Ngugi Mp

Mineral Elements Content of Selected Kenyan Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants

The use of herbal medicine as an unconventional health treatment is gaining considerable recognition and popularity worldwide. Despite skepticism and a lack of medical evidence to support its therapeutic efficacy, use of herbal remedies has considerably increased. Belief in the superiority of herbs is based mainly on anecdotal evidence, paraherbalism, and pseudoscience. It is only recently that guidelines for their investigation have been developed and a few herbs have been clinically studied. Many diseases including diabetes mellitus has experimentally been shown to be managed by medicinal plant extracts. The hypoglycemic potential of such plants maybe attributable to the mineral elements present in them. This study was designed to determine the content of mineral elements in five Kenyan antidiabetic medicinal plants traditionally used to manage diabetes mellitus using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) System and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The elements Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Br, Rb, Cr, Ti, Cu, V, Cl and Pb were identified and their contents estimated. The results of the present study provide justification for the usage of these medicinal plants in the management of diabetes mellitus. The results indicates that the analyzed medicinal plants can be considered as potential sources for providing a reasonable amount of the required elements other than diet to diabetic patients. Moreover, these results can be used to set new standards for prescribing the dosage of the herbal drugs prepared from these plant materials.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Lippia javanica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Lippia javanica is widely distributed throughout Kenya where it is used extensively in traditional herbal preparations. An infusion of the leaves is commonly used as a decongestant for colds and coughs including diabetes, however, its efficacy profiles have not been scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant in white male alloxan-induced albino mice. The antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extracts was orally and intraperitoneally bioscreened in alloxan induced diabetic mice at different doses of 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt. The treatment effects were then compared with the controls. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 25, 48.4, 93.5, 180.9 and 350 mg/kg body weight in a dose independent manner. The extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, alkaloids, and free or bound anthraquinones. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. In conclusion the results showed that the plant extracts were effective in reducing blood sugar levels and revealed the presence of vital phytochemicals which possess antidiabetic activities. The study therefore, confirmed the traditional use of these herbs and established their efficacy data that can guide proper use of these plants in the management of diabetes mellitus. Consideration should be made to carry out the same studies using higher animals or subject the plant to organic solvent extraction and compare activities of both aqueous and organic fractions.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Ocimum Lamiifolium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Plant remedies are the mainstay of treatment in underdeveloped regions owing to the side effects, unavailability and unaffordability of the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that have been used as an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus is Ocimum lamiifolium, however, it has received limited scientific and medical evaluation to assess its efficacy. In this study, the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant was determined in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 25, 48.4, 93.5, 180.9, and 350 mg/kg body weight. The extracts contained tannins, sterols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.

In Vivo Safety of Aqueous Extracts of Maytemus putterlickoides, Senna spectabilis and Olinia usambarensis on Mice Models

Plant products are used as the primary health care in developing countries due to their availability and affordability compared to conventional methods. It is estimated that more than 80% of the world’s population use herbal preparations in the management and treatment of diseases. Herbal products are now readily available in supermarkets and drug stores. The therapeutic value of these herbal products is believed to be due to the presence of bioactive elements present in the plant parts. Toxicity studies should, however be carried to ascertain the safety of the herbal preparation. In this study, safety studies were carried out through biochemical assays, histopathology and hematological tests. The plant extracts led to changes in body weight, hematological and histopathological changes like increase in lymphocyte number. High dose of orally administered Olinia usambarensis also caused microcytic hypochromic anemia. Senna spectabilis and Olinia usambarensis revealed intense infiltration of inflammatory cells causing necrosis and loss of cellular details of the kidney. This study will enhance understanding of the safety of ethno-medical materials in the management of diarrhea caused by bacterial pathogens.

In Vivo Safety of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Lippia javanica in Mice Models

Rural dwellers in Kenya often resort to herbal remedy and dietary control in the treatment of several diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, cancer and cardiac diseases. The therapeutic applications of such plants has largely rested upon their long-term clinical experience, however, their safety profiles has not been well evaluated. The present study aimed at determining the in vivo toxic effects of orally and intraperitoneally administering Lippia javanica leaf extract at dosage levels of 450 mg/kgbwt, 670 mg/kgbwt and 1000 mg/kgbwt daily for 28 days on the body and organ weights, hematological indices and biochemical parameters in normal male swiss white albino mice. During this period, the mice were allowed free access to mice pellets and water ad libitum and observed for signs of general illness, change in behavior and mortality. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The oral and intraperitoneal administration of 450 mg/kgbwt, 670 mg/kgbwt and1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract decreased the body weight gain and altered the organ to body weight percentage of the brain, kidney, liver, heart, testes and lungs. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the same doses caused a change in levels of RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, PLT, MPV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and biochemical parameters: AST, ALP, ALT, GGT, CK, α-AMYL, LDH, T-BIL, D-BIL, I-BIL, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, BUN, UA, Urea and Creatinine. The extracts contained alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins.

In-Vivo Antidiabetic Activity and Safety of The Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Kleinia squarrosa

Kleinia squarrosa has been used traditionally to manage several diseases including diabetes, however, its efficacy and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in-vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of the aqueous stem bark extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of the extract was studied in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral composition was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system (TRXF) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 50, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight. Administration of 1 g/kg body weight of the extract decreased the body weight gain using both routes, and altered the organ to body weight percentage of the liver and lungs for intraperitoneal route while oral route only altered the liver. Oral administration of the same dose caused a change in levels of RBC, ALP, AST, LDH CK and Creatinine while the same intraperitoneal dose caused a change in RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, PLT, MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and biochemical parameters: AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, T-BIL, D-BIL, Urea and Creatinine. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration caused significant histological lesions to the kidney, liver and spleen. The extracts contained tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, Chlorine, Potassium, Calcium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, Magnesium, Nickel and Lead were present in the extracts at levels below the recommended daily allowance. The observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.

Evaluation of In Vivo Toxicity of Dichloromethane: Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Prosopis juliflora in Female Wistar Albino Rats

Prosopis juliflora (Mathenge) is an exotic, evergreen leguminous lant found in the dry Coastal, Rift Valley and Northern parts of Kenya. It is tolerant to extreme environmental conditions, rated among top 100 most invasive species worldwide. The species leaf extracts is used in folk cure to various ailments and have promising pharmacological properties however; information on their toxicity in animals and human is insufficient. The study assessed phytochemical composition of P. juliflora leaf extracts, effects on body weights, organ weights, hematological parameters, liver function markers and histopathology in major organs of Wistar albino rats. Acute toxicity test was carried out at 2000 mg/kg body weight followed by a 28 days sub chronic toxicity study at 100, 350 and 1000 mg/kg body weight extracts dosages. The control animals were administered with normal saline. Animals were monitored for physical and behavioral changes including death. They were fasted overnight on 28th day and sacrificed on anesthesia on 29th day. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Hematological and liver functions tests were done. Tissue sample of selected organs were processed for histopathology. Data from control and treated animals groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Dunnett’s test. Phytochemicals confirmed included alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids and saponnins but no cardiac glycosides. Median lethal dose was estimated at above 2000 mg/kg body weight. Dose related transient toxicity symptoms included wheezing, decreased activity, and pilo erection. No significant toxicity effects on hematological parameters were noticed except in mean platelets volume. Similarly, no significant adverse effects occurred in liver function tests except at 1000 mg/kg body weight dosage. No significant adverse changes in plasma proteins, body weights and absolute organ weights were observed except in kidneys and spleen. Histological examination of sample tissues showed mild effects in spleen and kidneys but no adverse pathology in other organ tissues.

Biochemical Markers of In Vivo Hepatotoxicity

A chemical compound, whether of natural or of synthetic origin, brings about a toxicological effect when its dose is high enough or the duration of exposure is sufficient to cause an alteration in the normal homeostasis of body fluids and tissues. Therefore, the right dose differentiates a toxicant from a remedy. The body detoxifies drugs and other chemical compounds through key organs such as the liver. The liver plays a central role in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics which makes it highly susceptible to their adverse and toxic effects. These effects can be manifested in the form of hepatic injuries, which take many forms from cellular degeneration and necrosis to cirrhosis or cholestasis to vascular injury. Exposure to hepatotoxicants alters the homeostatic balance of various biological markers that provides a powerful and dynamic approach to understanding the spectrum of liver diseases. These markers offer a means for homogeneous classification of a disease and risk factor, and they can extend ones basic information about the underlying pathogenesis of disease and in drug design.

Regeneration of Kenyan Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Genotypes

A reproducible regeneration system based on direct somatic embryogenesis is described for Kenya cassava lines. Cassava plants were regenerated at high frequency by inducing shoot primordial on explants derived from cotyledons of cassava somatic embryos.Various parameters were evaluated on their effects on callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, maturation and germination of somatic embryos as well as recovery of regenerated plantlets. Immature leaf lobes were used as explants for somatic embryogenesis. Three Kenyan cassava genotypes viz; Adhiambo Lera, Kibanda Meno and Serere along with a model cultivar, TMS 60444 were used this system. Remarkable regeneration frequencies were observed in all the evaluated genotypes with Adhiambo Lera showing the best responses. As a result, a highly efficient plant regeneration protocol via germination of somatic embryos was achieved. This system enriches the scope of in vitro regeneration protocols for cassava and is envisaged to be a reliable prerequisite to genetic transformation of African cassava genotypes

Evaluation of In vivo Toxicity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia lasiopus (O. Hoffman)

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia lasiopus. To provide information on the safety of V. lasiopus, we evaluated its acute and sub-chronic toxicity in Wistar rats. For evaluation of acute toxicity of the plant extract, five Wistar rats were orally dosed with 2000 mg/kg body weight sequentially. Sub-chronic toxicity was tested in twenty Wistar rats using three extract doses 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. They were orally administered for 28 days. Mortality and toxicity signs were monitored during the study period. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, their internal organs weighed and blood samples collected for haematology and biochemical analysis. In acute toxicity, no single death was reported; leading to conclusion that the median lethal dose (LD50) of methanolic leaf extract of V. lasiopus is beyond 2000 mg/kg body weight. In sub-chronic toxicity studies, V. lasiopus lowered total proteins in all the study groups significantly. Albumin was also lowered at extract dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. In addition, it resulted to significant neutropenia, lymphocytosis and thrombocytosis in the group administered with dose extract of 1000 mg/kg body weight (PA‹Â‚0.05). It was therefore concluded that methanolic leaf extract of V. lasiopus is safe for use when administered at therapeutic doses. The plant extract may also be useful in the management of haematological disorders especially thrombocytopenia.