ABSTRACT
Bark of Balanites aegyptiaca is used to make well water potable. This study aimed to investigate well water microbiological quality and appreciate antibacterial activity of crude extracts of B. aegyptiaca on bacteria isolated from 60 samples well water. Qualitative chemical analysis of the extract was carried out. Microbiological quality of water well from four health Districts of the city of Lomé were evaluated by broth dilution associated with the spread on agar media method. Antimicrobial activity of bark of B. aegyptiaca was assessed using microdilution method. The results indicated that well water samples analysed were contaminated to varying degrees by the total aerobic flora, fecal coliforms and fecal enterococci. The most important phytoconstituents of the back were saponins, coumarins, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids and polyphenols were absent. B. aegyptiaca inhibited significantly the growth of microorganisms isolated from well water. Using B. aegyptiaca in the disinfection of well water would be linked to its action on the causative organisms and its chemical composition.
ABSTRACT
In this study, assessment of the potential effect of cypermethrin-treated lettuce on the rat liver physiology is carried out. Cypermethrin-treated lettuce and three doses of cypermethrin (CY) were administered during 28 days to rats. Along the experimental period, animal behavior was assessed, and at the end of administration, some hepatic enzymes were studied. The decrease in rat body weight was noted and animals have soft feces. Results showed plasmatic concentrations of ALAT, ASAT and total bilirubin increase in rats administered with cypermethrin-treated lettuce. The plasmatic concentration of total protein is not decreased significantly. Those results indicate that lettuce collected without waiting for the recommended pre-harvest intervals, might cause hazardous effects to vegetable consumers. Further investigations are needed to quantify pesticides such as cypermethrin in vegetables sold in the local market for consumption.
ABSTRACT
Conyza aegyptiaca (L.) Asteraceae is currently used in traditional medicine for many purposes including cardiovascular diseases. For this purpose, the present study was understood to investigate crude extract and different fractions of the plants on the frog heart activity and furthermore its antioxidant was investigated. Results indicated that the crude extract and fractions reduce all heart activity both amplitude and frequency. In contrast, crude extract and fractions do not have antioxidant properties. This investigation reveals that utilization of ethanolic extract of Conyza aegyptiaca to alleviate cardiovascular diseases may be passed through direct effect on the heart. This result confirms the use of this plant in traditional medicine.