Effects of ethanolic extract of datura stramonium leaves on the histomorphology and biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions in rats

Changes in histomorphology and some indices of liver and kidney functions were studied in rats administered doses of ethanolic extracts of Datura stramonium leaves. Methods: Four experimental groups of rats were respectively given oral doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of the extract daily for six weeks. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the six weeks and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The livers and kidneys of the rates were harvested for histological studies. Results: The results showed that alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the groups administered 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg extracts than the control group. The extracts at similar doses also increased significantly (p<0.05) the serum urea and creatinine levels. Histological evaluation of the organs of localization revealed dose-dependent effects of treatment with the extract. Conclusion:The study has shown that Datura stramonium leaf extracts administered with 100 200mg/kg for six weeks caused liver and kidney damages in rats

Stomach Histopathologic and Ulcerogenic Potentials of Tea Beverage

Sixty four (64) albino rats were studied for possible histopathologic and ulcerogenic potentials of Lipton tea for the period of twenty eight days (28). The ulceration of the lumen of the stomach counted as ulcer points increased considerably within the 28 days duration, particularly 7-21 days. There were marked histologic changes as evidenced in the degeneration of gastric glands and cells due to loss of mucus such which were not found in the controls. Also the gastric pits were grossly dilated in 75% of the animals fed with Lipton tea while 15% had mild or no dilations of the gastric pits. Some of the dilated pits were filled with mucus absent in controls without Lipton tea. The oxyntic or parietal cells showed pale cytoplasm in contrast to eosinophilic staining affinity in controls. Particularly prominent was the decreases in the number of parietal cells, however such cells still maintained  normal large rounded morphology with round nuclei having nucleoli as in controls. Few mucus cells were observed in the clustered of mucus gland or mucuous neck cells as against many of such cells in controls. However the morphology and basal location of the cells nuclei and basophilic staining affinity were as in controls. It is concluded that Lipton tea has the tendency of inducing gastric ulcer, achlorhydria and pernicious anaemia. Keywords:  Lipton tea, Gastric, histopathology, ulcerogenic potentials

Evaluation of Mineral and Amino Acid Composition of Leaves of Ocimum Gratissimum (L.)

The study was conducted to determine the mineral and amino acid composition of the leave of Ocimum gratissimum. The mineral composition showed major minerals such as Na, K, Ca and Mg should essential and non-essential amino acids. The amino acids compared favorably with FAO reference protein. The leave were also found to be rich in essential amino acids especially lysine and leucine. Amino acid composition of Ocimum gratissimum both essential and non-essential acids. The level of essential of amino acids are adequate when compared with the reference values, therefore this result provide scientific basis for the consumption of O. gratissimumleave in Nigeria.. Keywords: Mineral, amino acids, Ocimum gratissimum, composition Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Science Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 15-1

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA Ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid on rectal temperature and live weight of pigs transported by road for eight hours during the harmattan Season

ABSTRACT Experiments were performed with the aim of investigating the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on fluctuations in rectal temperature (RT) of pigs transported by road for eight hour during the harmattan season. Seventeen pigs administered with AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg orally and individually served as experimental animals, and 12 others administered orally with sterile water were used as control animals. Values of meteorological and RT parameters were recorded concurrently using standard procedures before the journey and at 30 min., 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of the journey, 3 h post-transportation and for three consecutive days post-transportation. The overall mean value of 38.62 ± 0.12 o C obtained in experimental pigs was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than 38.92 ± 0.13 o C recorded in control pigs. In conclusion, AA ameliorates the adverse effect of 8-h road transportation during harmattan season by decreasing the RT values in experimental pigs

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA Eight hours road transportation and ascorbic acid administration effects on haematological parameters of pigs during the harmattan season

ABSTRACT Experiment was conducted with the aim of investigating eight hours road transportation and ascorbic acid (AA) administration effects on haematology and serum biochemical parameters of pigs during the harmattan season. Seventeen pigs administered with AA at a dose of 250 mg/kg per os and individually served as experimental animals, and 12 others each administered orally with sterile water served as control animals. The animals were then transported for 8-h at a speed of 40-50 km/h covering a distance of 260 km. Blood samples were taken early in the morning a day before transportation, immediately after and a week after transportation. The leucocyte count dropped in the experimental pigs from 18,686.24 ± 832.51 × 10 3 /µl before the journey to 16,790.00 ± 782.50 × 10 3 /µl immediately after the journey (P > 0.05), while the recorded values in the control pigs before (17,058.33 ± 698.25 × 10 3 /µl) transportation was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the value of 19,420.67 ± 1034.00 × 10 3 /µl obtained after the journey. The neutrophils: lymphocyte ratio obtained in the control animals increased from 0.36 ± 0.04 before transportation to 0.38 ± 0.04 immediately after transportation. Aspartate amino transferase and urea values were significantly different (P < 0.05) in the experimental and control pigs immediately after the journey. This study indicates for the first time the beneficial effect of AA administration on haematology of pigs transported by road during the harmattan season for long journey of 8-h. It is, therefore, recommended that pigs be administered with AA before transportation by road during the harmattan season in order to reduce the risk of adverse effects of transportation stress on health

Modulatory Role of Ascorbic Acid on Behavioural Responses of Pigs Transported By Road during the Harmattan Season

Experiments were performed on adult local pigs with the aim of investigating the modulatory role of ascorbic acid (AA) on their behavioural responses to 4-h, road transportation during the harmattan season. Sixteen adult pigs administered with AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg dissolve in sterile water served as experimental animals, and 13 others administered with sterile water were used as control animals. All the pigs were transported for 4-h at speed of 40-50 km/h covering a distance of 140 km. The behavioural activities were determined before and after road transportation. The behavioural activities were higher (P<0.05) in the experimental than control pigs immediately after transportation. In conclusion, AA ameliorates behavioural stress induced by road transportation of pigs for 4 h and may be of value in reducing adverse effects of road transportation in pigs

Dependance of calcium on thyroid hormone for the regulation of cellular functions

Recently, the thyroid hormone has been shown to cause increase in Ca2+ concentration by mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. The mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ in the absence of transmembrane Ca2+ influx has been accepted as evidence for a cell-surface Ca2+- receptor. The possible role of thyroid hormone in the regulation of cellular functions by Ca2+-channel was investigated using parameters proven to indispensably involve Ca2+: Bleeding and clotting times and rat uterine muscle activity in Ca2+-free Tyrode's solution. Adult female Wistar rats divided into four groups, namely; (i) Control, (ii) Thyroidectomized, (iii) Throidectomized-treated with thyroxine and (iv) Thyroxine-treated; were fed on rat chow. While groups i and ii were allowed access to tap waterad libitum for 60 days, groups iii and iv received tyroxine (10mg/kg body weight) every alternate day and tap water ad libitum for 60 days. All groups were kept in an air-conditioned room till they were euthanized. The results showed that thyroxine elicited biphasic contraction in Ca2+ - depletion and potentiated uterine contraction during Ca2+- loading (P<0.001). Inhibition of contractions in thyroidectomy, showed dependency of Ca2+ on thyroid hormones for the regulation of cellular functions

SAFETY AND HYPOGLYCAEMIC PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

The claim by Nigerian traditional herbal medicine practitioners that Ocimum gratissimum leaves have antidiabetic properties was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin and graded doses of the aqueous leaf extract were administered orally to the experimentally diabetic rats for 28 days. Administration of the aqueous leaf extract caused a statistically significant reduction in plasma glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The extract appeared nontoxic as evidenced by normal serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TPT, ALB and bilirubin. These data appear to agree with claimed hypoglycaemic effects of Ocimum gratissimum

Awareness and knowledge of ocular cancers in a resource-limited economy

Aims: To determine awareness and knowledge of ocular cancers in a resource-limited setting. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey (2009) of 1,887 Nigerians using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Respondents were 55.6% males, and mean age was 30 years, SD 9.5. Most respondents (77.8%) had at least secondary education. Fewer respondents were aware of eye cancers (57.1%) compared to cancers in general (73.7%) (P<.001). Despite the male preponderance there were no associations between gender and awareness of ocular cancers (P=0.07) and cancers in general (P=0.85). However, education was associated with awareness of ocular cancers (P<.001) and cancers in general (P<.001). Ocular cancers were thought to be caused by corrosives 33.2%, trauma 21.4%, witchcraft 18.6%, genetic transmission 15.7%, sunlight 8.0%, radiations 2.5% and infections 0.6% (n = 883). Of 280 respondents, 41.1% based their knowledge of patients having ocular cancers on sources other than hospital diagnosis. Of 148 respondents, 16.2% were related to ‘patients’ they knew had ocular cancers. There were 202 respondents who indicated challenges to accessing orthodox medical eye care services by ocular cancer patients as high cost 55.5%, long waiting period 23.3%, long distance 15.4% and poor attitude of health workers 5.9%. Conclusion: Awareness of ocular cancers compared to other cancers is low. Misconceptions on the causes of ocular cancers exist. Public ocular cancers health education can enhance awareness. The need to address barriers to accessing eye care is underscored

Ethanol Extract of Carica papaya Seeds Induces Reversible Contraception in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract: The quest for the development of an ideal male contraceptive has led to the discovery of the antifertility property of some species of C. papaya seed extracts. This study investigates the antifertility activity and reversibility of ethanol extract of C. papaya seeds in sexually matured male Wistar rats. 30 adult males and 60 female Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 220 g were used for the study. The male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 each. Group I which served as control were orally administered distilled water while groups II and III received 100 and 250 mg/kg/day of ethanol extract of C. papaya seeds respectively for a period of 90 days. 5 males from each group were subjected to fertility test before they were sacrificed to harvest the testes for histopathological analysis. The administration of the extract was discontinued for another 90 days period and the remaining 5 males in each group were subjected to fertility test before they were sacrificed to obtain the testes for histopathological analysis. The results showed normal pregnancy outcome in the females paired with the control group, reduced and zero pregnancy outcome in the females paired with the 100 and 250 mg/kg groups respectively after 90-day administration of the extract. After 90 days of discontinued administration of extract, normal pregnancy outcome were recorded in both the control and treated groups. The result of the histopathological analysis showed a moderate and highly depleted germinal epithelium in the 100 and 250 mg/kg groups respectively after 90 day administration of the extract. The germinal epithelium seen in both the control and the experimental groups were normal after 90 days discontinued extract administration. The study concludes that ethanol extract of C. papaya seeds induces reversible male contraception in Wistar rats