ABSTRACT
Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of Nigerian pharmacy students and to investigate its predictors. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study randomly sampled one pharmacy school from each of the three geopolitical zones of northern Nigeria We collected data with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare groups. The predictors of QoL were identified using multiple linear regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. KEY FINDINGS: The overall response rate was 81.2%. The overall QoL mean score of pharmacy students in the region was 76.94 ± 17.65. There was a lower environment domain mean score (56.06 ± 14.60) compared to other domains. Multivariate analyses revealed that being a Christian, in the 5th year of study, and having a current illness/problem negatively affected overall QoL (P < 0.05). Having a current illness/problem negatively affected physical health (P < 0.05). Being in the 5th year of study and having a current illness/problem negatively affected psychological health, whereas schooling in the state of residence, active involvement with student organizations/clubs and having a current illness/problem negatively affected the environment domain (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that pharmacy students had a fair overall QoL and poor well-being in all four domains. Religion, state of residence, year of study, organizations/clubs and current illness/problem were the significant predictors of QoL. Therefore, these findings will be useful in reviewing the training of pharmacy students with a view to improving their well-being and quality of pharmacy education.
