Department of Pharmacognosy

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    Open Access
    Analgesic and Antioxidant Activities of Stem Bark Extract and Fractions of Petersianthus macrocarpus
    (Wolters Kluwer ‑Medknow, 2016) Orabueze, C.I.; Adesegun, S.A.; Coker, H.A
    Background: Petersianthus macrocarpus(Lecythidaceae) is widely used in the folk medicine in Nigeria to relieve pain and fever associated with malaria. This study evaluated the analgesic and antioxidant activities of the methanol extract and fractions of the stem bark of the plant. Materials and Methods:The analgesic activity was determined in mice using hotplate and acetic acid‑induced writhing models. Morphine sulphate (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and aspirin (100 mg/ml, p.o.) were used as reference analgesic agents. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical; reducing power, iron chelating properties and determination of total phenolic content. Results:The extract at 200 and 500 mg/kg, produced an insignificant (P> 0.05) increase in pain threshold in hotplate but a significant (P< 0.05) increase at 1000 mg/kg. The extract significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the writhing induced by acetic acid in mice in a dose dependent manner. Fractionation increased the analgesic activities significantly (P< 0.05) in ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions (200 mg/kg). The extract demonstrated strong DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC 50 0.05 mg/ml, good reducing power and weak iron chelating activities. The total phenol content was 142.32 mg/gin term of gallic acid. The antioxidant effects were more pronounced in ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggested that the extract has strong analgesic and antioxidant activities which reside mainly in the polar fractions thus confirming the traditional use of the plant to alleviate pains.
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    Open Access
    Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extract of Acacia karroo stem bark in experimental animal
    (Wiley Online Library, 2008) Adedapo, A.A.; Sofidiya, M.O.; Masika, P.J.; Afolayan, A.J.
    The aqueous extract of the stem bark of Acacia karroo Hayne was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) used when compared to the untreated control group. In the tail immersion test, the extract at the doses used (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased reaction time to pain after 30 min. of oral administration of the extract. Indomethacin at 10 mg/kg served as reference drug in all these tests. The results gave a scientific basis to the traditional uses of Acacia karroo mainly for wound poultices, eye treatments and cold remedies.
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    Open Access
    Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extracts of Margaritaria discoidea (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark in experimental animal models
    (University of Costa Rica, 2009) Adedapo, A.A.; Sofidiya, M.O.; Afolayan, A.J.
    Margaritaria discoidea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various body pains in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. The aqueous extract of its stem bark was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract had a good analgesic effect characterized by a reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. Similarly, the extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. These results were also comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as stomachache, pain and inflammations.
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    Open Access
    Antifungal and antiproliferative activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves of Markhamia tomentosa
    (2016) Ibrahim, Mutiat B.; Kaushik, Nutan; Sowemimo, Abimbola A.; Chhipa, Hemraj; Koekemoer, Trevor; Van de Venter, Maryna; Odukoya, Olukemi A.
    Context: Plants harbor endophytes with potential bioactivity. Markhamia tomentosa (Benth) K. Schum ex. Engl. (Bignoniaceae) is reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.Objective: The antifungal and antiproliferative properties of endophytic fungi extracts and fractions from M. tomentosa were evaluated. Material and methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of M. tomentosa and identified by ITS-rDNA sequence analysis. The antagonistic effect of the fungal strains was investigated against pathogenic fungi viz, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorium, Rhizoctonia solani, and Botrytis cinerea using the dual culture assay for 5–7 days. Antiproliferative effect of the fungal extracts and fractions (3.91–250 lg/mL) on HeLa cancer cell line was tested and IC50 was calculated. Poisoning food assay and antifeedant activity against the pathogenic fungi and Spodoptera litura larvae, for 7 days and 2 h, respectively, was also tested at concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 lg/mL. Results: Fungal endophytes Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Syncephalastrum racemosum were isolated from the leaves of M. tomentosa. Isolated endophytic fungal strains and solvent extracts showed MIC value of 1000 lg/mL against tested pathogenic fungi in the dual culture and poisoning food assays. Methanol fraction of S. racemosum isolate showed the most effective antiproliferative activity with IC50 of 43.56 lg/mL. Minimal feeding deterrent activity against S. litura larvae was also observed. Discussion and conclusion: These findings showed that the leaves of Markhamia tomentosa harbor strains of endophytic fungi with promising health benefits, and suggest their antifungal and antiproliferative effects against pathogenic fungi and HeLa cancer cell line.
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    Open Access
    Antiglycation and Antioxidant Activity of Funtumia africana Root used in the Management of Diabetes
    (Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2018) Nkemehule, F.E.; Ogbonnia, S.O.; Odukoya, O.A.
    Funtumia africana (Benth.) Stapf (Apocynaceae) is used folklorically for the treatment of various ailments such as dysentery, urinary incontinence, burns and diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate F. africana root hydroethanolic extract for the ability to inhibit formation of advanced glycation end-products and reactive oxygen species. The anti-glycation activity of the extract was determined using bovine serum albumin (BSA). Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxide and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effects of the extract were also evaluated to determine the antioxidant activity. Result obtained, revealed that the extract significantly inhibited (P< 0.05) the formation of advanced glycation end-products (76.77%) at 100 µg/mL compared to aminoguanidine (85.76%). The total phenolic content was found to be 38.25 mg GAE/g and total antioxidant capacity 41.44 mg AAE/g of extract. DPPH, NO radical scavenging ability and FRAP of the extract were found to be concentration dependent (68.85%, 67.46% and 21.52 mg Fe2+/g respectively, at 100 µg/mL). The extract also exhibited good inhibition for lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner which was not significantly different from ascorbic acid (74.54% at 100 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity exhibited by the extract may be responsible for the observed inhibition of AGEs formation thus justifying the use of F. africana root in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes and its complications.
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    Open Access
    Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of cyathula prostrata (linn.) blume (amaranthaceae)
    (2012) Ibrahim, M.B.; Sowemimo, A.A.; Van Rooyen, A.; Van de Venter, M.
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cyathula prostrata (Linn) Blume (Amaranthaceae) is an annual herb widely used traditionally in the treatment of various inflammatory and pain related health disorders in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata (Linn) Blume. Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide production in U937 macrophages, LPS-induced COX-2 expression, carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema), analgesic (acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests) and antioxidant activities (DPPH [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl] and lipid peroxidation assays) activities of the plant extract were investigated. Results: The methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata did not show inhibitory activity in the in vitro PMAinduced reactive oxygen species, LPS-induced nitric oxide production and LPS-induced COX-2 expression assays. In the in vivo anti-inflammatory assays, the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition in the carrageenan, arachidonic acid and xylene-induced tests. Cyathula prostrata produced a significant (P < 0.05, 0.001) dose-dependent inhibition in the acetic acid and hot plate analgesic tests respectively. The plant extract did not exhibit any antioxidant activity in the DPPH and lipid peroxidation assays. Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata possesses antiinflammatory and analgesic activities and this authenticates the use of the plant in the traditional treatment of ailments associated with inflammation and pain.
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    Open Access
    Antimalarial and Antioxidant Potentials of Extract and Fractions of Aerial Part of Borreria ocymoides DC (Rubiaceae)
    (PhCOGNET, 2017) Adesegun, S.A.; Orabueze, C.I.; Coker, H.A.
    Introduction: Borreria ocymoides(Burm F) DC is a weak, erect and decumbent herb that has several folkloric, ethno medicinal uses and is included in antimalarial preparations by some traditional healers. It is also used in treatment of ring worm, eczema and microbial infections. Objectives: To evaluate antimalarial activity of extract and fractions of Borreria ocymoidesin Plasmodium bergheiinfected mice and to investigate their antioxidant activity using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazile (DPPH). Methods:The methanol extract of aerial part of B. ocymoidesand the solvent fractions obtained from partition between organic solvents were assessed for antimalarial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium bergheiNK65 infected mice using the suppressive and curative test procedures. Chloroquine (10 mg/ml) was used as positive control. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging ability and determination of total phenolic content. Results:The crude extract (250 and 500 mg kg-1) produced a dose dependent anti-plasmodial activity in the suppressive and curative tests. The chemo suppression activity was best in the ethyl acetate fraction (87.31%) and in the order ethyl acetate >dichloromethane > hexane > aqueous fraction. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract increased with concentration. The antioxidant activity was less than ascorbic acid used as positive control. Oral administration up to 5 g/kg produced no noticeable deleterious effect 24 hours after dosing and up to 7 days afterwards. Conclusion:The results indicated that the extract has a potent anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei and the activity seems to reside in the mid-polar fractions. Thus, the plant is a potential source of new antimalarial agents.
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    Open Access
    Antinociceptive activity of Euadenia trifoliolata (Schum. & Thonn.) Oliv. leaves and roots in mice
    (Elsevier, 2016) Sofidiya, M.O.; Oloruntola, O.M.; Sofola, I.; Fageyinbo, M.S.
    The leaves and roots of Euadenia trifoliolata are used in Nigeria traditional medicine for the treatment of ear ache, head ache and inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves (EL) and roots (ER) of E. trifoliolata in mice. Oral toxicity testing was performed using OECD guidelines. Antinociceptive effect was studied in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail immersion and hot plate tests. Total polyphenolic contents were determined using standard methods. No mortality was recorded 24 h after oral administration of both EL and ER up to 5000 mg/kg. At the dose of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg, administration of EL and ER resulted in significant reduction in the number of writhes compared to control. The percentage inhibition of writhings was calculated as 35.67%, 46.71% and 67.94% (EL) and 55.41%, 57.32% and 72.61% (ER), respectively. In hot plate test, EL and ER showed statistically significant antinociceptive effect, although low percentage inhibition (<50%) was recorded for ER at all the doses tested. Only EL (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the reaction time in tail im-mersion test. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the licking time in both phases of formalin test compared to control. The content of total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin varies between the two extracts and may be the basis of the observed antinociceptive effect. The results indicate antinociceptive activity for the leaves and roots of E. trifoliolata, with the extract of the leaves showing better activity.
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    Open Access
    Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of Alafia barteri
    (2014) Sofidiya, M.O.; Imeh, E.; Ezeani, C.; Aigbe, F.R.; Akindele, A.J.
    This study analyzes the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic leaf extract of Alafia barteri Oliv., Apocynaceae, based on its medicinal use in the treatment of toothaches, inflammation and fevers. The antinociceptive effect was assessed in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail clip, tail immersion and formalin assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, and xylene-induced ear oedema in mice. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract at different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) and dose-dependently reduced pain by 35.04, 56.49 and 84.25%, respectively. The extract also significantly inhibited both the early and late phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice. In the tail immersion test, the extract caused a significant inhibition of pain (34.43% inhibition, after 90 min) at a dose of 200 mg/kg, while the effect of the extract in the tail clip test was only significant at the 100 mg/kg dose. A. barteri caused a significant inhibition of paw oedema development in the carrageenan and xylene-induced oedema tests. There was no mortality recorded following treatment with the extract (5 g/kg, p.o.). The results support the traditional use of A. barteri in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation.
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    Open Access
    Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extract and Fractions of the Root Bark of Callichilia stenopetala Stapf. (Family Apocynaceae) In Mice
    (Natural Product Research Group, University of Benin., 2017) Orabueze, C.I.; Adesegun, S.A.; Coker, H.A
    The root of Callichilia stenopetala is used as chewing stick in the treatment of toothache and for oral hygiene in South-East Nigeria. The study assessed the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of methanol root bark extract and fractions of C. stenopetala. Analgesic activity of methanol root bark extract of C. stenopetala and its fractions were evaluated using chemical (acetic acid and formalin) and thermal (hot plate and tail immersion) tests in mice. Morphine sulphate, acetyl salicylic acid and diclofenac sodium at 4, 100 and 10 mg kg-1, respectively were used as standards. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. Oral acute toxicity was also evaluated. The extract (250 and 500 mg kg-1), ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions (200 mg kg-1) reduced acetic acid-induced writhing with percentage reduction of 65.14, 84.06, 93.27 and 50.63 %, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction and methanol extract at 500 mg kg-1 significantly increased reaction times in tail immersion and hot plate tests. The formalin test results for the ethyl acetate fraction suggested involvement of central mechanism of pain inhibition. In DPPH scavenging assay and TPC, the extract showed good antioxidant potential, with most of the activity prominent in the polar fractions. At 8000 mg kg-1 no death of animal occurred. These findings suggested that C. stenopetala has pain alleviating effect which may be due to its antioxidant activity and this further substantiated the claimed traditional use of the plant in the management of acute toothache.
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    Open Access
    Antinociceptive and antiulcer activities of Pycnanthus angolensis
    (Spinger, 2015) Sofidiya, M.O.; Awolesi, A.O.
    Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw) Warb., Myristicaceae, is used in Nigeria folk medicine to treat complaints such as toothache, headache, sore throat, ulcers and wounds. The aim of the study was to investigate the antinociceptive and antiulcer activities of the stem bark extract of Pycnanthus angolensis. Acute tox-icity was conducted with a single oral dose of 5 g/kg. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated in acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and tail immersion tests in mice while antiulcer activity was evaluated in ethanol and indomethacin-induced models in rats. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, p.o.), significantly reduced the number of writhes (46.75%, 57.28% and 75.69%) respectively, compared to control. The extract significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the time spent in licking the hind paw at both phases, in formalin test. In tail immersion test, significant antinociceptive effect was only observed with the dose of 150 mg/kg, with peak effect at 90 min (43.38%). There is no significant change in the spontaneous locomotor activity of animals in the open field. The extract prevented the gas-tric ulceration caused by ethanol and indomethacin treatments compared to control. The results showed that P. angolensis extract possesses antinociceptive and antiulcer activities supporting the traditional use for relieving pain and ulcers.
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    Open Access
    Antioxidant activities of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel and Daniellia ogea (Harms) Rolfe ex Holland (Caesalpiniaceae).
    (Natural Product Research Group University of Benin, 2020) Olaleye, O.O.; Sofidiya, M.O.; Ogba, J.O.; Lasore, W.
    Daniellia oliveri and Daniellia ogea (Caesalpiniaceae) are medicinal plants used for their various ethnomedicinal uses. Cellular damage induced by free radicals has been implicated in several diseases. Antioxidants possess the ability to protect the body from damage caused by free radical-induced oxidative stress through the inhibition of oxidation directly or indirectly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant activities of the leaves and stem bark extracts of D. oliveri and D. ogea using different in vitro assays including hydroxyl radical scavenging, reducing power, ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities. The total polyphenolic contents in the extracts were also determined using standard methods. All the extracts significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited hydroxyl radical in a concentration-dependent manner. The reducing power activity of the extracts were in the order; D. oliveri stem bark > D. ogea stem bark > D. ogea leaf > D. oliveri. Also, D. oliveri leaf had the highest lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity (IC50 = 3.71 µg/mL) compared with tocopherol and quercetin (IC50 = 4.84 and 26.58 µg/mL). The iron-chelating activity of the extracts was low compared to EDTA. Additionally, total polyphenolic content estimation revealed a considerable amount of phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins which may be responsible for the antioxidant activity exhibited by the extracts. These results provide the scientific evidence suggesting the potential antioxidant property of D. oliveri and D. ogea extracts in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.
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    Open Access
    Antioxidant activity of selected edible cucurbitaceous fruit peels
    (Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, 2018-06-01) Oiseoghaede, J.O.; Ajayi, G.; Akinlotan, F.A.; Nwosu, I.C.; Badmus, M.A.; Oluwasina, O.S.
    Background: Peels of some edible fruits are regarded as waste and discarded. This study evaluated antioxidant activity of peels of selected cucurbitaceous fruits viz Cucumis melo Linn. var. inodorus (CM), Cucumis sativus Linn. (CS) and Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai (CL) using standard in-vitro assays. The study also evaluated total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the extracts Methods: Oven dried peels were ground and then extracted with hydro-ethanol. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated via hydrogen peroxide scavenging (HP), metal chelating (MC), ferric ion reducing (RC) capacity and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay methods. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid contents were also quantified. Results: Cucumis sativus extract showed significant metal chelating activity (p<0.05). Citrullus lanatus had significant metal chelating activity (p ≤ 0.05) at highest concentration of 0.1mg/ml with a higher peak activity, 58.47% when compared with the standard, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 52.61%. Cucumis sativus at highest concentration (12.43% inhibition) showed significant Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity (p ≤ 0.05). Low concentrations in three of the assays (HP, DPPH and RC), showed inferior activity (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant activity increased as extract concentration increased. The results showed that Cucumis melo had the highest phenolic contents while Cucumis sativus had the highest total flavonoids. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and sugars. Citrullus lanatus showed presence of deoxysugars. Conclusion: The peel extracts exhibited significant metal chelating and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity. Continuous consumption of peels may offer additional health benefits stemming from better antioxidant with increased concentration. Hence, this health seeking diet should be encouraged.
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    Open Access
    Antioxidant and In-vitro Antidiabetic Activities of Fermented Peels of Citrus x Sinensis (l.) Osbeck (Rutaceae)
    (Sami Publishing Company/Iranian Chemical Science and Technologies Association, 2021-12-24) Oyawaluja, A. A.; Oiseoghaede, J. O.; Odukoya, O. A.; Kubiat, B. E.
    Introduction: The various parts of Citrus sinensis plant have been employed over the years for medicinal purposes. As part of the concept of waste to wealth, the medicinal importance of the peels was exploited. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant and in vitro antidiabetic activities of fermented peel extracts of C. sinensis. Method: Fermentation of the peels was carried out, and phytochemical tests were done. DPPH free radical scavenging activity, anti-lipid peroxidation and Antidiabetic assay method were performed in vitro using standard procedures. Results: C. sinensis were rich in polyphenols and reducing sugars. Radical scavenging assay showed an IC50 of 0.57μg/ml and 1.60μg/ml for fresh peels and dried peels respectively for DPPH assay, and 0.67μg/ml (fresh) and 0.72μg/ml (dried) for anti-lipid peroxidation assay. The α-amylase inhibition assay showed that the fermented fresh peels and fermented dried peels had IC50 values of 2.23μg/ml and 2.73μg/ml respectively. The α-glucosidase assay showed better inhibition by the extracts. Fermented fresh and dried peels had IC50 values of 0.03μg/ml and 0.03μg/ml respectively. Conclusion: Fermented fresh peels of C. sinensis expressed relatively stronger protection in the antioxidant and antidiabetic assays than the fermented dried peels. This study revealed that extracts can be considered as an important addition to the therapeutic management for diabetes.
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    Open Access
    Antioxidant properties of the methanol extract from the leaves of Paullinia pinnata
    (Mary Ann Liebert, 2007) Jimoh, F.O.; Sofidiya, M.O.; Afolayan, A.J.
    Paullinia pinnata is an African woody vine widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. In order to throw more light into its mechanisms of pharmacological actions, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the methanol extract of its leaves were evaluated using different testing systems. Its scavenging activities on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radicals as well as its ferric ion reducing power were assessed. The results showed that P. pinnata possessed strong scavenging activity and moderate reducing power. The total phenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents of the extracts were very close to those reported for most medicinal plants and showed good correlation with its antioxidant activities. These properties are probably part of the reasons why P. pinnata is effective in folk medicine.
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    Open Access
    Antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Andrographis paniculata in some laboratory animals.
    (De Gruyter, 2015) Adedapo, A.A.; Adeoye, B.O.; Sofidiya, M.O.; Oyagbemi, A.A.
    Background: The study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties of Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts in laboratory animals. Methods: The dried and powdered leaves of the plant were subjected to phytochemical and proximate analy-ses. Its mineral content was also determined. Acute toxicity experiments were first performed to determine a safe dose level. The plant material was extracted using water and ethanol as solvents. These extracts were then used to test for the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxi-dant properties of the plant. The anti-inflammatory tests included carrageenan-induced and histamine-induced paw oedema. The analgesic tests conducted were formalin paw lick test and acetic acid writhing test. The antioxidant activities of the extracts of A. paniculata were deter-mined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total polyphenol (TP) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) using ascorbic acid as standard for both DPPH and FRAP, and gallic acid as a standard for both TP and ABTS. Results: The acute toxicity experiment demonstrated that the plant is safe at high doses even at 1600 mg/kg. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata had higher antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract. The experiments using both extracts may suggest that the extracts of A. paniculata leaves possess anti-inflamma-tory, analgesic and antioxidant properties, although the ethanolic extract seemed to have higher biological prop-erties than the aqueous extract. Conclusions: The results from this study may have justi-fied the plant’s folkloric use for medicinal purpose.
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    Open Access
    Antiplasmodial activity of leaf extract and fractions of Rutidea smithii Hiern (Rubiaceae)
    (West African Journal of Pharmacy, 2019) Adesegun, S.A.; Iwunze, N.; Orabueze, C.I.; Ota, D.; Coker, H.A.B.
    Background: Resistance to malaria infection has been of great public health concern all over the world especially in developing countries thus there is need for development of new antimalarial drugs. Natural products including medicinal plants are veritable sources for drug discovery hence their investigation for possible antimalarial effects. Rutidea smithii is a woody climbing plant used traditionally in treatment of headache, cold and fever . Objective: T o investigate the in vivo antimalarial activity of ethanol leaf extract and fractions of Rutidea smithii in chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally infected with chloroquine sensitive P . berghei (ANKA strain). The mice were treated orally using suppressive and curative models with graded doses of extract of R. smithii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), fractions (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and standard antimalarial drug; chloroquine (10 mg/kg). Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity study were also carried out. Results: In the suppressive and curative tests, the extract demonstrated significant dose reduction in parasite level (p < 0.05) in infected mice and the survival time was also prolonged. The antimalarial activity of the fractions increased in the order hexane < butanol < aqueous < ethylacetate. The extract was devoid of toxicity up to the highest dose tested (2000 mg/kg). Conclusion: Rutidea smithii has potent in vivo antiplasmodial activity against P . berghei which resides mainly in ethylacetate fraction thus is a veritable source of new antimalarial agents.
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    Open Access
    Antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing activity of markhamia tomentosa leaf extract on hela cells
    (2013) Ibrahim, M.B.; Sowemimo, A.A.; Spies, L.; Van de Venter, M.; Odukoya, O.A.; Koekomoer, T.
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Markhamia tomentosa (Benth) K. Schum ex. Engl. (Bignoniaceae), a tree widely dispersed in West Tropical Africa, is used traditionally to treat various diseases as it possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Materials and methods: This study evaluates the cytotoxic effect and underlying mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of Markhamia tomentosa on HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines and non-cancerous Vero cell line. Brine shrimp lethality test was used for preliminary screening. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay and IC50 was calculated. Effect of Markhamia tomentosa on the cell cycle was monitored by flow cytometry and the apoptosis-induction capability confirmed by exposure of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was analysed by flow cytometry using JC-1. Results: Markhamia tomentosa was toxic to brine shrimps with LD50 of 31.62 mg/ml. Cell viability and growth of HeLa cells was inhibited by the extract with an IC50 of 189.171.76 mg/ml at 24 h post treatment. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed in MCF-7 and Vero cell lines. The extract induced cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells in the G0/G1 phase resulting in cell death after 24 h exposure. Induction of apoptosis in HeLa cells was substantiated by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining showing phosphatidylserine translocation and depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry of JC-1 stained cells. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Markhamia tomentosa induces G0/G1 in HeLa cells followed by induction of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
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    Open Access
    Antiulcer activity of the ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of Markhamia tomentosa in rats
    (Elsevier, 2014) Sofidiya, M.O.; Agunbiade, F.O.; Koorbanally, N.A.; Soesan, D.; Familusi, T.
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: The leaves of Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. Ex Engl.(Bignoniaceae) are used traditionally in the treatment of skin afflictions, sores, ulcers and inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the antiulcer activity of the crude ethanolic extract from the leaves of Markhamia tomentosa, determine the active fraction(s) of the extract and identify the chemical constituents in the active fraction by LC–MS. Materials and methods: The antiulcer activity of the crude extract (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in ethanol and indomethacin-induced models while the solvent fractions (150 mg/kg) were screened using ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. Furthermore, anti-ulcer activity of the active fraction (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, p.o.) was performed using indomethacin and pylorus ligation models. Parameters such as gastric volume, pH and acidity were determined in the pylorus ligation model. LC–ESI–MS analysis was used to identify the components in the active fraction. Results: The extract at the dose of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg caused a significant (po0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer in the ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models, respectively. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the most potent antiulcer activity from all the fractions tested. This fraction produced 72% and 92% inhibition of indomethacin and pylorus-induced ulcer at a dose of 150 mg/kg respectively. Acteoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-rutinoside, Luteolin-30,7-di-O-glucoside, carnosol, dilapa-chone, tormentic acid, oxo-pomolic acid and ajugol were detected in the EtOAc fraction. Conclusion: Our data provide a rational base for the folkloric use of Markhamia tormentosa in the treatment of ulcers.
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    Open Access
    Antiviral synergism and GC/MS analysis of seed oils of West African Plants Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) and Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberaceae)
    (UNESCO-MERCK, 2015) Odimegwu, J; Asabisi, O.
    Antiviral synergism and GC/MS analysis of seed oils of West African Plants Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) and Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) Odimegwu, Joy Ifunanya and Asabisi, Olatunde Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy. College of Medicine Campus. PMB 12003 Idi-araba. Surulere. Lagos. Nigeria Contact: 234 8170140519 jodimegwu@unilag.edu.ng or jodimegwu@hotmail.com Medicinal plants are increasingly being projected as suitable alternative sources of antiviral agents. There is need for rapid identification of potential bioactive components of plant parts. Also standardization and/or pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic profiling of the bioactive components is key in this area especially for this class of natural compounds. Garcinia kola (Gk) and Aframomum melegueta (Am) seeds are locally sourced in many countries in Africa and wholly used locally to treat and manage viral infections and food poisoning. The oils were selected for this study in order to explore the bioactive components in the oils which are yet to be assayed as antiviral components. The study is ongoing as we work to ascertain bioactive components in the oils and possible synergistic antiviral actions in the components of the two plants. Keywords: Aframomum melegueta, food poisoning, Garcinia kola and Herbal medicines