Department Of Biochemistry
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- ItemOpen AccessOsmotic fragility and Na+,K+ ATPase activity of erythrocytes of HIV / AIDS patients.(Saudi Medical Journal, 2004) Ebuehi, O.A.T.; Balogun, M; Audu, R.A.; Idigbe, E.OSymptomatology of human immuno-deficiency virus / acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is diverse. However, anemia is one of the most universal clinical symptoms of the disease. The present study is to determine the osmotic fragility of erythrocyte of HIV/AIDS patients. Since the Na+ -K+-ATPase is the major transmembrane pump involved in regulating osmosis in the cell, it is pertinent to determine its activity in the erythrocytes of HIV/AIDS patients. This was a cross-sectional study involving 56 HIV seropositive subjects recruited and confirmed positive at the Human Virology Laboratory (HVL), Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos. The HIV positive group was subdivided into 2 groups, those who were on antiretroviral therapy (ARV) at the Institute and those who had not commenced any form of ARV (non-ARV). The HIV positive subjects were grouped either as ARV (35 persons) or non-ARV (21 persons) subjects. Ten HIV seronegative persons served as the control group. Blood samples were collected by venous puncture into potassium EDTA bottles and used for CD4+ T-lymphocyte count within 6h of collection using the dynabeads method. One ml of blood was aliquoted for erythrocyte ghost membrane (EGM) preparation, while the remaining one ml was used for osmotic fragility assay. Osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes was determined by using saline solution of 0.85%, 0.65%, 0.35% and 0.1% NaCl to which 20ul of freshly collected blood was added. Na+ -K+-ATPase activity was calculated as the difference between total ATPase activity and ouabain inhibited activity. The Na+ -K+-ATPase activity of HIV/AIDS persons was slightly elevated with increased severity of the disease. Data of the study indicated that osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was significantly increased in HIV disease, while the marginally elevated Na+ -K+-ATPase activity may be as a result of the reverse in the deleterious effects of osmotic fragility in HIV/AIDS disease.
- ItemOpen AccessEffect of sertraline and thioridazine on the metabolism of 5-hydroxy tryptamine in rabbit brain, liver and heart.(African Scientist, 2004) Ebuehi, O.A.T.; Sanya, A.O.; Lewis, O.A.The effect of sertraline and thioridazine on the metabolism of 5-hydroxy tryptamine in rabbit brain, liver and heart were investigated. 5ml of 0.5mg/kg sertraline or 5ml of 0.5mg/kg thioridazine or 5ml of 0.89% NaCl/kg were orally administered to rabbits for 30 days. The rabbits were sacrificed by decapitation, after starving them overnight, their brains, livers and hearts were quickly excised. Brain, liver and heart protein and serotonin concentrations and monoamine oxidase activities were determined. Results indicate that sertraline and thioridazine potentiated protein and serotonin in the brain, liver and heart, but had no significant effect on monoamine oxidase activity. Data of the study suggest that sertraline and thioridazine may alter some neutral functions mediated by serotoninergic neurotransmission.
- ItemOpen AccessBiochemical Evaluation and Toxicology Potential of Lacidipine on Normotensive Rats(Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2005) Ukpo, G.E.; Owolabi, M.A.; Adewole, T.A.; Awa, N.O.Lacidipine, a newly developed, 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative with potent and long lasting antihypertensive activity was biochemically evaluated and its toxicological potential assessed in normontensive male rats who were fed with the drug ranging from 0.02 to 0.23 mg/kg body weight over a two-week period. At the end of dosing, the rats were sacrificed and clinical chemistry assays on serum marker enzymes as well as histopathologic examinations on liver, heart and brain tissues were performed. Results obtained from chemistry analysis revealed slight variations in the levels of creatinine kinase, (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST) alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels. The variations were however found to be within normal biologic limits. Kidney functions assessed by serum, urea and uric acid did not show any significant effects of the drug on renal status of normotensive rats. Serum calcium levels varied within expected ranges and thus revealed no significant alterations. There was no abnormality revealed in the liver, heart and brain tissues subjected to histopathologic examinations. From our study we conclude: Lacidipine does not cause significant target organ toxicity or adverse effects on normotensive rats.
- ItemOpen AccessAnticlastogenic Properties of Methanolic Extract of Cnestis ferruginea Leaves(Faculty of Applied Sciences, LAUTECH, 2006) Badmus, J. A.; Odunola, O. A.; Ola-Davies, O. E.; Adisa, R. A.The inhibitory activity of methanolic extract of Cnestis ferruginea was investigated in bone marrow cells of mice using micronucleus assay. The mice were fed with the extracts of two different concentrations (100 and 200mg/kg body weight) while control mice were fed with corn oil for six days ad libitum. On the seventh day the mice were administered a single dose of sodium arsenite (2.5mg/kg) and sacrificed after 24hrs. Bone marrow smear were prepared for observation of clastogenic effect. Results show micronuclei formation in the polychromatic erythrocyte (PCEs) in the Sodium arsenite treated mice. Clastogenecity induced by sodium arsenite was significantly reduced in mice pretreated with the extract at 100mg/kg body weight while more significant reduction was noted at 200mg/kg body weight. The result indicates a dose dependent relationship of the inhibitory activity of the extract against sodium arsenite induced clastogenecity.
- ItemOpen AccessSensory and Shelf Life Evaluation Of a Food Multi-Mix Formulated For Rural Children In South Africa(Nigerian Food Journal, 2007) Ebuehi, O.A.T; Oostuizen, D.; Oldewage-theron, W.H.Food multi-mix (FMM) assists in providing ingredients balance from each food group within the formulation and to ensure maximum nutritional value. The objective ofthe study is to evaluate the sensory and shelf life of a food Inulti-mix formulated for rural children in South Africa.. The food multi-mix was formulated in conformity with the nutritional requirements of children .The multi-mix ingredients consisted of maize ,which is a common staple in South Africa , spinach, sugar beans, carrots, pilchards in tomato sauce ,as an inexpensive source of protein and oil. The ingredients were dried , pasteurized and cooled at room temperature, 25 0C . The FMM was ground into powder and immediately vacuum —sealed. The final recipes were standardized with 100g of multi-mix . They included peanut-butter biscuit , sweet muffin and savoury tnuffin.The inclusion of these ingredients improved the nutritional value and boosted energy density. The sensory evaluation of the FMM by the rural children was carried out using three attributes ; appearance , taste and smell , and a four —face hedonic scale representing very good , good , bad and very bad. The shelf-life of the FMM at room temperature , 25 oc , for a period of 28 days was determined . I Og of FMM was aseptically used and homogenized with 90ml of diluent ( buffered peptone water ) . Total aerobic plate counts on tryptone soy agar incubated at 25 oc for 3h, were analyzed .Coliform and E. coli counts on a violet red bile 4-methyl umberlifery —beta-D-glucuronide agar and incubated at 370C for 2h , were determined. The presence of B cereus and B. aureus were determined on the 1 st day of the shelf life test. Results of the sensory evaluation by the rural children showed that 83.9 % of them preferred peanut butter and muffin , rated 73.1% for savoury muffin , and 94.5 % for the sweet muffin. The children had preference for sweet snack items.The total aerobic plate count in the FMM tested over a period of 28 days were below log 4/ g .Coliform and E.coli counts remained below 10 cru/ g throughout the shelf—life evaluation , while B. cereus and S. aureus were not detected. The presence of microbes detected in the FMM were less than 10 ,which indicated that the FMM is safe for human consumption when stored at room temperature for 28 days Data of the sensory and shelf evaluation of the fornnulated and prepared food multi-mix indicate that it is acceptable ,safe , suitable and may improve the nutritional intake of children..
- ItemOpen AccessSensory and Shelf-life evaluation of a Food Multi-Mix formulated for rural children in South Africa.(Nigerian Food Journal, 2007) Oosthuizen, D.; Oldewage-Theron, W.H.; Ebuehi, O.A.T.Food multi-mix (FMM) assists in providing ingredients balance from each food group within the formulation and to ensure maximum nutritional value. The objective ofthe study is to evaluate the sensory and shelf life of a food Inulti-mix formulated for rural children in South Africa.. The food multi-mix was formulated in conformity with the nutritional requirements of children .The multi-mix ingredients consisted of maize ,which is a common staple in South Africa , spinach, sugar beans, carrots, pilchards in tomato sauce ,as an inexpensive source of protein and oil. The ingredients were dried , pasteurized and cooled at room temperature, 25 0C . The FMM was ground into powder and immediately vacuum —sealed. The final recipes were standardized with 100g of multi-mix . They included peanut-butter biscuit , sweet muffin and savoury tnuffin.The inclusion of these ingredients improved the nutritional value and boosted energy density. The sensory evaluation of the FMM by the rural children was carried out using three attributes ; appearance , taste and smell , and a four —face hedonic scale representing very good , good , bad and very bad. The shelf-life of the FMM at room temperature , 25 oc , for a period of 28 days was determined . I Og of FMM was aseptically used and homogenized with 90ml of diluent ( buffered peptone water ) . Total aerobic plate counts on tryptone soy agar incubated at 25 oc for 3h, were analyzed .Coliform and E. coli counts on a violet red bile 4-methyl umberlifery —beta-D-glucuronide agar and incubated at 370C for 2h , were determined. The presence of B cereus and B. aureus were determined on the 1 st day of the shelf life test. Results of the sensory evaluation by the rural children showed that 83.9 % of them preferred peanut butter and muffin , rated 73.1% for savoury muffin , and 94.5 % for the sweet muffin. The children had preference for sweet snack items.The total aerobic plate count in the FMM tested over a period of 28 days were below log 4/ g .Coliform and E.coli counts remained below 10 cru/ g throughout the shelf—life evaluation , while B. cereus and S. aureus were not detected. The presence of microbes detected in the FMM were less than 10 ,which indicated that the FMM is safe for human consumption when stored at room temperature for 28 days Data of the sensory and shelf evaluation of the fornnulated and prepared food multi-mix indicate that it is acceptable ,safe , suitable and may improve the FMM at room temperature , 25 oc , for a period of 28 days was determined . I Og of FMM was aseptically used and homogenized with 90ml of diluent ( buffered peptone water ) . Total aerobic plate counts on tryptone soy agar life ,maize, peanut-butter , muffin nutritional intake of children.
- ItemOpen AccessEffect of cooking and soaking on physical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of indigenous and foreign rice varieties in Nigeria(African Journal of Biotechnology, 2007-04-16) Ebuehi, O.A.T.The objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of cooking and soaking on the physical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of indigenous ‘ofada’ rice and foreign ‘aroso’ rice varieties in Nigeria. The two rice varieties were freshly purchased in the raw state, soaked in water and cooked. The physical characteristics, such as, length, width, weight, colour, purity, breakage, cooking time, dispersability and swelling capacity of the raw rice varieties were determined. The raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties were oven dried as 60°C for 4 h and milled to attain uniform surface area. The proximate composition and some minerals of the raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties and the sensory evaluation of the cooked rice were determined. Ofada and aroso rice varieties were brown and creamy in colour, respectively. There were significant (p<0.01) differences in the purity, breakage, cooking time, swelling capacity and weight of the whole grain, but with no difference in the length and width. The raw, cooked and soaked ofada rice contain more protein, fat, and fibre than in aroso rice, but with no change in carbohydrate content .There were no significant (p>0.01) differences in the levels of minerals; Ca, Fe, Mg and P, in raw, cooked and soaked ofada and aroso rice. Sensory evaluation showed that cooked aroso rice was generally preferred, in terms of colour, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on liver function profile and histopathology in male Dutch white rabbits.(Medwell Online, 2009) Odesanmi, S.O; Lawal, R.A; Ojokuku, S.ATetrapleura tetraptera fruit has wide use in the South East and Western Nigeria as a spice as well as a plant to treat various medical ailments. It has been reported that feeding of extracts to animals produced some toxic effects and pathological lesions in some organs. This study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxic effects of 10 days of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera extract (TTE) in mature male rabbits. Twenty healthy acclimatized male rabbits (1.4-1.6 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Animals in group 1 served as the control and received only water and no extract. Animals in groups 2-4 were administered 50, 100 and 150 mg kg-1 bodyweight of TTE. All animals were fasted for 18 h after withdrawal of treatment and sacrificed after anaesthesia. Venous blood sample of groups were analysed for liver function parameters. Histopathological examination of internal organs was also carried out. TTE caused elevation in serum AST and alteration of various metabolic parameters and did not induce any marked pathological lesions in the liver.
- ItemOpen AccessEffect of zinc deficiency on memory, oxidative stress and blood chemistry in rats(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2009) Ebuehi, O.A.T.The effect of zinc deficiency on memory function, oxidative stress and blood chemistry in rats was investigated. Forty-two male (65.0±2.78 g) albino Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into 3 groups, A, B and C. The 3 groups of rats were fed zinc deficient diet, zinc adequate diet and reference diet, respectively, and water ad libitum daily for 30 days. Body weight, feed and water intake of the rats were computed every day. A shuttle box was used for the short-term and long-term memory tests of these rats fed the respective diets. Two criteria were considered as behavioural test; these include latency in entering dark chamber and time spent in the light chamber before entering the dark chamber at days 2, 9, 16 and 23 after the first day of training using the shuttle box. After the memory testing was conducted, rats were sacrificed by decapitation, blood was taken and brain excised. Total brain protein, plasma creatinine, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, specific activities of acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined. The control diet supported significantly (p<0.01) higher body weight gain, feed intake and water intake than zinc adequate diet. The zinc adequate rat spent the longest time in the light compartment, followed by the control rat. The specific activity of AchE of zinc adequate rats was significantly higher than rats fed zinc deficient and control diet. Brain specific activity of SOD and reduced GSH of zinc adequate rats were significantly lower as compared with zinc deficient or control diet fed rats. There was no significant difference in the activities of plasma AST, ALT and ALP, creatinine level of rats fed zinc deficient, zinc adequate and control diets. Data of the present study indicate the effectiveness of the zinc adequate diet in memory retention and alleviation of oxidative stress in rats.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of administration of sertraline, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine on brain serotonin, liver enzymes and blood chemistry of rabbit(International Journal of Biological Chemical Sciences, 2009) Ebuehi, O.A.T.; Ikanone, CE; Balogun, AA; Akinwande, AI; Famuyiwa, OOThe chronic administration of sertraline, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine on brain serotonin, liver enzymes and blood chemistry of rabbits were investigated. Sixty rabbits were equally divided into 5 groups and each group was intraperitoneally administered 2 ml of 0.5 mg of the respective drug/kg body weight/day) and saline as control for 28 days. After 28 days, the rabbits were sacrificed; blood taken, liver and brain were excised. The concentration of total protein, serotonin, cholesterol and triglyceride in serum, liver and brain were determined. The activities of serum and liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase were also assayed. The serum serotonin and brain serotonin levels in rabbits administered the respective drugs were significantly (p<0.01) higher than in rabbits administered saline. Brain protein and cholesterol levels in rabbit administered saline were significantly lower than in those administered sertraline, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine, with no difference in the serum protein levels. The activities of serum and liver AST and ALT of rabbits administered saline were significantly lower than in those administered the respective drugs, with the exception of serum ALP. Data from the study indicate that intraperitoneal administration of imipramine or amitriptyline produced a more pronounced effect on brain serotonin, activities of liver derived enzymes in serum and blood chemistry of rabbits compared to sertraline or clozapine.
- ItemOpen AccessAntisickling property of Carica papaya leaf extract(Academic Journals, 2009-04) Imaga, N.O.A.; Gbenle, G.O.; Okochi, V.I.; Akanbi, S.O.; Edeoghon, S.O.; Oigbochie, V.; Kehinde, M.O.; Bamiro, S.B.Sickle cell disease (SCD) results from a mutation in the hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, where a glutamic acid at position 6 is replaced by a valine. Many phytomedicines have been identified as potential antisickling agents, stemming from reported usage as ethnomedicines by the local folk. This research examined methanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) for possible in vitro antisickling and membrane-stabilizing activities involving the use of positive (p-hydroxybenzoic acid 5 mg/ml) and negative (normal saline) controls for the antisickling experiments and osmotic fragility test on Hbss red blood cells obtained from non-crisis state sickle cell patients. Fragiliograms indicated that the plant extract reduced hemolysis and protected erythrocyte membrane integrity under osmotic stress conditions. Pretreatment of SS cell suspensions with C. papaya leaf extract inhibited formation of sickle cells under severe hypoxia, with only 0 - 5% sickle cells at 40 min compared with untreated SS cell suspensions which had over 60% sickle cells. These results indicate the feasibility of C. papaya as an attractive potential candidate for SCD therapy.
- ItemOpen AccessHaematological effects of ethanolic fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera in male dutch white rabbits(Academic Journals, 2010) Odesanmi, S.O; Lawal, R.A; Ojokuku, S.ATetrapleura tetraptera fruit is widely used in Western Nigeria amongst men as a birth control medicine. It has been reported that feeding of extracts to animals produced some toxic effects and pathological lesions in some organs. This study was designed to investigate the haematological effects of 10 days oral administration of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (TTE) fruits in mature male rabbits. Twenty healthy acclimatized male rabbits (1.4-1.6 kg b.wt. were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Animals in groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered 50, 100 and 150 mg kg-1 b.wt. of TTE. Animals in group 1 served as the control and received only water and no extract. All animals were fasted for 18 h after withdrawal of treatment and sacrificed after anaesthesia. Venous blood sample from groups were analyzed for haematological parameters. The TTE caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in RBC and WBC.
- ItemOpen AccessOxidative Stress in Alloxan – Induced Diabetes in Female and Male Rats.(American-Eurasian Network for Scientific Information, 2010) Ebuehi, O.A.T.Oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetes in female and male rats was investigated. Forty male (165±8.46g) and female (162.7±7.94g) albino Sprague Dawley rats were used for the study. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 150mg/body weight of alloxan monohydrate, to induce diabetes for 14 days. The rats were divided into four groups, consisting of 10 diabetic male, 10 non-diabetic male, 10 diabetic female and 10 non-diabetic female. The body weight and feed intake of the rats were fed rat chow and water ad libitum for 14 days and then sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was taken by cardiac puncture, while liver and kidney were quickly excised. The catalase activities, lipid peroxidation, glucose protein, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the liver and kidney of rats were determined. Rats administered alloxan monohydrate had elevated plasma glucose levels. The body weights of diabetic female and male rats were significantly reduced compared to the non-diabetic rats. The catalase activities in liver and kidney of diabetic male or female rats were significantly lower than in non-diabetic rats but the reduction was more pronounced in diabetic female rats. The liver lipid peroxidation, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the diabetic male or female than in the non-diabetic rats, but with no significant differences in the diabetic female or male rats. Data of the study indicate that sex differences do not significantly affect oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetes.
- ItemOpen AccessPhysical and sensory attributes of iron-fortified and unfortified Nigerian and Foreign rice varieties.(International Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 2010) Ebuehi, O.A.T.; Oduwole, M.OThe physical and sensory attributes of iron-fortified and unfortified Nigerian and foreign rice varieties were investigated. The physical characteristics of three indigenous Nigerian rice namely ‘Ofada’, ‘Abakaliki’ and ‘Nwakuka’ and two foreign rice varieties namely ‘Aroso’ and ‘China-fortified’ rice were determined. The length, width, weight, colour, shape, chalkiness, appearance, dispersability, breakage, swelling capacity and cooking time were evaluated. The rice varieties were fortified using Ferrazone® (NaFeEDTA) as the iron fortificant. The effectiveness of the iron fortificant was determined by detecting iron in the endosperm of rice varieties by using Perls Prussian blue solution. The concentrations of iron in the rice varieties were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The sensory attributes of the unfortified and iron-fortified Nigerian and foreign rice varieties were evaluated based on a nine-point hedonic scale. The indigenous rice varieties ‘Ofada’, ‘Nwakuka’ and ‘Abakaliki’ were round and shorter in shape, opaque in chalkiness as compared to the foreign rice ‘Aroso’, which was thin, longer in shape and translucent in chalkiness, while the ‘China fotified’ rice was curved in shape and opaque in chalkiness. The fortification of all the milled rice varieties using Ferrazone® significantly (p<0.01) increased iron content of the rice by 20-30 mg/kg. The sensory evaluation showed that the unfortified and fortified ‘Aroso’ rice was the most preferred rice variety as compared with other rice varieties investigated while the least unfortified and fortified rice was ‘Ofada’. Data of the study indicated that fortification of both indigenous and foreign rice varieties using Ferrazone® enhance the sensory attributes of these rice varieties without altering their physical characteristics.
- ItemOpen AccessAntisickling and toxicological profiles of leaf and stem of Parquetina nigrescens L.(Academic Journals, 2010-04-18) Imaga, N.O.A.; Gbenle, G.O.; Okochi, V.I.; Adenekan, S.O.; Edeoghon, S.O.; Kehinde, M.O.; Bamiro, S.B.; Ajiboye, A.; Obinna, A.Folk medicine reportedly uses Parquetina nigrescens L. (Asclepiadaceae) as a herbal remedy for the management of sickle cell anemia. This study was carried out to screen the leaves and stem of P. nigrescens for antisickling activity, erythrocyte membrane -stabilizing effects and any end organ toxicity. Percentage reversal and inhibition of sickling parameters were analyzed on pre-sickled HbSS blood cell suspensions using sodium metabisulphite solution as inducer and 5 mg/ml parahydroxybenzoic acid and normal saline as positive and negative controls respectively. Effects of the plant extracts on the erythrocyte were assessed using osmotic fragility and the toxicity profile done via LD50 and sub-acute toxicity studies on graded concentrations of extract. Results show that P. nigrescens has appreciable antisickling activity, has no toxic effect when administered at low concentrations and protects the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane as evidenced in the fragiliogram by the reduction in hemolysis of the Hbss cells.
- ItemOpen AccessHypoglycaemic and Biochemical Properties of Cnestis Ferruginea(African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2010-05) Adisa, R.A.; Choudhary, M.I.; Adewoye, E.O.; Olorunsogo, O.O.Increasing incidences of diabetes in Africa has prompted the search for safe and readily available alternative herbal remedies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Cnestis ferruginea was extracted with methanol and ethylacetate and the extracts obtained were tested for hypoglycaemic activities in streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic rats and mice. The extracts (250mg/kg body weight) were administered orally for 10 consecutive days to STZ-induced diabetic rats while a single dose (250mg/kg body weight) of the extracts were administered to STZinduced diabetic mice. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined in the two groups of animals after extract administration. There was significant reduction in FBG (P< 0.005) by MCF and ECF within 4 hrs of extract administration in a time- dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of MCF and ECF for 10 days significantly lowered FBG in STZ diabetic rats (P<0.005) by 74% and 68%, respectively, whereas, glibenclamide - a standard antidiabetic drug reduced FBG by 60%. The levels of serum creatinine, urea, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein and level of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated. The extracts reduced significantly (P<0.005) the elevated levels of serum ALT and AST in diabetic treated rats. Similarly, both extracts significantly lowered (P<0.005) the levels of serum creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). These results suggest that Cnestis ferruginea leaves contain a highly potent hypoglycaemic principle and could be a potential source for isolation of new orally active antihyperglycaemic compounds for attenuating secondary complications of diabetes such as atherosclerosis, liver and renal dysfunction
- ItemOpen AccessPhytochemical and antioxidant nutrient constituents of Carica papaya and Parquetina nigrescens extracts(Academic Journals, 2010-08-18) Imaga, Ngozi Awa; Gbenle, George O.; Okochi, Veronica I.; Adenekan, Sunday; Duro-Emmanuel, Tomi; Oyeniyi, Bola; Dokai, Patience N.; Oyenuga, Mojisola; Otumara, Alero; Ekeh, Felix C.Medicinal plants (a.k.a. Phytomedicines) are parts of a plant or the whole plant that possess healing properties. Folk medicine reportedly uses Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Parquetina nigrescens L. (Asclepiadaceae) as a herbal remedy for the management of sickle cell anemia. This study was carried out to screen the leaf extracts of P. nigrescens and C. papaya L. (Caricaceae) for possible antioxidant phytochemicals, proximate nutrient constituents, amino acid composition and mineral content present in the samples using standard chemical and chromatographic procedures. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of folic acid, vitamin B12, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, tannins and anthraquinones. This study also showed that each of these plants extracts contained flavonoids and the antioxidant vitamins A and C. Some of the previously established antisickling amino acids were also present in the plants. Cyanogenic glycosides were absent from both plant extracts, indicative of the non-toxic effects of these plants when taken orally. These results indicate that the previously reported antisickling properties of these herbs may be due to their inherent antioxidant nutrient composition, thus supporting the claims of the traditional healers and suggests a possible correlation between the chemical composition of these plants and their uses in traditional medicine.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor on hepatic, histological and haematological indices in rats(Academic Journals, 2010-09) Akande, I.S; Oseni, A.A; Biobaku, O.AHerbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75 - 80% of the world population, mainly in the developing countries for primary health care. In Nigeria today, there is an upsurge in the acceptance and utilization of these herbal medicine partly because of scientific support for some of their medicinal uses. In recent times, findings from medicinal plants research indicate that extracts from some plants both hepatotoxic and hematotoxic, while some are reported to possess both hepatoprotective and hemopoietic properties. We investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor leaf sheaths on the biochemical hepatic functions, histological integrity and hematological indices in Sprague-Dawley albino rats. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of S. bicolor leaf sheath was carried out. Also, male and female rats (100 – 210 g) and divided into 5 groups were employed for this study. Four groups of 6 rats each were orally administered with 1.0 ml of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg body weight daily doses of aqueous extract of S. bicolor leaf sheath, respectively for 14 days. The control group consisted of 6 rats treated to a daily dose of 0.5 ml of 0.9% normal saline. At the end of the administration period, the rats were sacrificed; the blood samples were collected through orbital sinus and cardiac puncture. The liver tissues were harvested and used for the hematopoietic and liver functions investigations. Phytochemical analysis of the plant leaf sheath showed the presence of Anthracine glycosides, reducing compounds, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and polyphenols. Liver function tests revealed that the serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) concentration in the experimental rats showed a significant (P 0.05) increase with the increases in dosage concentrations of the extract compared with the control. Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as the concentrations of total protein and albumin in male and female experimental rats were not significantly (P 0.05) altered compared with the control by the oral administration of the extract. However, red blood cell counts, hemotocrit and haemoglobin concentrations increased significantly (P 0.05) on administration of the extract in both male and female experimental rats compared with the control. Histopathological examination did not reveal any lesion or alteration in the morphological features of the liver tissues in all the animals. Data of the present study indicate that aqueous extract of S. bicolor leaf sheath is both hepatoprotective and hematopoietic in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. These findings are therefore of clinical importance given the various reported medicinal potentials of the plant.
- ItemOpen AccessEvaluation of Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in Tilapia fish obtained from Makoko and Carter Bridge Rivers in Lagos, Nigeria(Academic Journals, 2010-11) Bolawa, O.E.; Gbenle, G.O.Most of the fresh water fish consumed in Nigeria comes from the Southern part of the country. The major aim of this study was to evaluate the heavy metal concentrations of Tilapia fish (Tilapia orechromis) of Makoko and Carter Bridge Rivers, thereby conducting a health risk assessment of these fishes. Heavy metal analyses were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Lead concentrations of tilapia fish from Carter Bridge and Makoko rivers were found to be 0.65 and 0.31 mg/g, respectively. Cadmium concentrations of the fish were found as 0.90 and 0.23 mg/g, respectively. Chromium was detected in all sample groups. Its concentrations were found to be 0.008 and 0.22 mg/g, respectively. The concentrations of all the sample groups were above the maximum permissible limits of the USEPA. The coastal Nigeria population, which consumes larger quantities of fish may be at risk.
- ItemOpen AccessAnalyses of antisickling potency of Carica papaya dried leaf extract and fractions(Academic Journals, 2010-11) Imaga, Ngozi Awa; Adepoju, Olusegun A.Carica papaya dried leaves have been indicated in sickle cell anemia management by local indigenous folk and in recent scientific research. In this research, dried C. papaya leaves were extracted using the soxhlet extraction method with 5 different solvents to give five different fractions namely hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water. This research examined the crude extract and the various leaf extract fractions of C. papaya L. (Caricaceae) for possible in vitro antisickling activities on Hbss red blood cells obtained from non-crisis state sickle cell patients involving the use of positive (phydroxybenzoic acid 5 mg /ml) and negative (normal saline) controls for the antisickling experiments. Pretreatment of SS cell suspensions with C. papaya leaf extract and fractions all inhibited formation of sickle cells under severe hypoxia at varying degrees, with only 0 - 5% sickle cells in the crude extract at 60 min compared with untreated SS cell suspensions which had over 80% sickle cells. Analysis of two different concentrations of C. papaya crude extract (10 and 5 mg/ml) showed the 10 mg/ml extract as the concentration with highest antisickling effect. Butanol extract showed the highest antisickling activity at 10 mg/ml concentration, while the ethyl acetate extract had the highest antisickling activity at 5 mg/ml concentration. These results further indicate the possibility of C. papaya leaf extract as potential phytotherapy for sickle cell anemia.