ABSTRACT
Aims: To evaluate blood glucose-lowering ability of leaf ashes and compare anti-hyperglycaemic activities of Annona muricata leaf extract and ash. Study Design: Ashes and extract of medicinal plants were assayed using glucose-loaded rats model. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between March 2017 and February 2020. Methodology: Adequately prepared ashes of seven plants and A. muricata methanol extract were assayed for anti-hyperglycaemic potentials, using glucose-loaded (10 g/kg, p.o.) Wistar rats that were hyperglycaemic [blood glucose levels ? 7.0 mmol/L] thirty minutes thereafter (T0.0). Groups of 5 rats each, were administered 100, 150, 200 mg/kg of different ashes and A. muricata extract (200 mg/kg). Normal saline and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Their blood glucose levels were determined at 0-4 hours post-extract/ash/drug administration; results analysed using ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls’ and Dunnett post-hoc tests. P ? .05 was considered significantly different. Results: 100 mg/kg of Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica and Eugenia malaccensis leaf ashes was their most active dose, indicating significantly higher extrapancreatic activity. 32, 37, 54, 59 and 36, 43, 50, 48 % reductions elicited by Chromolaena odorata (COLA) and A. muricata (AMLA) ashes (200 mg/kg) at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours, respectively made them the most active ashes. Also, blood glucose levels in glibenclamide (5 mg/kg)-, COLA-, AMLA- and its extract (200 mg/kg)-treated rats were comparable (P > .05) and their anti-hyperglycaemic activity was suggested to be due to the pancreatic (insulinotropic) and extra-pancreatic actions of their constituents. Conclusion: Study justified anti-diabetic ethnomedicinal use of plant-ashes in Nigeria, while doses were recommended for the optimum folkloric usage of these leaf ashes in managing diabetes in the rural areas of Nigeria. The leaf ashes may contain elements with glucose postprandial tolerance factor and insulin stimulating properties.
ABSTRACT
Aims: To determine the effects of fertilization and irrigation on establishment and growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in Sokoto, Nigeria and its adaptability. Study Design: A factorial experiment laid down in split – plot design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 dry seasons in upland and lowland areas in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methodology: The effects of nitrogen fertilizer, manure and irrigation interval on percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter of P. virgatum were assessed. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg N ha-1), three rates of manure (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and three irrigation regimes (w2, w4 and w6). Results: Results indicate that there is no significant (P = 0.05) increase in percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter by raising nitrogen rate from 50 to 75 kg N ha-1, manure rate from 5 – 10 t ha-1 or irrigation intervals from w2 to w4 days. The findings of the study revealed that a combination of 50 kg N ha-1, with 5 t ha-1 of manure and w2 irrigation interval enhanced percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter.