ABSTRACT
The burden of epilepsy in developing countries made medicinal plants like Xylopia aethiopica fruit; Khaya grandifoliola, Alstonia boonei etc an alternative source in epilepsy management in the south-western part of Nigeria. The aim of the study was to provide pharmacological rationale for the ethnomedicinal use of the plants in epilepsy management. The oral medial lethal dose of methanol stem bark extracts of Alstonia boonei (MEAB) and Khaya grandifoliola (MEKG) and methanol fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (MEXAF) were done in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development guideline. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiling of the extracts was done. Anticonvulsant screening was carried out on the extracts (doses: 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) using the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure and maximum electroshock tests (MEST). Results showed that the MEXAF has the highest amount of phytochemicals except for saponins in MEKG; and MEAB with the least amount (but higher alkaloid) than MEKG. The TLC showed different bands of spots of the extracts. In the PTZ test, MEXAF showed 100 % protection against mortality at 300 mg/kg; MEAB with 66.67 % protection at 75 mg/kg and MEKG 0 % protection. MEAB, MEKG and MEXAF nonsignificantly increased the onset of seizure and latency to death. In the MEST, MEXAF, MEKG and MEAB at 75 mg/kg protected 50, 33.3 and 16.67% of the animals against tonic hind limb extension respectively and nonsignificantly (pË0.05) decreased the recovery time at a dose of 75 mg/kg. It was concluded that the extracts possess anticonvulsant activities hence, the pharmacological credence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in treating epilepsy.
Subject(s)
Seizures , Plant Extracts , Alstonia , Diagnosis , Epilepsy , Xylopia , Anticonvulsants , Plants, Medicinal , Prevalence , Meliaceae , PhytochemicalsABSTRACT
Purpose: To formulate the extracts of the stem bark of Alstonia boonei; an important antimalarial herb; into tablet dosage form. Methods: Tablets were formulated using direct compression and wet granulation methods. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using crushing strength and friability and the crushing strength:friability ratio (CSFR) while drug release properties were evaluated using disintegration and dissolution times. Results: There were statistically significant (p0.01) differences in the CSFR values and drug release properties of A. boonei tablets prepared by both methods. The differences depended on the type and concentration of excipient and binder employed in the formulation. Conclusions: The method of preparation of the A. boonei tablets needs to be carefully selected to ensure the production of tablets with adequate bond strength to withstand the rigours of handling and at the same time release the active compound (s) for biological action
Subject(s)
Alstonia/chemistry , Antimalarials , Dosage Forms , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
The seed of Alstonia congensis has been used as purgative by traditional doctors. It is not known if glucose transport and Na+-K+ ATPase activity are affected during the purging process. The effect of the plant on erythrocytes fragility is also not known. This study was designed to provide this information. The effect of aqueous extract (1:25w/v) of Alstonia congensis on the transportation of glucose ranging from 0.10 to 0.40M from normal and everted guinea pig intestinal strips into the surrounding 0.5M TrisEDTA saline buffer pH 8.2; on Na+-K+- ATPase activity and erythrocytes fragility were measured. Results showed that the aqueous extract reduced glucose transportation; inhibited Na+-k+-ATPase activity and specific activity at higher enzyme protein concentration and activated the enzyme activity and specific activity at lower enzyme protein concentration. Glucose transport reduction was linked to the effect of the extract on the Na+-k+-ATPase system. The extract also increased erythrocytes fragility. The active ingredient(s) in the extract is not known yet and research work is in progress to ascertain it