Adenike Temidayo Oladiji

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.

Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract

The antioxidant and drug metabolizing potentials of Hibiscus anthocyanin extract in CCl4- induced oxidative damage of rat liver was investigated. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract effectively scavenge α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, and hydrogen peroxide. It produced a 92% scavenging effect of DPPH radical at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a 69 and 90% scavenging effect on superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL, which compared favorably with the synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroanisole and α-tocopherol). A reducing power of this anthocyanin was examined using K3Fe(CN)6. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract has reducing power that is approximately 2-fold that of the synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroanisole. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a significantly increase and completely attenuated the CCl4-mediated decrease in antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). However, the level of nonenzymic antioxidant molecules (i.e., vitamins C and E) were significant preserved by Hibiscus anthocyanin extract. There was an induction of phase II drug-detoxifying enzymes: glutathione S-transferase, NAD(H):quinone oxidoreductase, and uridyl diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase by 65, 45, and 57%, respectively. In view of these properties, Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract can act as a prophylactic by intervening as a free radical scavenger both in vitro and in vivo as well as inducing the phase II drug detoxification enzymes.

Acetaminophen perturbed redox homeostasis in Wistar rat liver: protective role of aqueous Pterocarpus osun leaf extract.

This study investigates the in vitro antioxidant potentials and attenuation of acetaminophen-induced redox imbalance by Pterocarpus osun Craib (Fabaceae) leaf in Wistar rat liver. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract (0.2-1.0 mg/mL) was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ion, 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), and ferric ion. The extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.05) attenuated the altered liver and serum enzymes of acetaminophen treated animals. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities as well as vitamins C and E, and glutathione levels were significantly (P<0.05) elevated by the extract. The activities of uridyl diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (59%), quinone oxidoreductase (53%), and glutathione S-transferase (73%) significantly increased. The extract of P. osun leaf extract at 1. 0 mg/mL scavenged the DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ion, and ABTS at 94, 98, 92, and 86%, respectively, while ferric ion was significantly reduced. There was attenuation of malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide. The results indicates that P. osun leaves attenuated acetaminophen-induced redox imbalance, possibly acting as free radical scavenger, inducer of antioxidant and drug-detoxifying enzymes, which prevented/reduced lipid peroxidation.

Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of three spices – Allium sativum L. Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Capsicum frutescens L. commonly consumed in Nigeria

The beneficial health effects of spices against common chronic systemic diseases have been well documented. Comparative study of the proximate, mineral and phytochemical components of three spices namely garlic ( Allium sativum L. ), ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.) were investigated. Analysis of the proximate composition revealed that the spices had considerable carbohydrate and crude protein content, but low ash, fibre, moisture and fat except pepper which has high crude fat content. The spices were also characterized by the presence of mineral elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, copper and zinc which are very important to human nutrition. Phytochemical screening indicated that these spices are also rich in phytonutrients including alkaloid, tannin, carotenoids, saponin and flavonoids. The spices had low concentrations of steroids and cardenolides. Overall, the findings indicate that the spices are good sources of nutrients, mineral elements and phytochemicals which could be exploited as great potentials for drugs and/or nutritional supplements. Key words : Comparative, nutritional, supplements, spices.

Electrophilic and Reactive Oxygen Species Detoxification Potentials of Chalcone Dimers is Mediated by Redox Transcription Factor Nrf‐2

Nuclear erythroid related factor‐2 (Nrf2), a redox‐transcription factor, plays a critical role in the detoxification of electrophilic and reactive oxygen species that halt various biochemical and molecular processes. This makes it a candidate for regulation by polyphenols. This study investigates the capability of chalcone dimers (lophirones B and C) to induce expressions and activities of cytoprotective enzymes. Chalcone dimers administration to rats not only induced the Nrf2, but also suppressed cytoplasmic Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) expressions. In addition, the chalcone dimers significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expressions and activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced quinone oxidoreductase‐1, glutathione‐S‐transferase, epoxide hydrolase and uridyl glucuronosyl transferase in rat liver. Also, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in rat liver increased significantly (p < 0.05). Overall, lophirones B and C increased the expressions and activities of cytoprotective proteins in rat liver possibly through the reduction of cytoplasmic Keap1 expression, leading to the nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

Evaluation of antiandrogenic potentials of aqueous extract of Chromolaena odoratum (L.) K. R. leaves in male rats.

The antiandrogenic effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Chromolaena odoratum leaves (250 and 500 mg kg−1 body weight) for 14 days in male albino rats was investigated. Forty‐two white albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: A, B and C. Group A which served as the control received 1 ml of distilled water (the vehicle) twice daily for 14 days, whereas groups B and C were treated in the same way like the control except that the animals received 250 and 500 mg kg−1 body weight of the plant extract respectively. Compared with the control, extract administration at 250 and 500 mg kg−1 body weight revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in testicular body weight ratio, acid phosphatase activities, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, sialic acid and testosterone concentrations with a significant increase (P < 0.05) in lactate dehydrogenase and γ‐glutamyl transferase activities. There was no significant change (P > 0.05) in serum concentrations of follicle stimulating and luteinising hormones. Histological examination revealed disruption in the arrangement of seminiferous tubules with no distinct basement membrane. These changes were accompanied by reduction in the number of spermatozoa. All these results indicated that aqueous extract of C. odoratum leaves possesses antiandrogenic property by interfering with steroidogenesis at the testicular level and this will adversely affect the functional capacity of the testes and the fertility of the animal.

Mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male rat liver and kidney

The mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem in male rats was investigated. Rats were grouped into four: A, B, C and D where A (the control) received orally 1 mL of distilled water; B, C and D (test groups) received orally 18, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of hydroxyl (OH) and primary amine (CONH). Clinical toxicity symptoms such as respiratory distress, epistasis, salivation, hypo- and hyperactivity were not observed at any period of the experiment. No mortality was also recorded. Extract administration significantly reduced (p < .05) the activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase in the liver and kidney with corresponding increases in the serum. Serum malondialdehyde also increased significantly in all the extract-treated groups. The liver and kidney body weight ratios of the extract-treated animals compared well (P > .05) with their controls throughout the experimental period. The extract did not cause any swelling, atrophy or hypertrophy of the organs. The other evidence in this study suggests disruption of the ordered lipid bilayer of the plasma membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons. This might have resulted from peroxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids on the membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons made possible by the functional groups or the product of metabolism of the extract. This may be responsible for the compromise of the integrity of the plasma membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons.

Toxicological evaluation of the effect of water contaminated with lead, phenol and benzene on liver, kidney and colon of Albino rats

The effect of water contaminated with phenol, benzene and lead on rats cellular system was investigated. Selected enzyme activity of the kidney and colon of rats was carried out. Standard enzyme assays were also conducted for selected liver enzymes such as alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Serum indices of liver and kidney function were also determined. The direct bilirubin of test rats were observed to be 3.2+/-0.2U/mol/l while that of control rat was 1.2+/-0.003 U/mol/l. The total bilirubin of test rats was found to be 8.4+/-0.8 U/mol/l while that of the control was 5.6+/-0.5 U/mol/l. Generally, enzymes activity in the tissues of test rats were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower relative to control, while the enzyme activity of the serum of test rats was significantly (p<0.05) higher than control. It could be inferred that experimental data suggest possible damage to the tissues and that consumption of polluted water may account for increasing cases of renal and hepatic failure among people in developing countries.

Cytotoxic, Antimutagenic, and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extract and Chalcone Dimers (Lophirones B and C) Derived From Lophira alata (Van Tiegh. Ex Keay) Stem Bark

The cytotoxic, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract and lophirones B and C derived from Lophira alata stem bark were evaluated. The extract and lophirones B and C significantly (P < .05) reduced the viability of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. There were concentration-dependent reduction in 4-nitro-o-aminophenylenediamine and benzo[a]pyrene–induced frame shift mutation as well as aflatoxin B1–induced base pair substitution by the extract and lophirones B and C. The extract and lophirones B and C concentration dependently scavenged DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and reduced ferric ion in the potassium hexacyanoferrate III reducing system. The results obtained from this study revealed that methanolic extract and lophirones B and C derived from Lophira alata stem bark posses anticancer, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities, with lophirone C producing the best anticancer, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities. The acclaimed anticancer activity of Lophira alata may be attributed to lophirones B and C.

Lophirones B and C Extenuate AFB1-Mediated Oxidative Onslaught on Cellular Proteins, Lipids, and DNA through Nrf-2 Expression

The capability of lophirones B and C to extenuate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA was investigated for 6 weeks. Lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) increase the expression and specific activity of cytoprotective enzymes (glutathione‐S‐trans‐ferase, nioctinamide adenine dicludeotide:quinone oxidoreductase‐1, epoxide hydrolase, and uridyl glucuronosyl transferase). There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the level of antioxidant system in AFB1‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated AFB1‐mediated decrease in the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress biomarkers, malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes, protein carbonyl, and fragmented DNA were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in AFB1‐treated rats. Although lophirones B and C did not significantly (P < 0.05) alter these biomarkers, an AFB1‐mediated increase in these biomarkers was significantly attenuated. Results obtained showed that lophirones B and C extenuate AFB1‐mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA by enhancing nuclear erythroid–related factor‐2 expression.