ABSTRACT
The contraceptive effect of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber for thirty days on reproductive hormones of female albino rats was investigated. Twenty four female albino rats weighing 150-220g were completely randomized into four groups (A-D) comprising six rats each. Animals in Group A (control) were administered 0.5ml of distilled water. Animals in groups B, C and D received 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber respectively for 30 consecutive days. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The extract at all tested doses decreased serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, although this effect was statistically significant only at 100mg/kg body weight (p<0.05). The extract at all doses significantly (p<0.05) decreased the concentration of progesterone in the serum of the animals. A decrease in serum estradiol levels was observed only in animals that received 100 and 200mg/kg body weight of the extract while the 400mg/kg body weight of the extract did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the serum estradiol concentration when compared with the distilled water treated control animals. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) increased following treatment in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was statistically significant only at 400mg/kg body weight (p<0.05). These alterations in female rat reproductive hormones by the extract are hormonal imbalance and would have adverse effect on maturation and ovulation of follicles. Consequently, the extract may impair fertility and pregnancy in female rats. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber may be explored as a female contraceptive.
ABSTRACT
Allium sativum plants contain chemicals which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and thus make them suitable to be used in different medicines. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of Allium sativum methanolic extracts were investigated using standard analytical techniques and modern micro plate-based antibacterial assays techniques. The antibacterial of methanolic extract of Allium sativum were used on different bacteria strains which include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Protea spp., Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The antifungal observation of Allium sativum was found to be active against Aspergilus flavus, Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus fumigatus, Penicillium spp compared to Funbact-A (control). The susceptibility test showed that Allium sativum is more active against Aspergilus fumigatus. The Allium sativum had a higher zone of inhibition compared to Ciproflaxin (control) on the different bacteria strains. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger differs significantly in their degree of inhibition of methanolic extract of Allium sativum. The findings support the use of Allium sativum extract in treating bacterial infections and Aspergillosis.
ABSTRACT
Physicochemical properties, metal analysis and fatty acid profile were carried out on Python regius fat with a view to ascertaining the immense therapeutic claim by traditional medical practitioners. Physicochemical analysis showed that the fat is lower than that of animal fats: cow fat, swine fat and goat fat. Trace metal analysis indicated that it contains 10000ppm Sodium, 620.00ppm Calcium, 94.26ppm Magnesium and 114.00ppm Iron. Python regius fat was found to contain 62% monounsaturated fatty acid, 10% polyunsaturated fatty acid and 28% saturated fatty acid. These results indicated that Python regius fat is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids; the healthy edible fat and can also be a good raw material for the soap and cosmetics industry. The results of the study showed that the fat has acid value and therefore less susceptible to rancidity. The saponification value of the fat is 164.09 mg KOH g-l showing its high triglyceride content, indicating its potential usefulness in the soap making industry. Its mineral content makes it a potentially useful source of electrolytes, which function in cellular activities such as enzyme action, muscle contraction, nerve action, blood clotting and water balance. The iodine value of 97.2 mg KOH g-l also indicated a fairly high amount of unsaturated fatty acids. The higher the iodine value, the greater the degree of unsaturation and the greater the susceptibility to oxidative rancidity. Overall, we therefore recommend the fat for use due to its diverse medicinal and industrial potentials.