RESUMEN
Diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries and second most common cause of infant mortality worldwide. The effect of a methanolic leaf extract of Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on Castor oil-induced diarrhea was investigated. Fifty (50) rats between 120-227g were induced with castor oil for development of diarrhea. They were divided into two sub-groups of twenty-five (25) subsequently divided into five groups treated with 2 mg/kg loperamide, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively. The cumulative frequencies of wet and formed stools were noted on the 3rd - 6th hour. It was observed that 400 mg/kg body weight of the extracts reduced the fecal spots compared to 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight. Plant extracts were found to be non-toxic. The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract revealed the presence of some bioactive components which may be responsible for the anti-diarrhea properties observed in this study. The above findings suggested that the methanolic extracts contain active constituents that have anti-diarrhea activities that may lead to its use in treating diarrhea.
RESUMEN
Allium sativum plants contain chemicals which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and thus make them suitable to be used in different medicines. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of Allium sativum methanolic extracts were investigated using standard analytical techniques and modern micro plate-based antibacterial assays techniques. The antibacterial of methanolic extract of Allium sativum were used on different bacteria strains which include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Protea spp., Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The antifungal observation of Allium sativum was found to be active against Aspergilus flavus, Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus fumigatus, Penicillium spp compared to Funbact-A (control). The susceptibility test showed that Allium sativum is more active against Aspergilus fumigatus. The Allium sativum had a higher zone of inhibition compared to Ciproflaxin (control) on the different bacteria strains. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger differs significantly in their degree of inhibition of methanolic extract of Allium sativum. The findings support the use of Allium sativum extract in treating bacterial infections and Aspergillosis.
RESUMEN
Physicochemical properties, metal analysis and fatty acid profile were carried out on Python regius fat with a view to ascertaining the immense therapeutic claim by traditional medical practitioners. Physicochemical analysis showed that the fat is lower than that of animal fats: cow fat, swine fat and goat fat. Trace metal analysis indicated that it contains 10000ppm Sodium, 620.00ppm Calcium, 94.26ppm Magnesium and 114.00ppm Iron. Python regius fat was found to contain 62% monounsaturated fatty acid, 10% polyunsaturated fatty acid and 28% saturated fatty acid. These results indicated that Python regius fat is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids; the healthy edible fat and can also be a good raw material for the soap and cosmetics industry. The results of the study showed that the fat has acid value and therefore less susceptible to rancidity. The saponification value of the fat is 164.09 mg KOH g-l showing its high triglyceride content, indicating its potential usefulness in the soap making industry. Its mineral content makes it a potentially useful source of electrolytes, which function in cellular activities such as enzyme action, muscle contraction, nerve action, blood clotting and water balance. The iodine value of 97.2 mg KOH g-l also indicated a fairly high amount of unsaturated fatty acids. The higher the iodine value, the greater the degree of unsaturation and the greater the susceptibility to oxidative rancidity. Overall, we therefore recommend the fat for use due to its diverse medicinal and industrial potentials.