Funsho O. Olayemi

Phytochemical screening and toxicity studies on the methanol extract of the seeds of moringa oleifera

Abstract: The seeds of Moringa oleifera were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to cold extraction with methanol. The methanol extract was screened phytochemically for its chemical components and used for acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides but the absence of anthraquinones. Although signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 4,000 mg kg−1 in the acute toxicity test, and mortality was recorded at 5,000 mg kg−1, no adverse effect was observed at concentrations lower than 3,000 mg kg−1. The median lethal dose of the extract in rat was 3,873 mg kg−1. Sub-acute administration of the seed extract caused significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of alanine and aspartate transferases (ALT and AST), and significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight of experimental rats, at 1,600 mg kg−1. The study concludes that the extract of seeds of M. oleifera is safe both for medicinal and nutritional uses.

Behavioural studies on the ethanol leaf extract of Grewia carpinifolia in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND Grewia carpinifolia is a plant commonly used in the tropics to manage various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, despite its widespread use no scientific work has been reported to validate these claims. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the activity of G. carpinifolia as it affects behaviour using animal model. METHODS Twenty five adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (A-E). Group A served as control (given only distilled water), Groups B, C, D and E were administered with single oral dose of ethanol extract of G. carpinifolia leaf at 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight respectively for twenty eight days consecutively. Subsequently, open field test, negative geotaxis and hanging wire test were performed. Body and brain weights were measured and histological examination of the brain was also performed. RESULTS At the tested doses, the extract significantly increased the time spent on the hanging wire and decreased locomotor activity at 800 mg/kg. No significant difference was observed in body and brain weights of extract treated groups when compared with the control. No visible histological lesion was also observed. CONCLUSION The plant extract may improve muscular strength at tested doses and possess CNS depressant activity at 800 mg/kg.

Modulatory effects of melatonin and vitamin C on oxidative stress-mediated haemolytic anaemia and associated cardiovascular dysfunctions in rats

Abstract Background Phenylhydrazine (PHE) in experimental animal models has been widely reported to cause haemolytic anaemia, via the induction of oxidative stress and thus causing deleterious cardiovascular complications. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the possible modulatory role of melatonin (MLT) or vitamin C when co-administered with PHE. Methods Anaemia was established with PHE administration. MLT or vitamin C was co-administered with PHE. Haematological parameters, markers of oxidative stress, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, blood pressure and electrocardiograms were assessed. Results PHE administration led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated in cardiac, renal and red blood cell (RBC) lysates. PHE also significantly reduced the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, respectively. The RBC counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) were also significantly reduced following the administration of PHE. Furthermore, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) increased significantly in rats administered PHE alone. Similarly, PHE administration led to a significant drop in heart rate but prolonged QRS, QT and QTc interval. Pathology of the heart and kidney was also observed in PHE treated group. However, treatment with MLT and vitamin C improved enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant system together with the restoration of SBP, DBP and MABP to near normal. The architectural anarchy observed in the heart and kidney of PHE administered rats was reversed to some extent. Conclusions Hence, MLT and vitamin C could be employed as therapeutic targets in various cardiovascular diseases and its complications.

Sodium metavanadate induced cognitive decline, behavioral impairments, oxidative stress and down regulation of myelin basic protein in mice hippocampus: Ameliorative roles of β‐spinasterol, and stigmasterol

Exposures to toxic levels of vanadium and soluble vanadium compounds cause behavioral impairments and neurodegeneration via free radical production. Consequently, natural antioxidant sources have been explored for effective and cheap remedy following toxicity. Grewia carpinifolia has been shown to improve behavioral impairments in vanadium‐induced neurotoxicity, however, the active compounds implicated remains unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate ameliorative effects of bioactive compounds from G. carpinifolia on memory and behavioral impairments in vanadium‐induced neurotoxicity.

Rectal temperature and respiratory rates in two different Nigerian zebu breeds of cattle

No Abstract Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 56 (2) 2008: pp. 154-156

Plasma Electrolyte, Protein and Metabolite Levels in Nigerian White Fulani Cattle under Two Different Management Systems

Plasma electrolyte, protein and metabolite concentrations were determined in White Fulani cattle kept under intensive and extensive systems of management in Nigeria. The total protein and albumin values were significantly higher (p<0.02 and p<0.05, respectively) under the intensive management systems. The plasma bicarbonate, calcium, inorganic phosphate, potassium, sodium, globulin, creatinine and urea values were similar under both systems of management.