Effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parkia biglobosa seeds are used to treat diabetes and complications hence this study. AIM: This study investigated the effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats of either sex (180-300 g) were fasted overnight and diabetes mellitus induced using streptozotocin 40 mg/kg IP. Diabetes mellitus (fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl) was confirmed 48 h later. The rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n = 5): Group 1 (diabetic untreated control), group 2 (Parkia biglobosa 200 mg/kg), group 3 (Parkia biglobosa 400 mg/kg). group 4 (Parkia biglobosa 800 mg/kg), group 5 (glibenclamide 5 mg/kg as standard drug control) and group 6 (normoglycaemic control). They were treated daily. Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening were also performed. Fourteen days later, they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Vital organs (kidneys, liver and pancreas) and blood samples were obtained for histopathological, biochemical and haematological analysis. RESULTS: Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract at the various doses caused significant (P < 0.05) elevations in red blood cell parameters in comparison to the diabetic control. The mean cell volume did not differ significantly from the diabetic control while 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of the extract did not significantly modify the HCT levels. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa significantly (P < 0.05) lowered white blood cell and platelet counts in comparison to the diabetic control. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced while total protein increased in the treated diabetic rats in comparison to controls. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased bicarbonate and sodium ion levels while decreasing potassium ion levels. Chloride levels were not significantly different from the diabetic control. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Parkia biglobosa ameliorates biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes associated with diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the potassium channel activator levcromakalim (BRL38227) on the lipid profile, electrolytes and blood glucose levels of streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Levcromakalim is a vasorelaxant used in the management of hypertension in diabetes mellitus. Thus, the effects of levcromakalim were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats with a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) following chronic (4 weeks) treatment with levcromakalim (75 µg/kg per day). Rats were then divided into the following groups (n = 5 in each group): (i) a normal saline (2 mL/kg)-treated group; (ii) a 5 mg/kg glibenclamide-treated group; (iii) 350 mg/kg metformin-treated group; and (iv) 5, 10, 20 and 40 IU/kg insulin-treated groups. Rats were transferred to metabolic cages and the lipid profile, plasma and urine electrolytes and blood glucose levels were determined 24 h after drug administration. RESULTS: Levcromakalim treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05 compared with untreated diabetic rats). In addition, levcromakalim reduced plasma sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride levels, but increased urinary bicarbonate and chloride levels, in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05 compared with untreated diabetic rats). Levcromakalim significantly inhibited the effects of glibenclamide, metformin, and low-dose (20 IU/kg) insulin treatment in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05). Only 40 IU/kg insulin produced significant reductions in hyperglycemia in levcromakalim-treated diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: Levcromakalim induced resistance to glibenclamide, metformin, and low-dose insulin treatment in diabetic rats, leading to persistent hyperglycemia. However, reductions in LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels following chronic levcromokalim treatment may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic rats.

Evaluation of tocolytic activity of ethanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus capensis Thunb. (Moraceae).

Ficus capensis, a wild fig tree is used in herbal medicines to treat pregnancy related ailment and most especially as a remedy for threatened abortion. The purpose of this study was to investigate this claim with view to validating scientifically the ethno-medicinal usage. The ethanolic extract obtained by maceration technique was subjected to pharmacological testing in vitro on a piece of isolated rat uterus previously pretreated with stilbestrol, suspended in De Jalon at 37 degrees C. Concentrations used were 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL. The higher concentration (80 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.05) exerted smooth muscle relaxant activity on the uterus (a reduction of oxytocin, ergometrin and acetylcholine induced contractions as well as an increase of the EC50 was observed for all the agonists tested in the presence of the extract). Evaluation of the data also indicated that the effect of the 40 mg/mL concentration was statistically insignificant, although a lowering of the dose response curve was observed for oxytocin, acetylcholine and ergometrin. Its relaxant activity at 80 mg/mL was 40 and 50% of the inhibitory effects produced by salbutamol (0.002 microg/mL) and atropine (0.02 microg/mL) on oxytocin and acetylcholine induced contractions, respectively. The results indicate the presence of active principles in the bark extract of Ficus capensis which may be responsible for some of the applications in traditional medicines as an anti-abortifacient and as a remedy against threatened abortion.