PHYSIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE ANTI-DIABETIC PROPERTIES OF Hibiscus sabdariffa ON RATS

Effects of different quantities (75g, 100g and 125g) of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf, stem and root aqueous extracts and combination of 300g Hibiscus sabdariffa +100g Allium sativum+100g Zingiber officinale on alloxan-induced diabetic Wister albino rats at 1ml/kg/day for17 days were investigated. Body weight and fasting blood glucose level of rats were monitored before and during the experiment. Quantitative analysis of secondary plant products of various parts of the investigated plants was also studied. Results showed that 1ml/kg/day of 75g Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract did not cause significant (p>0.05) sugar reduction compared with basal values as high sugar level was still observed in alloxan-induced rats treated with 1ml/kg /day of 75 Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf (246.00+6.00mg/dl) and stem (207.50+3.50 mg/dl) extracts except root (196.00+1.20mg/dl). Combination of the extracts caused significant (P>0.05) sugar reduction compared with any of the single parts.1ml/kg of 100g Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extracts ameliorated rats«¤?? weights loss by 14.75%.1ml/kg of 125g Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf, stem and root extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced the glucose level of diabetic treated rats by 54.08%, 58.95% and 62.44% compared with glibenclamide (22.77%). Phytochemical analysis revealed that flavonoids (0.79mg/g) and alkaloids (0.86mg/g) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in root than in stem and leaf of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The combination 300gHibiscus sabdariffa + 100g Allium sativum 100g Zingiber officinale revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher flavonoids (0.85mg/g), saponins (0.95mg/g) alkaloids (1.81mg/g) and tannins (0.56mg/g). Combination of 300g Hibiscus sabdariffa +100g Allium sativum+100g Zingiber officinale produced the best hypoglycaemic effect (71.05%).ª¤?ª¤

Perceived Effect of Information on Reformation of Prisoners in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: The paper principally focused on perception of prisoners and prison officials on the effect of information on the reformation of prisoners. Using the descriptive and quantitative approach, i.e. questionnaires and visits to the prison yards, the paper established that prisoners do need information for survival while serving sentence but more importantly as a tool for rehabilitation and reformation in preparation for life after prison. Majority of the prisoners surveyed 96 % believe that information is an important tool for reformation. Though it was established that Library is a good source of information to prisoners as stated in international (UN ECOSOC Article 40, 1977) and government policies, the facility was lacking in the two prisons surveyed due to lack of adequate funding and policy of information restriction. Prison managers had to rely on non-governmental organizations (mostly religious bodies) for the provision of reading materials. In order to make information available to prisoners, recommendations ranging from adequate funding, need for professional associations’ intervention like their counterparts in developed countries to the need for public libraries in Nigeria to focus on special groups like prisoners in their information provision activities were made. Key words: Perception; Information; Reformation; Prisoners; Ogun State; Nigeria Résumé: Le document se concentre essentiellement sur la perception des détenus et du personnel pénitentiaire de l'effet de l'information sur la réforme des prisonniers. En utilisant l'approche descriptive et quantitative, c’est-à-dire des questionnaires et des visites sur les lieux, l’article constate que les prisonniers ont besoin des informations pour la survie en purgeant une peine, mais surtout pour la réhabilitation et la réformation en préparation de la vie après la prison. La majorité des détenus enquêtés, soit 96% estiment que l'information est un outil important pour la réformation. Bien qu'il ait été constaté que la bibliothèque est une bonne source d'information pour les prisonniers comme indiqué dans les politiques internationales (ONU ECOSOC article 40, 1977) et gouvernementales, il manque des installations dans les cinq prisons enquêtés en raison d’un défaut de financement adéquat et d’une politique de restriction des informations. Les directeurs de prison ont dû compter sur les organisations non gouvernementales (surtout des organismes religieux) pour la provision de matériels de lecture. Afin de rendre l'information accessible aux détenus, des recommandations allant d'un financement adéquat, de la nécessité d'une intervention des associations professionnelles comme leurs homologues ont dans les pays développés, à la nécessité pour les bibliothèques publiques au Nigeria de se concentrer sur des groupes particuliers comme des prisonniers dans leurs activités d’offrir des informations ont été faites. Mots clés: perception; information; réforme; prisonniers; Etat d'Ogun; Nigeri

Atriplex halimus (Amarantacees) callogenesis induction from different explant type

For Atriplex halimus valorization by in vitro tissue culture, a callogenesis protocol is initiated in order to study the different factors that influence cell proliferation in this species. For this purpose, different explants (leaves, cut stems, cotyledonary leaves, hypocotyls and apexes) are cultured on MS [1] and B5 medium [2], with half strength macroelements and added with different concentrations of 2,4-D and kinetin. The results evaluation shows that callogenesis depends on the culture medium mineral composition, the hormones concentration and the explant type. The B5 medium with half strength macroelements (B5/2) seems to be the most favorable for callogenesis induction compared to MS medium with half strength macroelements (MS/2). The results also show that the stem and hypocolyl explants are the most reactive and that the use of 0.5 mg / l 2,4-D + 0.5mg / l Kin gives the best callogenesis rates.Keywords: halophyte; MS medium; B5 medium; tissue cultur

An Appraisal of the Contributions of Herbalism to Primary Health Care Delivery in South West Nigeria

Herbalism contributes significantly to the primary health care delivery system in the southwest Nigeria through sale and administration of different herbal medicinal preparations which are available in a number of ways like tinctures, herbal wine and elixirs, tisanes, decoctions, macerates, topical, poultices, whole herb consumption, syrup, extracts, inhalation, local rings, incision and rubbing, charm belt, and other charm apparels. Medicines may be hawked by the ambulatory vendors (apothecary) or patients consulting practitioners. Charges are relatively cheap, consultation is prompt and the medicines are reportedly efficacious. Non-exclusion of anybody from patronizing and being organized around people’s needs and expectations, which are two of the key elements of WHO to achieve the ultimate goal of primary health care of better health for all are affectively entrenched in the practice. We adopted and employed basic scientific method, anthropological training skills and study approaches in Humanities to elicit our findings. Government support is highly solicite

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Herbal Markets and Medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of three largest herbal markets and medicinal plants used for treating ailments in Lagos state of Nigeria was undertaken by means of oral and written questionnaire. Traditional medicine is undoubtedly a reliable alternative approach to health care delivery in the metropolis because it is cheap, easily accessible, and efficacious. Herbs are obtained from bushes around the neighbourhood and forests from adjacent states. Recipes for the treatment of common ailments which are reported almost on daily basis such as hypertension, dysentery, low sperm count and weak erection, coated tongue, pile, menstrual disorder, leucorrhoea and fevers were given by the practitioners. Moreover, a list of medicinal plants and their reported folkloric uses was compiled during the survey. Apparently, daily health issues of Lagosians are partly taken care of by traditional medicine and its use is on the increase in Lagos state. The efforts of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency are praised in facilitating recognition of herbal medicine in the metropolis. Government should help in the area of conservation of medicinal plant and protect patent right of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners to encourage release of information

Wall friction and its effects on the density distribution in the compaction of pharmaceutical excipients

International audienceThe effect of powder-die wall friction during the compaction of pharmaceutical excipients has been investigated for three modes of lubrication: lubricated die, non-lubricated die and with the lubricant mixed with the powder. Coulomb friction is assumed and the wall friction coefficient was evaluated from the transmission ratio (applied pressure/transmitted pressure), the transfer ratio (radial pressure/axial pressure) and the aspect ratio (height/diameter of tablet). The friction coefficient of three pharmaceutical excipients was measured with respect to the relative density of the tablet by means of an instrumented press. It was found that the behaviour of the friction depends on the powder and the lubrication mode. Mixing the powder with a lubricant reduces the friction with respect to that of the lubricated die, but the evolution of the friction coefficient with the densification is different. The effect of the wall friction on the axial density distribution in the tablet was investigated by experiment and by modelling. The model was based on Janssen-Walker analysis coupled with the Heckel equation. For comparison, only the single action compaction in a non-lubricated die was considered. It was found that the measured and predicted axial density decrease from the top to the bottom of the tablet. Moreover, the predicted and measured density had the same tendency, but different values. However, the analysis should not be applied to the compaction of the powder mixed with lubricant because no physical parameter for this mode of lubrication is taken into account in the model

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF PLANTS USED IN MANAGING ULCER IN ABEOKUTA METROPOLIS, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Ethnobotanical survey of plants often used for the management of ulcer in Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State was carried out. A total of 100 respondents comprising 50 herbal traditional practitioners and 50 ulcer patients were interviewed. Study was carried out on plant parts used, modes of preparation, solvents used and types of preparation. Also, quantitative analysis of phytochemical ingredients of the most frequently used plants; Occimum basillicum, Musa paradisiaca, Aloe vera, Azadirachta. indica, Brassica oleracaeª¤? and Carica papaya was carried out. Data were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with probability set at (p<0.05). Results revealed a total of 40 plants belonging to 30 families out of which Zingiberaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Asteraceae, Liliaceae, Malliacaeae,ª¤? Arecaceae, and Poaceaeª¤? were the most frequent families. The most frequently mentioned plants were Occimum basillicum (57.5%), Musa paradisiaca (55%), Aloe vera (50%), Azadirachta indica (47.5%), Brassica oleracae (25%) and Carica papaya (25%). Records from this study revealed that the largest life form of plant was herbs (30%), followed by trees (28%), shrubs or trees (4%) while least plant forms were grasses, flowers, underground stems, climbers and chalk as represented by 1% each. The main methods of preparation were decoction and infusion. The plant parts recorded being used for ulcer management were leaves, barks, fruits, seeds, roots, rhizomes and the whole plant as in Aloe vera.ª¤? The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (45%) while fruits, seeds, roots and rhizomes were the least parts used as represented by 5% each. Water, alcohol palm wine, palm oil and fermented maize water were the medium for ulcer herbal preparations.ª¤

Stress Among Academic Staff in a Nigerian University

This study investigated the factors associated with stress among academic staff in a Nigerian university. Also, it ascertains if there is significant difference between stress and selected socio-dynamic variables of academics staff. Data was collected from 313 randomly selected academic staff from a research population of 1442. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that all tested variables: academic workload, student-related issues, research and career development, interpersonal relationship and administrative-related issues were significantly associated with stress among academic staff. The results also showed that there is no significant difference in the level of stress among academic staff with respect to gender, age, teaching experience and academic rank. However, signifi cant difference was observed in the level of stress among academic staff with respect to marital status. The study recommended among others that the university authority should establish an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to provide professional services and assistance to academic staff suffering stress-related problems

Systematic significance of the leaf cuticle of Hypodaphnis zenkeri (Engl.) Stapf (Lauraceae) and a record of its volatile organic compounds

Hypodaphnis zenkeri is a monotypic taxon whose position is basal in the phylogenetic tree of the family Lauraceae. Cuticular information on the plant is lacking. Given the systematic relevance of this character in the family and absence of its record for the species, the leaves of the species were investigated with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy. Also, volatile organic compounds in leaves and fruits were studied with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), for the first time. Taxonomically useful cuticular features of the species include long stomatal rim and aperture, granulated periclinal walls on the adaxial surface and superficial stomatal orientation. The leaves and fruits of the plant are rich in volatile organic compounds such as 1,2-benzene-dicarboxylic acid, hexadecanoic acid ester and stigmasta-3,5-diene. Based on these features, the species can be distinguished from other related taxa in the family