Attenuation of salt-induced hypertension by aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa.

The aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent. On account of its antioxidant properties and probably high K+ concentration, we hypothesized that HS may attenuate the development of salt-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8 each) were treated for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal diet + water), salt-loaded (8% salt diet + water), HS (normal diet + 6 mg/ml HS), salt+HS (8% salt diet + 6 mg/ml HS) and furosemide (normal diet+ 0.25mg/Kg furosemide). Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured and responses to noradrenalin and acetylcholine (0.01 mg/kg respectively) were estimated. The cationic concentration of 6 mg/ml HS was determined. The Na+ and K+ concentrations of 6 mg/ml HS were 3.6 and 840 mmol/l respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP±SEM; mmHg) of salt loaded rats (184.6±29.8) was significantly higher than control (113.2±3.0; P<0.05), HS (90.0±7.4; P<0.001) salt+HS (119.4±8.9; P<0.05) and furosemide (94.9±11.5; P<0.01). The MAP of salt+HS and control rats did not differ significantly and the effect of HS was comparable to furosemide. The pressor response to noradrenalin or vasodilator response to acetylcholine remained similar in all groups. These results suggest that HS attenuated the development of salt-induced hypertension and this attenuation may be associated with its high K+ content or high potassium: sodium ratio and not with altered pressor/depressor response to noradrenalin or acetylcholine. Also the effects of HS and furosemide on blood pressure are comparable.

Spermatoxic effects of operation sweep herbal supplement in male albino rats.

Operation Sweep (OPS) de rheumatism powder is a registered Nigerian poly-herbal medicine. The acute and sub-chronic testicular toxicology of the OPS powder was investigated in male albino rats. The rats, divided into 10 per group, received aqueous extract of the OPS powder, orally, at 0, 0.75, 1.50, 2.25 g/kg for 30 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 30; the testes and epididymis were excised and weighed. The testes were processed for histological analysis, and the epididymis was used for sperm quality: epididymal sperm count (ESC), epididymal sperm motility (ESMot) and the epididymal sperm morphology (ESMor) determination. The results showed a non-significant increase in the body weights of the treated groups. Treatment with OPS caused a significant (p < .05) reduction of the relative weight of the epididymis in the 2.25g/kg dose group; a significant (p < .05) decrease in the ESC and active ESMot, an increase in the dead ESMot, and a nonsignificant (p > .05) effect on the ESMor. Histologic examination of the testes indicated no serous pathological changes except for some mild vascular congestion at 1.5 and 2.25 g/kg. This study suggests that the aqueous extract of the OPS powder may cause epididymal toxicity as shown in the adverse effect on sperm quality.

Prescription pattern of antimalarial drugs in children below 5 years in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the diagnosis of malaria and pattern of prescription of antimalarial drugs in the most vulnerable age group (the under 5 children) in the study environment in order to identify the possible shortcomings and suggest solutions so as to improve the treatment outcome in future. METHODS: The hospital records of 430 children with malaria infection admitted for treatment in a chosen tertiary health facility between January to December 2005 were selected for study. Forty-eight case records were excluded due to incomplete information. Data on demographic, clinical features of disease, diagnostic procedures, drug administration and the treatment out come were collected from the patients' records. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed that more male (213) than female (169) children were admitted for malaria treatment: Fever with convulsion (55.8%) was the commonest presenting symptoms, and anemia was the most frequent complications of malaria recorded. Chloroquine was found to be the most prescribed antimalarial agent and overall antemisinin-based drug was prescribed either as a first or second line treatment in only 18.2% of the cases. The death rate recorded was 16%. CONCLUSION: The pattern of antimalarial drugs prescription in the study center in most cases did not meet the recommended guidelines. The prescriptions were predominantly chloroquine, instead of artemisinin based. The death rate was comparatively high. Measures to raise the level of awareness among the practitioners on the current National policy on malaria treatment through seminars and workshops were suggested.

Antinociceptive and antidepressant like effects of Securidaca longepedunculata root extract in mice.

The aqueous root extract of Securidaca longepedunculata (polygalaceae) was investigated for possible antinociceptive and central nervous system (CNS) effects in mice. Three nociceptive models; acetic acid, formalin and tail-flick tests were used to study the antinociceptive activity. Rectal temperature test was employed as an adjunct to the nociceptive models. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly and dose dependently reduced the nociception induced by the acetic acid and in the early phase of formalin test (P<0.05). The extract exerted significant (P<0.05) hypothermic effect in the 15 and 30 min of the rectal temperature test. The antinociceptive and hypothermic effects were partially reversed by naloxone (1mg/kg). The tail-flick test produced an insignificant increase in tail-flick latency at 400 mg/kg after 60 min of the test, but significantly (P<0.05) increase tail-flick latency in the 400mg/kg group of animals pre-treated with naloxone (1 mg/kg) after 120 min of the test. The extract also produced a significant (P<0.05) naloxone reversible antidepressant like effect in the forced swimming test (an animal model of depression). Collectively, these results suggest that the extract possess antinociceptive and antidepressant like effects with possible involvement of opioidergic pathways. The extract at limit dose of 2 g/kg body weight appeared to be safe in oral formulation.

Diplazium sammatii: Athyraceae ('Nyama idim'): age-related nutritional and antinutritional analysis.

Tender and mature leaflets and leaves of Diplazium sammatii ('Nyama idim'), were separately investigated for their nutritional and antinutritional properties. Results showed little difference in proximate nutritional contents between tender and mature leaves, except for crude fat, which was present in levels 1.5 times higher in younger than in older leaves. Crude fiber levels were low. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were higher in younger leaves (6.8 and 3.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively, compared to 4.5 and 2.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively in older leaves). Older leaves contained higher levels of iron (Fe): 6.7 mg/100 g dry matter, in comparison to 4.3 mg/100 g dry matter, in young leaves. Oxalate levels were slightly higher in younger than older leaves. However, the reverse was true for tannin content. Both antinutritional compounds were present in levels which should be safe.