Search

BACKGROUND: Borassus aethiopum fruit is claimed to be used for the management of diabetes without scientific validation. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: 36 rats were placed in six groups (i-vi) (n = 6). Animals in group i (standard) were given 0.4 mls of distilled water (d.w) whereas the ones assigned to group ii, iii, iv, v and vi which were induced into diabetes (by intake of 140 mg/kg body weight [b.w] of alloxan) were also respectively given d.w, 50 mg/kg b.w of metformin, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum, once daily for 14 days. RESULTS: Flavonoid found in the extract (24.04 mg/ml) occurred the most with phenolic (0.35 mg/ml) being the least. While alloxan substantially (p 0.05) well with those of the d.w treated non-diabetic animals and metformin-treated diabetic animals. The extract also renewed the wholeness of histological damage in the pancreas. CONCLUSION: The bioactive agents of B. aethiopum presented antihyperglycaemic property by preventing diabetes via reversal of alloxan-treatment alterations in the animals.

Natural and anthropogenic activities generally result to large production of heavy metals. These heavy metals produced are indiscriminately discharged into rivers and other water bodies. Wastewater treatment of industrial effluents become very necessary due to toxic effect of heavy metal pollutants and its indirect effect pose to human health. Banana peel, an agricultural waste biomass can be used to produce bio-sorbent for adsorption of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. This study focused on the production of chemically modified activated carbon using various concentrations of phosphoric acid for removal of lead and zinc metals from aqueous solution. Activated carbon was produced from waste banana peel through thermal pretreatment at temperature of 450℃ preceding chemical modification with different concentrations of phosphoric acid of 0.5 M, 1.0 M and 1.5 M. The three different concentrations of the phosphoric acids represent sample X, Y and Z respectively. To study the adsorption efficiency of chemically modified activated carbon using different concentrations of phosphoric acid, batch experiments were conducted on chemically modified samples to assess the adsorption of lead (II) and zinc metals from aqueous solution. The three adsorbents were interacted with varying parameters such as effect of initial concentration of lead and zinc metal of concentration of 10 mg/L and 2 mg/L respectively. Based on batch experiments conducted, results indicated that adsorbent dose, pH, initial concentration as well as contact time are important factors influencing lead (II) and Zinc metals adsorption from aqueous solutions. Percentage adsorption of lead (II) and zinc metals was above 80 % for all three chemically modified adsorbents investigated. The adsorption capacities of the adsorbents under study showed high adsorption capacity for both zinc and lead metals. This implies that sample X, Y and Z are good adsorbents for adsorption of both zinc and lead metals in an aqueous solution.

A knowledge of the chemical content of Rhinoceros (Rhino) oil and its activity on selected biomolecules of experimental models would help boost the immune system against an immunocompromised COVID-19 status. The study seeks to evaluate the chemical and biomolecular profile of Rhino oil. Chemical profile was done using standard methods of analysis. 25 rats were assigned in five groups (A-E) (n=5). Animals in group A (control) were administered 0.5 ml of distilled water while those in groups B-E which were immunocompromised (by intraperitoneal administration of 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of lead [Pb]) were also administered distilled water, immunomodulatory drug (5 mg/kg body weight of zinc [Zn]), 2 and 5 mg/kg b.w of Rhino oil extract respectively, once daily for 8 days followed by biomolecular assay. Proximate analysis gave moisture content (14.37±0.29), among others. FAMEs analysis showed hexadecanoic acid (12.80%) and other esters. Lipid profile of the oil gave LDLC to contain (32.90±0.53 mg/L), and others. The physicochemical properties gave iodine value as (115.80±0.40 mg/g), among others. The metal composition revealed Zn (0.28±0.06) plus others. The amnio acid profile of the oil gave ten essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids respectively. The levels of biomolecules in serum of the animals were altered at specific doses of the oil extract. Altogether, the chemical content of the oil was significantly high, with altered biomolecular effect. The rich content of vital nutrients and chemicals of Rhino oil may boost the white blood cells against COVID-19. The isolation and characterization of the active principles of the oil is encouraged.

This work focusses on comparative determination of the effects of plant extracts: bitter leaf (BL), sour lime (SL), grape (G), pawpaw (PP) and unripe pineapple (UPA) in female rats induced into malaria with Plasmodium berghei. Thirty female rats weighing 120-160 g were allotted into five groups (n=6). Group A (negative control) were infected but not treated. Animals in Groups B–E which were infected were given 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) of malanter DS (reference antimalarial drug), 500 mg/kg BW of BL, 250 mg/kg BW each of SL and BL as well as 250 mg/kg BW each of G, PP and UPA. Treatment was done orally once daily for 14 days after which a few related analyses were carried out. Before treatment, parasitemia count of animals in groups B-E was substantially (p0.05) affect the activities of ALP, AST and ALT. After 14 days of treatment, the extracts and drug exceptionally (p

Cadmium produces a wide range of biological dysfunctions in human and laboratory animals where it chiefly affects the testes, whereas, Carpolobia lutea has been known to have antioxidant benefits. This study was intended to investigate the effects of Carpolobia lutea root extracts on testicular hormone function in cadmium-challenged male rats. 48 male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were divided into six groups, each containing eight rats. Experimental animals in control (Group 1) were given 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW) of 10% tween 80; Group two were administered 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p); Group 3 were given 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 100mg/kg BW extract; Group four took 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 200mg/kg BW extract while Group five and six got 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg BW extract respectively. The administration of vehicle and extract was conducted orally for six weeks. Testicular activity of 17 beta-hydrosteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone (LH, FSH) levels were evaluated. Findings indicated that cadmium statistically (p

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the capacity of lycopene against diabetes-induced oxidative damage in Wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats of both sexes, twenty-five of which were diabetic, were used. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg/kg body weight and it was confirmed by the elevated blood glucose ≥200 mg/dl after three days. The rats were divided randomly into groups 1 to 6, each containing 5 rats. Group 1 (Normal control) and Group 2 (Diabetic control) rats were administered 0.5 ml of olive oil; Groups 3, 4, and 5 rats were, respectively, administered 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight of lycopene, while Group 6 rats were administered 2 mg/kg body weight of Glibenclamide. All administrations were done orally and once daily for twenty-eight days. At the end of the treatment, serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, cortisol and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Administration of graded doses of lycopene to diabetic animals significantly (P

Several risk factors including hypertension are common complications of pregnancy with preeclampsia particularly associated with substantial risk to both the mother and fetus. This cross-sectional study involving quantitative approach was conducted in Same District Hospital in Tanzania. Data were collected from all pregnant women in the hospital using questionnaires. Respondents’ knowledge on maternal mortality regarding preeclampsia included those who had no knowledge 60(60%), and those who had knowledge 40(40%). Most of the respondents had no knowledge of maternal mortality due to the complications of preeclampsia. The study revealed that 64(64%), had positive attitude towards maternal mortality due to preeclampsia prevention while 36(36%) had no response. About 68(68%) of the respondents could not access the health facilities saying that these health facilities were not affordable citing that the distance was too long. They reported no health facilities and services as well as insecurity while looking for health facilities/services and finally that there were few health workers in the health facilities meaning that patients could not be attended to on time. Furthermore, health workers harassed the patients and make them seek other alternatives when they are sick, while minority 32(32%) said that the health facilities were accessible, affordable and efficient. Medical history during prenatal care showed that 25% of the respondent had increased blood pressure more than 140/90 mmHg, but only 10% had breath issues. Laboratory diagnosis of the respondents revealed increased proteinuria (48%) and impaired liver function (7%). Respondents experienced 39% convulsion and 24% pulmonary edema. Overall, the study identified a few predisposing factors to preeclampsia/eclampsia among pregnant women. Also, most of the respondents were said to have no knowledge of eclampsia thereby increasing maternal mortality. Key words: Preeclampsia, hemolytic elevated liver enzymes, eclampsia, low platelet count, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death, pregnancy induced hypertension.

Stress is an integral part of human life; stressful events exert deleterious effects on normal (physiological) functions, leading to the pathogenesis of diseases. Stress alters cognition, learning, memory and emotional responses, resulting in mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The comparative effect of taurine (TAU) and vitamin E (VIT E) was evaluated on learning and memory in acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Methods Twenty animals weighing (100-120 g) were divided into four groups (A-D) of five rat each. Animals in Group A (control) received 0.5 ml of distilled water only while those in Group B received 100 mg/kg of acetaminophen (ACE) only. Animals in Group C received 100 mg/kg of taurine plus ACE while those in Group D received 0.5ml of Vitamin E plus ACE. The administration was done once daily for sixty days during which learning and memory of the animals were assessed using elevated plus maze and novel object recognition for rats. Results Animals in Groups A, B, C and D were able to locate the closed arm at an average of 41.0 ± 13.2 s, 67.0 ± 13.5 s, 56.3±16.6 s and 32.2± 12.1 s respectively. During the training phase, the TAU + ACE animals explored the object presented to them more (67.99 %) compared with the control and other groups. The VIT E + ACE animals have the least percentage (51.94%) in exploring the novel object that was presented to them. During the consolidation phase, the control group explored the novel object presented to them more (75.62%) when compared with the other groups. The VIT E + ACE animals have the least percentage (64.15%) in exploring the novel object that was presented to the animals. Conclusion Available evidence from this study showed that animals in acetaminophen and control groups were able to explore the elevated plus maze faster than the taurine plus acetaminophen and vitamin E plus acetaminophen groups. It also demonstrated that TAU and VIT E have protective effects on acetaminophen-associated learning and memory impairment in male rats which might be elucidated by antioxidative effects, facilitation of neurotransmitter activity and secretion of the hormone corticosterone.Read Complete Article at ijSciences: V72018071759 AND DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.1759

The contraceptive effect of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber for thirty days on reproductive hormones of female albino rats was investigated. Twenty four female albino rats weighing 150-220g were completely randomized into four groups (A-D) comprising six rats each. Animals in Group A (control) were administered 0.5ml of distilled water. Animals in groups B, C and D received 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea villosa tuber respectively for 30 consecutive days. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of

Physicochemical properties, metal analysis and fatty acid profile were carried out on Python regius fat with a view to ascertaining the immense therapeutic claim by traditional medical practitioners. Physicochemical analysis showed that the fat is lower than that of

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a form of malnutrition that is common in children under 5 years of age in the developing countries and even the developed countries. Young children are the most vulnerable to the vicious cycles of malnutrition, infection and disability, all of which influence the present condition of a child and the future human resource development of the nation as a whole. The prevalence of PEM in the children under five years of age has been shown not to witness a great improvement in Tanzania. It even increased in some districts including Kigoma District. Thus, this research was designed to assess the factors contributing to the high prevalence of PEM in children under 5 years of age in Kigoma District Hospital of Tanzania. This study was a cross-sectional study that involved randomly selected 100 women, who had children under 5 years of age. The women and their children were assessed for their nutritional status and the factors that affect the nutritional status. The results showed a high prevalence of PEM in the children under 5 years of age as shown by the clinical symptoms such as poor weight gain, slowed linear growth, behavioral changes, anemia, muscle wasting, peripheral edema, glossitis, cheilosis, sparse hair and nail spooning. The poor socioeconomic status that might have resulted from poverty was also indicated. The high prevalence of PEM in Kigoma District could be due to infections and low educational status of the mother resulting in poor nutritional status of their children.

The hypolipidaemic effect of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera in experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic rats was investigated. Thirty six (36) wistar rats of both sexes weighing 130.53±4.86 were used for the study. The animals were completely randomized into six groups (A-F) comprising 6 animals each. Groups A, B and C comprise female rats administered 1 ml of distilled water, high dose of 600 mg/kg and low dose of 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. Groups D, E and F comprise male rats administered 1 ml of distilled water, high dose of 600 mg/kg and low dose of 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. Hypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding the animals with high fat diet for 21 days before administration of the extract. After the 21 days of feeding, administration of extract lasted for 14 days. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanol leaf extract of M. oleifera contains alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates and cardiac glycosides. Only the high dose female group (600 mg/kg body weight) lost or maintained their body weight significantly (p 0.05) altered in the male group administered low dose and high dose, showing that the dose of the extract slightly affected their weight. For serum lipids, serum total cholesterol concentration in both male and female reduced significantly (p 0.05) affected in other groups. Serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) level also reduced significantly (p 0.05) altered for those that received low doses (300 mg/kg body weight) of the extract. There was no significant (p>0.05) reduction in the LDLC of the male rats. Serum triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration in male and female rats reduced significantly (p

The hypoglycaemic potentials of frog oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Thirty six male albino rats weighing 120.47±2.52 g was completely randomized into six groups (A-F) comprising 6 animals each. Animals in group A (control) were administered 1 ml of distilled water while those in groups B, C, D, E and F were induced with diabetes mellitus by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (180mg/kg body weight) and in addition were respectively administered distilled water, metformin (a reference antidiabetic drug), 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg body weight of frog oil once daily. Treatment with the oil lasted for 14 days during which blood glucose level and selected biochemical parameters were determined. The results showed that there was significant (p

In Nigeria, malaria is a major public health problem and there are high cost of the effective antimalarial drugs, poor quality drugs and increased emergence of Plasmodial resistance. Thus, there is a need for alternative source of medicine in malaria treatment and prevention. The antimalarial potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus was investigated in this present study. Twenty five Swiss albino rats with average weight of 30.80g were distributed into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) with five mice per group. Group B was infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum and 0.1ml Chloroquine (Bini Laboratories Pvt Ltd). Group C, D, and E were infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum treated with 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg of Cymbopogon citratus extracts respectively for three days. The mice infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum were observed for 72 hours for general symptoms of malaria. The mice tail was punctured, blood was examined under light microscope (x10) resolution) and several malaria parasites were found. Significant decrease of parasitemia levels was observed in 120 mg/kg body weight treated group compared to 0.1 ml Chloroquine the positive control. The result showed that Cymbopogon citratus possessed a good antimalarial property and can be use for prophylactic and chemotherapeutic purposes.