West African journal of pharmacology and drug research, Sep 6, 2010
The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides was evalu... more The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and leucocyte migration in rats, and croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. The extract (50-100mg/kg) and indomethacin (10mg/kg) produced significant (p Key words: Anti-inflammatory, ear oedema, carrageenan, leucocyte migration.
West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research, 2007
Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is locally used in the treatment of cough, backa... more Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is locally used in the treatment of cough, backache, chest pain and rheumatic pains. The ethno-medical uses of this plant and the need to establish its pharmacological effects have prompted this present study. The anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Acanthus montanus was investigated using acute and sub-acute inflammatory models such as paw oedema, granuloma pouch and pleurisy in rats as well as xylene ear oedema in mice. Acanthus montanus was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity and was effective, orally, in suppressing various experimentally induced inflammatory reactions. Significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects with doses of 100-400mg/kg were observed on acute inflammatory models such as carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced oedema, xylene-induced ear oedema in mice, carrageenan-induced granuloma pouch and pleurisy in rats. However, the extract did not inhibit egg albumin-induced oedema. On the basis of the study, it may be inferred that Acanthus montanus may be a useful anti-inflammatory agent, which inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways at the level of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Keywords : Acanthus montanus , anti-inflammatory activity, rat paw oedema, xylene ear oedema, pleurisy, carrageenan. West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 21 (1&2) 2005: pp. 13-17
Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia o... more Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis (all of the family: Curcubitaceae) were evaluated in vitro for anthelmintic activity against Lumbricus terrestris (earthworms). Seven motile worms were released into solutions of various concentrations of extracts (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50mg/ml in normal saline). Albendazole (1, 2.5, 5 and 10mg/ml) and normal saline served as positive and negative controls respectively. Results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and death of the worms. The aqueous and methanolic extracts, at all the doses tested, caused concentration-dependent paralysis and death of the worms. Cucurbita pepo was found to be most effective in killing the worms compared to C. lanatus and T. occidentalis extracts. Also, the aqueous extracts showed higher worm inhibitory and destructive activities compared to the methanol extracts. The results show that Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis possess potent anthelmintic activities, thus supporting their use in traditional medicine for management of helminth infections. Keywords : Helminth, Telfairia occidentalis , Cucurbita pepo , Citrullus lanatus , aqueous extracts
Purpose: To evaluate the possible analgesic properties of the methanol leaf extract of Alstonia b... more Purpose: To evaluate the possible analgesic properties of the methanol leaf extract of Alstonia boonei (De Wild, Apocynaceae) a locally available plant used in traditional medicine for the management of pain and other conditions. Methods: Alstonia boonei leaves were extracted with methanol. Rodent models were employed in screening the analgesic effect of the extract. Pain indices evaluated in hot plate and tail flick tests, formalin pain test and mouse writhing assay were mean reaction time to latent heat, time spent in licking of injected paw and abdominal writhes, respectively. Results: Oral administration of the extract caused a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in the number of abdominal writhes (control, 84.67 ± 9.58; 100 mg/kg, 57.86 ± 3.07; 200 mg/kg, 24.40 ± 3.92; and 400 mg/kg, 22.50 ± 2.53). The extract also produced significant (p < 0.05) but non-dose dependent increase in elevation of pain threshold in the hot plate (ranging from 27.99 to 42.26 % inhi...
Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a woody shrub of the Sudano-Guinea savannah regions of... more Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a woody shrub of the Sudano-Guinea savannah regions of Africa where the plant parts are used to treat various ailments including inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis) and pain. In continuation of our study of the anti inflammatory activity of this plant, we subjected the compounds previously isolated and characterized to pharmacological evaluation using different models of inflammation. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were studied using the Randall-Selitto and formalin- induced pain tests. At the dose of 20 mg/kg, Stereostin, Stereospermin (p<0.0001) and Stereospermiside (p<0.05) significantly increased the carrageenan-induced pain threshold compared to the distilled water treated animals. Similarly, at the same doses the three compounds significantly (p<0.0001) inhibited both phases of the formalin-induce pain with a more pronounced effect on the second phase than in the first phas...
Purpose: The tuber of Anchomanes difformis is used by local herbalists in Nigeria especially in t... more Purpose: The tuber of Anchomanes difformis is used by local herbalists in Nigeria especially in the western part of the country for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The study evaluates the possible gastroprotective properties of the ethylacetate fraction of A. difformis on pylorus ligation and chemically-induced gastric lesions in rats. Methods: Gastroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate extract of A. difformis were investigated using different gastric ulcer models (pylorus ligation, indomethacin-induced and ethanol-induced ulcers in rats). Ranitidine (100 mg/kg, oral) was used as the standard drug. Results: Oral administration of the extract (200 and 500 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant (p<0.001) reduction in total acid output and severity of ulceration in the pylorus ligation model as well as protection against ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcerations. These effects were comparable to those of ranitidine on these same models. Addition of 1ml o...
The effect of the aqueous extract from leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides on gastrointestinal tr... more The effect of the aqueous extract from leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides on gastrointestinal tract was evaluated using the intestinal transit, castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice and rats. The extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (25mg/kg) significantly reduced the intestinal movement of charcoal meal in fasted mice. The extract (10-50mg/kg) also caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the frequency of defaecation and severity of diarrhoea and afforded protection from diarrhoea in castor oil-treated mice. The greatest effects of the extract on the tested parameters were achieved at a dose of 25mg/kg while the higher dose of extract gave a relatively lower effect. However, the extract at all the doses used, did not show any appreciable activity on the weight and volume of the intestinal content and did not significantly modify the concentration of electrolytes (Na + and K + ) in the intraluminal fluid. The results obtained indicate that the a...
Purpose: Ficus exasperata Vahl is used in folk medicine in the management of various ailments inc... more Purpose: Ficus exasperata Vahl is used in folk medicine in the management of various ailments including cough bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Methods: The effect of the aqueous root bark extract of Ficus exasperata on asthma was evaluated using three models: tracheal phenol red secretion in mice, histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. Results: The extract (200 and 500mg/kg) produced a dose dependent prolongation of preconvulsive breathing induced by challenge with ovalbumin in antigen-sensitized guinea pigs. Administration of the extract during the sensitization period (20mg/kg/day) or 1 hr prior to (100, 200 and 500mg/kg) challenge with histamine caused significant prolongation of the preconvulsive breathing time. Histopathologic analysis of the trachea and lung showed a decreased tracheal cartilage and wall thickness as well as reduced mucus plugging of the alveoli in animals pretreated with the extract for 28 ...
Pyrenacantha staudtii (Icacinaceae) is a woody climber used in folk medicine for the treatment of... more Pyrenacantha staudtii (Icacinaceae) is a woody climber used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach colic, gastric ulcer, dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion and liver diseases, among other uses. 3carbomethoxpyridine (3-CMP) is a compound isolated and characterized from the methanolic leaf extract of Pyrenacantha staudtii by accelerated gradient chromatography. Prophylactic and curative effects of 3-CMP on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity were assessed in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (195-250g) were divided into six groups of six rats each. Animals were administered 3-CMP (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days prior to or after administration of CCl4 (30%v/v) for 5 days. The negative control group was given CCl4 alone and the normal control was administered olive oil only. Liv-52 was used as the standard drug (positive control). Morphological (body weight, liver weight and volume), and serum biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminases (ALT), a...
Albizia zygia DC (Fabaceae) is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchial dise... more Albizia zygia DC (Fabaceae) is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchial diseases, fever (including malaria), diarrhea, sores, wounds and toothache. This study was aimed at determining the sub-acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Albizia zygia stem bark. The sub-acute toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of extract for 42 days to rats. Morphological (body weight and organ weight indices), haematological {white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet counts}, biochemical {alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total bilirubin (TB), creatinine, urea} and histopathological parameters were assessed using standard procedures. There was no mortality up to the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg in both mice and rats on oral acute administration of A. zygia . Administration of A. zygia (500 mg/kg/day) for 42 days caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in WBC count, decrease in creatinine and no significant changes in relative organ weights or serum concentrations of ALT, ALP, TB, albumin and urea in the treated rats compared to the control. Histologic analysis of the various organs showed mild activation of the lymphocytes of the lungs and the liver, sinus histiocytes of the spleen and mild interstitial congestion in the kidneys, indicating activation of the local immune system of the lungs, liver, kidney and spleen. The results of the study suggest that the aqueous extract of Albizia zygia stem bark can be considered relatively safe on sub-acute exposure. Keywords: Albizia zygia ; Acute toxicity; Histopathology; Spleen
Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional medicine in t... more Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysentery, ulcers etc. The aqueous stem bark extract of the plant was evaluated for its acute and subacute (28-day) toxicity in rats. The subacute effects of the extract (0.5, 1 and 2g/kg, p.o.) were evaluated on the following parameters, namely: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides as well as organ weight and histopathologic changes. In the acute toxicity studies, no adverse behavioural effects or mortality were observed up to a dose of 8000mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in the serum and liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) except for an increase in the serum ALT levels at the highest dose (2g/kg) of the extract. Significant increases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were also recorded with the dose of 2g/kg. Increases of the organ (liver, kidney, heart and spleen) weights were produced with all doses of Stereospermum kunthianum but histological alterations of these organs were observed with only the highest dose. From the results obtained, it is concluded that Stereospermum kunthianum up to a dose of 1000mg/kg may be safe for long term treatment of various ailments. Keywords : Stereospermum kunthianum; Subacute toxicity; Histopathology, Lipid profile
3-carbomethoxypyridine (3-CMP, also known as methyl nicotinate) is a compound isolated and charac... more 3-carbomethoxypyridine (3-CMP, also known as methyl nicotinate) is a compound isolated and characterized from the leaves of a local plant, Pyrenacantha staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae), and known to possess anti-ulcer effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible gastroprotective effects of 3-CMP. Various models of ulcer such as pylorus ligation ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats were employed. Anti-ulcer effect was assessed on the basis of the number of reduction in gastric mucosal lesions, increase in pH, and decrease in volume, free and total acidity of gastric juice. The compound produced a non-dose dependent protection of the gastric mucosa in ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcerations with the highest effect at 25mg/kg. 3-CMP significantly decreased the secretion of gastric aggressive factors; free acidity and total acidity as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results obtained suggest that 3-CMP has anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties which may be attributed to its ability to reduce total acidity and free acidity, or mediated through the production of prostaglandins and free radical scavengers which protect the gastric mucosa. Keywords: 3-Carbomethoxypyridine; Pylorus ligation; Indomethacin; Ethanol; Ranitidine; Catalase
The analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark was studied u... more The analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark was studied using the acetic acid-induced writhing, the hot plate test, tail flick test, and formalin pain test in mice or rats. The aqueous extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent inhibition of abdominal writhes in mice. The results of the hot plate test showed a dose-related and time-dependent significant (P<0.001) increase in pain threshold in mice 60 minutes after treatment at all the doses used in the study. The extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) showed significant (p <0.05) dose-dependent increase in tail flick latency in rats and also inhibited both phases of the formalin pain test in mice with a more intense effect on the first phase than the second phase. The results indicate that the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark possesses analgesic activity which is mediated through both central and peripheral mechanisms. This is a possi...
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum were evaluat... more The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum were evaluated in mice and rats using the carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw oedema, acetic acid-induced writhing, cold water tail flick and formalin pain tests. The extract (100–400 mg/kg) and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the second phase response in the formalin pain model,
West African journal of pharmacology and drug research, Sep 6, 2010
The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides was evalu... more The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and leucocyte migration in rats, and croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. The extract (50-100mg/kg) and indomethacin (10mg/kg) produced significant (p Key words: Anti-inflammatory, ear oedema, carrageenan, leucocyte migration.
West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research, 2007
Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is locally used in the treatment of cough, backa... more Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is locally used in the treatment of cough, backache, chest pain and rheumatic pains. The ethno-medical uses of this plant and the need to establish its pharmacological effects have prompted this present study. The anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Acanthus montanus was investigated using acute and sub-acute inflammatory models such as paw oedema, granuloma pouch and pleurisy in rats as well as xylene ear oedema in mice. Acanthus montanus was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity and was effective, orally, in suppressing various experimentally induced inflammatory reactions. Significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects with doses of 100-400mg/kg were observed on acute inflammatory models such as carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced oedema, xylene-induced ear oedema in mice, carrageenan-induced granuloma pouch and pleurisy in rats. However, the extract did not inhibit egg albumin-induced oedema. On the basis of the study, it may be inferred that Acanthus montanus may be a useful anti-inflammatory agent, which inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways at the level of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Keywords : Acanthus montanus , anti-inflammatory activity, rat paw oedema, xylene ear oedema, pleurisy, carrageenan. West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 21 (1&2) 2005: pp. 13-17
Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia o... more Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis (all of the family: Curcubitaceae) were evaluated in vitro for anthelmintic activity against Lumbricus terrestris (earthworms). Seven motile worms were released into solutions of various concentrations of extracts (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50mg/ml in normal saline). Albendazole (1, 2.5, 5 and 10mg/ml) and normal saline served as positive and negative controls respectively. Results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and death of the worms. The aqueous and methanolic extracts, at all the doses tested, caused concentration-dependent paralysis and death of the worms. Cucurbita pepo was found to be most effective in killing the worms compared to C. lanatus and T. occidentalis extracts. Also, the aqueous extracts showed higher worm inhibitory and destructive activities compared to the methanol extracts. The results show that Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis possess potent anthelmintic activities, thus supporting their use in traditional medicine for management of helminth infections. Keywords : Helminth, Telfairia occidentalis , Cucurbita pepo , Citrullus lanatus , aqueous extracts
Purpose: To evaluate the possible analgesic properties of the methanol leaf extract of Alstonia b... more Purpose: To evaluate the possible analgesic properties of the methanol leaf extract of Alstonia boonei (De Wild, Apocynaceae) a locally available plant used in traditional medicine for the management of pain and other conditions. Methods: Alstonia boonei leaves were extracted with methanol. Rodent models were employed in screening the analgesic effect of the extract. Pain indices evaluated in hot plate and tail flick tests, formalin pain test and mouse writhing assay were mean reaction time to latent heat, time spent in licking of injected paw and abdominal writhes, respectively. Results: Oral administration of the extract caused a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in the number of abdominal writhes (control, 84.67 ± 9.58; 100 mg/kg, 57.86 ± 3.07; 200 mg/kg, 24.40 ± 3.92; and 400 mg/kg, 22.50 ± 2.53). The extract also produced significant (p < 0.05) but non-dose dependent increase in elevation of pain threshold in the hot plate (ranging from 27.99 to 42.26 % inhi...
Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a woody shrub of the Sudano-Guinea savannah regions of... more Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a woody shrub of the Sudano-Guinea savannah regions of Africa where the plant parts are used to treat various ailments including inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis) and pain. In continuation of our study of the anti inflammatory activity of this plant, we subjected the compounds previously isolated and characterized to pharmacological evaluation using different models of inflammation. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were studied using the Randall-Selitto and formalin- induced pain tests. At the dose of 20 mg/kg, Stereostin, Stereospermin (p<0.0001) and Stereospermiside (p<0.05) significantly increased the carrageenan-induced pain threshold compared to the distilled water treated animals. Similarly, at the same doses the three compounds significantly (p<0.0001) inhibited both phases of the formalin-induce pain with a more pronounced effect on the second phase than in the first phas...
Purpose: The tuber of Anchomanes difformis is used by local herbalists in Nigeria especially in t... more Purpose: The tuber of Anchomanes difformis is used by local herbalists in Nigeria especially in the western part of the country for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The study evaluates the possible gastroprotective properties of the ethylacetate fraction of A. difformis on pylorus ligation and chemically-induced gastric lesions in rats. Methods: Gastroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate extract of A. difformis were investigated using different gastric ulcer models (pylorus ligation, indomethacin-induced and ethanol-induced ulcers in rats). Ranitidine (100 mg/kg, oral) was used as the standard drug. Results: Oral administration of the extract (200 and 500 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant (p<0.001) reduction in total acid output and severity of ulceration in the pylorus ligation model as well as protection against ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcerations. These effects were comparable to those of ranitidine on these same models. Addition of 1ml o...
The effect of the aqueous extract from leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides on gastrointestinal tr... more The effect of the aqueous extract from leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides on gastrointestinal tract was evaluated using the intestinal transit, castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice and rats. The extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (25mg/kg) significantly reduced the intestinal movement of charcoal meal in fasted mice. The extract (10-50mg/kg) also caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the frequency of defaecation and severity of diarrhoea and afforded protection from diarrhoea in castor oil-treated mice. The greatest effects of the extract on the tested parameters were achieved at a dose of 25mg/kg while the higher dose of extract gave a relatively lower effect. However, the extract at all the doses used, did not show any appreciable activity on the weight and volume of the intestinal content and did not significantly modify the concentration of electrolytes (Na + and K + ) in the intraluminal fluid. The results obtained indicate that the a...
Purpose: Ficus exasperata Vahl is used in folk medicine in the management of various ailments inc... more Purpose: Ficus exasperata Vahl is used in folk medicine in the management of various ailments including cough bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Methods: The effect of the aqueous root bark extract of Ficus exasperata on asthma was evaluated using three models: tracheal phenol red secretion in mice, histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. Results: The extract (200 and 500mg/kg) produced a dose dependent prolongation of preconvulsive breathing induced by challenge with ovalbumin in antigen-sensitized guinea pigs. Administration of the extract during the sensitization period (20mg/kg/day) or 1 hr prior to (100, 200 and 500mg/kg) challenge with histamine caused significant prolongation of the preconvulsive breathing time. Histopathologic analysis of the trachea and lung showed a decreased tracheal cartilage and wall thickness as well as reduced mucus plugging of the alveoli in animals pretreated with the extract for 28 ...
Pyrenacantha staudtii (Icacinaceae) is a woody climber used in folk medicine for the treatment of... more Pyrenacantha staudtii (Icacinaceae) is a woody climber used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach colic, gastric ulcer, dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion and liver diseases, among other uses. 3carbomethoxpyridine (3-CMP) is a compound isolated and characterized from the methanolic leaf extract of Pyrenacantha staudtii by accelerated gradient chromatography. Prophylactic and curative effects of 3-CMP on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity were assessed in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (195-250g) were divided into six groups of six rats each. Animals were administered 3-CMP (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days prior to or after administration of CCl4 (30%v/v) for 5 days. The negative control group was given CCl4 alone and the normal control was administered olive oil only. Liv-52 was used as the standard drug (positive control). Morphological (body weight, liver weight and volume), and serum biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminases (ALT), a...
Albizia zygia DC (Fabaceae) is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchial dise... more Albizia zygia DC (Fabaceae) is widely used in herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchial diseases, fever (including malaria), diarrhea, sores, wounds and toothache. This study was aimed at determining the sub-acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Albizia zygia stem bark. The sub-acute toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of extract for 42 days to rats. Morphological (body weight and organ weight indices), haematological {white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet counts}, biochemical {alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total bilirubin (TB), creatinine, urea} and histopathological parameters were assessed using standard procedures. There was no mortality up to the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg in both mice and rats on oral acute administration of A. zygia . Administration of A. zygia (500 mg/kg/day) for 42 days caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in WBC count, decrease in creatinine and no significant changes in relative organ weights or serum concentrations of ALT, ALP, TB, albumin and urea in the treated rats compared to the control. Histologic analysis of the various organs showed mild activation of the lymphocytes of the lungs and the liver, sinus histiocytes of the spleen and mild interstitial congestion in the kidneys, indicating activation of the local immune system of the lungs, liver, kidney and spleen. The results of the study suggest that the aqueous extract of Albizia zygia stem bark can be considered relatively safe on sub-acute exposure. Keywords: Albizia zygia ; Acute toxicity; Histopathology; Spleen
Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional medicine in t... more Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysentery, ulcers etc. The aqueous stem bark extract of the plant was evaluated for its acute and subacute (28-day) toxicity in rats. The subacute effects of the extract (0.5, 1 and 2g/kg, p.o.) were evaluated on the following parameters, namely: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides as well as organ weight and histopathologic changes. In the acute toxicity studies, no adverse behavioural effects or mortality were observed up to a dose of 8000mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in the serum and liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) except for an increase in the serum ALT levels at the highest dose (2g/kg) of the extract. Significant increases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were also recorded with the dose of 2g/kg. Increases of the organ (liver, kidney, heart and spleen) weights were produced with all doses of Stereospermum kunthianum but histological alterations of these organs were observed with only the highest dose. From the results obtained, it is concluded that Stereospermum kunthianum up to a dose of 1000mg/kg may be safe for long term treatment of various ailments. Keywords : Stereospermum kunthianum; Subacute toxicity; Histopathology, Lipid profile
3-carbomethoxypyridine (3-CMP, also known as methyl nicotinate) is a compound isolated and charac... more 3-carbomethoxypyridine (3-CMP, also known as methyl nicotinate) is a compound isolated and characterized from the leaves of a local plant, Pyrenacantha staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae), and known to possess anti-ulcer effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible gastroprotective effects of 3-CMP. Various models of ulcer such as pylorus ligation ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats were employed. Anti-ulcer effect was assessed on the basis of the number of reduction in gastric mucosal lesions, increase in pH, and decrease in volume, free and total acidity of gastric juice. The compound produced a non-dose dependent protection of the gastric mucosa in ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcerations with the highest effect at 25mg/kg. 3-CMP significantly decreased the secretion of gastric aggressive factors; free acidity and total acidity as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results obtained suggest that 3-CMP has anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties which may be attributed to its ability to reduce total acidity and free acidity, or mediated through the production of prostaglandins and free radical scavengers which protect the gastric mucosa. Keywords: 3-Carbomethoxypyridine; Pylorus ligation; Indomethacin; Ethanol; Ranitidine; Catalase
The analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark was studied u... more The analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark was studied using the acetic acid-induced writhing, the hot plate test, tail flick test, and formalin pain test in mice or rats. The aqueous extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent inhibition of abdominal writhes in mice. The results of the hot plate test showed a dose-related and time-dependent significant (P<0.001) increase in pain threshold in mice 60 minutes after treatment at all the doses used in the study. The extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) showed significant (p <0.05) dose-dependent increase in tail flick latency in rats and also inhibited both phases of the formalin pain test in mice with a more intense effect on the first phase than the second phase. The results indicate that the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark possesses analgesic activity which is mediated through both central and peripheral mechanisms. This is a possi...
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum were evaluat... more The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum were evaluated in mice and rats using the carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw oedema, acetic acid-induced writhing, cold water tail flick and formalin pain tests. The extract (100–400 mg/kg) and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the second phase response in the formalin pain model,
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