RESUMO
Celosia isertii, a small genus of edible and ornamental plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae, has been investigated for a number of properties, such as anti-diabetic activity, hepatoprotective property, anti-diarrheal property and lots more. Aims: This study investigates the phytochemical compostion, analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of the plant. Methodology: Aqueous and ethanol extract of Celosia isertii was prepared and used for the experiment Results: Phytochemical studies carried out on aqueous and ethanol extract of Celosia isertii leaves showed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, tannin, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, steroid, phytosterol, triterpenoid and phlobatannin. The anti-inflammatory study carried out on the albino rats that had their paw injected with carrageenan injection to induce edema, showed that at 250 mg/kg plant extract, the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol extract was slightly less compared to diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg), a known anti-inflammatory drug. While the analgesic study done on mice in which acetic acid was injected to induce pain, showed that at 250mg/kg of plant extract, the analgesic effect of diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg), was greater than the aqueous extract, but less than the ethanol extract. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that Celosia isertii has potent antiinflammatory and analgesic properties, and therefore can be useful in painful inflammatory conditions.
RESUMO
Aim of the Study: This study investigates the effects of Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet (C.F.S.D) on fasting blood glucose level, biochemical parameters and body weight in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats. Experimental Design: 130 – 150g healthy forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as following; Group 1 served as a normal control and received normal feed-. Group 2 (Diabetic control) received normal feed-. Group 3 (Diabetic test 1) received normal feed + 1g Capsicum frutescens.-. Group 4 (Diabetic test 2) received normal feed + 2g Capsicum frutescens. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka and the feeding lasted for three weeks. At the end of the experiments, the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and then the serum was further subjected to biochemical analysis using biochemical analyzer (Reflotron Plus). Results: AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Creatinine, Uric acid, total cholesterol and fasting blood sugar level in serum were increased however the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) of serum was decreased in diabetic control (group 2), compared with non-diabetic control (group 1). The administered Capsicum frutescens in the diet at 1g and 2g doses significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose level as well as the serum level of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Creatinine, Uric acid, total cholesterol, compared with diabetic control. Serum HDL was also significantly increased when compared with diabetic control P<0.05. Decrease in body weight in diabetic control group and increased in body weight of 1gand 2g Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet groups were also observed. Conclusion: The observed improvement in the biochemical parameters, blood glucose levels and body weight of alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats by 1g and 2g Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet suggests Capsicum frutescens to possess, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Recommendation: The incorporation of Capsicum frutescens as spice in the diet of individuals who are diabetic, hypertensive and obese, is worthy of recommendation.