Joseph Linus Akpan

In vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Byrsocarpus coccineus Leaf Extract in Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei

Objective: To investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Byrsocarpus coccineus in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods : Curative effect against established infection and suppressive activity against early infection were screened. Results: The extract (100,200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) has significant (p<0.05) dose dependent activity against the parasites in the curative and suppressive tests. The extract also prolonged the survival time of the infected mice. The oral LD 50 values were greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. Conclusion: The result shows that the extract possesses considerable antiplasmodial activity which can be exploited in malaria therapy. Keywords: Byrsocarpus coccineus, Medicinal plant, Antiplasmodial activity, Pasmodium berghei , Mice.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia, an important medicinal plant used in Nigeria. The antibacterial properties of the methanol extract were studied against clinically important bacteria viz; Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli by disc diffusion method. The free radical scavenging potential of the extract was assessed by measuring its capability for scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia at the concentration of 12.5-150 µg/ml, showed significant activity against all the tested organisms. The observed antioxidant activity of the leaf extract suggests that the extract is a potential source of natural antioxidant and could be useful in the treatment of diseases.

Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract from the Icacina senegalensis root bark

Abstract Background: The Icacina senegalensis root bark is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. To date, no scientific study has substantiated or refuted this claim. Methods: The antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol root bark extract were investigated in rats and against some selected diarrhea-causing microorganisms. Results: The extract significantly decreased the frequency of castor oil-induced diarrhea, and inhibited the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling method. The distance travelled by the charcoal meal was also decreased by the extract gastrointestinal transit method. The extract also strongly inhibited the growth of some selected microorganisms. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of the I. senegalensis root bark showed antidiarrheal activity, thus justifying its long folkloric use in diarrhea treatment. The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected diarrheal causing organisms.

Phytochemical and Anti-diarrhoeal Properties of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Maerua crassifolia Forssk

Maerua crassifolia Forssk. Leaf is used in African traditional medicine for management of gastrointestinal disorders. The anti-diarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf was investigated in rats. The phytochemical screening was also carried out. The methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf dose dependently decreased intestinal propulsion of charcoal meal in rats. Maerua crassifolia also exerted significant anti-enteropooling effect in rats. A profound anti-diarrhoea activity was observed when the extract was tested in diarrhoeic rats. The frequency of defecation as well as the wetness of the faecal droppings was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the leaf extract produced 100% inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, resins and cardiac glycosides. The oral LD 50 obtained was greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats. The study showed that the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf possesses anti