic and adrenergic systems were studied using Forced Swimming Test (FST) and TailSuspension Test (TST) models of behavioral despair. Antagonists which including: Prazosin, an alpha-1-adrenergic receptorblocker (62.5 μg/kg, i.p.), metergoline, a 5HT2 receptor blocker (4 mg/kg, i.p.) and atropine, a -muscarinic cholinergicreceptor blocker (1mg/kg i.p.) were administered before effective dose of MEBC (50mg/kg). Also, the hippocampi of theanimals were studied for changes in neuronal density using Nissl Staining. Our findings showed that mobility was reversedin animals pre-treated with atropine, prazosin, and metergoline significantly (P˂0.05), showing a possible involvement ofthe corresponding systems. However, there was a significant reduction in immobility time (P<0.001) during FST afterchronic administration of the MEBC. The hippocampus showed no significant changes (P<0.05) in neuronal density. Inconclusion, MEBC probably potentiates its antidepressant-like potentials via the cholinergic, adrenergic and partly byserotonergic systems.

Background: Major attention has been on dietary and medicinal phytochemicals that inhibit or reverse abnormal conditions caused by nociceptive and inflammatory stimuli. Garcinia kola (Guttiferae) seed, known as "bitter kola", plays an important role in African ethno-medicine and traditional hospitality like in the treatment of inflammation, colds, bronchitis, bacterial, and viral infections. A number of useful phytochemicals have been isolated from the seed, and the most prominent of them is kolaviron (Garcinia bioflavonoid), which has been suggested to have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials. The aim of this experiment is to explore the mechanisms of action of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of kolaviron., Methods: The probable mechanisms of action of kolaviron were assessed by using naloxone, prazosin, and atropine to investigate the involvement of adrenergic, opioidergic, and cholinergic systems, respectively, using tail flick, the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Also, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to analyze the level of inflammation., Results: In the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice, pretreatment with naloxone, prazosin, and atropine significantly reversed the antinociception effects of kolaviron (200 mg/kg) when compared with control and kolaviron groups. In the formalin-induced paw licking test in mice, there was a significant decrease on the antinociceptive effects of kolaviron in the late phase when compared with the control, while the pretreatment with naloxone and prazosin significantly reversed the antinociception of kolaviron but atropine did not have any significant decrease when compared with the kolaviron group. In the tail flick latency assay in rats, pretreatment with naloxone and prazosin significantly reversed the antinociception of kolaviron but atropine; however, did not have any significant increase when compared with the control and kolaviron groups. The result of the study also shows a highly significant inhibition of paw edema in the carrageenan-induced receiving kolaviron when compared with the vehicle carrageenan-induced groups. Histological staining also showed that kolaviron significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the paw tissues., Conclusions: Kolaviron possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, both centrally and peripherally, which justifies its folkloric use to relieve pain and inflammation. It may be exerting its effects through mechanisms that involve opioidergic and adrenergic systems, and may not involve the cholinergic system.

Kolaviron is a mixture of biflavonoids found in the nut of the West African edible seed Garcinia kola, and it has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of kolaviron in neuroinflammation. The effects of kolaviron on the expression of nitric oxide/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/cyclooxygenase-2, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Molecular mechanisms of the effects of kolaviron on NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways were analysed by immunoblotting, binding assays and reporter assays. RNA interference was used to investigate the role of Nrf2 in the anti-inflammatory effect of kolaviron. Neuroprotective effect of kolaviron was assessed in a BV2 microglia/HT22 hippocampal neuron co-culture. Kolaviron inhibited the protein levels of NO/iNOS, PGE2/COX-2, cellular ROS and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated microglia. Further mechanistic studies showed that kolaviron inhibited neuroinflammation by inhibiting IκB/NF-κB signalling pathway in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. Kolaviron produced antioxidant effect in BV2 microglia by increasing HO-1 via the Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway. RNAi experiments revealed that Nrf2 is needed for the anti-inflammatory effects of kolaviron. Kolaviron protected HT22 neurons from neuroinflammation-induced toxicity. Kolaviron inhibits neuroinflammation through Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. This compound may therefore be beneficial in neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Background: Nevirapine is a very potent antiretroviral drug frequently used in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Opportunistic pathologies in HIV/AIDS patients include gastric ulcer and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Hence, the impact of nevirapine on induced gastric ulcer was studied using Wistar rats., Methods: Anti-ulcer activity of nevirapine was evaluated using cold restraint stress-induced, ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models for acute ulceration; and acetic acid-induced ulcer model for the chronic ulceration in Wistar rats., Results: Nevirapine (9 mg/kg, 18 mg/kg and 36 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in ulcer severity score and ulcer index as compared to the control in the models,.with corresponding increase in percentage inhibition. Histopathological studies showed that nevirapine has a positive effect on the healing of gastric ulcer in the groups treated with the nevirapine compared with the control. The induced ulcers healed up in all the groups administered with nevirapine compared to what was found in the omeprazole group where manifestations of ulcer like inflammatory cells infiltration is still present., Conclusion: Nevirapine may possess highly therapeutic effect in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal complications that might come with the presence of HIV virus in patients.

Background: This study investigated the anti-ulcer and ulcer healing potentials of the methanol extract of Musa sapientum peel in the laboratory rats., Materials and Methods: Methanol extract of the peels on Musa sapientum (MEMS) was evaluated for its anti-ulcer using alcohol-induced, aspirin-induced, and pyloric ligation-induced models, and for its ulcer healing employing acetic acid-induced ulcer models in rats., Results: The findings from this experiment showed that MEMS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) anti-ulcer and ulcer healing activity (P ≤ 0.05) is dose-dependent. Also, MEMS exhibited healing of the ulcer base in all the treated groups when compared with the control group., Conclusion: The outcomes of this experiment revealed that the anti-ulcer effect of MEMS may be due to its anti-secretory and cyto-protective activity. The healing of the ulcer base might not be unconnected with basic fibroblast growth factors responsible for epithelial regeneration.

Background: Buchholzia coriacea, taken by elderly, has phytochemicals that have neuro-active metabolites, and the folklore documented its use in neuro-behavioural despairs., Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the neuro-pharmacological potentials of Buchholzia coriacea (MEBC) seed extract in the laboratory rodents., Methodology: Methanol extract of the seeds on B. coriacea (MEBC) was evaluated for its antidepressant (Forced Swimming Test and Tail Suspension Test), anxiolytic (Light-Dark Test, Hole Board Test and Elevated Plus Maze), antinociceptive (Hot-Plate and Tail Flick test) and motor coordination (Rota Rod) functions in mice., Results: Our findings showed antidepressant activity (P < 0.05) of MEBC that is dose-dependent. Secondly, MEBC showed significant anxiolytic property that is comparable with the standard drug (diazepam). Furthermore, MEBC significantly prolonged the latency on hot-plate and tail flick responses when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Finally, MEBC significantly prolonged mice endurance time (P < 0.05) on a revolving Rota rod. The results suggest antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic potentials of MEBC., Conclusion: Buchholzia coriacea may have a stabilizing effect on the motor activity and MEBC probably contains secondary metabolites with some therapeutic effects on neuro-physiological disorders like depression, anxiety and pain.

In continuation of our drug discovery program on Indian medicinal plants, the gastro protective mechanism of chebulinic acid isolated from Terminalia chebula fruit was investigated. Chebulinic acid was evaluated against cold restraint (CRU), aspirin (AS), alcohol (AL) and pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models in rats. Potential anti-ulcer activity of chebulinic acid was observed against CRU (62.9%), AS (55.3%), AL (80.67%) and PL (66.63%) induced ulcer models. The reference drug omeprazole (10 mg/kg, p.o.) showed 77.73% protection against CRU, 58.30% against AS and 70.80% against PL model. Sucralfate, another reference drug (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed 65.67% protection in AL induced ulcer model. Chebulinic acid significantly reduced free acidity (48.82%), total acidity (38.29%) and upregulated mucin secretion by 59.75% respectively. Further, chebulinic acid significantly inhibited H(+) K(+)-ATPase activity in vitro with IC50 of 65.01 μg/ml as compared to the IC50 value of omeprazole (30.24 μg/ml) confirming its anti-secretory activity., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

The effects of methanol extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed was studied on male reproductive system of albino rats. Administration of 200mg/kg b.w.(p.o.) of the extract for 6 weeks resulted in significant reduction (P˂0.05) in the weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicle, but not the testes and prostate gland. Also the weight of the visceral organs- lungs, liver, heart and kidney were unaffected. A marked decrease (P<0.05) in sperm motility and volume was also observed in sperm collected from the caudal epididymis of the treated animals. Sperm count and morphology were not significantly affected (P<0.05). Total tissue protein of the epididymis and testes of the treated rats was significantly increased (P<0.05) and fertility was zero in the treated rats. Histological section showed that the epididymal ducts were mostly empty, though the epithelial lining appeared normal. There were fewer spermatozoa and late stage spermatids in the testes, with normal testicular epithelium. The results suggest that the extract of Buchholzia coriacea may have antifertility effects in male rats, the site of action most probably the epididymis.

In this study, the effects of ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum (EEOG) on both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion and gastric mucus secretion were investigated in Albino rats treated with the extract. Four groups of animals were used. Sub-group 1A serves as control. Animals in Group 2A, 3B and 4B were pretreated with 200 mg/kg of (E3EOG) for 1, 7 and 14 days respectively. Basal gastric effluents were collected from all the groups of animals at intervals of 10 mins for 60 mins. Thereafter, Subgroups 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A were administered with 50 micro/kg b.w. of carbachol (i.p.) intraperitonialy and effluents collected. Animals in Sub-group B were used for gastric mucus study. Carbachol stimulates gastric acid secretion in animals pretreated with the extract for 1, 7 and 14 days. 50-400 mg/kg b.w. doses of the extract significantly increase gastric mucus secretion. These results indicate the mechanism of anti-ulcer activity of the extract may be due to stimulation of gastric mucus secretion amongst pathways.

Anacardium occidentalis (family: Anacardiaceae) is a plant of the tropical climate widely used by folklore to treat pain and inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf extracts in rat and mice using different models in other to confirm folkloric claims. The aqueous, hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts (AEAO, HEAO, DEAO and MEAO respectively) were investigated for analgesic effects in acetic acid induced pain in mice. They significantly reduced the number of writhing (p<0.001) and the highest analgesic effect was seen in DEAO extract. DEAO was further studied on various analgesic and anti-inflammatory models in graded doses. The extract significantly reduced writhing induced by acetic acid and the number and time of paw licking induced by formalin in a dose related manner. It inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin. Analgesia was shown in the inhibition of nociception induced by tail immersion in 55oC hot water. The extract prolonged the latencies of tail withdrawal to a similar degree as pentazocine. The extract caused significant inhibition of carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats in a dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that the leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentalis are highly potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. Phytochemical analysis showed that the leaf extracts contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins and cardenolides.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanol extract of whole fruit of Lagenaria breviflora (LB) in rat and mice. Analgesic activity was measured by hot plate, formalin-induced paw licking, and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined by inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Extract-treated animals exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher pain threshold, lower number of licking of paws in response to formalin-induced irritation and writhing movements in response to acetic acid-induced writhing movement. There was significant (P<0.05) inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats pre-treated with the extract (50, 100, 200mg/kg) by 6.4%, 27.5%, 55.9% respectively. Analgesic effect of the extract (50, 100, 200mg/kg) in hot plate test was observable within 30 minutes of administration with maximum effect obtainable 90 minutes post-administration. Also, the effect of the extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) was dose dependent in both the early (88.17±6.21, 80.33±3.49 and 72.33±5.16) and late (72.50±3.95, 53.83±3.96 and 35.83±3.78) phases of formalin-induced paw licking, and in acetic acid-induced writhing with inhibition of 26.8%, 48.1% and 58.1% respectively. Its effect was comparable especially at 200mg/kg body weight to those of diclofenac, indomethacin and ibuprofen. It could be suggested from the findings of this experiment that the extract may be mediating its action as a central analgesic agent but the peripheral analgesic effect was preponderant based on its outcome from the pain models.

Background: Ethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius was evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities., Methods: The analgesic activity of the extract was assayed by the formalin-induced paw licking test, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate test, whereas its anti-inflammatory activity was determined by its effects on carrageenan-induced paw edema., Results: The extract of C. aconitifolius prolonged the reaction time of mice to pain in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal analgesic effect of the extract was obtained when the extract was administered 90 min before pain stimulation in the hot plate test. The extract of C. aconitifolius (100 or 200 mg/kg b.w.) inhibited acetic acid-induced irritation of paws of rats comparably with that of indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) and had significantly lower mean number of lickings of paws than the control rats (p<0.05). Carrageenan-induced edema was markedly inhibited (p<0.05) by the extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) when compared with control rats. Inhibition of writhing movement in rats administered with the extract was lower (p<0.05) than rats administered with indomethacin but its effect was dose-dependent., Conclusions: Our investigations show that C. aconitifolius possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that should be explored.

Anti-ulcer potential and proton pump inhibitory activity of kolaviron (KV) isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel has been evaluated using different ulcer models. Cold-restraint (CRU), aspirin (ASP), alcohol (AL), pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models were used to assess anti-ulcerogenic activity of KV in rats. Effects of KV on gastric juice for free and total acidity, peptic activity and mucin secretion were also evaluated. The H+, K+-ATPase activity was assayed in gastric microsomes, spectrophotometrically. Results of this study showed that KV (200 mg/kg) reduced the incidence of ulcers in CRU (69.0%), PL (67.6%), ASP (68.6%) and AL (51.5%). Reductions were also observed in free acidity (32.6%), total acidity (56.2%) and peptic activity (35.4%) with increase in mucin secretion by 40.1%. KV inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase activity with IC50 of 43.8 microg/ml compared with omeprazole with IC50 of 32.3 microg/ml. KV showed both cytoprotective and anti-secretory potentials against peptic ulcer models, and a proton pump inhibitory activity. KV may emerge as a potent anti-ulcer compound.

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Lagenaria breviflora (EELB) whole fruit in laboratory rats., Methods: The anti-ulcer property of the ethanolic extract of the whole fruit of Lagenaria breviflora (LB) was assessed using the cold-restraint stress-induced (CRU) gastric ulcer, pyloric ligation-induced (PL) gastric ulcer, aspirin-induced (ASP) gastric ulcer and alcohol-induced (AL) gastric ulcer models. The scavenging activity of the LB extract was examined with 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl radical and Superoxide anion scavenging models., Results: EELB (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) protected against the CRU gastric ulcer dose dependently. Similarly, 150 mg/kg b.w. of the LB extract protected against the PL gastric ulcer, ASP gastric ulcer and AL gastric ulcer and was comparable to omeprazole (10 mg/kg b.w.) or Suscralfate (500 mg/kg b.w.), respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity of LB was demonstrated by its ability to quench free radicals generated by nitric oxide and superoxide anion with a concomitant scavenging potential against DPPH-induced radical formation., Conclusion: Taken together, the study showed that the whole fruit extract possess potent anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities.

Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid fraction from the seeds of Garcinia kola has been shown to posess antiinflammatory properties in animal models of inflammation. In this study, the effect of KV on carrageenan-induced paw edema was investigated in mice. Furthermore, the effects of KV on the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators- nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were examined in an activated macrophage-like cell lines, RAW 264.7 cells. Administration of KV prior to injection of carrageenan significantly reduced the paw inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. KV consistently inhibited in-vitro production of NO and secretion of TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, KV reduced the production of PGE2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Viability of cells at all concentrations studied was unaffected as determined MTT [3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] cytotoxicity assay. These results suggest that KV has inhibitory effects on LPS-induced TNF-alpha, NO and PGE2 production.

The protective effect of Garcinia kola (GK) crude extract on acetic acid induced colitis in rats was investigated. Colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by inflammation of colon. The pathology in colitis includes disruption of crypt architecture, inflammation of crypts, frank crypt abscesses, and hemorrhage or inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. Since oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology of Inflammatory Bowel diseases,and Garcinia kola (GK), have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the rat stomach.The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Garcinia kola on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by acetic acid. Albino rats were divided into five groups; Group one served as control, group two received Normal saline, group three received 2.5% ethanol while groups four and five were given 20mg/kg and 100mg/kg of crude extract of Garcinia kolarespectively. In another experiment, rats were fed for 2 weeks on normal rat diets but specially composed to contain 12.5%, 25% and 50% by weight of G kola. Colitis was induced by intra-rectal administration of 6% acetic acid. The colonic damage was elucidated by macroscopic damage scores; colon wet weight, stool consistency and colonic edema (thickness of the colon). Intra-luminal administration of 6% acetic acid resulted in observable clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis.Pre-orally administered of crude extract of GK significantly reduced the colonic damage score (p<0.001), colon weight (p<0.001), thickness of the colon (p<0.001) and diarrhea (p<0.001).Histological examinations also indicated a marked reduction in tissue injury and inhibition in neutrophil infiltration in rats pretreated with crude extract of Garcinia kola. Results of this investigation provide experimental evidence of Garcinia kola as an anti-colitis agent.

Hedranthera barteri, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-nociceptive activity, anti-histaminic activityL. (HB) is used in the treatment of painful conditions and oedema amongst its folkloric use. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the root of H. barteri were investigated for anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory properties and probable mechanism of action. Hot plate, tail flick, formalin-induced oedema and acetic acidinduced writhing tests were employed to investigate the anti-nociceptive activity while the anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Anti-histaminic potential of HB root extracts on the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) was explored through pectrofluorometric method. The root was screened for its phytochemical components. The HB root contains alkaloids,cardenolides and saponins. HXHBR exhibited higher anti-inflammatory potentials (P <0.001). HXHBR dose-dependently (P <0.01) reduced the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells which is comparable with a standard anti-histaminic drug, ketotifen. These results showed that EAHBR and HXHBR possess anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, and suggested its mechanism of action through the inhibition of histamine, an inflammatory mediator, usually released during the early phase of allergic responses and chronic phase of inflammatory pain. Flavonoids, alkaloids and/or saponins present in HB root may be responsible for its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Background & Objective: Hedranthera barteri (HB) is used in folk medicine as a vermifuge, laxative and an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties of the dichloromethane fraction of HB root (DMHBR)., Methods: Anti-ulcerogenic activity was assessed in cold-restraint (CRU), aspirin (ASP), alcohol (AL), pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models in rats and histamine-induced duodenal ulcer (HST) in guinea pigs. The effect of DMHBR (100 mg/kg) on gastric juice for free and total acidity, peptic activity and mucin secretion, using the pylorus ligated model, were evaluated. The H+, K+-ATPase activity was assayed in gastric microsomes, spectrophotometrically. The in vitro anti-oxidant assays were explored through DPPH, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion scavenging assays., Results: DMHBR reduced the incidence of ulcers in CRU (63.3%), PL (58.5%), ASP (52.7%), HST (75.0%) and AL (53.87%). Also, reductions were observed in the free acidity (49.4%), total acidity (45.8%) and peptic activity (32.9%) with increase in the mucin secretion by 81.6 per cent. DMHBR (60-100 μg/ml) inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase activity with IC50 of 89.64 μg/ml compared with omeprazole (10-50 μg/ml ) with IC50 of 32.26 μg/ml. DMHBR showed antioxidant activity with IC50 values of DPPH (397.69 μg/ml), nitric oxide (475.88 μg/ml), hydroxyl radical (244.22 μg/ml) and superoxide anion radical (285.20 μg/ml)., Interpretation & Conclusion: DMHBR showed anti-ulcer activity against experimentally-induced peptic ulcer models and exhibited both cytoprotective and anti-secretory property. It exhibited a proton pump inhibition activity and its anti-ulcer properties may be partly ascribed to its antioxidant activities.