Effects of Allium Sativum Ethanolic Extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei Parasites' Morphometric Parameters and Clinical Outcome in White Albino Laboratory Rats

BACKGROUND Trypanosomosis affects humans as well as wild and domestic vertebrates, yet has no successful prophylaxis, chemotherapy nor cure. OBJECTIVES The study was to investigate the effects of Allium sativum extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasites' morphometric parameters, parasitemia and the clinical outcome in white infected Albino laboratory rats in order to determine its trypanocidal effects. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted at the department of Biological Sciences Laboratory of the Moi University Eldoret. Thirty two (32) mature rats randomly divided into four groups (M, N, P and Q) were kept in four (4) cages in a well ventilated room, with adequate light supply in the day. Sixteen (16) rats were infected with T. b. brucei (1.0 x 104 parasites per rat); eight (8) of which (Group N) were treated with the A. sativum ethanolic extract on day 5 and day 9 after infection, while the other eight (8)rats (Group Q) received saline treatment on the same days. Sixteen (16) non-infected rats (controls) were also divided into two groups of eight rats each (P and M) and treated as in group N and Q, respectively. The rats were obtained from University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus. RESULTS All infected rats became parasitemic two days after infection and reached peak levels on day 4 and 5 post infection. Parasitemia in saline treated infected rats fluctuated between 4025.5 ± 0.05 - 5544.4 ± 0.05 parasites per 200WBC whereas in the extract treated rats parasitemia declined from 6976.6 ± 0.05 - 311.0 ± 0.05 parasites per 200WBC after the first treatment. Uninfected saline treated rats maintained normal Hb level (10.6g/L to 11.8g/L) as compared to the uninfected extract treated rats' whose Hb levels was at 13.41g/L to 14.36g/L. The haemoglobin level changed to 8.0g/L four days after the infection in the group N rats before rising to 10.2g/L on day 8 post-infection following the extract treatments. Group Q rats' Hb declined to 6.43g/L by the end of the study. RBC count of the infected saline treated rats declined to 3.38 x 106/µL as compared to 4.93-7.61 x 106/µL in the normal rats by 11 days postinfection.There was however no significant change in WBC, temperature and weight between the saline extract treated rats. The extract produced a shrinking effect on the parasite's body with some of the morphometric parameters appearing significantly (P<0.05) reduced as observed under a microscope with ocular and stage micrometer scale. The mean nucleus, posterior ends to nucleus centre, the nucleus centre to the anterior end and the body length were reduced from 2.41µm to 1.42µm(P=0.00), 4.42µm to 3.68µm(P=0.017) , 4.65µm to 4.18µm(P=0.001) and 8.58µm to 7.19µm(P=0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion it was evident that, A. sativum ethanolic extract exhibited Trypanocidal effects that can be exploited to control clinical progression of Trypanosomosis in rats. In addition, the data presented demonstrates the plant extract had the potential to improve the red and white blood cell indices reducing parasitaemia following T. b. brucei infection. These findings suggest that, the garlic extract affected the plasma membrane of the parasites since shrinking was only possible with disrupted membrane biochemistry

APOPO's Tuberculosis Research Agenda: Achievements; Challenges and Prospects

Abstract:This article describes Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) recent use of specially trained African giant pouched rats as detectors of pulmonary tuberculosis in people living in Tanzania. It summarizes the achievements and challenges encountered over the years and outlines future prospects. Since 2008; second-line screening by the rats has identified more than 2000 tuberculosis-positive patients who were missed by microscopy at Direct Observation of Treatment - Short Course centres in Tanzania. Moreover; data that are reviewed herein have been collected with respect to the rats' sensitivity and specificity in detecting tuberculosis. Findings strongly suggest that scent-detecting rats offer a quick and practical tool for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis and within the year APOPO's tuberculosis-detection project will be extended to Mozambique. As part of its local capacity building effort; APOPO hires and trains Tanzanians to play many important roles in its TB detection project and provides research and training opportunities for Tanzanian students

Evaluation of Antiulcer Properties of Ethanolic and Hot Aqueous Stem Extracts of Synclisia Scabrida on Experimentally Induced Ulcer Models in Albino Mice

Background : The treatment of peptic ulcer disease poses therapeutic challenges to both patients and physicians alike because of the tendency of ulcers to relapse. Drugs used in the treatment of this disease are either costly or are associated with high incidence of adverse effects. Synclisia scabrida is a plant used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various forms of stomach disorders and menstrual pains. The medicinal properties of the plants are claimed to reside in the roots; stems; and the leaves. Aim : This study; therefore; is to verify this claim and elucidate the probable mechanism of action by using crude stem extracts of this plant on drug- and stress-induced ulcer models in albino mice. Materials and Methods : Crude ethanol and hot water extracts; EE and HWE respectively; of the stem were prepared. These extracts were fractionated and separated by chromatographic methods and the fractions pooled together as fractions (PF-1; PF-2; PF-3 respectively) based on their chromatographic mobility and color reactions. Phytochemical analysis was done on the extracts. Ulcer models were induced in albino mice by means of indomethacin; histamine; and stress after prior cytoprotection with orally administered crude extracts and control (cimetidine). Results : Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts and their fractions revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides (+++); tannins (+++); saponins (+); flavonoids (++); carbohydrates (++) and alkaloids (+++). Acute toxicity study on the crude extracts and their fractions revealed relative safety at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. The crude extracts (EE and HWE) and their fractions (PF-1; PF-2; PF-3) significantly (P = 0.001) protected against indomethacin-; histamine- and stress-induced ulcers. The decrease in GIT motility produced by these extracts was comparable to that produced by atropine sulfate. Conclusion : The findings suggest that these extracts of Synclisia scabrida possess antiulcer and antispasmodic properties; which justify the claims for its use in the treatment of various forms of stomach disorders

Interactions of rosiglitazone and anti-arrhythmic drugs in animal model

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of vascular problems by two times compared with a healthy individual, with deposition of fats in blood vessel and this includes cardiovascular disease. The treatment regimens for patients suffering from both diseases generally include prolonged use of anti-diabetic drugs for diabetes and anti-arrhythmic drugs for cardiac arrhythmias.Aim:The aim of the study is to compare the influence of Mexiletine and Disopyramide on the pharmacodynamics (PDs) of Rosiglitazone in normal and diabetic rats.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted in normal rats and diabetic induced rats (with Alloxan monohydrate 100 mg/kg body weight). Albino rats weighing between 160 and 280 g were administered oral doses of Rosiglitazone 0.72 mg/kg, Mexiletine 36 mg/kg, or Disopyramide 18 mg/kg of bodyweight and their combination, with 1 week of washout between treatments. Eighteen rats were divided into three sub-sets with six rats in each sub-set. After 4 days, the blood glucose was estimated to confirm the diabetes. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using MedCalc® software Version 11.6.1.0 was performed to analyze mean change in blood glucose between treatments with body weight as co-variable and treatment as factor for normal and diabetic rats.Results:No statistically significant difference in mean change in blood glucose between Rosiglitazone in comparison with Rosiglitazone + Mexiletine or Rosiglitazone + Disopyramide was observed in normal and diabetic rats (P = 0.606). The maximum mean change in blood glucose for Rosiglitazone and Rosiglitazone + Mexiletine or Rosiglitazone + Disopyramide was observed at 1 h and 8 h in normal and diabetic rats. The post hoc analysis showed baseline correction method has increased the reliability of the results (P < 0.001).Conclusion:The study concludes that PD activity of Rosiglitazone was not affected by the anti-arrhythmic drugs. This study introduced a new statistical methodology for analyzing the blood glucose endpoint

Histomorphologic Alterations of the Cerebellum of Wistar Rats following Amodiaquine Plus Artesunate Administration

Amodiaquine and artesunate are two antimalarial drugs sold in combination as Larimalr'. This drug is a very effective artemisinin-base combination. This study was to access the effects of amodiaquine and artesunate combination on the histology of the cerebellum. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing between 150-180g were divided into four groups (A; B; C and D) of five animals each. Group A served as the control and the animals received distilled water; while group B received 8.75+2.86mg/kg of amodiaquine and artesunate combination for three days; group C received 8.75+2.86mg/kg of amodiaquine and artesunate combination for six days and group D received 17.50+5.71mg/kg of amodiaquine and artesunate combination for three days. Histological sections showed destruction of the Purkinje cortical layers in group B; with increased destructions in groups C and D compared to the control. These results reveal that amodiaquine and artesunate combination causes histological alterations; which were dose and time dependent and these may result in cerebellar dysfunction

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Fried Plantain Sold by Roadside Vendors in Calabar; Nigeria

The chemical and biological evaluation of fried plantain sold by roadside vendors was investigated. Twentyone male wister albino rats weighing between 35g to 80g were divided into three groups of seven rats each. Group 1 (control) rats were fed with plantain fried with fresh vegetable oil (FVO); Group 2 rats were fed plantain fried with 7 days used oil (degraded oil; DO); and Group 3 rats were fed with plantain fried with degraded oil but treated with antioxidant vitamin C (TDO). After 11 wks of feeding; the rats were anaesthetized with chloroform and dissected. The livers were removed; weighed; crushed and centrifuged in normal saline to obtain homogenates that were used for analysis of total protein and total lipids. The results showed a significant decrease (p

Comparison of the Effect of Glutamate; Oxyferriscorbone and Deprenyl on Parkinsonian Syndrome

Background: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) show a dramatic increase in their brain iron content has suggested the role of iron in degeneration of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons in PD. Several studies have described the association of high dietary iron and PD. However; the role of iron the pathogenesis of PD is still hotly debated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of L-glutamate; oxyferriscorbone (OFC) and L-Deprenyl on parkinsonian syndrome (PS) in rats. Methods: This study was performed on 244 male non-strain rats (250-270g;-10 wk old). By intranigral bilateral administration of 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) (10?g/2?/l into each side) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) (12?g/3?l; Sigma; into each side ) in rats was induced the dopamine deficient model of PS (DDPS) and the cholinergic model (ChPS) in rats produced by intracaudate injection of acetylcholine (5?g/2?l each side ) with neostigmine (1?g/1?l each side). These models were then used to investigate the effects of L-glutamate; OFC and L-Deprenyl on PS and the electric activity (EA) of the sensorimotor cortex; caudate nuclei; ventrolateral nuclei of the thalami; and substantia nigra in rats. Results: Intracaudate injection of L-glutamate (100?g/3?l; into each side) enhanced bradykinesia; rigidity and produced a weak tremor in the DDPS. This effect was more pronounced in ageing (12 months) rats and in some of them; we observed orofacial dyskinesia. In the ChPS; L-glutamate enhanced tremor and bradykinesia. The single and repeated injection of OFC (5; 7; 5; 15 and 20 mg/rat; intraperitioneally; i.p.) did not produce a statistically significant change of PS in both models. L-deprenyl (5; 10 and 20 mg/kg; i.p.) dose-dependently reduced bradykinesia and rigidity in the DDPS; whereas increased tremor and failed to decrease bradykinesia and rigidity in the ChPS. Conclusion: This study indicates that glutamate aggravates PS in both models. OFC does not have any effect on PS. Deprenyl has antiparkinsonian effect in the DDPS; but not in the ChPS

Effect of Centella Asiatica Extract on Nociception; Experimental Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia in Mice and Rats

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of Centella asiatica aqueous extract (CAEt) on nociception; experimental diabetes and hyperlipidemia in mice and rats. The extract was administered orally and the effects of different doses of the extract on nociception in mice; on blood glucose; glucose-6-phosphatase; and serum and tissue lipids in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes were studied. Diclofenac and chlopropamide were used as standard drugs for nociception and diabetes; respectively. The doses of extract administered were 150; 300; 500 mg/kg body weight. The data obtained indicated that the aqueous extract of Centella asiatica exhibited anti-nociceptive activity in mice. Results of the anti-diabetic study indicated that the extract suppressed the elevated blood glucose. In anti-hyperlipidemic study; lipid levels didn't change in diabetic rats treated with CAEt. These findings show that the extract possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-diabetic activities

A Pilot Study on Wound Healing using an Antibacterial Steroidal Saponin

"Cost effective primary and secondary wound care is needed and have significant importance in current medicine. The steroidal saponin Flabelliferin B with a UV active binder attached (FB); isolated from palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) has a known structure and proven antibacterial activity. The objectives of the study were to (i) study the effects of FB on male Wistar rats in relation to toxicity by wound healing (ii) study the toxicity of FB by the eye tests on rats and rabbits (iii) test the allergenic reactions by topical application of FB on healthy human skin by the ""patch test"" (iv) evaluate the feasibility of full scale clinical trial of the FB on infected wounds of humans. Toxic or other adverse effects on animals were not observed. Allergic reactions were also not observed on normal healthy human skin by the patch test. Having obtained ethical approval a prospective clinical trial was carried out in Colombo South Teaching Hospital. An ointment of 2FB was tested on wounds and ulcers with no subcutaneous tissue involvements. Human volunteers (n = 14) were employed in this study. Wound healing rates after treatment of FB ointment were monitored by measuring the percentage decline in wound area with time using normal standard hospital treatment as control. Microbiological tests by swabbing were carried throughout these experiments. The rate of wound healing was not significantly different from current hospital treatment (p = 0.512) and no allergic or other adverse symptoms were shown. It is concluded that it may be possible to use FB in treatment of wounds and ulcers with no subcutaneous involvement"

Antidiabetic Effect of Ceiba Pentandra Extract on Streptozo-Tocin-Induced Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic (niddm) Rats

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of daily oral administration of root bark methylene chloride/methanol extract of Ceiba pentandra (Linn) in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic rats; and the effect of this treatment on the physiological and metabolic parameters that are related in diabetic animals. The diabetic rats were separated into four groups and each given the following samples by gavage; daily for 28 days: vehicle (diabetic control); Ceiba pentandra extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg; Ceiba pentandra extract at the dose of 75 mg/kg and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). All the parameters were also determined in healthy (non diabetic) rats for comparison. The methylene chloride/methanol extract of Ceiba pentandra treatment significantly reduced the intake of both food and water as well as the levels of blood glucose; serum cholesterol; triglyceride; creatinine and urea; in comparison with diabetic controls. The treatment also improves impaired glucose tolerance but no effect was observed in the level of hepatic glycogen. The effect of Ceiba pentandra (40 mg/kg) was more prominent when compared to glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose; with the added benefit of considerably reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The results of this experimental animal study indicated that Ceiba pentandra possesses antidiabetic activity; and thus is capable of ameliorating hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic rats and is a potential source for isolation of new orally active agent(s) for anti-diabetic therapy

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Effects of Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam. Leaf Extracts against Chronic Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat Liver

Chronic alcohol ingestion is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); thereby leading to liver damage. Antioxidant enzymes act individually or in combination to reduce or counter the effect of these ROS. Chronic administration of alcohol at (40v/v; 1ml/100g); for 6 weeks showed a significant (p0.05) elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT); aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and total bilirubin (TB). There was also a significant (p0.05) decreased levels of catalase; glutathione peroxidase; glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase compared to control rats. Pretreatment of rats with 200; 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or 100 mg/kg silymarin resulted in a significant (p0.05) decreased levels of ALT; AST; ALP; and TB with levels of catalase; glutathione peroxidase; glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase showing a significant (p0.05) increase compared to group administered alcohol only. Histopathology of rat liver administered with alcohol only resulted in severe necrosis; mononuclear cell aggregation and fatty degeneration in the central and mid zonal areas which was a characteristic of a damaged liver. Pre-treatment with the aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana or silymarin reduced the morphological changes that are associated with chronic alcohol administration. The presence of tannins; saponins and phenolic compounds observed in the plant extract could be responsible for the observed effects of decreasing the levels of injured tissue marker and lipid peroxidation

In Vivo Evaluation of Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Rhus Semialata Fruit Extract in Rats

Rhus semialata Murr. (Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree of north eastern India. The fruit of this plant is traditionally used to control diarrhoea and dysentery. The Present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-diarrhoeal potency of methanol extract of fruits of R. semialatalts indicated that the methanol extract of the fruits of R. semialata possesses significant anti-diarrhoeal effect and substantiated the use of this herbal remedy as a non-specific treatment for diarrhoea in folk medicine

Effects of pirimiphos-methyl (an Organophosphate Insecticide) on the Fertility of Adult male rats

Background: Organophosphate insecticides represent one of the most widely used classes of pesticides with high potential for human exposure in both rural and residential environments. Objective: In the present study; we investigated the effects of pirimiphos-methyl (0; 2-diethylamino-6-methylpirimidin-4-yl O; O-dimethyl phosphorothioate); an organophosphothioate pesticide; on male rat reproductive performances. Methods: A total of 24 adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each and orally treated with 0; 41.67; 62.5 or 125 mg/kg of pirimiphos-methyl for 90 days. Results: Results from the study showed a significant increase (p0.05) in feed consumption; body weight gain; relative testis and epidiydimis weights and intra-testicular cholesterol level in rats receiving the test substance at doses of 62.5 or 125mg/kg whereas a significant decrease (p0.05) in serum total protein; sperm density and motility; fertility and parturition indices and pups sex-ratio (M/ F) was recorded in animals treated with 125 mg/Kg of pirimiphos methyl. Histological findings also indicated enlargement of interstitial space; inhibition of spermatogenesis; rarefaction of Leydig cells and oedema in testes compared to control animals. Conclusion: It could then be concluded that pirimiphos-methyl (62.5 and 125mg/kg) is detrimental to the reproductive potentials of male rats

Sub-chronic Toxicity Studies of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Rauvolfia Vomitoria (Afzel)

The cumulative effects of the aqueous leaf extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria on body tissues was studied. Six groups of male rats consisting of 5 rats per group were given doses of the leaf extract ranging from 0.03g kg-1-1.2g kg-1 to drink at will from their drinking bottles for 42 days. During the period of the study; weights of the animals were monitored weekly with their gross appearances. At the end of the 42nd day; the rats were killed by cervical dislocation. Post-mortem of each of the animals was performed. The liver; kidney; stomach; heart and lungs were excised. The organs from the groups given plant extract were compared with those of the controls. Body weight of both the treated and the control animals rose progressively as the period increased. The pathological features like oedema and hypertrophy noticed in the tissues are considered to be of no serious consequence as they disappeared after cessation of therapy. There abnormalities may possibly not develop with R. vomitoria used for a short period. It is therefore; considered to be non-hazardous

Toxicological Effects of Paraquat on the Histology of the Stomach; Small Intestine and Testis of Male Albino Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)

Background: Paraquat is a herbicide; commonly used by farmers in agriculture to prevent weed infestation. The non-target organic toxicity effect of this chemical motivated this study.Methods: Utilizing male albino rats of 0.2 kg average body weight; the LD100(lethal dose that gave 100death) for Paraquat was obtained as 1g/kg body weight Furthermore LD50 (median lethal dose of paraquat; ip) was obtained as 0.45 g/kg body weight using arithmetic method of karber. Six dose levels of paraquat 0; 0.09; 0.18; 0.35; 0.70; 1.00 g/kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally into the various groups of the male rats. Within 24hrs; histopathological examination in the stomach; in the small intestine and testis of the rats were performed.Results: Histopathological examination of the organs studied revealed that the stomach had mild mucosal ulceration; muscular coat atrophy; stromal oedema and tubular hyalinization which were dose- dependent. The small intestine showed mucosal ulceration; loss of villi; luminal and stromal oedema and glandular necrosis which were also dose dependent. Furthermore; the testis had classical central fibrosis; cellular polarization; tubular disorganization; necrosis and lack of mitotic figures (no cell division); oligospermia; azoospermia and hyperchromasia which were dose dependent.Conclusion: Paraquat; a notable herbicide used in agricultural weed control; had deleterious effects on such organs as stomach; small intestine and testes. Need therefore arises for caution in the handling of these chemicals as the danger of impairment of the gastrointestinal tract and indeed the reproductive system in males is a possibility