Musa Toyin Yakubu

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.

Antibacterial potentials of aqueous extract of Enantia chlorantha stem bark

coli, Salmonella typhymurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used as test organisms. The results revealed that the zones of inhibition on the bacterial isolates increased (P < 0.05) as the concentration of the plant extract increased. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration produced by the extract on the gram positive bacteria were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the gram negative bacteria. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Enantia chlorantha stem bark possessed antibacterial activities on the clinical isolates with more antibacterial effect on the gram-positive than the gram-negative bacteria. The identified alkaloids might be responsible for the antibacterial activities.

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.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis on some biochemical parameters of rat kidney.

The effect of administration of ethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis (2mg/kg body weight) on some biochemical parameters of rat kidney were investigated. Experimental animals were randomly divided into the control, those administered with the extract for 6 days and those administered with extract for 18 days, respectively. The prolonged administration of the extract resulted in significant reduction in the alkaline phosphatase activities of the kidney and its body weight ratio (P<0.05). In contrast, the same prolonged administration of the extract resulted in significant increase in the serum sodium ion concentration (P<0.05) while there was no significant difference in serum potassium ion concentration when compared to control (P>0.05). Administration of the extract for 6 days produced no significant difference from the control values in all the parameters investigated except in serum urea concentration which produced a significant increase (P<0.05). The available evidence in this study suggest that the ethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis exerted more deleterious effect on the kidney when administered continuously over a prolonged period than a short one and this will adversely affect the functioning of the kidney.

Toxicity profile of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica stem bark in male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the toxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) at 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. METHODS Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of ten animals each. Animals in Group A (control) were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS The extract did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of albumin, total protein, red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell, platelets, serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.05). In contrast, the final body weights, absolute weights of the liver, kidney, lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios, serum globulins, total and conjugated bilirubin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly. The spleen-body weight ratio, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases, sodium, potassium, calcium, feed and water intake were altered at specific doses. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of A. indica stem bark at the doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.

Abortifacient potentials of the aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves in pregnant Dutch rabbits.

BACKGROUND There is the claim in the folklore medicine of Nigeria of the use of Bambusa vulgaris leaves as an abortifacient. However, there has not been any scientific evidence in the literature that substantiated or refuted this claim. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant Dutch rabbits weighing 1.62-1.70 kg were randomized into three groups. Group A (control) was orally administered with 1.85 mL/kg body weight of distilled water (vehicle), thrice daily on Days 18-20 of pregnancy, while Groups B and C were treated like the control group except they received 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves. RESULTS Preliminary chemical screening of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and anthraquinones. Clinical toxicity symptoms such as respiratory distress, salivation, weight loss, dull eyes, diarrhea, change in the appearance of fur as well as mortality were not observed in the animals at any period of the experiment. The 250 mg/kg body weight of the extract decreased (p<.05) the number of live fetus, whereas the 500 mg/kg body weight produced no live fetus. The 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract reduced the survival rate of the fetus to 29% and 0%, whereas the same doses produced abortion at the rate of 60% and 100%, respectively. The implantation index and preimplantation loss compared well with the control. Both doses increased the resorption index and postimplantation loss. The extract also decreased the concentrations of serum progesterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. While there was no effect on the weight of the uterus, uterine/body weight ratio, length of the right uterine horn and uterine cholesterol, the alkaline phosphatase activity and glucose concentration decreased significantly. The extract also provoked vaginal opening. CONCLUSION This study has substantiated the abortifacient potential of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves. The mechanism of abortion could possibly be through changes in the implantation site, altered hormone levels and, partly, estrogenicity. All these may be attributed, at least, in part to the phytoconstituents.

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.

Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats

The phytochemical constituents of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem and its effect on male rat sexual behaviour were evaluated for 7 days. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Administration of the extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight resulted in the significant increase (p < 0.05) in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, ejaculation frequency, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, computed indices of sexual behaviour, erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes whereas the mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) throughout the experimental period. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract produced contrasting pattern to the lower doses of the extract in all the parameters of sexual behaviour monitored throughout the experimental period. The results are indicative of prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) may be used in the management of disorders of desire/libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.

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.