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Aims: Medicinal plants used by traditional medical practitioners (TMP) to treat cancers are considered safe when used alone or combined with conventional therapy to ensure their effectiveness and eliminate the toxic effects of orthodox medicines. Using cytotoxic and antioxidant studies, the study attempted to assess some of the commonly used medicinal plants used to cure cancer among Yoruba people in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos (South-West, Nigeria). Study Design: Samples of commonly utilized anticancer plants obtained from the chosen areas using physical and virtual oral seminars were studied for physiochemical composition and a possible antioxidant and cytotoxic potential to validate the basis for the use of the selected anticancer plants. Methodology: Online academic literature searches were done on the cited plants to identify the already-exploited anticancer plants. The ethanolic extracts of the plant were examined for the presence of bioactive components and their total flavonoid content, with focusing on quercetin detection using thin layer bioautography (TLB) and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) for cytotoxicity. In comparison to quercetin and ascorbic acid, the scavenging of superoxide radical (SOR), hydrogen peroxide, and 2, 2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity by a model (most biologically active) of the anticancer plant was also evaluated. Results: There were only twelve anticancer species that were not used in related studies: Lannea egregia, Ficus exasperate, Croton zambesicus, Tetrapleurai tetraptera, Terminalia catappa, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Plumbago zelanica, Hilleria latifolia, Bryophyllum pinntum, Chromolena odorata, Brysocarpus coccineus and Spondias mombin. The anticancer plants contained bioactive and mineral substances like saponins, protein, lipids, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and a decreased Na/K concentration. The plants had a fair amount of flavonoids and variable levels of cytotoxicity. L. egeregia was regarded as the prototype of the anticancer species due to its profound flavonoid concentration (85.40 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity (9.46 µg/mL) compared to other extracts. The TLB also demonstrated the presence of quercetin, with a dose-dependent antioxidant property. The anticancer model's overall antioxidant activity (34.72 µg/mL) was slightly lower than quercetin (30.44 µg/mL) but higher than ascorbic acid (41.68 µg/mL). Conclusion: The results support the traditional use of anticancer species as nutritional and dietary supplements, whose bioactive compounds are relevant in managing cancer patients. The plant’s bioactive principles need to be characterized in future research.
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Male infertility has become a problem worldwide, and recent research has emphasized the development of more effective therapy options. Among natural compounds, rutin has been widely studied for its potential to treat dysfunction related to male infertility, including a reduction in sperm quality, spermatogenesis disruption and structural disruption in the testis. A thorough review of scientific literature published in several databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, was used to synthesize the present state of research on the role of rutin in male reproductive health. Rutin has been shown to possess antiapoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others, which are crucial in the management of male infertility. Numerous investigations have shown that rutin protects against male infertility and have explored the underlying mechanisms involved. The present review, therefore, assesses the therapeutic mechanisms involved in male infertility treatment using rutin. Rutin was able to mitigate the induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and related physiological processes that can cause testicular dysfunction. Please cite this article as: Rotimi DE, Elebiyo TC, Ojo OA. Therapeutic potential of rutin in male infertility: A mini review. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(2): 130-135.
Subject(s)
Male , Humans , Rutin/analysis , Semen , Testis , Spermatozoa , Oxidative Stress , Infertility, Male/drug therapyABSTRACT
@#Breast cancer (CA) is the commonest malignancy occurring in women, and constitutes a major disease burden in low income countries of the world, including Nigeria, where the mortality rates are high. A good knowledge of the etiological risk factors, coupled with the uptake of screening tests, are important in attaining prevention of breast CA and also reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This study therefore set out to assess the knowledge and attitude of the female students of a tertiary institution in South-western Nigeria towards breast cancer etiology and breast-self-examination (BSE). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that recruited 350 respondents using multi-stage sampling technique. The study instrument was a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20 and results were presented using frequency tables and charts. Chi square tests and logistic regression analyses were also done as appropriate. Majority (80.6%) of the study respondents had heard of breast cancer, 78.4% of which had poor knowledge about breast cancer etiology and about two-thirds of these had a good attitude towards BSE. Only 18 (6.4%) of the 282 respondents who had ever heard of breast CA knew how to perform BSE correctly, while only 159 (56.4%) of them had ever carried out BSE. Age, knowing anyone with breast CA, previous exposure to information on BSE, and previous clinical breast examination were found to have statistically significant association with respondents’ knowledge of, and attitude towards BSE. The study respondents generally had a poor level of knowledge of breast CA etiology, older respondents showed better attitude towards BSE, and only a few knew how to perform BSE correctly. We recommend the early introduction of breast CA prevention education to female students in high school.
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Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used antifibrinolytic drug during surgical procedures to reduce blood loss. An Inadvertent intrathecal injection of TXAmay lead to serious side effects including seizures and ventricular fibrillation with reported fatalities. We report a case of an inadvertentintrathecal injection of TXAwhich occurred as a result of similarities in appearance between TXAand heavy bupivacaine ampoules. The patient had subarachnoid lavage after experiencing back pain, systemic hypertension followed by generalized tonic clonic seizures
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Humans , Injections, Spinal , Back Pain , Tranexamic Acid , Intracranial Pressure , Therapeutic IrrigationABSTRACT
@#Generally, the mean age at menarche appears to be falling, and many girls attained menarche unprepared. This study assessed the preparedness of female secondary school students in Ile-Ife in Osun State towards menarche. This cross–sectional descriptive study was carried out among 797 female students selected through multistage sampling method. Semi-structured, self-administered pretested questionnaires were used as research instrument. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 23.0. Mean age of respondents was 18.4 ± 2.7 years. A total of 89.6% (714) of all the respondents were informed about menarche before its onset; 73.2% (527) of them were informed by their mothers. About 69.3% of the respondents had good knowledge score of menarche while only 65.9% of them were scored as prepared for menarche. Predictors of being prepared for menarche include higher age at menarche, and being pre- informed about menarche. There is still need to fill the existing knowledge gap among the respondents through adequate school health education program.
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Thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine disorders seen globally. Diagnostic challenge may arise both clinically and biochemically because of the multiple function of thyroid hormones (THs). Request for thyroid function test (TFT s) may be based on clinical impression that may suggest thyroid dysfunction or obvious symptoms and signs that are diagnostic of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study looks at the biochemical patterns of TFTs and the clinical impression of thyroid disorders in a rural tertiary institution. Information extracted from the laboratory register includes indication for the test, the hospital number, the gender, the age, and the THs assayed. The corresponding biochemical pattern of the TFT result was established. Results: A total of 297 requests were submitted for TH assay; 34 were excluded from the present study because there were no clinical information. There were 239 females and 24 males giving a female-to-male ratio of 9.9:1. Majority of the requests (36.5%) were for goiters, followed by gynecological disorders (20.9%) and clinical thyroid disorders (17.9%). About 46% (45.8%) of the goiter cases were biochemically euthyroid, whereas 13.5% were biochemically primary hyperthyroid. Among the 47 cases of thyroid disorders by the physician's clinical impression, 27.7% were euthyroid, 17% were biochemically hyperthyroid, and 10.6% were hypothyroid. Of the 55 gynecological disorders assessed, only 7.3% show biochemical evidence of TH alteration with 56.4% being euthyroid. About 47% (46.6%) of those that did routine medical examination had altered TH level that includes hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Goiter is the most prevalent thyroid disorder in this environment. Biochemical pattern of thyroid function test in our environment was mostly euthyroid despites clinical features suggestive of thyroid disorders
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Nigeria , Thyroid Diseases , Thyroid Function TestsABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the tooth dimensions of an orthodontic patient population with a normal population of Nigerians. Materials and Methods: Participants were orthodontic and control populations selected from Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife. Selected participants had full eruption of first six permanent teeth in all quadrants, intact dentition and no conservative treatment other than class 1 restorations. The mesio-distal and bucco-lingual widths of teeth were measured with an electronic digital caliper from dental casts. Independent sample t test was used for group comparisons. Statistical significance was inferred at p < 0.05. Results: Mean maxillary and mandibular mesio-distal tooth dimensions were generally larger in the orthodontic than the control population, however, only the dimensions of maxillary central incisors, left lateral incisor and mandibular left second premolar differed significantly (p < 0.05). Mean maxillary bucco-lingual tooth dimensions were significantly larger among the orthodontic than the control population. Mandibular bucco-lingual dimensions differed significantly for the right canine, left first and second premolars, and right and left first molars (p < 0.05). Tooth dimensions were generally larger in male than female participants, however only a few differences reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Some differences were observed in the mesio-distal tooth dimensions of the orthodontic patients and control patients who participated in this study, especially in relation to the maxillary incisors. Buccolingual tooth dimensions differed significantly between the groups which were more pronounced with the maxillary teeth. Gender differences were observed with some tooth dimensions.
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Aim: This research investigated the antibacterial activities of the predominant microorganisms isolated from fermenting cassava mash during fufu production against selected enteropathogenic bacteria. Methodology: Microbiological analysis was carried out on the mash on daily basis during the three-day fermentation period. The pH, TTA and temperature of the fufu were also evaluated. The antibacterial activities of dominant microorganisms from the mash were assayed against the isolated microorganisms and test isolates using disc and agar diffusion methods. Results: The bacteria isolated from the fermenting mash include Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus while the fungi were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Geotrichum candidum, Penicillium expansum and Rhizospus stolonifer. The predominant microorganisms were L. plantarum, L. mesenteroides, A. niger, A. fumigatus and G. candidum. The total bacterial, lactic acid bacterial and fungal counts increased from 2.5X105 cfu/ml, 2.0X105 cfu/ml and 1.5X103 cfu/ml to 7.6X106 cfu/ml, 6.7X106 cfu/ml and 1.0X106 cfu/ml respectively. The temperature of cassava mash increased from 26°C to 30°C. The pH decreased from 6.80 to 4.22 while the total titratable acidity increased from 0.70% to 0.94%. Escherichia coli, P. mirabilis, S. typhimurium and S. aureus were inhibited by L. plantarum and L. mesenteroides while E. agglomerans and K. pneumoniae were resistant to L. plantarum and L. mesenteroides respectively. Aspergillus niger and G. candidum inhibited S. aureus but E. agglomerans, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and S. typhimurium were not affected. Enterobacter agglomerans, E. coli, P. mirabilis and S. aureus were inhibited by A. fumigatus while K. pneumoniae and S. typhimurium were resistant. Conclusion: These results suggested that consumption of fufu and other fermented cassava tubers could enhance less susceptibility to diseases caused by the test bacteria and fufu may be recommended for people suffering from infections caused by these microorganisms.
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The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract and flavonoid-rich leaf extract ofSynsepalum dulcificum on lead-acetate-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Forty-five animals were distributed intonine groups with five animals apiece. Group 1 served as the control and was given only distilled water throughoutthe course of the study. Group 2 served as the lead-induced group and was administered 50 mg/kg lead-acetate.Groups 3–8 were co-administered 50 mg/kg lead-acetate and various doses of the extracts. Group 9 was administered40 mg/kg vitamin C in addition to 50 mg/kg lead-acetate. The study lasted for 14 days. Standard procedures were usedto evaluate the hematological indices, serum total protein, urea, creatinine, as well as marker enzymes in liver andkidney of the animals. Malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-s-transferase activities werealso estimated in the tissues. The results showed that the extracts, especially the high doses, significantly (p < 0.05)ameliorated the harmful effects of lead administration in the liver and kidney as well as in the hematological indices.The extract could, therefore, be considered as having protective effect on lead-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats
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Aim:To compare the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers in the prevention and management of child diarrhoea, in rural and urban settings of Maseru.Methodology:This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Domiciliary (Urban) and Tlali (Rural) Health centres in Maseru, within the period of February to May, 2017. Data was collected from 458 mothers/caregivers, with 299 (65%) and 159 (35%) from urban and ruralsettings respectively. Scores were assigned for the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. STATA 14.1 was applied to determine the strengths of associations between categories of the maternal characteristics and the outcome variables.Results:Aggregationof participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices response reveal a statistical significant association with residence. The maternal age range of 30-39 years, P = .03, and mothers with three (3) children, P= .02 were significantly associated with the knowledge ofprevention and management of diarrhoea in the rural area. In the urban area, mothers with tertiary Original ResearchArticle education, P= .04, employed, P= .001, unemployed, P= .004, and all categories of monthly income were significantly associated with theknowledge of prevention and management of diarrhoea.For the urban setting, an association between mothers’ attitudes and monthly income between M500 –M1399, P= .05 was observed. The practices of mothers/caregivers in the prevention and management of diarrhoea showed no significant differences in the light of the socio-demographic variables in both settings. Conclusion:The study revealed low level of maternalknowledge, attitudes and practices in prevention and management of child diarrhea in the rural and urban settings, hence the need to strengthen the existing health education messages on both settings
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The fatty acids in the oil of Garcinia kola, Tetracarpodium conopodiumand Tectona grandis were determined using a Perkin Elmer Auto sampler XL gas chromatograph with FID detector and split injector operating at 220ºC. The result showed that Garcina kolacontained saturated fatty acid (15.78%) monounsaturated fatty acid (33.29%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (50.92%). Tetracarpodium conopodiumcontained saturated fatty acid (5.72%) monounsaturated fatty acid (77.31%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (16.96%) tectona grandis contained saturated fatty acid (59.93%), monounsaturated fatty acid (24.08%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid 15.99%. The major fatty acid in Garcinia kolais oleic acid, while the major fatty acid in Tetracarpodium conopodumis paullinic acid and the major fatty acid in Tectona gradisis palmitic acid. In conclusion, the result of the fatty acid profile showed that Tetracarpodium conopodiumand Garcinia kolacontained high percentage of essential fatty acids while Tectona grandis also contained some essential fatty acids. Therefore the seeds oils may be useful in the food, beverages, fine chemical, oil and pharmaceutical industries
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OBJECTIVE@#This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Zingiber officinale Roscoe extract against lead-induced brain damage in rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty male rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Lead-acetate toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) in Groups B-E. Group A (control) and Group B (lead-acetate) were left untreated; vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to Group C; ethyl acetate fraction from Z. officinale extract (200 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to Group D and E by oral gavage once daily for 7 days. Changes in the content of some key marker enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), epinephrine, dopamine, Na/K-ATPase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as malonaldehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to lead acetate resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activities of BChE, AChE, Na/K-ATPase, SOD, CAT and GPx with a corresponding increase in the levels of MDA, xanthine oxidase, epinephrine, dopamine and MAO relative to the control group. Levels of all disrupted parameters were alleviated by co-administration of Z. officinale fraction and by the standard drug, vitamin C.@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that ethyl acetate fraction of Z. officinale extract attenuates lead-induced brain damage and might have therapeutic potential as a supplement that can be applied in lead poisoning.
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Aims: It has been shown that aluminium and its compounds accumulate in some tissues causing metabolic dysfunctions. This study investigated the effects of vitamin E administration on certain biochemical and antioxidants indices in rat tissues treated with aluminium chloride (AlCl3). Study Design: Twenty four male Wistar rats with average weight of 160 g were randomly selected into four groups and treated as follows; group A(distilled water), group B (vitamin E only,100 mg/kg. bw/day), group C (AlCl3 only,40 mg/kg. bw/day) and group D (vitamin E and AlCl3), all administered orally in 0.2 ml solution for 21 days. Methodology: Biochemical and antioxidant indices were evaluated using standard methods. Results: Results showed that treatment with AlCl3 only (group C) caused significant (P=.05) decreases in Red Blood Cell (WBC) count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), serum total protein and High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol ( HDL-C) with increases in White Blood Cell (WBC) count, triglyceride and total cholesterol. It also elicits significant (P=.05) increases in some liver and kidney indices such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Analysis of antioxidant indices of the liver, kidney, brain and testis also revealed decreases in activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) concentration with corresponding significant (P=.05) increases in Malondialdehyde (MDA) level by AlCl3 administration. In contrast, treatment with vitamin E and AlCl3 (group D) showed improved in metabolic alterations observed in AlCl3 intoxication as these indices were reversed with greater effects observed in group B. Conclusion: Results obtained are indication of antioxidative and tissue protective effects of vitamin E against dyslipidemia and heamatological disorder induced by (AlCl3).
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BACKGROUND: Substantial empirical research has shown conflicting results regarding the influence of organizational external factors on construction risk management, suggesting the necessity to introduce a moderator into the study. The present research confirmed whether rules and regulations matter on the relationships between organizational external factors and construction risk management. METHODS: Based on discouragement and organizational control theory, this research examined the effects of organizational external factors and rules and regulations on construction risk management among 238 employees operating in construction companies in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. A personally administered questionnaire was used to acquire the data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management was asserted. This study also found a significant positive relationship between rules and regulations and construction risk management. As anticipated, rules and regulations were found to moderate the relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management, with a significant positive result. Similarly, a significant interaction effect was also found between rules and regulations and organizational external factors. Implications of the research from a Nigerian point of view have also been discussed. CONCLUSION: Political, economy, and technology factors helped the construction companies to reduce the chance of risk occurrence during the construction activities. Rules and regulations also helped to lessen the rate of accidents involving construction workers as well as the duration of the projects. Similarly, the influence of the organizational external factors with rules and regulations on construction risk management has proven that most of the construction companies that implement the aforementioned factors have the chance to deliver their projects within the stipulated time, cost, and qualities, which can be used as a yardstick to measure a good project.
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Humans , Empirical Research , Least-Squares Analysis , Nigeria , Risk Management , Social Control, FormalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:To assess the effectiveness of the telephone chest-compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guided by a pre-recorded instructional audio when compared with dispatcher-assisted resuscitation. METHODS:It was a prospective, blind, randomised controlled study involving 109 medical students without previous CPR training. In a standardized mannequin scenario, after the step of dispatcher-assisted cardiac arrest recognition, the participants performed compression-only resuscitation guided over the telephone by either:(1) the pre-recorded instructional audio (n=57); or (2) verbal dispatcher assistance (n=52). The simulation video records were reviewed to assess the CPR performance using a 13-item checklist. The interval from call reception to the first compression, total number and rate of compressions, total number and duration of pauses after the first compression were also recorded. RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the recording-assisted and dispatcher-assisted groups based on the overall performance score (5.6±2.2 vs. 5.1±1.9, P>0.05) or individual criteria of the CPR performance checklist. The recording-assisted group demonstrated significantly shorter time interval from call receipt to the first compression (86.0±14.3 vs. 91.2±14.2 s, P<0.05), higher compression rate (94.9±26.4 vs. 89.1±32.8 min-1) and number of compressions provided (170.2±48.0 vs. 156.2±60.7). CONCLUSION:When provided by untrained persons in the simulated settings, the compression-only resuscitation guided by the pre-recorded instructional audio is no less efficient than dispatcher-assisted CPR. Future studies are warranted to further assess feasibility of using instructional audio aid as a potential alternative to dispatcher assistance.
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Non-enzymic natural antioxidants of plant origin are known to play a key role in inflammation linked with free radicals and oxidative stress. This study investigates the free radical scavenging activity of various Telfairia occidentalis leaves extracts in relation to their inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation. The extracts markedly exhibited antioxidants activity especially the ethyl acetate [EE] and chloroform [CE] extract which scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2- picryhydraxyl [DPPH] radicals significantly [p<0.05] by 76.34 and 76.62% respectively at 600 micro g/ml with minimum effects [53.34%] obtained with the methanol [ME] extract. Similarly the extracts scavenged iron/EDTA/H2O2 induced hydroxyl radical formation in a dose- dependent manner as the ME, EE and CE extracts scavenged the radicals at 300microg/ml by 40.55, 24.23 and 19.64% respectively. Interestingly, ME, EE and CE extracts inhibited iron-induced lipid per oxidation significantly [P<0.05] by 93.56, 76.24 and 70.54% respectively at 300microg/ml. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenols and flavonoids at 2.58, 1.98, 3.24 and 0.840, 0.300, 0.400mg/g garlic acid and quercetin equivalence at 300 micro g/ml concentrations respectively. Bioactive constituents of the leaves extracts shows antioxidants potentials, radical scavenging and inhibitory effects on lipid per oxidation which were highly expressed in methanol extract and may be a template for drug discovery
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Oestrogen is produced in sizable quantities in the testis, as well as the brain. Progesterone enhances libido, sperm count, improves mood, and keeps weight down while increasing muscle mass. This study investigated some of the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on the testis of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups (A-D) (n=5) and drugs were administered to the rats as follows: Group A received 1ml of distilled water per day, group B received 5 mg/kg b.w. of Stilbestrol per day, group C received 0.5 mg/kg b.w. of Lynestrenol per day while group D received 5 mg/kg body weight of Stilbestrol and 0.5 mg/kg b.w. of Lynestrenol. Histological, testicular histomorphometry, hormonal and semen parameters were observed. Histological evaluations for group (B-D) showed elongated seminiferous tubules, degeneration of the basement membrane, severe thinning of sertoli cells, reduced number of spermatogenic cells, wide interstitial space and scanty leydig cells. Biochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the experimental groups (B-D) when compared to the control group. Semen analysis showed that there was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in Sperm Motility and Life and Death ratio (L/D) in all experimental groups while significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm morphology was observed in groups B and C while no significant differences (P>0.05) was observed in sperm count in the treatment groups compared with control group. These findings suggest that Stilbestrol and lynestrenol administrations had deleterious effects on testicular cell morphology.
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Objective To determine the levels of some selected heavy metals in both the selected anti-diabetic herbal plants and infused concoctions for diabetes treatment. Methods Ten anti-diabetic plant samples: pawpaw leaves (Carica papaya), bitter melon leaves (Momordica charantia), holy basil leaves (Ocimum sanctum), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), African red pepper fruits (Capsicum frutescens), negro pepper grain (Xylopia aethiopica), cashew leaves (Anacardium occidentale) and onion bulb (Allium cepa) were evaluated for heavy metals. These were digested using standard methods and analyzed for manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, cadmium and lead using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The infused concoctions (I and II) prepared from these medicinal herbs administered to diabetic patients were also analyzed for these heavy metals. Concoction I contained all the plants and honey with the exception of Momordica charantia and Ocimum sanctum which constituted concoction II with water only. The data obtained were subject to descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA and DMRT) statistics. Results Chromium and nickel levels were below detection limits in concoction I while manganese [(0.11 ± 0.01) μg/g] and zinc [(0.09 ± 0.01) μg/g] were detected in concoction II. Honey contained manganese [(0.10 ± 0.01) μg/g] and nickel [(0.70 ± 0.01) μg/g]. The anti-diabetic medicinal herbs and infused concoctions (I and II) were observed to contain heavy metals below the compared limits. Conclusions The study thus shows that the herbs and concoctions are safe from the heavy metals considered. However, right dosage of the anti-diabetic concoctions should always be considered to prevent possible chronic side effects from bio-accumulation of heavy metals.
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Objective: To determine the levels of some selected heavy metals in both the selected anti-diabetic herbal plants and infused concoctions for diabetes treatment. Methods: Ten anti-diabetic plant samples:pawpaw leaves(Carica papaya),bitter melon leaves(Momordica charantia),holy basil leaves(Ocimum sanctum),bitter leaf(Vernonia amygdalina), ginger rhizome (Zingiber of昀cinale), garlic (Allium sativum), African red pepper fruits (Capsicum frutescens), negro pepper grain (Xylopia aethiopica), cashew leaves(Anacardium occidentale)and onion bulb(Allium cepa)were evaluated for heavy metals.These were digested using standard methods and analyzed for manganese,copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, cadmium and lead using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The infused concoctions (I and II) prepared from these medicinal herbs administered to diabetic patients were also analyzed for these heavy metals.Concoction I contained all the plants and honey with the exception of Momordica charantia and Ocimum sanctum which constituted concoction II with water only. The data obtained were subject to descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA and DMRT) statistics. Results: Chromium and nickel levels were below detection limits in concoction I while manganese[(0.11 ± 0.01)μg/g]and zinc[(0.09 ± 0.01)μg/g]were detected in concoction II.Honey contained manganese[(0.10 ± 0.01)μg/g]and nickel[(0.70 ± 0.01)μg/g].The anti-diabetic medicinal herbs and infused concoctions(I and II)were observed to contain heavy metals below the compared limits. Conclusions: The study thus shows that the herbs and concoctions are safe from the heavy metals considered.However,right dosage of the anti-diabetic concoctions should always be considered to prevent possible chronic side effects from bio-accumulation of heavy metals.
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The possible protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of Solanum erianthum ethanol leaf extract on lead-induced toxicity in adult Wistar rats were investigated. Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and membrane stabilizing activities of the ethanol extract and its fractions were determined using standard procedures. Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies were carried out. The rats were treated orally with lead (10 mg/kg b. wt) and extract (100 mg/kg b. wt). The blood samples, liver, and kidney were collected for the estimation of biochemical and organ parameters, and histomorphological studies. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest antioxidant activities and high membrane stabilizing potentials when compared to the crude extract and other fractions. Significant elevations were observed in plasma albumin, creatinine and urea levels in group treated with lead only. The activities of plasma ALT and AST were significantly increased in group treated with lead alone. Treatment with ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the elevated ALT, AST, urea and creatinine levels. The histology evidence showed progressive degeneration of the liver and kidney tissues in lead treated groups while the administration of S. erianthum showed appreciable degrees of protection to both the liver and kidney. The study concluded that ethyl acetate fraction of S. erianthum has protective effects against lead-induced toxicity in adult Wistar rats.