Phytochemical Composition and Antimalarial Activity of Methanol Leaf Extract of Crateva adansonii in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice.

The need for new compounds active against malaria parasites is made more urgent by the rapid spread of drug-resistance to available antimalarial drugs. The crude methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii was investigated for its antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infected mice. A total of 15 mice were intraperitoneally infected with chloroquine sensitive P. berghei strain and divided into 5 equal groups, group 1 served as negative control (untreated), groups 2,3 and 4 were given 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Crateva adansonii methanolic leaves extract respectively while group 5 served as positive control and was given 5 mg\kg chloroquine for five days. The phytochemical constituents of the plant extract were evaluated to elucidate the possibilities of their antimalarial effects. The extract produced a significant dose dependent decrease in the level of parasitaemia when compared to infected untreated group. Also, the extract at dose of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg produced significant increase in body weight and PCV of the infected mice as compare to mice treated with 200 mg/kg of extract and infected untreated group. Phytochemical screening showed that the leaves extract contains alkaloids, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids, saponins cardiac glycosides and steroids. It is concluded that Crateva adansonii could serve as a possible source of antimalarial compounds.

Extraction and characterization of microcrystalline cellulose obtained from the back of the fruit of Lageriana siceraria (water gourd).

The work was aimed to investigate the suitability of acid modified alpha cellulose obtained from the back of the fruit of Lageriana siceraria (water gourd) in production of pharmaceuticals, particularly solid dosage forms. Cellulose is the commonest Filler/Binder or disintegrant used in tablet formulation. Cellulose was extracted from the fruit of Lageriana siceraria and subjected to modification by controlled acid micronisation to produce microcrystalline cellulose (LS-MCC) using 2.5N hydrochloric acid and Avicel pH 101 was used as the basis for comparison. The powder and flow properties of the microcrystalline cellulose was investigated and the result of both the LS-MCC and Avicel pH 101compared. Microcrystalline cellulose (LS-MCC) displayed superior swelling and hydration capacities as compared to Avicel PH101 but lesser flow properties in view of its higher angle of repose, Carr’s and Hausner’s index.

A study of the staining effect of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on the histologic section of the testis

This study describes the preparation and use of Roselle (Hibiscus sabddariffa) for the differential staining of testicular tissue sections to find out its staining effect on nuclear, cytoplasmic and other structures. Various treatments using modifications of the plant extract in water were carried out on sections of the rabbit testis. Various levels of differentiation of nuclear and cytoplasmic structures as well as other structures of this organ was obtained especially when 1 percent eosin was applied as a counter stain. The best staining result was obtained when iron alum was used to mordant the extract and when the extract, mordanted with potassium alum was acidified using acetic acid and used to stain the sections. Modification of the aqueous extract to an alkaline pH using ammonia gave the poorest staining effect. Roselle extract therefore shows reasonable potential as a candidate nuclear stain especially when modanted with iron alum or mordanted with potassium alum and acidified with acetic acid.

Este estudio describe la preparación y utilización de Roselle (Hibiscus sabddarifa) en la tinción diferencial de cortes histológicos de tejido testicular, para conocer su efecto sobre la tinción nuclear, citoplasmática y otras estructuras. Diversos tratamientos utilizando modificaciones de extracto de la planta en el agua, se llevaron a cabo en cortes de testículos de conejo. Distintos niveles de diferenciación de las estructuras nucleares y citoplasmáticas, así como de otras estructuras de este órgano, se han obtenido principalmente cuando se utiliza como tinción eosina al 1 por ciento. El mejor resultado de tinción se obtuvo cuando se utilizó alumbre de hierro y cuando éste fue acidificado con ácido acético y se usó para teñir los cortes histológicos. La modificación del extracto acuoso a un pH alcalino utilizando amoníaco, dio una coloración más débil. El extracto de rosa de Jamaica muestra un razonable potencial para tinción nuclear, especialmente, cuando es mezclado con alumbre de hierro o aluminio de potasio y acidificada con ácido acético.

Field efficacy of mosquito coil formulations containing d-allethrin and d-transallethrin against indoor mosquitos especially Culex quinquefasciatus Say.

Comparative field efficacy studies of four mosquito coil formulations containing active ingredient of d-allethrin (0.19 or 0.28 w/w) and d-transallethrin (0.12 or 0.16% w/w) and blank coils without active ingredient were carried out in living rooms (mean size 54.1 m3) of residential houses in a squatter area in Butterworth, Malaysia. The major indoor biting mosquitos collected in the test site were that of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (84.7%). Mean percentage reduction of blank coils, coils with 0.19 and 0.28% d-allethrin and coils with 0.12 and 0.16% d-transallethrin were 29.0, 71.7, 70.9, 75.0 and 72.6%, respectively. The use of coils as a mean of personal protection against mosquitos is discussed.