Sub-Acute Hepatoxicity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Rats

Sub–acute toxicity study of the aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis was carried out on albino rats. Doses of 250mg, 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg per kilogram body weight of the extract were administered orally for 21 days. The activities of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and the concentrations of total protein, and unconjugated bilirubin in the serum of the experimental rats were determined. The results obtained showed no significant difference (P>0.05) when compared to the control rats that were not administered the extract in all the parameters determined. The results indicated that, aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis may not have any toxicological effect at the administered doses.Keyword: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, unconjugated bilirubin

Effect of oral administration of aqueous leaves extract of Cassia occidentalis on liver and kidney functions in rats

The toxicological effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis Linn plant in rats was studied. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were measured 14 days after oral administration. No significant rise (P>0.05) in activity of ALT, AST, ALP and the concentrations of urea and creatinine were recorded at the 300, 600, and 900mg/kg body weight doses administered. Histopathological analysis revealed no cellular death, necrosis or inflammation of the liver and kidney. The leaves of this plant are thus found to be safe with no adverse effect on the liver and kidney functions at the doses administered.Keywords: - Cassia Occidentalis, Toxicological effect, Aminotransferase, Histopatholog

The effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in rats

This study was carried out to determine the curative effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina  mildbraedii in rats induced with nephrotoxicity using  800mg/kg Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen  administration resulted in significant increase in the serum level of urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, Cl- and a  significant  decrease in the level of HCO3 - . Administration of different doses (50, 100, & 150mg/kg) of aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii ameliorated the  effect of Acetaminophen indicated by a significant  decrease in the level of urea, creatinine, Na+, K+ , Cl- and an increase in the level of HCO3 - when compared to  control rats. The histopathology showed a restoration of the renal architectures after administration of the  aqueous stem bark extract.Keywords: Acetaminophen, Erythrina mildbraedii, nephrotoxicity, aqueous extract

The effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrinamildbraedii on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats

This study evaluated the curative effects of aqueous stem bark extact of Erythrina mildbraedii in CCL4 induced liver damage. With the exception of group 1 (positive control), CCL4 was administered at a dose of 150 mg/kg to groups II, III, IV and V.Administration of CCL4 caused profound hepatic damage as indicated by elevation in serum levels of liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin. There was depletion of serum proteins and albumin. Administration of aquoeus stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii at daily oral doses of 50,100, 150mg/kg reversed these biochemical aberrations to a significant level. The curative effects of stem bark extracts of Erythrina mildbraedii were further substantiated by histopathological examination of the liver hepatocytes . The result of the study suggested that aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii posses hepatocurative effects.Keywords: Carbontetrachloride, Erythrina mildbraedii, liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity

Antioxidant effect of Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) extract against lipid oxidation in fish during cooking

The Antioxidant effect of Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) extract was evaluated against lipid oxidation in freshly caught fishes during cooking. GC-MS analysis of Hexane and total phenolic extract of Citrullus Vulgaris flesh reveals that the extracts contain 55 compounds which includes 5- hydroxymethyl furfural, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester and Palmitic acid ester that are reported as antioxidants. Muscle flesh of fifteen (15) samples of freshly caught fish comprising Group I (Tilapia zilli; n=5), Group II (Clarias hollandis; n=5) and Group III (Clarias gariepinus; n=5) were prepared and Sub Grouped each as Control, Treatment 1, Treatment 2, Treatment 3 and Treatment 4 which receives 0, 50, 150, 250 and 450mg of Citrullus Vulgaris extract per 100g fresh fish muscle weight respectively. Treatment 4 gave the highest protection against lipid oxidation in all groups, however the concentration of MDA in Treatment 3 of Group I and III were not significantly (p>0.05) higher as compared to Treatment 4 of same Groups. The results clearly suggested that the extract effectively prevented lipid  oxidation in fish and that the rate of prevention is a factor of fish species and extract concentration.Keywords: Fish, citrullus vulgaris, lipid oxidation, Antioxidants, Malondialdehyde (MDA

Phytochemical composition and acute toxicity evaluation of aqueous root bark extract of Securidaca longipedunculata (Linn)

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity of the aqueous root bark extract of Securidaca longipedunculata Linn. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites of pharmacological significance in the aqueous root bark extract including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and tannins with saponins and tannins in larger quantities. The extract was found to have an LD50 value of 771mg/kg body weight when it was orally administered to rats, which indicate the root bark to be slightly toxic to the experimental animals. The toxicity of the root bark is attributed to some of the phytochemicals present in the plant.Key words: Securidaca longipedunculata, root bark, aqueous extract, phytochemicals, acute toxicity

Study of Correlation Between Heavy Metal Concentration, Street Dust and Level of Traffic in Major Roads of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

This study was aimed at evaluating heavy metal contents in street dust of five major roads within the trunk of Kano metropolis. The dust were collected from heavy traffic roads of the city which include Zaria road (ZR), Maiduguri road (MR), Katsina road (KR), Hadejia road (HR) and Bayero University Kano road (BR). Triplicates samples were collected and the number of vehicles that pass through each road was recorded for one hour. The metal concentration of the dust was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Strong positive correlation exist between the amount of dust collected and the number of vehicles that passed in all the roads except for Hadejia road with r2 = 0.32 which is less positive. The metal contents in dust of the five streets were higher than the WHO reference value. The positive correlation between the number of vehicles and metal type was significant (P<0.05) for Zn, Fe, and Mg in ZR, Pb and Fe in HR; Fe and Mn in BR, while between street dust and metal type was significant (p<0.05) for Zn and Fe in ZR; Fe and Cu in KR; Ca in HR and Fe in BR. The high positive correlation observed in this study may mean that the metals in the street dust originate from common anthropogenic sources. Higher than reference values of the heavy metals in street dust, indicate hazard associated with residing or conducting business along the major street in the city. The finding is in support of government effort in protecting its citizenries by prohibiting road site business

Association Between Glomerular Filtration Rate And Body Mass Index Among Orthopaedic Patients In Kano-Nigeria

Any association between body mass index and kidney disease has so far proved inconclusive. Therefore, this study is aimed to provide association between glomerular filtration rate and body mass index among orthopaedic patients. A total of sixty (60) patients irrespective of gender were recruited. Weight and height were measured prior to the sample collection. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain the demographic data of the subjects. Blood samples were collected from each patient by venepuncture from the antecubital vein of the forearm using disposable syringes. Serum creatinine was determined by method of Rosano et al. Body Mass Index and Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) were calculated using creatinine-based equation of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease. Mean BMI was found to be higher in females (25.48±5.65) than their male counterparts (21.44±4.52), while eGFR was found to be higher in males (184.14±53.23) than in females (152.06±32.71). Subjects with eGFR ≥60 were observed to be more frequent (98.30%); normal weight individuals had higher frequency (48.33%). Positive correlation exists between BMI and eGFR in males whereas negative correlation was found in females which indicates association between body mass index and kidney function is gender related

Effect of Calitropis Procera Aqueous Root Extract Against CCL4 Induced Liver Toxicity in Rabbits

The hepatocurative effect of aqueous root extract of Calitropis Procera on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits was studied in groups of rabbit and the levels of liver enzymes; aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Serum concentrations of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in group induced with hepatotoxicity, with significantly (p<0.05) lower total protein and urea compared to the control group. These findings confirmed induction of hepatotoxicity. Three different dosages were orally administred (1.0g/kg, 2.5g/kg and 3.6 g/kg) twice daily for 9 days. The C. Procera root extract was found to significantly (p<0.05) reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, serum concentration of total bilirubin in rats with hepatotoxicity compared to the the control group and significantly (p<0.05) incerased the serum concentration of total protein and urea. These indicates the possible hepatocurative effects of aqueous root extract of C. Procera on CCl4 induced liver toxicity

Serum lipid profile in diabetic and hypertensive Nigerian subjects from Kano metropolis-Nigeria

Aim: This study was undertaken to compare the serum lipid profile of diabetic and hypertensive subjects resident in Kano metropolis and to evaluate their pattern and probable disposition to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Methods: Forty hypertensive subjects (HPT, 20 males and 20 females) and fifty non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects (DBT, 29 males and 21 females) had their lipid levels, blood pressures (BP) and body mass index (BMI) compared.Results: Hypertensive subjects had higher mean serum TC, HDL-CH, BMI and BP values that diabetic subjects. Male/HPT subjects had higher mean serum TC, HDL-CH, LDL-CH and BP values than their female counterparts. Female diabetics had higher mean serum TC, LDL-CH and BMI values than their male counterparts. In both HPT and DBT subjects, there were correlations between TC and LDL and between TG and VLDL. Treatment with antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs produced significant differences in mean serum HDL-CH (P < 0.005) and LDL-CH (P < 0.025) between HPT and DBT subjects.Conclusion: From the study, Diabetes seems to increase the TC: HDL-CH ratio in the study subjects suggesting a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease. High BMI values were also observed which is consistent with earlier reports that link obesity with increased risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 31-3