Effiong Ofem

Increased plasma total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein levels produced by the crude extract from the leaves of Viscum album (mistletoe).

The effect of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of Viscum album (Mistletoe) on plasma cholesterol and albumin levels in male Wistar rats was studied. Lethality studies revealed that the extract had an LD50 value of 417.0 mg/kg mice, intraperitoneally. The rats were randomly divided into seven (7) groups of 5 rats per group with one animal per metabolic cage. Group one served as the control (C1), groups two to six were treated with extract (200 mg/kg body weight orally and daily) for a maximum of ten (10) weeks, whereas, group seven (C2) received no extract treatment but was fed on normal rat chow. All the rats had free access to rat food and drinking water. The first group (C1) was sacrificed a fortnight after the commencement of the experiment, while group seven (C2) was sacrificed at the end (10th week) of the experiment. The extract-treated groups were sacrificed respectively in the order two, four, six, eight and ten week of extract administration. Whole blood was collected from these groups for analysis. Results showed significant [P < 0.01] increases in the level of total cholesterol (TC) from 1.92 +/- 0.11 mMol/L to 2.59 +/- 0.02 mMol/L (about 35% increase) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) from 0.95 +/- 0.02 mMol/L to 1.50 +/- 0.08 mMol/L (about 58.50% increase) at week ten. The LDL levels, the total protein and albumin levels did not show any significant change from the control values. From the results, it is suggested that the crude aqueous extract from mistletoe leaf may be relatively safe for therapeutic use as it neither predisposes to cardiovascular risk nor adversely affects protein metabolism following prolonged period of administration.

Viscum album (mistletoe) extract prevents changes in levels of red blood cells, PCV, Hb, serum proteins and ESR in high salt-fed rats☆

AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was aimed to determine the effects of Viscum album (mistletoe) on red blood cells, packed cell volume, Hb content, absolute haematological values {mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), colour index (CI)}, plasma proteins and ESR in high salt-fed rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS 24 male albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 received normal rat pellets+drinking water. Group 2 took same as group 1+mistletoe extract (150 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily). Group 3 took high salt (8% NaCl) diet+1% NaCl drinking water. Group 4 took same as group 3+mistletoe extract (150 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily). The feeding regimens lasted for 6 weeks. RESULTS We observed that the mean RBC, PCV and Hb in the control group were 5.21+/-0.09 x 10(6)cells/mm(3), 43.50+/-1.61%, and 10.88+/-0.21 g/dl respectively. The extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced the RBC (5.72+/-0.08 x 10(6)cells/mm(3)), PCV (54.50+/-2.64%) and Hb (14.33+/-5.78 g/dl) in high salt-fed rats to near control levels. The extract also brought the elevated total plasma protein levels and reduced ESR in the high salt-fed rats (86.77+/-1.08 g/L and 1.83+/-0.31 mm/h respectively) to near control levels (82.23+/-0.91 g/L and 2.83+/-0.31 mm/h respectively), indicating the ability of the extract to prevent marked changes in the blood viscosity. The MCV, MCH, MCHC, and CI were not significantly altered by either extract or salt loading. CONCLUSION Crude mistletoe extract prevents changes in RBC, PCV, plasma protein levels, and ESR, and indication that the extract prevents changes in blood viscosity a major determinant of arterial blood pressure.

Effect of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on hematological parameters in rats

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the effect of Ocimum gratissimum on hematological parameters in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of ten rats each. Group 1 was control, while groups 2 (LD) and 3 (HD) received 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract orally once daily. Rats in all three groups received normal rat chow and drinking water ad libitum for 28 days. Complete blood count was done using an automatic counter. Results: The HD group had significantly (P<.05) higher red blood cell (RBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet counts as compared with the control and LD groups. No significant changes were observed in the total white blood cell (WBC) count of the three groups, but significantly (P<.05) lower lymphocyte and higher neutrophil counts were observed in the HD group compared with the LD group. The mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet–large cell ratio (P–LCR), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly (P<.05) reduced in the HD compared with the LD group. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and RBC distribution width–standard deviation were significantly (P<.05) lower in the HD group than in control. No significant changes were observed in levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and RBC distribution width–coefficient of variation among the groups. Conclusion: We conclude that oral administration of O gratissimum increases RBC, PCV, Hb, platelet count, and neutrophils and also leads to a decrease in platelet indices (i.e., MPV, P–LCR, and PDW).

Altered biliary flow rate and bile composition following consumption of ethanolic fruit extract of Dennettia in rats.

Background: Dennettia tripetala is a tropical plant with some ethno-medicinal uses; it enhances uterine contraction/involution in pregnant and post-partum women, it is also a mild laxative, with anti-bacteria, antifungal properties etc., Aims: This study sought to elucidate the impact of D. tripetala fruit extract intake on biliary flow rate and bile composition in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of 6 rats each and fed on normal rat chow + drinking water and/or 85 mg/kg, 170 mg/kg body weight of D. tripetala extract for 14 days. Results: The rate of bile secretion in the control, low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) D. tripetala extract treated rats was 4.40 ± 0.24 ml/h, 3.20 ± 0.20 ml/h and 4.60 ± 0.25 ml/h respectively. Showing a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in LD and an increase in HD. Na+ concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the LD extract recipients, but was reduced in the HD. LD of the extract increased K+ significantly (P < 0.001) while HD decreased it (P < 0.05). Both low and HD of the extract reduced Cl– concentration significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). HCO3– increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HD extract recipients. However, total cholesterol, total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations were not significantly altered by D. tripetala fruit extracts. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that LD of D. tripetala may reduce bile flow rate while HD may increase it without altering the saturation of cholesterol and bilirubin.

Increased bile flow rate and altered composition of bile induced by ethanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) in rats

Background: Azadirachta indica (neem) is an ever green tropical plant with ethno-medicinal uses; it is a very potent anti-malaria plant. There is a paucity of the scientific literature on the impact of A. indica on the biliary flow rate and bile composition, considering that alterations in bile composition may lead to gall stone. Aim: This study therefore sought to elucidate the impact of A. indica leaves extract on biliary flow rate and bile composition in rats. Materials And Methods: Eighteen (18) albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of six rats each and fed on normal rat chow and/or 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg body weight of A. indica extract for 21 days. Results: The rate of bile secretion is in the control, low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) A. indica extract treated rats was 3.0 ± 0.02 ml/h, 5.60 ± 0.46 ml/h and 5.38 ± 0.32 ml/h respectively, showing a significant (P < 0.001) increase in LD and HD compared with control. Na + concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HD extract recipients compared with control. LDs of the extract increased K + significantly (P < 0.001) compared with control and HD. HDs of the extract increased Cl− concentration significantly (P < 0.05) compared with LD. HCO3− did not alter significantly among these groups. LDs of the extract significantly (P < 0.01) increased total cholesterol, total and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations, HDs reduced it. Conclusion: Hence, A. indica leaves extract increases bile flow rate, LDs of the extract increases cholesterol and bilirubin saturations while HDs reduces it.

High Doses of PDE5 inhibitors and tramadol reversibly alters haematological parameters in rats

Article history: Received on: 11/02/2016 Revised on: 18/03/2016 Accepted on: 02/04/2016 Available online: 30/04/2016 This study examined the effect of chronic administration of PDE5 inhibitors and tramadol on haematological indices because of their reported high incidence of abuse. Additionally, the possibility of reversal of negative effects following withdrawal of treatment was examined. Fifty male rats (180 200g body weight) were grouped into five (n = 10), namely: control, sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol and sildenafil+tramadol group. The different groups were orally treated with 0.2mL normal saline, sildenafil (1 mg/100gb.w.), tadalafil (1 mg/100gb.w.), tramadol (2 mg/100g b.w.) and sildenafil + tramadol (1 &2 mg/100gb.w. respectively). Treatment was done thrice a week, for 8 weeks and the animals were allowed access to feed and water ad libitum. Five animals were sacrificed per group, while the remaining 5/group continued for another 8 weeks without drug administration (recovery test).Blood samples were collected from each animal via cardiac puncture at the end of both phases for assessment of haematological parameters. Red blood cells (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution wide standard deviation (RDW-SD), white blood cells (WBCs) count, platelets count, mean platelets volume (MPV) and platelets large cell ratio (PLCR) were significantly reduced in all the treated groups compared with the control. Following withdrawal of treatment, RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV and red cell absolute values were significantly increased in all recovery groups compared with their respective treated groups. Haematological alterations were reversed following withdrawal of treatment. However, platelet indices were poorly reversed in sildenafil and tramadol recovery groups.

Impact of Vitamins C and E supplement on anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde levels) in sickle subjects

Aim: This study sought to investigate the effect of combined supplements of Vitamins C and E glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in sickle cell and non-sickle cell patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 subjects (16 controls and 11 test subjects) were used for this study. The sickle cell subjects (test) were obtained among the sickle cell patients who visited the out-patient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for check-up, their ages ranged from 18 to 27 years. Venous blood samples of the subjects were carefully withdrawn using disposable syringes and needles at the sickle cell anemia (SCA) clinic, LUTH, Nigeria. Vitamins C and E supplementation commenced on the 1 st day of blood collection and lasted for 6 weeks. All the subjects received Vitamin E (1000 IU) in soft gelatinous capsule once daily and 200 mg of Vitamin C orally per day for 42 days. Blood was collected from each subject under aseptic procedure and MDA was determined to assess lipid peroxidation enzyme activity while GPx, SOD, and CAT were estimated for antioxidant enzymes′ activity. Results: Results revealed significantly (P < 0.01) lower basal levels of SOD, GPx, and MDA in sickle (SCA) compared with non-sickle anemia (NSCA). After 42 days of Vitamins C and E supplementation, SOD, GPx, and MDA increased significantly in both groups, but the increase was more in SCA compared with NSCA subjects (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Hence, it was found that Vitamins C and E supplementation did not reduce lipid peroxidation enzymes (MDA) activity in SCA subjects despite the increase in scavenging enzymes′ (SOD and GPx) activities in SCA.

Distortions in sensitivity of carotid baroreceptor reflexes in rabbits following consumption of two forms of palm oil diets.

Aim: Long term consumption of dietary oils has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension. This study seeks to compare the effects of long term consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS), which is responsible for short term regulation of blood pressure. Methodology: The design of this study involved the use of eighteen, male, five month old New Zealand rabbits weighing 750 – 1000 g. They were divided into three groups (n = 6) as follows; control group (received normal animal feed only), FPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively) and TPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with thermoxidised palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively). The animals were fed for 6 months, after which they were used for the various experiments. Results: Mean daily food and water intake in FPO and TPO fed groups was significantly (p<0.001) lower compared with control. Heart rate for FPO group was significantly higher than the control Original Research Article Ani et al.; BJMMR, 8(3): 245-255, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.445 246 (p<0.001) and TPO (p<0.01) group. Basal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in TPO group than in the FPO and control (p<0.05) group. The FPO group also had a significantly lower basal systolic (p<0.01) and diastolic pressure (p<0.001) than the control group. The basal pulse pressure was significantly lower in the FPO group than the control (p<0.001) and the TPO group (p<0.01). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) for TPO group was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of control and FPO groups. The baroreflex sensitivity for FPO group was significantly reduced compared with control (p<0.01) and TPO group (p<0.05). The TPO group showed a significantly lower (p<0.01) baroreflex sensitivity, compared with control. Conclusion: This study observed that chronic consumption of both fresh and thermoxidised palm oil diets caused a significant reduction in carotid baroreceptor reflex sensitivity. However, reduction in BRS was more in fresh palm oil – diet fed group, than the thermally oxidized palm oil diet – fed.

Effect of Masfon-Aloe vera drink on intestinal motility and transit in Wistar albino rats.

The effect of Masfon-Aloe vera drink on intestinal transit and motility was investigated in this study. Thirty (30) albino Wistar rats were divided into 2 batches of 15 rats each, batch 1 for intestinal motility, and batch 2 for intestinal transit experiments. Each batch was further divided into three groups of 5 rats each (control, low dose and high dose). All groups were fed with normal rat chow and water for 21 days. In addition, the control received 0.3 ml of normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) while the low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) experimental groups received Masfon Aloe vera drink (1 ml and 3 ml/kg body weight orally, once daily respectively). The study was carried out at the Department of Physiology, University of Calabar, Nigeria. At the end of the study duration, intestinal motility and transit studies were conducted. Result for intestinal motility showed the extract (Masfon-Aloe vera drink), at either low or high dose did not significantly change the frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous contraction (basal contraction) of the rat ileum when compared with the control. Graded concentrations of Acetylcholine (10 to 10) was observed to produce a dose dependent increase in contraction of the rat ileum which was significantly (p<0.001) greater in the LD and HD groups at lower concentrations of 10 and 10M. The mean percentage intestinal transit which was not Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(6): 1335-1344, 2014 1336 significantly different (p = 0.226, p=0.892) among the groups was 42.16 ± 2.63 in the low dose, 37.75 ± 5.15 in the high dose groups compared to 36.91 ± 3.01 in the control. Administration of atropine produced significantly higher (p<0.01) relaxations in the LD (5.00 ± 0.41 mm) and HD groups compared with control [relaxation in mm, mean ± SEM (2.25 ± 0.25) in control vs (5.00 ± 0.41) and (10.75 ± 0.25) in LD and HD respectively]. Masfon-Aloe vera drink administered at these concentrations “did” not significantly alter the basal motility and transit of the rat ileum, but was observed to potentiate Ach induced contraction of the rat ileum, and also “augmented” the relaxant effect of atropine.