Hemolymph coagulation and phenoloxidase activity in Uca tangeri induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin.

Uca tangeri is a marine fiddler crab found commonly in the West African coast and is often exposed to Gram-negative pathogens upon injury. The aim of this study was to document the patterns of endotoxin-induced protein coagulation and phenoloxidase (PO) activity in hemolymph fractions of Uca tangeri. Hemolymph from live crabs was obtained by carapace puncture, pooled. and then separated into plasma, hemocyte Lysate (HL), hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS) and hemocyte lysate debris (HLD). The effect of Escherichia coli (O1111:B4) endotoxin and calcium ion (Ca(2+)) on protein coagulation in the presence/absence of endotoxin and the endotoxin dose-dependence of coagulation and PO activity were each studied in the plasma, HL, HLS and HLD. The results showed Ca(2+) was required to induce coagulation, and was endotoxin concentration-dependent in the plasma. PO activity was highest in the HLS but PO specific activity was highest in HLD. PO activity remained relatively constant with increased LPS concentration in the range studied 0-10 EU/ml. From the data we conclude that endotoxin-induced protein coagulation occurs in the plasma alone and might be mediated by trans-glutaminases, while PO activity is localized inside hemocytes and cell membranes in Uca tangeri.

Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides restores nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in sexually impaired male rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides is widely used in the management of sexual dysfunction in Nigeria. The effect of aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides root on the concentrations of penile cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) and plasma nitric oxide in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty (30) albino rats were assigned into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of five rats each such that animals in Group A (control) received distilled water while those in Groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced into sexual dysfunction (p.o 10mg/kg of paroxetine hydrochloride suspension in Tween-80) and in addition received distilled water, 7.14 mg/kg body weight of a reference herbal drug (PowmaxM), 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, orally, once daily for five days. RESULTS: Administration of paroxetine significantly reduced the levels of penile cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) and plasma nitric oxide. These decreases were dose dependently reversed by the aqueous extract of L. cupanioides root. The reversal by the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of the extract compared favorably with the PowmaxM, whereas the 100mg/kg body weight of the extract compared favorably with the non-sexually impaired distilled water treated control animals. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that aqueous extract of L. cupanioides root restored the levels of cGMP and nitric oxide in sexually impaired rats. This study further lends credence to the use of aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides in the management of sexual dysfunction in Nigeria.

Methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves improves glucose tolerance, glycogen synthesis and lipid metabolism in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-lowering effects of Moringa oleifera extracts have been reported. However, the mechanism for its hypoglycemic effects is not yet understood. This study investigated the effect of oral administration of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera (MOLE) on glucose tolerance, glycogen synthesis, and lipid metabolism in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes. METHODS: MOLE was screened for key phytochemicals and its total flavonoids and phenolic contents were quantified. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg BW alloxan. Normal and diabetic control rats received saline, while rats in other groups received 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight of MOLE or metformin (100 mg/kg body weight of metformin) for 6 weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored throughout the experiment. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was assessed and serum glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured at the end of the experiment. Liver and muscle glycogen synthase activities, glycogen content, and glucose uptake were determined. RESULTS: Administration of MOLE did not affect food intake but inhibited weight loss, significantly (p<0.01) improved glucose tolerance, and increased serum insulin levels by 1.3-1.7-fold (p<0.01). MOLE treatment significantly (p<0.001) reduced serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and enhanced serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 2.4- to 3.2-fold (p<0.001). Glycogen synthase activities and glycogen contents were higher in MOLE-treated rats compared with rats receiving metformin or saline and the extract improved glucose uptake by 49%-59% (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that hypoglycemic effects of MOLE might be mediated through the stimulation of insulin release leading to enhanced glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.

Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Musa paradisiaca Sap in Wistar Rats.

The folkloric claim of Musa paradisiaca sap in the management of diarrhoea is yet to be substantiated or refuted with scientific data. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to screen the sap of M. paradisiaca for both its secondary metabolites and antidiarrhoeal activity at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mL in rats. Secondary metabolites were screened using standard methods while the antidiarrhoeal activity was done by adopting the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal, castor oil-induced enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility models. The sap contained flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids while cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, triterpenes, cardenolides, and dienolides were not detected. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model, the sap significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, decreased the number, fresh weight, and water content of feaces, and increased the inhibition of defecations. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in the small intestine increased significantly whereas nitric oxide content decreased. The decreases in the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid by the sap were accompanied by increase in inhibition of intestinal fluid content in the enteropooling model. The sap decreased the charcoal meal transit in the gastrointestinal motility model. In all the models, the 1.00 mL of the sap produced changes that compared well with the reference drugs. Overall, the antidiarrhoeal activity of Musa paradisiaca sap attributed to the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and/or saponins which may involve, among others, enhancing fluid and electrolyte absorption through de novo synthesis of the sodium potassium ATPase and/or reduced nitric oxide levels.

Effects of trona on the redox status of cellular system of male rats.

The effects of trona (Kaun), a food additive, on the redox status of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats were investigated. A total of 60 male rats (145 ± 2.52 g) were grouped into four: A, B, C and D, where group A (the control) received 1 mL of distilled water orally while those in groups B, C and D (test groups) received orally, same volume of trona preparation corresponding to 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Administration of trona significantly reduced (p < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver and kidney with corresponding increases in the serum enzyme. Acid phosphatase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver and kidney with no significant change (p > 0.05) in the activity of the serum enzyme. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and the levels of reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E in the liver and kidney of the animals decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In contrast, malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide of trona-treated animals increased significantly (p < 0.05) in liver and kidney. Overall, data from this study revealed that trona exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems and increasing the risk of attack by oxidants generated either from its metabolites or from other in vivo means on the rat cellular system.

Lophirones B and C extenuate AFB1-mediated oxidative onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA through Nrf-2 expression.

The capability of lophirones B and C to extenuate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA was investigated for 6 weeks. Lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) increase the expression and specific activity of cytoprotective enzymes (glutathione-S-trans-ferase, nioctinamide adenine dicludeotide:quinone oxidoreductase-1, epoxide hydrolase, and uridyl glucuronosyl transferase). There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the level of antioxidant system in AFB1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated AFB1-mediated decrease in the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress biomarkers, malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes, protein carbonyl, and fragmented DNA were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in AFB1-treated rats. Although lophirones B and C did not significantly (P < 0.05) alter these biomarkers, an AFB1-mediated increase in these biomarkers was significantly attenuated. Results obtained showed that lophirones B and C extenuate AFB1-mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA by enhancing nuclear erythroid-related factor-2 expression.

Phenolic extract of Dialium guineense pulp enhances reactive oxygen species detoxification in aflatoxin B1 hepatocarcinogenesis.

This study investigated the effect of Dialium guineense pulp phenolic extract on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced oxidative imbalance in rat liver. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging potentials of free and bound phenolic extract of D. guineense (0.2-1.0 mg/mL) were investigated in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion (O2(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical, and ferric ion reducing system. In the in vivo study, 35 animals were randomized into seven groups of five rats each. Free and bound phenolic extract (1 mg/mL) produced 66.42% and 93.08%, 57.1% and 86.0%, 62.0% and 90.05%, and 60.11% and 72.37% scavenging effect on DPPH radical, O2(-) radical, H2O2, and hydroxyl radical, while ferric ion was significantly reduced. An AFB1-mediated decrease in the activities of ROS detoxifying enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase) was significantly attenuated (P<.05). AFB1-mediated elevation in the concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers; malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, protein carbonyl, and percentage DNA fragmentation were significantly lowered by D. guineense phenolic extract (P<.05). Overall, the in vitro and in vivo effects suggest that D. guineense phenolic extract elicited ROS scavenging and detoxification potentials, as well as the capability of preventing lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA fragmentation.

Cytotoxic, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract and chalcone dimers (lophirones B and C) derived from Lophira alata (Van Tiegh. Ex Keay) stem bark.

The cytotoxic, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract and lophirones B and C derived from Lophira alata stem bark were evaluated. The extract and lophirones B and C significantly (P < .05) reduced the viability of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. There were concentration-dependent reduction in 4-nitro-o-aminophenylenediamine and benzo[a]pyrene-induced frame shift mutation as well as aflatoxin B1-induced base pair substitution by the extract and lophirones B and C. The extract and lophirones B and C concentration dependently scavenged DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and reduced ferric ion in the potassium hexacyanoferrate III reducing system. The results obtained from this study revealed that methanolic extract and lophirones B and C derived from Lophira alata stem bark posses anticancer, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities, with lophirone C producing the best anticancer, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities. The acclaimed anticancer activity of Lophira alata may be attributed to lophirones B and C.

Electrophilic and reactive oxygen species detoxification potentials of chalcone dimers is mediated by redox transcription factor Nrf-2.

Nuclear erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf2), a redox-transcription factor, plays a critical role in the detoxification of electrophilic and reactive oxygen species that halt various biochemical and molecular processes. This makes it a candidate for regulation by polyphenols. This study investigates the capability of chalcone dimers (lophirones B and C) to induce expressions and activities of cytoprotective enzymes. Chalcone dimers administration to rats not only induced the Nrf2, but also suppressed cytoplasmic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expressions. In addition, the chalcone dimers significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expressions and activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced quinone oxidoreductase-1, glutathione-S-transferase, epoxide hydrolase and uridyl glucuronosyl transferase in rat liver. Also, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in rat liver increased significantly (p < 0.05). Overall, lophirones B and C increased the expressions and activities of cytoprotective proteins in rat liver possibly through the reduction of cytoplasmic Keap1 expression, leading to the nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

Aphrodisiac effect of aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides in sexually impaired rats.

BACKGROUND: The phytochemical constituents of the aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Bth. and its aphrodisiac activity on male rat sexual behavior and reproductive hormones in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction were evaluated. METHODS: The extract was screened for the presence of phytochemicals. The extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) and the reference herbal drug PowmaxM (7.14 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats, once daily for 5 days, and their sexual behavior parameters were monitored and computed. The serum hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) were determined at the end of treatment period. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics, saponins, and tannins. Mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculatory frequency (EF), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in paroxetine-treated rats. Administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides significantly (p<0.05) reversed the paroxetine-mediated alterations in MF, IF, EF, mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculatory latency (EL), postejaculatory interval (PEI), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations dose-dependently. The reversal of the male sexual behavior parameters by the extract compared well (p<0.05) with the PowmaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained from this study revealed that the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides restored sexual competence in sexually impaired rats possibly by increasing sexual drive through enhanced reproductive hormones concentration, particularly testosterone, thus supporting the folkloric claim of the plant for the management of sexual disorder in males.

Effect of a 60-day oral gavage of a crude alkaloid extract from Chromolaena odorata leaves on hormonal and spermatogenic indices of male rats.

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of the crude alkaloids isolated from Chromolaena odorata leaves on the hormonal and spermatogenic indices of male rats. The alkaloids obtained from C odorata leaves using standard methods were administered to male rats for 60 days at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the alkaloid mixture produced 8 spots, 3 of which were alkaloids with R(f) values of 0.41, 0.49, and 0.55 as confirmed by the formation of orange color and creamy precipitates with both Dragendorff and Mayer reagents, respectively. The alkaloids were represented in the extract by a yield of 20.28 g, corresponding to a percentage yield of 90.05% of the total extract of 22.52 g. The final body weights of both the control and alkaloid-treated animals increased significantly (P < .05) compared with their respective body weights before treatment. The alkaloids significantly decreased (P < .05) the testes-body weight ratio; the concentrations of testicular total protein, glycogen, sialic acid, and cholesterol; and the activities of γ-glutamyl transferase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase. The serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, as well as testicular and serum testosterone levels, also decreased significantly (P < .05). There were decreases in the sperm count, motility, and density, as well as morphological changes in the sperm cells. The pH and whitish-gray color of the semen were not significantly affected. All of the doses of the alkaloids increased the total mean number of sperm cell abnormalities, with the secondary type predominating over the primary sperm cell abnormality. The alterations in the levels of the hormones and secretory and synthetic constituents of the testes and the spermatotoxic effects by the alkaloids from C odorata leaves may be due to nonavailability or deprivation of testosterone to the target organ. This lack of testosterone may have consequential effects on the reproductive process of the male rat.

Ananas comosus: is the unripe fruit juice an abortifacient in pregnant Wistar rats?

OBJECTIVE: The juice of unripe pineapple (Ananas comosus) was investigated for abortifacient activity in pregnant Wistar rats. METHOD: Animals in Groups A, B, C and D received orally 0.5 ml of distilled water, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the juice, respectively, once daily from day 7 until day 14 of pregnancy. RESULTS: The juice contained tannins, cardenolides, dienolides, cardiac glycoside and flavonoids. The number and weights of live fetuses, number of implantation sites, corpora lutea, computed percent implantation index, resorption index, pre- and post-implantation losses were not significantly (p > 0.05) altered. Neither fetal death, nor provoked vaginal bleeding was observed in the pregnant rats. The maternal weight increased in all the experimental animals with that of the control augmenting least. The 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight dosages increased (p < 0.05) the serum concentrations of progesterone and oestrogen in the pregnant rats. CONCLUSION: The fruit juice of Ananas comosus does not exhibit abortifacient activity in pregnant Wistar rats.

Effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin on Archachatina marginata hemolymph coagulation system.

CONTEXT: Archachatina marginata Swainson (Achatinidae) is found in Nigeria, West Africa. Its hemolymph is applied as a disinfectant to blades and fresh cuts of circumcision in Yorubaland. The hemolymph is also used in traditional medicine practice. Investigation into its anti-endotoxin response is being studied for the first time. OBJECTIVE: This study determined whether endotoxin causes measurable and concentration-dependent protein coagulation in the separate hemolymph fractions and in hemocyte lysate (HL)/plasma mixtures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endotoxin was prepared by inoculating 5% w/v dextrose with locally isolated Escherichia coli cells and incubated for 48 h before sterilization. Pyrogenicity was determined by rabbit test method and use the of LAL kit. Hemolymph fractions were exposed to endotoxin while controls were exposed to endotoxin-free water (0.025 EU/ml). HL/plasma (1:1 v/v) was exposed to varied endotoxin concentrations. RESULTS: Data indicated significantly higher protein coagulates induced by endotoxin in all the hemolymph fractions (P < 0.05). Maximum protein coagulation in mixture of HL/plasma 1:1 was recorded. Exposure of HL/plasma at optimal ratio to varied endotoxin caused linear protein coagulation up to 1.0 EU/ml, beyond which it dropped significantly and unresponsive to further increase in endotoxin doses. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There was endotoxin-induced protein coagulation, which is endotoxin concentration-dependent. The optimal coagulation observed for 1:1 HL/plasma mixture suggests stronger interaction between the hemocytes and the plasma in response to endotoxin. There are LPS-binding proteins in the plasma and hemocytes of A. marginata. This finding may be employed in detection and quantification of endotoxin in future.

Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract.

The antioxidant and drug metabolizing potentials of Hibiscus anthocyanin extract in CCl(4)- induced oxidative damage of rat liver was investigated. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract effectively scavenge α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, and hydrogen peroxide. It produced a 92% scavenging effect of DPPH radical at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a 69 and 90% scavenging effect on superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL, which compared favorably with the synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroanisole and α-tocopherol). A reducing power of this anthocyanin was examined using K(3)Fe(CN)(6). Hibiscus anthocyanin extract has reducing power that is approximately 2-fold that of the synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroanisole. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a significantly increase and completely attenuated the CCl(4)-mediated decrease in antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). However, the level of nonenzymic antioxidant molecules (i.e., vitamins C and E) were significant preserved by Hibiscus anthocyanin extract. There was an induction of phase II drug-detoxifying enzymes: glutathione S-transferase, NAD(H):quinone oxidoreductase, and uridyl diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase by 65, 45, and 57%, respectively. In view of these properties, Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract can act as a prophylactic by intervening as a free radical scavenger both in vitro and in vivo as well as inducing the phase II drug detoxification enzymes.

Antioxidant and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of Annona senegalensis leaves in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocellular damage.

CONTEXT: Despite the myriad uses of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) leaves in folklore medicine of Nigeria, the basis is yet to be substantiated by scientific investigations. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the antioxidant (in vitro and in vivo) and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves in CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2, superoxide ion, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferric ion models while in vivo antioxidant and drug detoxification activities of the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight were done by assaying the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic indices in CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage. RESULTS: The extract at 1 mg/mL scavenged DPPH, H2O2, superoxide ion, and ABTS radicals, whereas ferric ion was significantly (P <0.05) reduced. The levels of alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E, glutathione S-transferase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced):Quinone oxidoreductase, uridyl diphosphoglucuronyl transferase, malondialdehyde, and lipid hydroperoxide that decreased in CCl4 treated animals were significantly attenuated by the extract in a manner similar to the animals treated with the reference drug. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The ability of the aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves to scavenge free radicals in vitro and reversal of CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage in rats suggest antioxidant and drug detoxification activities. Overall, this study has justified the rationale behind some of the medicinal uses of the plant in folklore medicine of Nigeria.

Effect of accessions of Colocasia esculenta-based diets on the hepatic and renal functional indices of weanling Wistar rats.

The liver and kidney functional indices of weanling albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) maintained on different accessions (offspring of a variety planted/collected at a specific location and time but differing in certain morphological characteristics) of cooked Colocasia esculenta (cocoyam)-based diets (UFCe1-UFCe7) for 28 days were investigated. All the accessions of C. esculenta-based diets did not significantly (P > .05) alter the serum levels of albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and uric acid of the animals.The total protein and total bilirubin levels decreased only in the UFCe3- and UFCe4-fed animals, respectively. Whereas UFCe1 and UFCe2 significantly decreased the conjugated bilirubin levels, UFCe3 and UFCe6 increased it. While all the accessions of C. esculenta-based diet decreased the serum alkaline phosphatase activity, γ-glutamyl transferase activity was increased. UFCe1 and UFCe5 increased the serum alanine aminotransferase activity, whereas UFCe4 decreased the activity of the enzyme. Again, UFCe3 and UFCe1 increased the serum creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase activity of the animals. Furthermore, the computed blood urea nitrogen:creatinine ratio was higher in animals maintained on UFCe1-, UFCe3-, UFCe4-, and UFCe5-based diets. Whereas UFCe6 and UFCe7 increased the level of sodium in the serum of the animals, UFCe4 and UFCe5 decreased the chloride level. The serum urea level was decreased by UFCe1, UFCe3, UFCe4, and UFCe5, whereas the potassium level increased in the UFCe4-, UFCe6-, and UFCe7-fed animals. Overall, the results revealed that all the accessions of C. esculenta produced selective effects on the hepatic and renal functional indices of the weanling rats. The highest alterations were produced by UFCe4, whereas the least was from UFCe2. These alterations may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the liver and kidney of the animals. UFCe2 exhibited the least toxicity risk among the accessions of C. esculenta growing in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties of the aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaf in male rats.

Clematis brachiata Thunb. (Ranunculaceae) is used as a folk remedy for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammatory ailments. Aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaf was screened for its phytochemical constituents. The anti-inflammatory investigations were carried out using carrageenan and histamine-induced edema models; acetic acid writhing, formalin-induced pain and tail immersion models were used to evaluate antinociceptive activity while a Brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia model was employed for the antipyretic experiment. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The extract at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight significantly (P<0.05) reduced the edema paw volumes induced by carrageenan and histamine with the 400 mg/kg body weight extract being the most potent. On the antinociceptive front, while the extract reduced the writhing caused by acetic acid and the number of licks induced by formalin in a dose dependent manner, the increase in the reaction time by the extract in the tail immersion model was not dose-dependent. Again, there was significant (P<0.05) lowering of the Brewer's yeast-provoked elevated body temperature. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaves can be employed in the management of inflammation, pain and fever. These activities may be due in part to the flavonoid content of the extract.