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Introduction: In general medicine, male sexual dysfunction is a major source of worry and consultation. Finding alternative substances like plants to regulate these disturbances is motivated by the side effects of standard aphrodisiac medicines. In the current investigation, male rats were used to test the aphrodisiac effects of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus asper leaves. Methodology: Aphrodisiac effect of the extract was evaluated following a single daily administration of Hibiscus asper at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters such as mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission and ejaculatory latencies, sexual motivation were monitored on days 1, 4 and 8. At the end of the experiment, the grapping test was assessed, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for the evaluation of cholesterol, fructose, proteins, acid phosphatase, testosterone, and other androgen-dependent enzymes. Some androgen-dependent organs, such as the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and levator ani muscle, were also removed for biochemical and histological analysis. Results: The administration of the aqueous extract of H. asper leaves had a significant impact on sexual behaviour, increasing mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and ejaculatory latency (EL), and reducing mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). There was also an enhancement in orientational activities, libido, arousal and potency. Cholesterol, acid phosphatase, vesicular fructose, proteins, nitric oxide and testosterone levels were all significantly increased in treated animals. Conclusion: These findings support the traditional use of H. asper leaves to enhance male sexual behavior by demonstrating the aphrodisiac potential of these plants.

Background and Aim: Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in hypertensive diabetic patients. They develop due to microvasculopathy, myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. In the present study, the activity of aqueous extract of Erythrina senegalensis on cardiovascular complications in diabetic hypertensive rats was evaluated. Experimental Procedure: The model of hypertensive diabetic rats was obtained by daily oral administration of sucrose (15%) and 40° ethanol at doses of 1.5 and 5 g/kg respectively for six weeks, followed by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). After four weeks of complications, the diabetic hypertensive rats were divided into six groups of 5 animals each, and received the different treatments for four weeks where blood glucose level was taken weekly. At the end of the treatments, the animals were anaesthetised and the arterial pressures and electrocardiograph were recorded by the direct method. Then the aorta and heart were removed for biochemical calorimetric analysis and histological evaluation. Results and Conclusion: In the diabetic hypertensive animals the results showed chronic hyperglycaemia associated with high blood pressure. On the electrocardiogram there was a cardiac arrhythmia manifested by a significant decrease in the duration of the PR, QRS, RR, QTc segments, ST interval, P, QRS and T waves, a decrease in the amplitude of the QRS and T waves. There was a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride atherogenic index and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol with a change in the cardiac ionogram and oxidative status in the aorta and heart. The different treatments improved these parameters and cardiovascular function. These results suggest that the extract of E. senegalensis by the presence of several bioactive compounds would possess cardioprotective, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive and antioxidant properties.

Background: Bone fracture is a condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone due to traumatic or pathological factors. Fracture management includes orthopedic, surgical, non-surgical techniques and drug treatments. However, these treatments possess a limitation. Facilitating bone healing process reduce the cost, the time of treatment and is also beneficial for a quick recovery of the patient. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the mixture aqueous extracts from Oxalis corniculata and Acmella caulirhiza on the bone formation. Methodology: Wistar female rats were fractured using a drill machine by inserting a drill bit in the femur diaphysis. Fractured animals were subdivided into five groups. One group receiving palm oil, four groups receiving the mixture of plant extracts at the doses of 150, 300, 600 mg/kg or diclofenac at the dose of 357 mg/kg. Substances were given via percutaneous and oral routes for two weeks. At the end of the experimental period, bones were collected and homogenized for the evaluation of the following biochemical parameters: alkaline phosphatase (ALP); reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrites, superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. Moreover, histomorphometry of the bone at the fracture site was realized. Results: Percutaneous treatment with the plant extracts resulted in a significant increase of ALP activity (p

Introduction:Kalanchoe pinnataextracts have been shown to possess beneficial cardiovascular effects, analgesic and myorelaxant activities. This study aimed at evaluating the haematological and anti-fatigue effects of its aqueous extract. Materials and methods: This was anin vivopharmacological experiment, carried out in the Laboratory of Zoology, University of Buea, from January to May 2018. A total of 48 mice were subjected to a 90mins/day-free endurance swimming test for 14 days. Two groups of mice received distilled water and 12% NaCl solution, respectively. Five groups received the plant extract (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and 200mg/kg/day+NaCl. One positive control group received 5% Vitamin C (1.97mg/kg/day). All administrations were by gavage. Maximum swimming time, glycaemia, lactatemia, uremia, triglyceridemia, haematological indices, tissue glutathion peroxidase, malondialdehyde, glucose and creatine kinase-MB in the heart or gastrocnemius muscle were measured. Results:K. pinnata(50 and 100mg/kg/day) induced a non-significant increase of the swimming duration, compared to neutral control. However, the 12%NaCl group recorded a significant (PK. pinnata(200mg/kg/day). Conclusions: Significant biochemical variations support the hypothesis thatK. pinnatacould be used to delay exercise induced fatigue.&nbsp

Introduction:Development of a new galenic form containing vegetables extracts for paediatric use could be a good therapeutic alternative to overcome chemoresistance and therapeutic failures observed with conventional antimalarial drugs. The aim of this work was to verify in laboratory rats, the toxicity of hydroethanolic extract from stem and leaf powder ofA. annua(Asteraceae), in order to provide scientific evidence to support its use in rectal dosage forms preparation. Methodology:Acute toxicity assessment was possible by performing OECD Test Guideline 425, 2008 limit test in laboratory rats. Examination of spontaneous exploratory activities and motor coordination was respectively realized according to methods described by Colman, 2015 and Deacon, 2013. In addition, we monitored body weight changes, food and water consumption including the impact of extract on relative organs weight such as liver, kidney, lung and heart. Results:Single administration ofA. annuastem and leaf extract at 5000mg/kg was not toxic in rats, even less to liver, kidney, lungs and heart functions. Elsewhere it was noted that consumption ofA. annuaextract significant increase curiosity and motor activity (number of lines crossed: 76.50 s ± 45.30; grasping time: 92.25 ± 38.85) compared to control (number of lines crossed: 54.00 ± 20.78 s; grasping time: 51.00 s ± 20.28). Conclusion:Extract of stems and leaves ofA. annuaat 5000mg/kg can be considered non-hazardous and non-toxic category 5 according to the Harmonised System of Classification of Toxic Substances.

Background and aim: Kalanchoe pinnata is an herbal medicine used in Cameroon against cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension and myocardial infarction are among key risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. This research aimed to investigate antihypertensive effect of Kalanchoe pinnata in salt loaded myocardial infarcted rats and possible mechanism of action on vascular smooth muscle. Experimental procedure: Thirty rats were equally distributed into six groups: neutral, negative and positive controls and three test groups (administered extract 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Hypertension was induced by salt loading (18%) meanwhile myocardial infarction was by injection of 100mg/kg isoproterenol. The 28 day-In vivo treatment was followed by evaluation of systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, and troponin level. Ten untreated rats were used for the in vitro study, to investigate vasorelaxant mechanism. Results and conclusion: Treated rats showed significant increase of systolic (46.3%) and diastolic (73.5%) pressures. Troponine level increased by 400%. Extract at highest dose (150mg/kg) reduced these increases by 29.1%, 41.3% and 52% respectively. Extract (1.5mg/mL) caused a vasorelaxation (62.79%) in the presence of endothelium. Endothelium removal did not significantly modify the effect of the extract in KCl pre-contracted rings. In the same way, in rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine, the extract (1.5mg/mL) did not significantly modify the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside. However, methylene blue, a NO-cGMP inhibitor significantly reduced (P

Objective: Poor control of hypercholesterolemia which mediated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction leads to atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects of Adansonia digitata (AD) in heated palm oil/cholesterol supplemented with egg yolk in rat. Methods: Quantitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of A. digitata was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential was evaluated. The antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerosis activity of A. digitata was evaluated by inducing hypercholesterolemia in rats with heated palm oil/cholesterol diet supplemented with egg yolk for 10 w. At the end of the induction period, animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each after 6 w of induction: Group I (normocholesterolemic rat, NCR), Group II (hypercholesterolemia rat, HCR), Group III (Atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), Groups IV (AD. 100 mg/kg) and V (AD. 200 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters, lipid profile, atherogenic indices and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Results: Adansonia digitata significantly reduced the systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP), pulsatile pressure (PP) and heart rate compared to the hypercholesterolemic group. Plant extract reveal important flavonoids and phenolic contents and has significant in vivo antioxidant efficacy. The higher dose (200 mg/kg) of the extract significantly reduced in the level of total cholesterol by 27.29 %, triglycerides by 27.60 % and the LDL-c by 36.04 % meanwhile the HDL-c increased by 277.47 % when compared to 5HPOC treated group. Atorvastatin (2 mg/kg) administered in addition to 5HPOC significantly improved in lipid profile as compared to untreated rats. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of aorta of 5HPOC-treated rats indicated that the aqueous extract of A. digitata significantly attenuated atherosclerosis lesions. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. digitata possessed antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects via modulation overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction.

Background: Pterocarpus santalinoides stem bark is commonly used in Cameroonian medicine to treat many diseases including hypertension. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate preventive effects of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (AEPS) stem bark on NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (LNAME)-induced hypertension in rat. Methods: Normotensive rats received L-NAME (25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) concomitantly with AEPS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) or captopril (20 mg/kg) orally during 3 weeks. At the end of experimental period, arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded by invasive method. After sacrifice, blood, aorta and heart were harvested for biochemical analysis on homogenate. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of L-NAME induced in rat a significant increase (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.05) of blood pressure, heart rate, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, hepatic and renal markers functions. L-NAME also decreased significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.05) the levels of HDL-cholesterol, nitrites, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as compared to control rats. The AEPS prevented significantly the increase (p < 0.001) of hemodynamic parameters induced by L-NAME and various modifications of biochemical parameters (lipid profile, hepatic and renal markers functions) and oxidative stress markers evaluated. Conclusion: This study shows that the aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides prevents hypertension, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress induced by L-NAME in rat by attenuating endothelial dysfunction, liver and kidney’s damages.

Objectives Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases amongst which are hepatic disorders. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties have been reported but, there is no scientific information on its hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the curative effects of the Tithonia diversifolia (T. diversifolia) leaves aqueous extract on ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods Ethanol 40° (4 g/kg) was administered daily by intragastric gavage for 21 days, and then the extract was administered concomitantly with ethanol for two more weeks. Some biochemical serum and tissue parameters were evaluated. Histopathologic analysis of the liver was carried out. Results The ingestion of ethanol induced a significant reduction of body weight and a significant increase in some markers of hepatic function (Alanine Amino-transferase, Aspartate Amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl-transferase, total bilirubin and albumin). These alterations were accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of serum triglycerides (p Conclusion Our study found that, the aqueous extract of T. diversifolia leaves has hepato-protective activity against ethanol-induced liver damages due partly to its antioxidant effect. This result justifies its empirical use for the treatment of liver problems.

Background: Most cardiovascular troubleshot ultimately result of endothelial dysfunction-induced hypertension, an intractable problem in modern medicine. Fagara tessmannii, a shrub of the African rainforests found in Cameroon is traditionally used to treat heart diseases and hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of the aqueous extract of F. tessmannii (AEFT) on arterial hypertension induced by NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). Methods: Male Wistar rats received saline (5 mL.kg-1 , intraperitoneally) or L-NAME (25 mg.kg-1 ; intraperitoneally), L-NAME + AEFT (100 or 200 mg.kg-1 ; orally) or captopril (20 mg.kg-1 ; orally) for three weeks. Then, blood and pulse pressures (BP and PP), heart rate, lipid profile, kidney, liver and heart function markers and oxidative status were evaluated. Results: AEFT (100 and 200 mg.kg-1 ) prevented the increase in BP (p < 0.001), PP (p < 0.01), and heart rate (p < 0.05) induced by L-NAME. The extract has suppressed the decline of weight gain, visceral fat and triglyceridemia, decreased total cholesterol, increased HDL-cholesterol, and significantly reduced (p < 0.001) atherogenic and coronary risk indicators. AEFT also improved the liver, kidney and heart markers, nitrites levels and prevented TBARS enhancement as compared to the hypertensive group. The remodeling of the media and fibrosis process in coronaries were also prevented by the extract. Conclusion: These results suggest that AEFT can prevent endothelial dysfunction-induced hypertension, dyslipidemia and associated atherogenic risks, and oxidative stress induced by L-NAME.

Objective: To evaluate the antimalarial activity of the aqueous extract of Euphorbia (E.) cordifolia Elliot against Plasmodium (P.) berghei-infected mice. Methods: Thirty healthy Swiss mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 200 μL of P. berghei parasitized-erythrocytes and divided into five groups, and then daily treated for 5 d with single dose of 10 mL/kg of distilled water for malaria control, 10 mg/kg of chloroquine for the chloroquine control and 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of E. cordifolia for the three test groups. Parasitaemia was monitored by Giemsa-staining. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Organs were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Statistical significance (P

Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. (Mt) is a Cameroonian medicinal plant, traditionally used to treat painful and inflammatory illness. This study aimed to examine the effects of methanol leaves extract (MLE) of Mt in D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. The MLE (100 and 200 mg/kg), Ascorbic acid (10 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered 12 h and 1 h before intraperitoneal injection of D-GaIN (10 mg/mouse)/LPS (0.1 μg/g). Animals were sacrificed 6 h after D-GalN/LPS challenge. Liver injury was assessed biochemically by determination of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrites, total protein and bilirubin levels were explored. Histopathological examination of liver tissue was also performed. Liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, ALP) activity, nitrites, MDA and bilirubin levels were increased, while protein level, SOD and catalase activities were significantly reduced by D-GalN/LPS administration. MLE (100 or 200 mg/kg) protected mice against D-GalN/LPS-induced death. In addition, the plant extract significantly reduced ALAT and ALP activity, exhibiting 23.00% and 62.20% protection, respectively. SOD activity and total protein were significantly (p D-GaIN/LPS-induced liver injury. The obtained results showed that MLE of Mt may possess hepatoprotective effects. Protection afforded by MLE against D-GalN/LPS-induced fulminant liver injury may result from reduction of oxidative stress.

High blood pressure (HBP) is currently one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Nowadays, populations make extensive use of alternative medicine for their health problems. Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa) and Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) are used individually in the traditional treatment of cardiovascular disorders. This study assessed the effects of the mixture of these two plants aqueous extract on HBP in rats. Male rats (42) were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats each. Normotensive rats received only distilled water and formed group 1. The other animals received ethanol + salt preceded by distilled water (10 mL/kg; group 2) and spironolactone (10 mg/kg; group 3); the aqueous extracts of the mixture (100 and 200 mg/kg; groups 4 and 5) isolated plants B. pilosa (200 mg/kg; group 6) and C. citratus (200 mg/kg; group 7). Animals were treated for 7 weeks during which water consumption and urine volume were assessed; then, hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and rats were sacrificed. Serum and some organs (liver, kidney, heart, and aorta) were used to evaluate biochemical parameters. Ingestion of ethanol + salt leads to a significant increase in urinary volume and water intake that were significantly prevented by the extracts from the mixture and isolated plants. Ethanol + salt solution significantly increased the blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-chol), atherogenic indices, liver and kidney function parameters, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-chol), albumin, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly reduced. The extracts of the mixture and isolated plants significantly prevented all these variations with a more pronounced action for the lowest dose of the mixture on the lipid profile, oxidative stress, and kidney function. These observations confirm the beneficial effects of B. pilosa and C. citratus to manage hypertension.

Pharmacological treatments against Alzheimer disease provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with numerous side effects. Previous studies showed that a concoction of Ziziphus jujuba leaves possesses anti-amnesic effects in scopolamine-treated rats. More recently, an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba leaves has been shown to reduce short-term memory impairment in D-galactose-treated rats. However, no study on the effect of an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba on long-term memory impairment was performed. Therefore, this study evaluates the effect of an aqueous macerate of Z. jujuba on long-term spatial memory impairment in D-galactose-treated rats. Long-term spatial memory impairment was induced in rats by administering D-galactose (350 mg/kg/day, s.c.), once dailyfor 21 days. On the 22nd day, the integrity of this memory was assessed using the Morris water maze task. Rats that developed memory impairment were treated with tacrine (10 mg/kg, p.o.), or aspirin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), or extract (41.5, 83, and 166 mg/kg, p.o.), once daily, for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, memory impairment was once more assessed using the same paradigm. Animals were then euthanized, and some pro-inflammatory cytokine markers were analyzed in the hippocampus or blood. The extract at all doses significantly reduced the latency to attain the platforming of the water maze test. The extract (83 mg/kg) also increased the time spent in the target quadrant during the retention phase. The extract markedly reduced the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine markers in the hippocampus and blood. Together, these results suggest that this aqueous extract Z. jujuba reduces long-term spatial memory impairment. This effect may be mediated in part by its anti-inflammatory activity.

High blood pressure (HBP) is currently one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Nowadays, populations make extensive use of alternative medicine for their health problems.

Hypertension (HT) is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effect ofNymphaea lotus(N. lotus) on erectile dysfunction induced by NO deficiency in rat. 40 male rats equally divided into 4 groups received an oral treatment with 10 mg/kg/day of L-NAME, a NO blocker, during 4 weeks. Control group composed of 10 male rats received only distilled water (10 mL/kg). Thereafter oral treatments withN. lotus(75 and 200 mg/kg/day) and losartan (10 mg/kg/day) started and continued concomitantly with L-NAME in 3 groups for 4 additional weeks. Normal and negative controls received only distilled water. Sexual behaviour, orientation activities, anxiety, and penile histomorphology were evaluated at the end of treatment. L-NAME administration elevated significantly the blood pressure in male rats and decreased the copulatory rate by enhancing intromission latency and decreasing the numbers of intromission and ejaculation. However, the sexual motivation remains unaltered by chronic NO blockage suggesting that L-NAME induces penile dysfunction mainly by peripheral mechanisms. L-NAME chronic intake also induced anxiety, 4 weeks ofN. lotuscotreatment prevented inhibitory effects of L-NAME on male sexual behaviour by shortening mainly ejaculation latency and postejaculatory interval while losartan does not. Losartan proved to be a more effective drug to decrease the blood pressure compared to the plant extract. Effectively,Nymphea lotuswas able to reverse totally at 75 mg/kg the increment of hemodynamic parameters and the histological damage and exhibit anxiolytic-like effects in hypertensive male rats.Nymphaea lotususes NO pathway to facilitate sexual responses at central and peripheral levels and can have a double medicinal use, against anxiety and erectile dysfunction.

Aims: The present research was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential of aqueous extract of Albizia ferruginea stem bark. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Biology and Physiology (Animal Physiology Laboratory), Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I. between March 2012 and June 2016. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyzes were done.The anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was investigated on carrageenan, histamine, serotonin or dextran-induced paw oedema. The analgesic activity was evaluated on acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociception, hot plate and tail immersion tests in Swiss albino mice. The antipyretic activity of A. ferruginea extract was assessed on brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the AEAF revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoïds, phenols, saponins, tannins, glycosides, tannins and steroids. For quantitative phytochemical analysis, total flavonols represent 0.12±0.04 mg EQT/g dried extract and the total phenol content was 58.69±0.65 mg ECA/g dried extract. The total flavonoids content was 0.18±0.01mg EQT/g dried extract).The total alkaloids presented a grade of 27.45±0.14 mg EBER/g dried extract. Carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced inflammation were significantly inhibited by A. ferruginea’s extract (200 mg/kg), exhibiting 55.47%, 50.26%, 62.88% and 42.59% inhibition, respectively. Acetic acid-induced writhing was significantly reduced by the plant extract. The extract of Albizia ferruginea (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the second phase of formalin test. The analgesic tests revealed that A. ferruginea had only peripheral analgesic effect. Additionally, the plant’s extract prevented brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that A. ferruginea’s aqueous extract has anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antipyretic properties and this strongly supports the ethnopharmacological uses.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Xylopia staudtii is a medicinal plant which fruits are traditionally used in western Cameroon as a spice in the preparation of soups known for their abdominal cramp relieving properties. Often identified as Xylopia africana, its bark is used in the treatment of dysentery in Mont Cameroun localities. This plant could therefore contain active ingredients against intestinal pathogens, including Shigella spp, which are responsible of the deathly dysenteric diarrhoea. Aim of the study This study aims to assess the efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract from Xylopia staudtii bark in immunodepressed mice infected with Shigella flexneri. Materials and methods Qualitative detection of compounds in the crude extract was done using UPLC–DAD–(HR) ESI-MS analysis in an attempt to link the activity to the chemical composition. The MIC and the MBC of the extract was determined using broth dilution method. Shigellosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Shigella flexneri to immunodepressed mice pretreated with streptomycin. These infected mice were then treated with the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), and reference substances (ciprofloxacin and saline). During the 9 days of treatment, animal morphology, fecal pathology and deaths were recorded. At the end of the treatment period, blood and organs were collected from any surviving animals for hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results The extract was found to be significantly active, with a bactericidal effect against Shigella and a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli. It was able to reduce and stop the faecal pathology caused by the infection in mice, as well as the rate of deaths which was brought to zero (0) in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. The bacteria load in faeces was reduced by 100% in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. Xylopia staudtii extract elicited anti-inflammatory properties by reducing MPO activity and Lcn2 intestinal level. It also prevents damages in the intestinal tissue and the shortening of colon which characterise Shigella infection. The serum level of ASAT, ALAT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in animals treated with the extract was similar to those of normal animal used in the study. These activities of the plant may be due at least in part to the presence of ent-kauran type diterpens such as kaurenoic acid identified in the extract. Conclusion These findings support the usage of Xylopia staudtii as an antimicrobial against bacillary dysentery, making this plant a potential candidate for the formulation of an improved standardized traditional medicine.

Nephropathies and especially nephrotoxicity have become one of the serious causes of life-threatening conditions because of intensive exposure to xenobiotic whether by environmental pollution or by drug abuse. The present study was undertaken to assess the protective effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum stem bark aqueous extract (AECZ) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. AECZ was prepared by maceration in water and tested orally at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day to prevent gentamicin-induced nephropathies in male Wistar rats. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 consecutive days by intraperitoneal route, concomitantly with AECZ or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) used as reference drug. Animal body weight was monitored during the treatment. After the last treatment on the 14th day, animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for the evaluation of hematological and renal function biomarkers. The homogenate of one kidney was used to assess oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines, while the other one was fixed in formaldehyde for histopathological studies. Gentamicin decreased body weight, serum total proteins, and calcium level but increased kidneys' relative weight, serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Moreover, the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were decreased, while an increase in malondialdehyde, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and nitrites was observed in the negative control group as compared to normal control. Histological analysis of the kidney revealed the presence of tubular necrosis, glomerular degeneration, and macrophage infiltration in the gentamicin-treated group. All these impairment parameters were prevented by AECZ and silymarin treatments. AECZ has a protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of this extract may highly contribute to its nephroprotective activity.

Nephropathies and especially nephrotoxicity has become one of serious cause of life threatening condition, because of intensive exposure to xenobiotic either by environmental pollution or drug abuse. The present study was undertaken to assess the protective effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum stem-bark aqueous extract (AECZ) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. AECZ was prepared by maceration in water and tested orally at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day to prevent gentamicin induced nephropathies in male Wistar rats. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 consecutive days by intraperitoneal route, concomitantly with AECZ or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) used as reference drug. Animal body weight was monitored during the treatment. After the last treatment of the 14 th day, a 24h urine was collected and animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for the evaluation of hematological and renal function biomarkers. The homogenate of one kidney was used to assess oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokine, while the other one was fixed in formaldehyde for histopathological studies. Gentamicin decreased body weight, serum total proteins and calcemia, but increased kidneys relative weight, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. Moreover, the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were decreased, while an increase in malondialdehyde, proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6) and nitrites were observed in negative control group as compared to normal control. Histological analysis of the kidney revealed the presence of tubular necrosis, glomerular degeneration and macrophage infiltration in gentamicin treated group. All these impairment parameters were prevented by AECZ and silymarin treatments.AECZ has a protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of this extract may highly contribute to its nephroprotective activity.

Nephropathies and especially nephrotoxicity have become one of the serious causes of life-threatening conditions because of intensive exposure to xenobiotic whether by environmental pollution or by drug abuse. The present study was undertaken to assess the protective effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum stem bark aqueous extract (AECZ) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. AECZ was prepared by maceration in water and tested orally at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day to prevent gentamicin-induced nephropathies in male Wistar rats. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 consecutive days by intraperitoneal route, concomitantly with AECZ or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) used as reference drug. Animal body weight was monitored during the treatment. After the last treatment on the 14th day, animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for the evaluation of hematological and renal function biomarkers. The homogenate of one kidney was used to assess oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines, while the other one was fixed in formaldehyde for histopathological studies. Gentamicin decreased body weight, serum total proteins, and calcium level but increased kidneys’ relative weight, serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Moreover, the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were decreased, while an increase in malondialdehyde, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and nitrites was observed in the negative control group as compared to normal control. Histological analysis of the kidney revealed the presence of tubular necrosis, glomerular degeneration, and macrophage infiltration in the gentamicin-treated group. All these impairment parameters were prevented by AECZ and silymarin treatments. AECZ has a protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of this extract may highly contribute to its nephroprotective activity.

Background. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that affects about 44 million people worldwide. The available treatments target symptoms rather than the underlying causes. Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae) is widely used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat diabetes, pain, infections, and dementia. Previous studies reported that Z. jujuba aqueous macerate improves working memory impairment, but no study on the antiamnesic effect of a concoction of Z. jujuba in rats has been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antiamnesic and neuroprotective effects of an aqueous extract of Z. jujuba on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in rats. Methods. Learning and memory impairments were induced in rats by administering scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) to 58 rats for 15 days. Rats that developed learning and memory impairments in Morris water maze and Y-maze paradigms were divided into 7 groups (8 rats each) and treated daily for 15 days as follows: the normal control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), the negative control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), positive control groups either received donepezil (1.2 mg/kg, p.o.) or tacrine (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and the three test groups were given the extract (29, 57, and 114 mg/kg, p.o.). At the end of treatments, learning and memory impairments were determined using the same paradigms. Animals were then euthanized, and biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were analyzed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results. On the 4th day of the acquisition phase in the Morris water maze, Z. jujuba (29 and 114 mg/kg) reduced ( p < 0.001 ) the latency to reach the platform, while in the retention phase, Z. jujuba (57 and 114 mg/kg) decreased ( p < 0.001 ) the time to reach the platform and increased the time in the target quadrant ( p < 0.05 ) compared to control. Surprisingly, the extract failed to affect spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze. Furthermore, the extract (29, 57, and 114 mg/kg) reversed ( p < 0.001 ) scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This was supported by the reduction of neuronal alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Conclusions. Compared to donepezil, a standard drug against Alzheimer’s disease, these findings suggest that Z. jujuba extract possesses antiamnesic and neuroprotective effects, and these effects are mediated in part through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. These findings help to explain its use in treating psychiatric disorders in Cameroon’s folk medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive cognitive dysfunction. However, pharmacological treatments are symptomatic and have many side effects, opening the opportunity to alternative medicine. This study investigated the antiamnesic effect of the aqueous extract of Ziziphus jujuba on D-galactose-induced working memory impairment in rats. Impairment of working memory was induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of D-galactose (350 mg/kg/day) to rats for 21 days. These animals were then subjected to object recognition and Y-maze tests. Rats with confirmed memory impairment were treated per os (p.o.) with tacrine (10 mg/kg), aspirin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), extract (41.5, 83, and 166 mg/kg, p.o.), and distilled water (10 mL/kg, p.o.) daily for 14 days. At the end of the treatments, alteration in working memory was assessed using the above paradigms. Afterward, these animals were euthanized, and cholinergic, proinflammatory, and neuronal damage markers were analyzed in the prefrontal cortex. Rats administered D-galactose and treated with distilled water had impaired working memory (evidenced by decreased time spent on the novel object and discrimination index) and decreased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze. D-galactose also decreased the levels of acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine and increased the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Treatment with the extract (166 mg/kg) reversed the time spent on the novel object and the discrimination index. It equally increased the percentage of spontaneous alternation. Neurochemical analysis revealed that the extract markedly alleviated acetylcholinesterase activity and neuroinflammation. These observations were corroborated by the reduction in neuronal loss. Taken together, these results suggest that Ziziphus jujuba aqueous extract possesses an antiamnesic effect. This effect seems to involve cholinergic and anti-inflammatory modulations. This, therefore, claims using this plant in the treatment of dementia in Cameroon subject to further studies and trials.

Vitex cienkowskii stem-bark is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases including hypertension. In previous studies, the methanol/methylene chloride stem-bark extract of Vitex cienkowskii (MMVC) showed a preventive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertension and improved blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study investigated the curative effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats (LNHR). Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. The animals were divided into 2 groups: one group of 5 rats receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg) and another 20 rats receiving L-NAME. At the end of 4 weeks of administration of L-NAME, the animals were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each: one group of hypertensive rats receiving distilled water, another one receiving captopril (25 mg/kg), and two groups of hypertensive rats receiving MMVC at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Body weight, food, and water intake were measured weekly. At the end of the treatment, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded by invasive method. Whole heart, left ventricle, kidneys, and liver were weighed. The effects of plant extract on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers, as well as markers of hepatic and renal functions were assessed spectrophotometrically according to well described protocols. Results show that L-NAME significantly increases the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), atherogenic index, lipid profile, and creatinine and transaminase activities of normotensive rats. MMVC significantly reduced the blood pressure in LNHR. Body weight, food and water intake, left ventricular hypertrophy, antioxidant level, renal and hepatic markers, and lipid profile were improved by the treatment with MMVC. The curative effect of MMVC on L-NAME-induced hypertension is probably related to its antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties. These results confirmed the use of Vitex cienkowskii for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicine.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Malaria is a life-threatening health problem worldwide and treatment remains a major challenge. Natural products from medicinal plants are credible sources for better anti-malarial drugs. Aim of the study: This study aimed at assessing the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Bridelia atroviridis bark. Materials and methods: The phytochemical characterization of Bridelia atroviridis extract was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The cytotoxicity test on Vero cells was carried out using the resazurin-based assay while the in vitro antiplasmodial activity was determined on Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2 strain, chloroquine resistant) using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay. The in vivo assay was performed on Plasmodium berghei-infected rats daily treated for 5 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg) for malaria control, 25 mg/kg of chloroquine sulfate for positive control and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of B. atroviridis extract for the three test groups. Parasitaemia was daily monitored using 10% giemsa-staining thin blood smears. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis while organs were removed for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: The HPLC-MS analysis data of B. atroviridis revealed the presence of bridelionoside D, isomyricitrin, corilagin, myricetin and 5 others compounds not yet identified. Bridelia atroviridis exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity with the IC50 evaluated at 8.08 mu g/mL and low cytotoxicity with the median cytotoxic concentration (CC50) higher than 100 mu g/mL. B. atroviridis extract significantly reduced the parasitemia (p < 0.05) with an effective dose-50 (ED-50) of 89 mg/kg. B. atroviridis also prevented anemia, leukocytosis and liver and kidneys impairment by decrease of transaminases, ALP, creatinine, uric acid, and triglycerides concentrations. As well, B. atroviridis extract decreased some pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6) levels and significantly improved the anti-inflammatory status (P < 0.01) of infected animals marked by a decrease of IL-10 concentration. These results were further confirmed by the improved of antioxidant status and the quasi-normal microarchitecture of the liver, kidneys and spleen in test groups. Overall, the hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis demonstrated antimalarial property and justified its use in traditional medicine to manage malaria disease.

Objective Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. is a food plant used in African traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions. We assessed the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of the aqueous extract of I. batatas leaves in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Methods Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by exclusive feeding with a cholesterol-enriched (1%) standard diet for four weeks. Then, rats were treated once daily (per os) with I. batatas extract at doses of 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg or with atorvastatin (2 mg/kg), for four weeks. Following treatment, animals were observed for another four weeks and then sacrificed. Aortas were excised and processed for histopathological studies, and blood glucose level and lipid profile were measured. Results Hypercholesterolemic animals experienced a 21.5% faster increase in body weight, significant increases in blood glucose and blood lipids (148.94% triglycerides, 196.97% high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 773.04% low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 148.93% very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 210.42% total cholesterol), and increases in aorta thickness and atherosclerotic plaque sizes compared to rats fed standard diet. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with the extract mitigated these alterations and restored blood glucose and blood lipid levels to normocholesterolemic values. Conclusion Our findings suggest that I. batatas leaves have hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties and justify their use in traditional medicine.

Bridelia atroviridis Müll. Arg. (B. atroviridis) is a plant used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to manage diabetes. The effects of hydroethanolic barks extract from B. atroviridis were evaluated on diabetes disorders including hematology, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the hydroethanolic bark extract (70 : 30) was evaluated. Nicotinamide-/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were daily treated with the B. atroviridis extract for fifteen days. Glycemia were evaluated every 5 days, insulin sensibility test was performed, and haematological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters were analysed. Histomorphometry of the pancreas was realized. The extract was able to scavenge free radicals in vitro and decrease significantly the blood glucose levels. The treatment resulted in a significant alleviation of insulin resistance, anemia, leukocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia observed in untreated diabetic rats. The extract significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10. The rate of reduced glutathione was increased in the pancreas, whereas the catalase activity and nitrite concentration were decreased. Diabetic control showed a reduced size of Langerhans islet, whereas the size of islets was large in treated groups. The hydroethanolic extract of B. atroviridis was able to improve glycemia and alleviate haematological and inflammatory parameters disorders observed in diabetic conditions, probably due to its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capacities.

Introduction: Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) aqueous extract antihypertensive property has been proven. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and potential cardioprotective effects of the extract in isoproterenol treated rat. Methods: A total of 35 adult wistar rats were randomly and evenly distributed into groups 1-7 then treated for 28days. Control groups 1-3 received 10mL/kg water (per os, neutral), 150mg/kg isoproterenol (ISO, sc, 48 and 24hours prior to sacrifice, negative) and ISO plus 10mg/kg propranolol (per os, ten days prior to sacrifice, positive). Safety test groups (4-6) received K. pinnata extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg per os). Cardioprotective test group 7 received K. pinnata (100mg/kg per os) and ISO. The sacrifice of rats was carried out on day 29 and blood collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Liver, kidney and heart were collected weighed and preserved for histopathological analysis. Results: There was no observable sign of toxicity. No significant difference was observed between the relative weight of the heart from groups 1-7. The platelet value dropped from 794.7x10 /L (group 2) to 284x10 /L (group 7, p0.05) the level of CK-MB compared to group 2. The level of triglycerides was elevated in group 2, 4 and 6 compared to group 1. Histopathological analysis of the heart showed the safety of the extract. Conclusion: We demonstrated that K. pinnata extract (100-200mg/kg/day, per os) might be cardioprotective.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of a stem bark aqueous extract of Harunganamadagascariensis Lam. (Hypericaceae) by determining its potential toxicity after acute and subacute administration in rodents. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in mice and the behavior, death and median lethal dose (LD50) were estimated. Subacute toxicity (28 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg. Parameters observed at the end of the subacute tests included changes in body and vital organ weights, mortality, hematological, biochemical, hepatic and kidney effects. Harunganamadagascariensisextract did not produce any visible toxicity or mortality with oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg within 14 days of single treatment, leading to the conclusion that the LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the subacute toxicity tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart, lungs spleen, pancreas and testicles was observed. Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased significantly in males at 400 and 600 mg/kg, whereas Aspartate transaminase (AST) decreased at 600 mg/kg in female rats. HDL Cholesterol was reduced at 600 mg/kg in female rats. There was a significant increase in urea concentration in female rats at 400 mg/kg. A significant decrease, both in platelet volume distribution (PVD) at 400 mg/kg in male rats and in red cell volume distribution (RDW) at 200 mg/kg were recorded in female rats respectively, but with no changes in other hematologic parameters. Histological study shows normal structure of liver, kidneys and heart of control and treated rats. Results indicate that oral doses of aqueous stem bark of Harunganamadagascariensis are relatively safe in rats; however, assessment of hepatobiliary function should be done during chronic use in humans.

Background: Chronic alcohol intake is related to hypertension. In the present work, we investigated the effect of Allablanckia floribunda Oliver (Clusiaceae) aqueous extract in alcohol-induced hypertensive rats and on related oxidative stress damages. Methods: Alcohol-induced hypertensive rats (AHR) was obtained by oral administration of ethanol (3 g/kg/day during 8 weeks). Blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated using the direct cannulation method. The effects of the extract on lipid profile as well as kidney and liver functions were studied. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated by colorimetric method. The effects of A. floribunda were evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment with alcohol. Results: At the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, A. floribunda significantly decreased the mean blood pressure of AHR by 14.06 and 23.25 % respectively. Administration of the plant extract lead to the reduction of total cholesterol by 41.50% and 43.06%, HDL-cholesterol by 22.16 and 30.15% and artherogenic index by 69.78 and 74.43%, respectively at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, as compared to untreated hypertensive rats. A. floribunda (200 and 400 mg/kg) decrease bilirubine (12.98 and 16.88%), urea (23.32% and 32.26 %), ALT (10.73 and 27.97%) and AST (29.80 and 42.22%) of treated AHR, respectively. The plant extract also reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase and increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in aorta, heart, kidney and liver of AHR. Conclusion: These results suggest that the aqueous extract of A. floribunda possesses antioxidant and hypotensive activity in alcohol-induced hypertension.

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Harungana madagascariensis on electrocardiographical, biochemical and histopathological changes in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided and treated with the aqueous extract of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark (AEHM, 200 and 400 mg/kg per os), or normal saline or vitamin E for 7 days with concomitant administration of ISO (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on 8th and 9th days, at 24 h interval. Results: The ISO injections to the rats caused cardiac dysfunction evidenced by a marked (P

The aim of the study was to bring scientific evidence of the curative action of the stem bark aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (ASMa) on the sexual maturation and fertility of the immature female Wistar rat. Forty immature female rats were randomized and divided into 4 groups of ten animals each and orally treated with the ASMa at doses of 0 (distilled water), 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg /BW/day for 30 consecutive days. Body weight and food intake were recorded throughout the experimental period. The precocity of the puberty onset in treated animals was evaluated through the determination of their age at vaginal opening. At the end of the experimental period, 5 animals in each group were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Their ovaries and uteri were removed, blotted, weighted and prepared for biochemical analysis. The remaining rats (5 per group) were crossed with males of proven fertility. After laparotomy (ten days after mating) and delivery, fertility and gestational parameters were recorded. It was noticed that, body weight gain increased significantly at all doses although there was no significant difference in food intake. The sexual maturation of treated animal was reduced to 5 days when compared to control. This was associated with the simultaneous elevation of FSH and LH (p mg/kg. However, the ovarian cholesterol significantly decreased (p mg/kg and 800 mg/kg. The animal treated at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg exhibited an early fertilization (2 - 3 days) when compared to the control one (9 - 14 days). The number of implantation site significantly increased (p mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) after laparotomy as well as the number of alive fetuses after delivery and gestational rate (80% and 100%) respectively. These results provide the strong evidence on the induction of the onset puberty and gonadotropin synthesis, the improvement of the ovarian folliculogenesis and the fertility effect of ASMa in immature rats.