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To assess the ameliorative activity of polyphenolic-rich extracts of Basella rubra leaves on β-cell dysfunction in type-II diabetes (T2DM). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents; α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory actions and qualitative analysis of the bioactive compounds of the polyphenolic-rich extract of B. rubra leaves were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) and the rats were orally given bound phenolic (BPE) and free phenolic extracts (FPE) of B. rubra (B.R) leaves at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w once daily for 14 days. Biochemical analyses were executed for evaluation of serum insulin, serum lipid profile concentrations, liver enzymes activities. The extracts demonstrated antioxidant potentials and enzymes inhibitory activities in dose dependent manner; and several bioactive compounds as revealed by GC-MS. BPE and FPE considerably (p<0.05) reduced hyperglycemia, improved serum insulin levels, ameliorated the concentration of serum lipid profiles and improved liver antioxidant activities. Additionally, BPE and FPE expressively decreased alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities along with levels of bilirubin and urea when compare to diabetic control rats. Data acquired exhibited the ability of BPE and FPE to improve pancreatic beta-cell in streptozotocin-induced rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a high rate of poorly controlled asthma in Nigeria. The determination of the level of asthma control and associated factors in asthma patients attending clinics is important so as to identify those patients at risk of exacerbations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of asthma control of patients attending respiratory clinic in Lagos using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and pre-forced expiratory volume in first second (PREFEV1 ). Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The ACT questionnaire and PREFEV 1 were used to assess asthma control of patients attending a tertiary pulmonary clinics in Lagos. Two hundred patients were recruited over the period of one year between 2016 and 2017. Results: The participants comprised of 96 (48.0%) females and 104 (52.0%) males with mean and standard deviation (SD) of 40.57+ 15.86 years. The mean score with standard deviation of the ACT score was 18.64 ±4.64. Half of the participants had good asthma control (>20) based on the ACT score. The mean pre FEV1 was 2.14+0.93 for 200 participants and the post FEV1 of 189 was 2.25+0.91. Only76 (37.5%) participants had normal FEV1. About one third of the participants 60(30%) had obstructive ventilatory pattern, 9(5%) had restrictive ventilatory pattern, 73(37%) had mixed ventilator pattern and 58(29%) had normal ventilatory pattern. Allergic rhinitis was reported in 99 (49.5%) and likelihood of GERD in 63 (31,5%). There was a significant positive relationship between the ACT and FEV1 and a significant negative relationship between the GSAS score and ACT (p= <0.0001 and p= <0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: The level of asthma control using ACT questionnaire was average among asthma patients attending the clinic. However, the use of pre FEV1 which is an objective tool for assessing asthma control was significantly lower among these patients. The use of Lung function test should be employed in respiratory clinics for objective assessment of patients' asthma control in other to achieve the goals of asthma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bioactive ingredients present in medicinal plants have various pharmacological activities which have explored for therapeutic and management of disease conditions like infertility. Objective: This study evaluated the comparative modulations on semen quality and testicular function in the rat by solvents soluble portions of ethanolic leaf extract in varying polar solvents. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomly placed into five groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) with five rats per group: A, control: 0.2 ml 2 % DMSO was administered, B (vitamin C): 90 mg/kg body weight, 4.4 mg/kg body weight of n-hexane, 3.65 mg/kg body weight of ethyl acetate, 0.52 mg/kg body weight of n-butanol and 0.18 mg/kg body weight of the residual portion of Cannabis leaf extract were given to groups C, D, E and F, respectively. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last day of 60 days of treatment. Results: Sperm indices, testosterone, FSH, LH, and HDL showed significant increase (p = 0.05) across the treatment groups compared to normal control. Similarly, there was a significant increase in activity (p = 0.05) of ALP, ACP, SOD, and CAT across the treatment groups compared to normal control. In addition, there were significant increases in GSH, MDA, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein concentration levels across the treatment groups compared to normal control. The n-butanol soluble portion showed normal histomorphology with typical seminiferous tubule with spermatogonia lying on the basement membrane. Conclusion: Testicular integrity and improved sperm quality were pronounced in rats administered n-butanol solvent portion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the probable effects of induced reproductive toxicity by cadmium and its amelioration by gallic acid (GA). Adult female rats were daily administered with cadmium (CdCl2) (5 mg/kg) singly or combined with GA (20 mg/kg) for 14 days to evaluate the effect on antioxidant status and ovary function using biochemical and histological analysis. Cadmium-treated rats alone revealed a considerable increment in total body weight and ovaries' weight due to muscle wasting. However, GA + cadmium reversed considerably the tread and offered protection against cadmium-induced muscle wasting. Cadmium treatment alone decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and also increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Besides, the administration of GA alone or in combination mitigated the cadmium-mediated decrease in GSH, SOD, and CAT, respectively. Serum concentrations of estrogen (E), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were reduced significantly in cadmium-treated rats. Histopathology of the ovaries showed a considerable reduction in follicle number. GA treatment alone and CdCl2 + GA-treatment group decreased cell death of follicular cells in the ovaries of rats and increased serum reproductive hormones. Taken together, gallic acid prevented the deleterious impacts of CdCl2 on the biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and ovarian histopathological structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): To determine the availability and affordability of asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional survey conducted in 128 pharmacies (51 in public sector hospitals, 51 private sector community pharmacies and 26 charity or big private hospitals) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using the WHO/Health Action Initiative method. The proportion of pharmacies where medicines were available, the median retail prices of originator and generics and affordability were analysed. A medicine was available if found in ≥ 80% of surveyed pharmacies. Unaffordability was defined as paying> 1 day's wage (> US$1.68) for a standard 30‐day supply of the medicine. Results: The available medicines were oral corticosteroids and oral salbutamol which are not on the WHO Essential Medicine List. Medicines were found more frequently in private than public pharmacies and in the southern than northern zones. Inhalable corticosteroid was not available at any public pharmacy nationwide. None of the EML medicines were affordable. The least number of days' wages for a 30‐day supply of any inhalable corticosteroid‐containing medication was 3.5 days. Conclusions: There are very limited availability and affordability of recommended asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria with disparity across regions. Medicines that were available and affordable are not recommended and are harmful for long‐term use. This underpins the need for engagement of all stakeholders for the review of existing policies regarding access to asthma and COPD medicines to improve availability and affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) pathogenesis is complex, and the management options for DCM are limited. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract on DCM in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes by an intraperitoneal injection of (150 mg/kg). Three diabetic groups were administered aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium at 6.36, 12.72, and 25.44 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) respectively; a group was administered with metformin (5 mg/kg BW), while the other two served as positive and negative control. Thereafter, fasting blood glucose, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde level, serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac Troponin I, C-reactive protein, and TNF-α were determined by standard methods. Aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium leaf significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the alloxan-induced increases in blood glucose, malondialdehyde, serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac Troponin I, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α and increased the alloxan-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and glutathione transferase activities. All these changes were compared with those of metformin-treated diabetic rats. The data from this study suggest that aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium ameliorated DCM by inhibiting redox imbalance and inflammation in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chrysobalanus orbicularis is commonly used as food, the seeds as a spice for the popular pepper soup, and the leaves are traditionally utilized for managing Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Due to the limited scientific evidence on C. orbicularis, this study investigated its antioxidant and inhibitory properties against major enzymes linked to T2DM. Methods: The antioxidant activity was measured via methods for possible scavenging potentials. The a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibitory activities were examined using a standard model. Results: The C. orbicularis aqueous leaf extract compared well with the standard compounds, revealing the high antioxidant and inhibitory properties against a-amylase and a- glucosidase. Conclusion: The findings validate the conventional application of C. orbicularis in the treatment of patients with type II diabetes mellitus and other oxidative stress-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gongronema latifolium leaf is used traditionally to treat diabetes and other diseases. The present study aimed to provide the modulatory effect of G. latifolium on hyperglycemia, inhibitory effect of redox imbalance and inflammation in alloxan-induced nephropathy in Wistar rats. Methods: Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes by an intraperitoneal injection of (150 mg/kg). Three diabetic groups were administered aqueous leaf extract of G. latifolium at 6.36, 12.72 and 25.44 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) respectively; a group was administered with metformin (5 mg/kg BW), while the other two were served as positive and negative control. Thereafter, fasting blood glucose, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, interleukin 2 and 6 were determined. Results: G. latifolium leaf significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the alloxan-induced increases in blood glucose, MDA, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6 level and increased the alloxan-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reduced and glutathione transferase activity. All these changes compared with those of metformin-treated diabetic rats. Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that G. latifolium modulates glucose homeostasis as well as inhibiting redox imbalance and inflammation in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to the effects of its phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. It also indicated that inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and redox imbalance are likely mechanisms by which G. latifolium leaf exert its antidiabetic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein hydrolysates usually possess higher nutritive value than an equivalent mixture of free amino acids. This study was aimed at determining the antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysates of Treculia africana seeds. Soluble protein was isolated from Treculia africana seed flour by alkaline solubilization and acid precipitation, and further hydrolyzed with three proteases (trypsin, pancreatin and pepsin) individually and in a sequential two- and three-protease systems. Antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP and lipid peroxidation) of the hydrolysates were investigated. Hydrolysates from Treculia africana seed protein showed varying degree of hydrolysis, pancreatin hydrolysates had the highest (94.92%) and pancreatin-pepsin hydrolysates had the least (6.59%). Pancreatin proved to be the most efficient protease for hydrolyzing Treculia africana protein with a high protein recovery of 156.06 mg/ml. Its hydrolysates exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (71.02%) and had a high radical-mediated peroxidation of oleic acid. Likewise, pancreatin hydrolysates as well as trypsin-pancreatin hydrolysates showed the highest FRAP activity (37.17 and 38.52 µg/ml BHA, respectively). Pancreatin hydrolysates showed significant higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant potentials than other hydrolysates of T. africana seed protein. These findings showed the potential use of Treculia africana hydrolysates as antioxidants in reducing food spoilage and management of oxidative stress-related metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of free and bound polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini (Linn) Skeels leaf on antioxidant as well as a-amylase and a-glucosidase activities were determined using in vitro model. Polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini (Linn) Skeels leaf was prepared accordingly and the capability of the extract to inhibit antioxidants as typified by ferric reducing power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) among other free radicals scavenging abilities were quantified spectrophotometrically, added to this, the activities of a-amylase and a- glucosidase were also assessed. The bound phenolic extract exhibited more in vitro antioxidant properties as represented by their high radicals scavenging ability in all the free radicals evaluated. Also, the polyphenolic-rich extracts inhibited a-amylase and a-glucosidase, with bound phenolics showing significant (p<0.05) increase in a dose-dependent manner than free phenolics. Therefore, this study suggests the use of Syzygium cumini leaf as a nutraceutical in the management/control of type II diabetes mellitus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluates the antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory properties of the nbutanol fraction of Senna podocarpa leaves on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, arginase, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Methods: The total phenol and flavonoids, iron (Fe) chelation, and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging were used to determine the antioxidant activity, and the inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, arginase, PDE-5 and ACE were also assessed. Results: The n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa shows high total phenol and total flavonoid contents. The nbutanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves also chelates Fe2+ and ABTS radicals. The n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves also inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, arginase, PDE-5, and ACE at the concentration tested. Chromatographic analysis displayed the presence of ß-elemene, phytol and caryophyllene oxide chrysophanol, 3-oxo-methyl ester, α-humulene, ß-caryophyllene, rhein, emodin, and α-copaene. Conclusions: Hence, the n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves demonstrates encouraging feat in controlling and/or managing cognitive dysfunction such as Alzheimer's disease and also hypertension, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperpigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]