Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem Extract Restores Selected Biomolecules of Erectile Dysfunction in the Testicular and Penile Tissues of Paroxetine-Treated Wistar Rats.

Inadequate release of nitric oxide (NO) by the penile tissue impacts negatively on penile erection causing erectile dysfunction (ED). Fadogia agrestis has been implicated in the management of ED without information on key biomolecules associated with ED in male rats. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem (AEFAS) on key biomolecules associated with ED in the penile and testicular tissues of male Wistar rats induced with ED by paroxetine. Thirty male rats were assigned into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V and VI) of 5. Group I (sham control, without ED) was administered distilled water orally. Paroxetine-induced ED rats in groups II (negative control), III (positive control), IV, V and VI received distilled water, sildenafil citrate (SC, 50 mg/kg body weight) and AEFAS at 18, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight respectively. Paroxetine lowered/reduced (p < 0.05) the MF, IF, EF, NO, cGMP, catalase, SOD, T-SH, GSH and GST whilst it prolonged/increased ML, IL, EL, PEI, AChE, PDE5, arginase, ACE, TBARS and H2O2. Contrastingly, AEFAS like sildenafil citrate increased (p < 0.05) the penile and testicular NO, cGMP, catalase, SOD, T-SH, GSH and GST and reduced AChE, PDE5, arginase, ACE, TBARS and H2O2 to levels that compared favourably (p > 0.05) with those of sham control. The study concluded that AEFAS restored the NO/cGMP pathway and ED-associated key enzymes in the penile and testicular tissues of male rats via antioxidant means. The study recommended the use of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem in managing ED after clinical trials.

Chromatographic fractions from Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark boost antioxidant enzyme activity and ameliorate some markers of diabetes complications.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes, with hyperglycaemia as hallmark, is a global crisis that reduces the antioxidant status and produces complications when poorly managed. The development of complications can be indicated by inflammation, lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of glycation adducts. Thus, the attenuation of hyperglycaemia and boosting of antioxidants status is key in ameliorating markers of diabetes complications. This work evaluated the potency of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark on some markers of diabetes complications. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: A total of 100 female rats (180.80 ± 8.50 g) were assigned into ten groups of ten animals each; control received 1.0 ml of distilled water while those in groups DC, RD, F1, F3, F4, F5, F7, F9, F10 were induced into diabetes by intraperitoneal administration of 120 mg/kg body weight of alloxan and were orally administered distilled water, glibenclamide, 2.5 mg/kg of the chromatographic fractions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 respectively, once daily for 14 days. F7 was profiled for its bioactive constituents and the pancreas histology of the rats were examined. RESULTS: Chromatographic fractions F5 and F7 significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic index, malondialdehyde while insulin, high density lipoprotein, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased. Fraction F7 revealed eight compounds and restored the distorted pancreas. CONCLUSION: Fraction F7 ameliorated the markers of diabetes complications considered in this study better than F5, restored the compromised pancreas and can be explored as lead candidate for production of drug for the management of diabetes.

Impact of groundwater samples and leachates from Gbagede dumpsite, Amoyo, Kwara State, Nigeria, on testes and prostate of male Wistar rats: A biochemical and histological study.

This study evaluated the impact of groundwater samples and leachate from Gbagede dumpsite in Amoyo, Kwara State, on the testicular and prostatic function indices of male rats. The groundwater sample 1 (GW1), groundwater sample 2 (GW2), 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% leachate progressively reduced (p < .05) feed intake, groundwater and leachate intake, body weight, weights of testes and prostate, and testes-body weight ratio. The groundwater and leachates significantly (p < .05) reduced the sperm count, motility, normal morphology and testicular volume; activities of semen acid phosphatase (ACP) and α-glucosidase, testicular alkaline phosphatase, ACP, ᵧ-GT, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, catalase and superoxide dismutase; testicular total protein, glycogen, total cholesterol, sialic acid, testosterone, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, zinc, iron and copper; serum LH and FSH; prostatic calcium and phosphate. Treatments increased testicular malondialdehyde, prostate-specific antigen and ACP whilst prostatic pH remained significantly unaltered. Only the leachates reduced prostate-body weight ratio. The treatments induced distortions of seminiferous tubules, destroyed spermatogonic cells and degenerated prostatic acinus. The study concluded that metals in the groundwater and leachate samples have adversely impacted on the testes and prostates of the male rats via endocrine disruption and oxidative stress, with attendant implications on reproductive capacity.

Identification and characterization of anti-diabetic principle in Senna alata (Linn.) flower using alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The age-long folkloric use of Senna alata flower (SAF) was recently substantiated with scientific evidence. However, the study did not account for the anti-diabetic principle(s) in SAF. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to identify and characterize the bioactive principle(s) responsible for the anti-diabetic activity in SAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one male Wistar rats were used for the two phases of this study. In phase 1, forty-two of these were allotted into six groups (A-F) of seven rats each. Animals in group A received distilled water while those in groups B-F were made diabetic by treatment with 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of alloxan. Group B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D and E were treated each with 75 mg/kg b.w. of ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of SAF, while F received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. In the second phase, forty-nine rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) of seven rats each. Group A received distilled water. Animals in Groups B-G were also made diabetic by alloxan treatment. B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D, E and F were treated with 5.77, 25.96, 15.40, 27.87 mg/kg b.w (equivalent dose of 75 mg/kg b.w.) of sub-fractions obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of SAF respectively whereas G received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, albumin, globulin, liver glycogen, urine ketone, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities and cardiac function indices were evaluated using standard methods. Compounds D, E and F isolated from ethyl acetate sub-fraction B were evaluated for in vitro anti-diabetic activity. The structure of the anti-diabetic compound was identified using FTIR, 1H-NMR, 1³C-NMR, HCOSY, HSQC and HMBC. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Alloxan treatment increased the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, urine ketone and cardiac function indices and reduced the levels of globulin, albumin, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, liver glycogen, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Ethyl acetate fraction and sub-fraction B reversed the level and/or activities of these biochemical indices to levels and/or activities that compared favourably with the distilled water treated non-diabetic animals. Of the three compounds (D, E and F) that were obtained from the sub-fraction B, compound E which was Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) produced the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. CONCLUSION: Emodin is one of the bioactive constituents present in Senna alata flower.

Aqueous extract of Digitaria exilis grains ameliorate diabetes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The absence of scientific data on the age long folkloric use of Digitaria exilis grains by sufferers of diabetes prompted the present investigation. This study was aimed at evaluating the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Digitaria exilis grains in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty two male rats (166.43 ±â€¯3.32 g) were completely randomized into six groups (A-F) of 7 animals each. Animals in group A (control) were administered 0.5 ml of distilled water while those in groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced with diabetes mellitus (by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg body weight of STZ) were also administered distilled water, 50 mg/kg body weight of metformin (a reference antidiabetic drug), 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of D. exilis grains respectively, twice daily for 14 days. Blood glucose levels and some relevant biomolecules were determined 14 days post-administration. RESULTS: Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannins, phenolics and cardenolides were detected in the extract with alkaloids (30.20 mg/ml) occurring the most and phlobatannins (0.22 mg/ml) the least. Streptozotocin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of blood glucose, serum albumin, urea, creatinine and cholesterol, activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in the liver and intake of feed and water. Body weight, weight of pancreas, pancreatic insulin, liver glycogen content, red blood cell and white blood cell and their related indices, liver hexokinase and phosphofructokinase activities were significantly reduced by STZ. In contrast, the extract significantly reversed all those STZ-treatment induced changes with the 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract producing profound values that compared favourably with the distilled water treated non-diabetic animals and metformin treated diabetic animals. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study revealed that Digitaria exilis grains possess antidiabetic activity via increased insulin secretion, as plasma concentrations of insulin were not determined, enhanced activities of hexokinase and phosphofuctokinase and repletion of hepatic glycogen content.

Parquetina nigrescens leaves: chemical profile and influence on the physical and biochemical indices of sexual activity of male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: The leaves of Parquetina nigrescens have been claimed in folk medicine to be useful for managing sexual dysfunction, but there is inadequate scientific evidence for this claim. This investigation was conducted to assess the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens (AEPN) in rats induced with sexual dysfunction. METHODS: Male rats were allocated into various groups after being induced into sexual dysfunction with paroxetine hydrochloride. The groups were treated with distilled water, PowMaxM (reference drug), and the AEPN at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight (BW) respectively for 7 d. Frequencies of mount (MF), intromission (IF), ejaculation (EF), as well as latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were progressively monitored with receptive female rats on days 1, 3 and 7. The precentage of mounted, intromitted, and ejaculated rats, intromission ratio (IR), copulatory efficiency (CE) and intercopulatory interval (ICI) were also computed. Standard methods were employed to determine the levels of serum luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) and the activity of phosphodiesterase V (PDE5). RESULTS: The plant contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins, phlobatannins, cardenolides, phenolics, anthraquinones and triterpenes with alkaloids (2.32 mg/g) occurring in greatest quantity while flavonoids, anthraquinones and cardenolides (0.01 mg/g, each) were the least. All the 20 standard amino acids were detected in the plant leaf, with the lowest concentration being 0.30 mg/g for methionine and the highest being 2.12 mg/g for cysteine. Furthermore, P. nigrescens leaves contained Na, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, Mn, P, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Co, with Fe present in the highest and Co the lowest concentrations. Paroxetine significantly (P<0.05) reduced MF, IF, EF, percentage mounted , intromitted, ejaculated, IR, CE, serum testosterone, LH, FSH and NO, while ML, IL, PEI, IF and PDE5 were significantly (P<0.05) increased and/or prolonged. The AEPN significantly reversed these paroxetine-treatment-related alterations with most profound activity at the highest dose of 80 mg/kg BW, similar to that of the PowMaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSION: The AEPN restored both the physical and biochemical indices of male sexual activity/competence via changes in reproductive hormones, NO and PDE5 activity. The pro-sexual activity, attributed to a myriad of mineral, amino acid and secondary metabolite constituents, was best at 80 mg/kg BW of AEPN.

Aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla P. Beauv. leaves in female Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla leaves (AEAML) in female Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty female rats were assigned into five groups of six animals each, such that rats in groups A, B, C, D and E received orally 1 mL of distilled water only, 5.7 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Exus Ginseng (a polyherbal formulation), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, female sexual behaviour parameters were monitored for 30 min. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E) and testosterone were also determined using standard methods. RESULTS: Six secondary metabolites were detected in AEAML with alkaloids (13.00 mg/L) being the highest. AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW significantly (P<0.05) increased the darting frequency, hopping frequency, lordosis frequency, anogenital grooming, genital grooming and licking behaviour, whereas the darting latency, hopping latency and lordosis latency decreased (P<0.05) in a manner comparable with Exus Ginseng. The 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML increased (P<0.05) the serum concentrations of FSH, LH and E, like Exus Ginseng, whereas testosterone content was not altered (P>0.05). The 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML did not alter (P>0.05) the sexual behaviour parameters, serum FSH, LH and E contents, whereas testosterone content increased significantly. The ovarian histology of the animals treated with Exus Ginseng, AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW revealed developing and ruptured follicles with numerous corpora lutea in the stroma, whereas the 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML produced fewer follicles and corpora lutea. CONCLUSION: The enhanced proceptive, receptive and orientation components of the female sexual behaviour by the 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML confers sexual invigorating potential on the plant. This study thus justifies the folkloric claim of the plant as a female aphrodisiac.

Lophirones B and C prevent aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in rat hepatocytes.

Context Despite the reported anticarcinogenic activity of lophirones B and C, no scientific information exists for its activity in rat hepatocytes. Objective Effect of lophirones B and C on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation in rat hepatocytes was investigated. Materials and methods Wistar rat hepatocytes were incubated with lophirones B and C (1 mg/mL) or sylimarin (1 mg/mL) in the presence or absence of AFB1. For an in vivo study, rats were orally administered with lophirones B and C, and/or AFB1 (20 µg/d) for 9 weeks. Results Lophirones B and C lowered AFB1-mediated increase in nitric oxide, superoxide anion radicals, caspase-3 and fragmented DNA. Lophirones B and C attenuated AFB1-mediated decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione. Also, lophirones B and C attenuated AFB1-mediated increase in conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde in rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, AFB1-mediated alterations in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin and globulin in rat serum were significantly annulled in lophirones B and C-treated rats. Conclusion This study revealed that lophirones B and C prevented AFB1-induced oxidative damage in rat hepatocytes.

Amelioration of pancreatic and renal derangements in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by polyphenol extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome.

Free and bound polyphenol extracts of Zingiber officinale rhizome were investigated for their antidiabetic potential in the pancreatic and renal tissues of diabetic rats at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight. Forty Wistar rats were completely randomized into five groups: A-E consisting of eight animals each. Group A (control) comprises normal healthy animals and were orally administered 1.0mL distilled water on a daily basis for 42 days while group B-E were made up of 50mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Group C and D received 1.0mL 500mg/kg body weight free and bound polyphenol extracts respectively while group E received 1.0mL 0.6mg/kg of glibenclamide. Administration of the extracts to the diabetic rats significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum glucose and urea concentrations, increased (p<0.05) serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for ß-cell dysfunction (HOMA-ß) while the level of creatinine and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were not affected. Histological examination of the pancreas and kidney revealed restoration of the structural derangements caused by streptozotocin in the polyphenol extracts treated diabetic rats compared to the control groups. Therefore, polyphenols from Zingiber officinale could ameliorate diabetes-induced pancreatic and renal derangements in rats.

Protective Effect of Free and Bound Polyphenol Extracts from Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on the Hepatic Antioxidant and Some Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of polyphenols from Zingiber officinale on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by assessing liver antioxidant enzymes, carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes and liver function indices. Initial oral glucose tolerance test was conducted using 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight of both free and bound polyphenols from Z. officinale. 28 day daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg body weight of free and bound polyphenols from Z. officinale to streptozotocin-induced (50 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the fasting blood glucose compared to control groups. There was significant increase (P < 0.05) in the antioxidant enzymes activities in the animals treated with both polyphenols. Similarly, the polyphenols normalised the activities of some carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (hexokinase and phosphofructokinase) in the liver of the rats treated with it and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the activities of liver function enzymes. The results from the present study have shown that both free and bound polyphenols from Z. officinale especially the free polyphenol could ameliorate liver disorders caused by diabetes mellitus in rats. This further validates the use of this species as medicinal herb and spice by the larger population of Nigerians.

Cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides root barks against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVES: Folkloric claims on the use of a mixture of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides root barks in tumor management exist without scientific evidence. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antiproliferative activity of these plants and their mixture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical screening was carried out on the aqueous extracts after which various concentrations (0 to 1 000 µg/ml) were incubated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines for 3 and 24 hours. RESULTS: The extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, phlobatannins, and terpenes. The separate extracts and their 1:1 mixture significantly (P<0.05) decreased the computed percentage viability of the cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The antiproliferative activity may be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds in the extracts and has a potential in the management of tumor.

Effects of aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca root on testicular function parameters of male rats.

BACKGROUND: There is an age-long claim that the Musa paradisiaca root is used to manage reproductive dysfunction, most especially sexual dysfunction (as an aphrodisiac), but there are no data in the open scientific literature that have refuted or supported this claim and the effects of M. paradisiaca root on the testes. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of oral administration of the aqueous extract of M. paradisiaca root on the testicular function parameters of male rat testes. METHODS: Sexually matured male albino rats (138.67±5.29 g) were randomly assigned into four groups, A, B, C, and D, that respectively received 0.5 mL (3.6 mL/kg body weight) of distilled water and 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract, orally, once daily, for 14 days. RESULTS: The extract significantly increased (p<0.05) the testes-body weight ratio, total protein, sialic acid, glycogen, cholesterol, activities of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, acid phosphatase, and the concentration of testicular testosterone. In contrast, the extract decreased the concentrations of both luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones in the serum of the animals. The results revealed that oral administration of M. paradisiaca root extract at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight enhanced the testosterone-dependent normal functioning of the testes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the aqueous extract of M. paradisiaca stimulated the normal functioning of the testes and exhibited both androgenic and anabolic properties. The results may explain the rationale behind the folkloric beneficial effect of the plant in the management of reproductive dysfunction.

Diethylnitrosamine-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes: protective role of polyphenolic-rich extract from Sorghum bicolor grains.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the protective role of polyphenolic-rich extract from Sorghum bicolor against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes. METHODS: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging potentials of the polyphenolic extract from S. bicolor (0.2-1.0 mg/mL) was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and ferric ion reducing system. The detoxification of ROS was evaluated in DEN-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes. RESULTS: Sorghum bicolor polyphenolic extract at 1.0 mg/mL scavenged the DPPH, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical at 75%, 76%, 79%, and 81%, respectively; it also reduced ferric ion significantly. The polyphenolic extract significantly (p<0.05) attenuated DEN-mediated decrease in the activities of ROS detoxifying enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). The concentrations of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxide, protein carbonyl, and percentage DNA fragmentation in DEN-treated microsomes were significantly reduced by the polyphenolic extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that S. bicolor polyphenolic extract possessed in vitro antioxidant activity and protected microsomes from DEN-mediated oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and ROS scavenger and inducer of ROS detoxifying enzymes.

Effects of Post-coital Administration of Alkaloids from Senna alata (Linn. Roxb) Leaves on some Fetal and Maternal Outcomes of Pregnant Rats.

BACKGROUND: The abortifacient claim of Senna alata (S. alata) was scientifically validated recently with alkaloids speculated to be the bioactive agent. This speculation is yet to be substantiated or refuted by scientific evidence. The present study was aimed to investigate the pregnancy terminating effects of the alkaloids from S. alata leaves. METHODS: Twenty four Pregnant rats (143.99±1.21 g) allocated randomly to four groups: A, B, C and D respectively received, 0.5 ml of distilled water, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the S. alata extracted alkaloids orally, once daily from day 10 until day 18 post-coitum. The indices of abortifacient were evaluated at the end of the exposure period. The results were analyzed by both the analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Thin-layer chromatographic separation produced five spots with Rf values of 0.28, 0.33, 0.39, 0.47 and 0.55 which gave positive reaction with Meyer's and Wagner's reagents, respectively. The number of implantation sites and corpora lutea, as well as the concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, weight of uterus, uterine/ body weight ratio, glucose and cholesterol decreased significantly (p < 0.05) whereas the resorption index, pre- and post-implantation losses, uterine protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly. None of the alkaloid treated animals presented with provoked vaginal opening or bleeding except fetal deaths. The alkaloid decreased the maternal weight gain, as well as feed and water intake. CONCLUSION: Overall, the alkaloids from S. alata leaves exhibited anti-implantation, anti-gonadotropic, anti-progesteronic, embryonic resorptive, feto-maternal toxic activities but not complete abortifacient. The alkaloids alone may not be the sole abortifacient bioactive agent in the leaf extract.

Toxicity profile of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica stem bark in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) at 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. METHODS: Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of ten animals each. Animals in Group A (control) were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: The extract did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of albumin, total protein, red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell, platelets, serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.05). In contrast, the final body weights, absolute weights of the liver, kidney, lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios, serum globulins, total and conjugated bilirubin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly. The spleen-body weight ratio, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases, sodium, potassium, calcium, feed and water intake were altered at specific doses. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of A. indica stem bark at the doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.

Evaluation of aqueous extract of Felicia muricata leaves for anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities.

CONTEXT: Felicia muricata Thunb. (Nees) (Asteraceae) leaves are used in folklore medicine of South Africa as an oral remedy for pain and inflammation. However, the efficacy of the plant part is yet to be validated with scientific experiments. OBJECTIVE: The current study is an effort to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities of aqueous extract of F. muricata leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Felicia muricata leaves and the efficacy of the extract at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight was investigated in experimental animals using several models of inflammation (paw edema induced by carrageenan and egg albumin), nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain and tail immersion), and fever (brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia). RESULTS: The extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics. The extract dose-dependently reduced (P <0.05) the number of writhes and stretches induced by acetic acid, number of licks induced by formalin, paw volumes induced by carrageenan and egg albumin. The reaction time by the tail of the extract-treated animals to the hot water also increased. The extract also reduced hyperthermia induced by brewer's yeast. The highest dose (200 mg/kg body weight of the extract) produced the best result in all cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the aqueous extract of Felicia muricata leaves possessed anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities. These findings have therefore supported the use of aqueous extract of Felicia muricata leaves in the traditional medicine of South Africa as an oral remedy for pains, inflammation, and fever.

Erectile dysfunction management options in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: In Nigeria, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients attending primary care clinics, age-standardized to the U.S. population in 2000 is 57.4%. This is considered high enough to warrant the attention of scientist for critical studies and analysis. The high ED prevalence is associated with etiologies such as psychosexual factors, chronic medical conditions, and some lifestyles. ED constitutes a major public health problem, influencing the patient's well-being and quality of life. It also leads to broken homes and marriages, psychological, social, and physical morbidity. AIM: To give an account of various ED management options in Nigeria. METHOD: Review of peer-reviewed literature, questionnaire, and ethnobotanical survey to some indigenous herb sellers and herbalists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cross cultural perspectives of ED management in Nigeria. RESULTS: The review suggests that traditional (phytotherapy, zootherapy, and occultism) and nontraditional, orthodox practice (drug therapy, psychological, and behavioral counseling) are applicable to ED management in Nigeria. CONCLUSION: This review should help in creating awareness into various options available for managing ED in the country, but does not recommend self medication of any form, be it the use of orthodox or herbal remedy.

Androgenic potentials of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata (G. Don) Bullock ex Hoyl. stem in male Wistar rats.

UNLABELLED: The use of medicinal plants in the management of several ailments is gaining popularity nowadays. Massularia acuminata, one of such plants is commonly used as chewing sticks due to its antimicrobial activity and the aqueous extract of its stem as an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiac activity in some plants may be due to androgen increasing property of its phytochemicals. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study therefore sought to assess the androgenic potentials of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem in male rats for 21 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats weighing between 220 and 260 g were completely randomized into four groups: A, B, C and D. Group A, the control received orally 1 ml of distilled water (the vehicle) while groups B, C and D were orally administered with 1 ml each corresponding to 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively for 21 days. Rats were sacrificed 24h after 1, 7 and 21 days. RESULTS: Compared with the control, extract administration at all the doses produced significant increase (P<0.05) in testes-body weight ratio, testicular protein, glycogen, sialic acid, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations throughout the period of administration. Testicular gamma glutamyl transferase activities were decreased significantly (P<0.05) after the first dose and was sustained throughout the experimental period. CONCLUSION: The available evidence in this study suggests that aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem has androgenic potential which may stimulate male sexual maturation and enhance normal testicular function.

Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The effects of administration of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem on some testicular function indices of male rats (Rattus norvegicus) and their recovery potentials for 10 days were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were grouped into four: A, B, C and D where A (the control) received orally 1 ml of distilled water (the vehicle), B, C and D (the test groups) received orally on daily basis graded doses of 18, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively, for 28 days. RESULTS: Compared with the control, extract administration for 28 days at all the doses resulted in significant increase (P<0.05) in percentage testes-body weight ratio, testicular cholesterol, sialic acid, glycogen, acid phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities while there was significant decrease (P<0.05) in the activities of testicular alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase and concentrations of protein. Recoveries were made by the animals on some of the testicular function indices mainly at 18 mg/kg body weight. CONCLUSIONS: The alterations brought about by the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem are indications of adverse effects on the male rat testicular function and this may adversely affect the functional capacities of the testes. The recovery made at the dose of 18 mg/kg body weight as used in folklore medicine suggests that it does not exhibit permanent toxicity at this dose.