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The use of plants for the treatment of diseases in Africa is attracting more attention. This use of plants calls for more researches towards the validation of the healing claims by herbalist and the users of these herbs. Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) is one of the widely used plants in Nigeria by herbalists for the treatment of different diseases. In our previous studies on the methanolic stem-bark extract of this plant, we isolated novel and new compounds after scientifically validating the antidiabetic and anthelmintic effect of the methanolic stem-bark extract. In this present study, we aimed at identifying which of the isolated compounds is or are responsible for the antidiabetic and anthelmintic properties of the methanolic stem-bark extract of the plant. We also evaluated the antioxidation effects of the isolates. The antidiabetic effects of the isolated compounds were carried out in-vivo using streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats, while the anthelmintic effect was done in-vitro with Eisenia foetida, an adult worm. The antioxidation properties were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging protocols. The results obtained showed that out of the five compounds tested, only 6β,10β,14β-Trimethylheptadecan-15α-olyl-15-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,5β-olide showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose in the course of treatment compared to standard metformin, while only glucuronolactone showed anthelmintic effect with total paralysis and death times of 153.7±1.21, 84.9±1.24 and 53.4±0.08, in comparison to 17.3±0.08, 10.5±0.06 and 8.3±0.06 for the standard (albendazole) at 30, 50 and 70 mg, respectively. The isolates also produced different percentages of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals scavenging abilities. From the results obtained in these studies only 6β,10β,14β-Trimethylheptadecan-15α-olyl-15-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,5β-olide has antidiabetic property out of the five isolated compounds, while only glucuronolactone has anthelmintic property. All the isolated compounds showed mild antioxidation effect. Further researches are needed to identify the mechanism through which the two compounds exerted antidiabetic and anthelmintic effects.

Aim: The use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) sprays, due to their irreversible health effects has now grown into a matter of heated debate. In the present study, the early phase pulmonary events involving chemotactic and inflammatory mediators after short-exposure duration to OC have been presented. Materials and methods: Female Wistar rats used in the evaluation of respiratory parameters at 1 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exposure, were sacrificed for the evaluation of blood cell counts, BALF cytokine estimation, lung capillary leakage, study of oxidative stress and histopathology of the lungs. Results: Results confirmed a dose-dependent effect of OC exposure on serum clinical chemistry and hematological parameters. Subsequent upregulation of IL-l and TNF-α indicated lung's responses to acute oxidant-induced injury and inflammation after OC exposure. Significant alterations in the pulmonary levels of reactive oxygen intermediates were seen following the inhalation of OC. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mostly neutrophils, into the site of infection was evident in the cytocentrifuged samples of BALF. Histological samples of rat lung sections revealed the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the airways and around blood vessels in the subepithelium of conducting airways. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that, exposure to OC spray may mitigate inflammatory response and development of acute lung injury in rats. However, it can be concluded that although OC spray causes pulmonary hazards in the aforementioned concentrations, it can be used as a non-lethal riot control agent in minimal concentration. Understanding the in-depth mechanism of action in the molecular and receptor level will help in developing effective antagonist against OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnomedicinal surveys have documented the traditional use of Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merill (Rhizophoraceae) leaves in the management of diabetes mellitus in the Northeastern region of India. This study screens the hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of C. brachiata leaves for antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The HAE was prepared using ethanol:water (7:3) by cold maceration method. The antidiabetic activity of HAE was evaluated in vivo in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at the doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. The extract was also evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. Results revealed that HAE of C. brachiata leaves possesses good hypoglycemic activity in diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic activity of HAE was found significant as compared to normal rats. Results of antioxidant activity were found statistically significant compared to standard drugs, quercetin and gallic acid. Results indicated a possible role of the HAE of C. brachiata leaves as herbal antioxidants in the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress-induced diabetes. Results suggested that antioxidant plant phenolics/flavonoids might be responsible for the antidiabetic efficacy of HAE. Further research can be undertaken on the HAE of C. brachiata leaves for exploration of biochemical mechanisms of antidiabetic action with the isolation of bioactive flavonoids having antidiabetic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria, one of the diseases predominant in the African continent, has been reported to be treated with plants and also some in vitro and in vivo tests have supported this. Vernonia amygdalina belonging to the family of Asteraceae is one of the plants widely used in Nigeria and studied for treatment of malaria and some scientific researchers have validated this claim. Objectives: In the present study, we aimed at isolation of possible compounds from the methanolic stem-bark of V. amygdalina, elucidation and characterization of the isolated compounds, and carry out antimalarial evaluations of the isolated compounds. Materials and Methods: Isolation of compounds was done using column chromatography technique, elucidation and characterization were done based on infrared, Mass,1H, and13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The in vitro antimalarial activity was carried out on the ring stage of the malaria parasite cycle of chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains. Results: Five novel compounds were isolated; 4α-Hydroxy-n-pentadecanoic acid (CC7), 11α- Hydroxyurs-5,12-dien- 28-oic acid-3α, 25-olide (CC10), 1-Heneicosanol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (CC19), 10-Geranilanyl-O-β-D-xyloside (AC2A), 6β,10β,14β-Trimethyl heptadecan-15α-olyl-15-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,5β-olide (CC14), and one new compound; Glucuronolactone (CC3). The compounds CC10, CC19, AC2A, CC14, and CC3 recorded schizont inhibition at different percentages. Compounds CC19, AC2A, and CC14 recorded half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 10.55 μg/ml, 12.56 μg/ml, and 11.68 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The IC50values obtained are much higher than that of chloroquine, which is 0.02 μg/ml. These compounds showed antimalarial activity at different levels. The presence and effect of these compounds validate the use of this plant for the treatment of malaria in the traditional medicinal practice of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, accurate and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RPHPLC) method has been developed for the estimation of ethyl 2-aminobenzoate (EAB) in a matrix type monolithic polymeric device and validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The analysis was performed isocratically on a ZORBAX Eclipse plus C18 analytical column (250 × 4.4mm, 5 μm) and a diode array detector (DAD) using acetonitrile and water (75:25 v/v) as the mobile phase by keeping the flow-rate constant at 1.0mL/min. Determination of EAB was not interfered in the presence of excipients. Inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations were not higher than 2%. Mean recovery was between 98.7 and 101.3%. Calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.5-10 μg/mL. Limits of detection and quantification were 0.19 and 0.60 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, the present report put forward a novel method for the estimation of EAB, an emerging insect repellent, by using RP-HPLC technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced into law enforcement in 1976, the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray has been labeled as one of the most significant and radical developments in law enforcement. However, epidemiological research on OC health effects is deficient, receiving little public support. The major responses to acute exposure to OC spray can be found in the pulmonary system. The molecular mechanism(s) involved in the action of capsaicinoids, the active constituents in OC, are complex cascades of reactions which end up in necrosis or apoptosis. OC may also damage and deplete biological redox systems in the epithelial lining fluids and within cells and mitochondria, modifying structural proteins and nucleic acids and leading to enzyme inactivation. Since there are no characteristic laboratory tests available for identification or confirmation of OC exposure, and on the basis of prevailing data, reassessment of the health risks of OC exposures in vulnerable populations and in-depth study of the molecular mechanics of receptors is the need of the hour for the development of effective countermeasures. This review aims to consider evidence for adverse effects of OC spray used in ways comparable to their application by law enforcement personnel and civilians, with possible treatment recommendations that are precedent for improved management., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)