ABSTRACT
The effect of the aqueous fruit extract, Solanum macrocarpum Linn on some biochemical indices of liver function was studied in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic wistar rats. Thirty rats (160-200g) were used in the study and assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group I hyperlipidaemic control rats received distilled water only, whereas groups II, III, IV and V, the experimental hyperlipidaemic rats, were administered graded doses of the plant extract (25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200kg/mg) per body weight intraperitoneally after which blood samples were taken from the rats 24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs, respectively after extract administration. Serum aspartate amino transferase (AST) dose dependently and significantly decreased (P<0.05) at 48hrs and 72hrs. The values of alanine amino transferase (ALT) decreased significantly (P<0.05) at 72hrs when compared to the control. The decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was not significant (ALP) activity was not significant (P>0.05) when compared to the control. Serum protein and albumin decreased significantly (P<0.05) while bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) at 72hrs of study. In conclusion, Solanum macrocarpum probably has hepatoprotective effects.
ABSTRACT
Lipids are transported in human plasma as complexes bound to proteins called lipoproteins. Elevation of plasma concentration of lipoproteins is called hyperlipoproteinaemia or hyperlipidaemia. Lipoproteins are divided into high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDH) chylomicrons and lipoprotein a [Lp(a)]. There is no therapeutic approach that will reduce chylomicron catabolism. HDL is the good lipoprotein. Hypolipidaemic drug therapy can reduce LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. A complete lipoprotein profile of the patient is required (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) before commencing drug therapy. The cholesterol lowering drugs include statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, inhibitors of intestinal sterol absorption, nicotinic acid derivatives and others like dextrothyroxine, omega H-3-marine triglycerides. The adverse effects of these drugs were also highlighted.
ABSTRACT
Decoction of Ficus sycomorus stem bark is used to treat infertility involving low sperm counts, but the reproductive risk associated with its use is uncertain. The aqueous stem-bark extract was orally administered at 200-600 mg/kg for 30 days to post-pubertal growing albino rats. Within the period, the live body weights, scrotal diameters and testicular size parameters were estimated. The mean live body weight, scrotal diameter of the control and treated rats significantly (p<0.05) increased as the animals grew, but the treatment did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the parameters. There were no significant (p>0.05) variations in mean testicular size parameters in treated and control rats, and no dose-dependent nor time-dependent effects occurred. Sections of the testes of the treated animals showed active spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules with no apparent histological lesions. It is concluded that the use of the crude extract of the Ficus sycomorus within our dose range portends minimal male reproductive risk and underscores the need to study its pro-spermatic effect.
La decocción de la corteza del tallo de Ficus sycomorus se usa para tratar la infertilidad relacionada al bajo conteo de espermatozoides, pero es incierto el riesgo reproductivo asociado con su uso. El extracto acuoso de la corteza se administró, en ratas albinas, por vía oral, en una dosis de 200-600 mg/kg, durante 30 días post-crecimiento puberal. Durante el período, fueron controlados los siguientes parámetros: peso corporal in vivo, diámetro escrotal y tamaño testicular. El promedio de peso corporal in vivo y diámetro escrotal de las ratas control y tratadas, tuvieron un incremento significativo (p<0,05) en los animales, pero el tratamiento no afectó significativamente (p> 0,05) esos parámetros. No hubo variaciones significativas (p> 0,05) en la media de los parámetros tamaño testicular en las ratas tratadas y control, ni tampoco se produjeron efectos dependientes de la dosis, ni en función del tiempo. Las secciones de los testículos de los animales tratados mostraron una espermatogénesis activa a nivel de los túbulos seminíferos, sin lesiones histológicas aparentes. Se concluye, que el uso del extracto crudo de Ficus sycomorus, dentro de una dosis de 200-600 mg/kg, presenta mínimo riesgo en la reproducción masculina, sin embargo, se hace necesario estudiar su efecto pro-espermático.