Ethyl acetate fraction of Fagara zanthoxyloides root-bark possess antidiabetic property against alloxan-induced diabetes and its complications in Wistar rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam., an African traditional medicinal plant, is used for treatment of malaria and diabetes. AIM: To investigate the antidiabetic property of ethyl acetate fraction of F. zanthoxyloides root-bark (EAFFZRB) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction, isolation, preliminary phytochemical analysis, and acute toxicity study of ethanol extract and fractions of F. zanthoxyloides root-bark were achieved using standard methods. Phyto-constituents in EAFFZRB were identified using HPLC technique. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (140-185 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 8). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and negative controls, respectively. Diabetes was induced in test groups (2-6) using 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) Alloxan monohydrate. Rats in groups 4-6 received of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w. EAFFZRB orally, respectively, for 21 days. Group 3 rats received 5 mg/kg b.w Glibenclamide. The effect of EAFFZRB on alterations in hematological, biochemical, and histological indices of study rats were assessed. RESULTS: Extraction of 3500 g ethanol extract yielded 15.71 g EAFFZRB. HPLC fingerprint of EAFFZRB indicated presence of luteolin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin, cinnamic acid and catechin. Diabetes triggered significant (p < 0.05) alterations in b.w., hematological, biochemical and histological indices of test rats relative to normal control. Treatment with EAFFZRB (LD50 = 3807.9 mg/kg b.w.) resulted in remarkable improvements in altered b.w. changes, hematological, biochemical and histological parameters of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of EAFFZRB, providing scientific basis for traditional use of the plant in treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Methanol extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides leaves possess antimalarial effects and normalizes haematological and biochemical status of Plasmodium berghei-passaged mice.

Context: The resistance of Plasmodium species to many available antimalarials calls for a continuous search for newer antimalarial agents. One possible source of new antimalarials is from natural sources such as Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam (Rutaceae), a medicinal plant used traditionally for treating malaria in South-Eastern Nigeria, Uganda and Asia. Objectives: To investigate the application of methanol extracts of F. zanthoxyloides in combating malaria infection and its associated disorders. Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of F. zanthoxyloides leaves (MEFZ) were evaluated for in vivo antimalarial activity. MEFZ at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/d were administered orally for 4 consecutive days (days 0-4) to P. berghei-infected mice. The possible ameliorative effects of MEFZ on malaria-associated organ malfunctions were also assessed. Results: At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w., respectively, MEFZ produced 82.37% and 68.39%, 84.84%, and 90.75%, 95.95% and 92.67% chemosuppression and inhibition of P. berghei, respectively, comparable to 98.67% and 97.29% by combisunate, a standard antimalarial. The IC50 of MEFZ was estimated to be 235.23 mg/kg b.w. Similarly, treatment of parasitized mice with MEFZ significantly restored the malaria-modified haematological and biochemical status of the parasitized-MEFZ-treated mice compared with parasitized-untreated mice. MEFZ was tolerable up to 5000 mg/kg b.w dose; hence, the LD50 is above 5000 mg/kg b.w. Discussion and conclusions: The results of this curative assay demonstrated that MEFZ has antimalarial effects and normalized haematological and biochemical aberrations generated by malaria. The isolation of the antimalarial principles in MEFZ is warranted; they could be lead molecules for the development of new antimalarials.