Antidiarrheal and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Harvested from South-Eastern Nigeria in Mice.

Bryophyllum pinnatum belongs to the family Crassulaceae and it is commonly used in the ethnomedical practices. This study investigated the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of methanol extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf harvested from South-Eastern Nigeria in mice. Cold maceration method in 80% methanol was adopted in the extract preparation. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant property while castor oil-induced diarrhea, small intestinal transit, and enteropooling models were used for the antidiarrheal investigation. The effects of the extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were compared to distilled water (10 ml/kg) and loperamide (5 mg/kg). The extract produced concentration dependent increase in antioxidant effect in both DPPH and FRAP assay. The extract caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mean stool output, percentage of wet stools, small intestinal transit, and intestinal fluid accumulation in the treated mice when compared to the distilled water treated mice. The study validates the use of Bryophyllum pinnatum in the ethnomedical management of diarrhea.

Antidiabetic and in vitro antioxidant effects of hydromethanol extract of Paullinia pinnata root bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rat.

Background The study evaluated phytochemical composition, antidiabetic, oral glucose tolerance test and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydromethanol extract of Paullinia pinnata root bark. Methods Cold maceration method was used in extract preparation and scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals was used to evaluate antioxidant properties of the extract. Diabetes was induced with alloxan at the dose of 160 mg/kg. The antidiabetic activity of the extract was tested at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, and glibenclamide was used as reference drug. Results Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins and terpenes/sterols. The extract produced a significant (p<0.05) time-dependent decrease in the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in the treated rats when compared with the distilled water treated rats, but did not produce dose-dependent effects. The extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) caused 83.62 %, 60.66 %, 47.77 % and 68.52 % reduction respectively in FBG at 6 h post-treatment while the distilled water (5 mL/kg) produced 8.12 % reduction in FBG at 6 h post treatment. The extract (50 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) oral glucose tolerance effect in both normoglycemic and diabetic rats. The extract produced concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity and had its optimum effect at 400 µg/mL concentration. Conclusions This study suggests that P. pinnata root bark has potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and also validates its use in folkloric medicine in the management of diabetes-related conditions.

Possible anti-diarrhoeal potential of ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata in castor oil-induced rats.

BACKGROUND: Chromolaena odorata is a plant commonly used traditionally to treat ailments including diarrhoea in Nigeria. METHODS: The ethanol leaf extract of C. odorata was studied for its anti-diarrhoeal activity using electrolyte test and castor oil-induced diarrhoea rats' models. Acute toxicity effect of the extract was also evaluated. RESULTS: The extract showed a dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhoea at the tested doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weights). The protection offered by pretreatment with 400 mg/kg body weight of the ethanol leaf extract of C. odorata with regards to reductions in the incidences of faecal wetness and rate of defaecations were statistically comparable to that achieved with Lomotil, a known anti-diarrhoeic drug. The result of the electrolyte test showed that the extract pretreated groups had significantly (p<0.05) lower potassium and sodium ions in their intestinal fluid when compared with the diarrhoeic untreated controls. This is well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the ethanol leaf extract of C. odorata is safe and possesses anti-diarrhoeal activity with electrolyte reabsorption proposed as the possible mechanism of action.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of hydromethanolic extract of Daniella oliveri leaves in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Daniella oliveri is a deciduous plant that is commonly found in savanna and open grassland. Various parts of the plant is used by herbalist in the management of different ailments. The present study aims at investigating the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of D. oliveri leaves. METHODS: The hepatoprotective activity was investigated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The antioxidant activity was determined using both in vitro (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine photometric assay) and in vivo (malondialdehyde and catalase level assay) models. RESULTS: The pretreatment with extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in hepatoprotective activity when compared with the negative control group. The extract (25-400 µg/mL concentration) produced a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity in 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) photometric assay. The IC50 of the extract in DPPH photometric assay was 400 µg/mL concentrations. The extract and silymarin showed a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in catalase level in treated rats when compared with the negative control group. Also, the extract and silymarin produced a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde level in treated rats when compared with the negative control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that D. oliveri leaves has a potent hepatoprotective activity that may be linked to its antioxidant activities and validates its use in the traditional management of liver disorders.

Antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Gouania longipetala methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae) is used in folkloric medicine for treating diabetes mellitus and its associated symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antidiabetic antilipidemic and antioxidant activities of the plant methanol leaf extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg). Three test doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) of G. longipetala extract (GLE) were administered orally and the effects were compared with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). The effect of GLE on hyperglycemia and sub-acute study for 21 d were carried out using its effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS) level. Serum biochemistry and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation of the pancreas was also done. RESULTS: The LD50 of G. longipetala was found to be >4000 mg/kg. The extract significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased the FBS levels of treated rats from 16.2 ± 2.03 to 6.5 ± 1.52 mM/L at 150 mg/kg within 24 h. The extract decreased FBS levels of rats by 62.0, 74.8, and 75.0% on day 21 at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. GLE reduced the level of malondiadehyde from 23.0 ± 1.34 to 10.3 ± 0.43 mg/dL, increased superoxide dismutase activities from 2.97 ± 0.34 to 5.80 ± 0.53 IU/L at 150 mg/kg, and improved the serum lipid profile of treated rats. GLE also caused restoration of the altered histopathological changes of the pancreas. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Gouania longipetala demonstrated significant antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities that may be due to its multiple effects involving both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanisms.

Hypolipidaemic and haematological evaluation of the hydromethanolic extract of Ficus glumosa stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is associated with dyslipidaemia and haematological disorders which lead to cardiovascular complications and anaemia respectively. In this study, hydromethanolic extract of Ficus glumosa was evaluated for its hypolipidaemic and haematological effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Treatment was done orally using 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg of F. glumosa extract (FGE) with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) as standard reference drug for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, blood collected through direct heart puncture was used for evaluation of serum lipid profile and determination of haematological parameters. Organosomatic index evaluation of the liver, spleen and kidney was also done using standard procedures. RESULTS: All doses of the extract and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent and significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of the treated rats when compared with the control group. The extract and glibenclamide produced significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the treated rats. The extract (62.5 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the treated rats when compared to the negative control group. However, FGE (62.5 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value of the treated rats. FGE (125 and 250 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in the organosomatic index of kidney in treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that F. glumosa may be of help in diabetes-induced anaemia and dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Potentials of Aframomum melegueta Methanolic Seed Extract.

Aframomum melegueta Schum (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb widely cultivated for its valuable seeds in the tropical region of Africa. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of methanolic seed extract of A. melegueta. The antioxidant effects were evaluated using in vitro, 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay and in vivo serum catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay method. The extract (25-400 µ g/mL concentration) produced concentration dependent increase in antioxidant activity in 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the control group. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the serum level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that the seed of A. melegueta has potent antioxidant activity which may be responsible for some of its reported pharmacological activities and can be used as antioxidant supplement.

Subacute antidiabetic and in vivo antioxidant effects of methanolic extract of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst Baill) leaf on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats.

The methanolic leaf extract of Bridelia micrantha was tested for subacute antidiabetic and in vivo antioxidant effects in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. The subacute treatment of the extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) produced 75, 68 and 63% reduction in fasting blood sugar level respectively, on day 14 of treatment. The extract produced time-dependent effect, but did not show a dose-dependent effect. Its optimum antidiabetic activity was noted at the dose of 125 mg/kg and this was comparable to glibenclamide 2 mg/kg (positive control). The extract (125 mg/kg) showed good oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) effect in both normoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic rats. The OGTT effect of the extract (125 mg/kg) did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). The antioxidant effect of the extract was assayed through the determination of the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and catalase activity. The extract produced a dose-dependent decrease in the serum level of TBARS and gave its optimum catalase activity at the dose of 500 mg/kg. This study suggests that the B. micrantha extract has antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities. Therefore, could be a potential source of novel antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity profile of methanol leaf extract of Gouania longipetala in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gouania longipetala leaves are commonly used in folkloric medicine in Africa and other parts of the world for treatment of edema, febrifuges, veneral diseases, lumbago, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus malaria, etc. This study therefore evaluated safety profile of the methanol leaf extract of the plant using acute and sub-chronic studies in rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute toxicity test of the plant lasted for 48 h with oral administration of graded doses (100-4000 mg/kg) of Gouania longipetala extract (GLE) in rats. The rats were observed for signs of toxicity and death. The sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated by administration of different doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) of GLE daily in feed for 90 days. On days, 30, 60 and 90, blood samples collected from the retro-orbital plexus of the eye of the rats were used for evaluation of serum biochemistry, hematology, lipid peroxidation and in vivo antioxidant activities. Histopathological evaluations of the kidney, liver, lungs and heart were also done. RESULTS: The acute toxicity test revealed no observable signs of toxicity or morbidity. Sub-chronic study showed that GLE significantly (p<0.05) increased relative liver weight on day 90 at 10 mg/kg. There were no significant variations in the hematological parameters of both GLE treated and untreated rats. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins and increased high density lipoproteins which was more prominent on day 90 at the dose of 10 mg/kg. The extract significantly (p<0.05) increased liver enzyme markers at the doses used. GLE also significantly (p<0.05) increased serum urea at the dose of 10 mg/kg on day 90. The extract caused dose-dependent and significant (p<0.05) increase in superoxide dismutase and decrease in malondiadehyde. Histopathological studies revealed degenerative changes in the kidney and liver. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that Gouania longipetala is well tolerated in short term therapies, but may have long term toxic effects on the kidney and liver.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the methanol root bark extract of Cochlospermum planchonii (Hook f).

Cochlospermum planchonii (Hook f) is a common medicinal plant used in Nigeria traditional medicine for treatment of different ailments including ulcers. The anti ulcer activity of the root bark methanol extract of Cochlospermum planchonii was evaluated using different [ethanol, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), cold/restraint stress and pyloric ligation/histamine - induced ulcers and acid production] ulcerogenic models in rats at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight using cimetidine (100 mg/kg) as a standard reference drug. The different doses of the extract and the reference drug significantly (p < 0.01) decreased all the ulcer parameters in a dose dependent manner in all the models used. The total number of ulcers were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The ulcer index was significantly (p < 0.004) reduced by the extract. Similarly, the percentage ulcer preventive index was also increased from 0% in the negative control up to 93.2% at the dose of 1000 mg/kg, while the percentage ulcer severity was dose dependently reduced by the extract. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.02) decreased free gastric HCl and total gastric acid. In conclusion, Cochlospermum planchonii methanolic root bark extract showed significant antiulcer activity in this study which may be as a result of its cytoprotective, antioxidant or antisecretory properties.

Antihyperglycemic effects of the methanol leaf extract of Diaphananthe bidens in normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the methanol leaf extract of Diaphanathe bidens (D. bidens) (AFZEL. EX SW) SCHLTR for antihyperglycemic activity in order to confirm it antidiabetic potential.@*METHODS@#D. bidens was extracted by cold maceration for 48 h and concentrated in vacuo to yield D. bidens extract (DBE). Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (75 mg/kg). Oral glucose tolerance test was done with 2 g/kg glucose load in normal rats. DBE (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) was administered orally, while tolbutamide (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard reference drug. Blood glucose levels determined using ACCUCHEK glucose auto-analyzer. The acute toxicity and phytochemical studies were also carried out.@*RESULTS@#DBE (600 mg/kg) and tolbutamide (100 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05, 0.005) reduced blood glucose levels of rats between 120 and 480 min post administration in normal rats. In the streptozotocin- induced hyperglycemic rats, DBE (150, 300, 600 mg/kg) caused significant (P<0.001) dose- and time- dependent reduction in the blood glucose levels by 1.7%, 22.8% and 43.4%, respectively at 480 min compared to the negative control group. DBE (600 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose level of rats by 1.2% in the oral glucose tolerance test when compared with the normal saline treated group. The acute toxicity test showed that DBE was safe at the doses used and the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins and terpernoids.@*CONCLUSIONS@#D. bidens extract possess antihyperglycemic activity which may be mediated through pancreatic and extra-pancreatic pathways, thereby justifying it folkloric use.