Anticoccidial effects of Khaya senegalensis aqueous stem bark extract on broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria species.

Graded concentrations (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis was evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy against experimentally induced coccidiosis in broiler chicken. The phytochemical analysis shows the presence of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. There was significant reduction in oocyst count across the groups in a graded dose manner with 800 mg/kg being the most efficacious dose. There was also weight gain across the treatment groups with immuno-modulatory and erythropoetic activities observed. Also, a significant (p < 0.05) graded dose-dependent reduction in the oocyst count in the treatment groups. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean weight gain was also recorded across the experimental groups except the negative control. The haematology also showed a dose-dependent increase in red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume of the treatment groups. The extract had no significant difference (p > 0.05) on the white blood cells, but a slight decrease in the white blood cells and heterophil counts was observed at 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, the aspartate amino transaminase level showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Fluctuating levels of other serum biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin and potassium were observed. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the sodium concentration was observed. In addition, oxidative stress biomarkers such as catalase significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups in addition to the concomitant increase in reduced gluthathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Conclusively, the aqueous extract of K. senegalensis was effective in the management of coccidiosis thus supporting its folkloric use.

Neuroprotective role of kolaviron in striatal redo-inflammation associated with rotenone model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is the most prevalent movement disorder. Currently, therapies are palliative with associated irreversible behavioural incompetence. Here, we investigated the ability of kolaviron (KV), an anti-inflammatory biflavonoid isolated form Garcinia kola seeds, to rescue striatal neuronal damage and redo-inflammation in rats exposed to rotenone (ROT). Aged rats exposed to 11 days of rotenone intoxication were treated with KV either concurrently or for 18 days. The 18-day regimen included 7 days of pre-treatment prior 11-day concurrent ROT-KV treatment. Rotenone-exposed rats lost weight appreciably and travelled less distance with reduced speed, decline efficiency to maintain a straight path, enhanced freezing, increased immobile episodes and poor hole recognition. The motor incompetence was attributed to enhanced striatal neurodegeneration, increased alpha synuclein formation and reduced tyrosine hydroxylase expression. ROT intoxication significantly increased reactive species production, which co-existed with induction of striatal antioxidant system and damage to biomolecules. ROT additionally upregulated COX-2 expression, enhanced myeloperoxidase activity and increased concentration of striatal inteleukine-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). Treatment with kolaviron reversed the rotenone-associated locomotor impairment and exploratory deficits, motor/neuromuscular incompetence, striatal neurodegeneration, neurobiochemical imbalance, altered antioxidant defence system and neuroinflammation. KV-treated rats showed improved capacity to maintain efficient gait with minimal rigidity and enhanced coordination. Taken together, kolaviron exhibited neuroprotective properties, which may be beneficial for the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease, via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.