ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To perform phytochemical and mineral analyses on leaves, stem and seeds of Telferia occidentalis (T. occidentalis), and examine the inhibition of methemoglobin build-up in sickled erythrocytes.@*METHODS@#The phytochemical evaluation was carried out by qualitative and quantitative analyses, whereas mineral elements were quantitatively analyzed. The effect of T. occidentalis on methemoglobin formation in sickled erythrocytes was examined using the ratio of ferric ion (Fe(2+)) to ferrous ion (Fe(3+)) concentration, as index.@*RESULTS@#The phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of total phenolics, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids. Mineral analysis revealed potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc. Extract concentrations (0.2%-0.8% w/v) of leaves, seeds and stem of T. occidentalis have shown the ability to inhibit the formation of methemoglobin in sickled erythrocytes. The methanolic leaves extract showed the highest effect at 0.8% w/v.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results suggest that T. occidentalis has the capacity to mop-up methemoglobin in sickled erythrocytes, and may therefore enhance oxygen-hemoglobin binding and transport in sickle cell disease patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves ofVitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d. Methods: A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.Results:The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.Conclusion:This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To perform phytochemical and mineral analyses on leaves, stem and seeds of Telferia occidentalis (T. occidentalis), and examine the inhibition of methemoglobin build-up in sickled erythrocytes. Methods: The phytochemical evaluation was carried out by qualitative and quantitative analyses, whereas mineral elements were quantitatively analyzed. The effect of T. occidentalis on methemoglobin formation in sickled erythrocytes was examined using the ratio of ferric ion (Fe