Acute toxicity study on aqueous extract of the leaf of Cassia sieberiana D.C. ( Caesalpiniaceae ) in albino rats

In order to evaluate the toxicity of Cassia sieberiana leaf extract in albino rats with the aim of establishing its safe application in experimental and field trials, the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of the leaves was studied in albino rats. Four experimental groups of albino rats (A, B, C, D) were respectively given intraperitoneal doses of 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg body weight of the extract, while the fifth group (E) was control. The LD50 was calculated, clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions of the liver and kidney were recorded. Immediate clinical signs observed were weakness, depression, starry hair coat, anorexia, while abnormal gait, lordosis, opthalmia, coma and death appeared after 2 hours. Hepatomegaly and focal necrosis were observed on gross examination, while sinusoidal congestion with periportal necrosis and Kupffer cell proliferation were the microscopic lesions observed. Gross enlargement of the kidneys, vascular degeneration, and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration were observed. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 960 mg/kg, and the severity of clinical signs and hepatic and kidney lesions was dose dependent. This study has shown that Cassia sieberiana leaf aqueous extract could be toxic in a dose-dependent way, and should be used with caution in veterinary practice

In vitro assessment of trypanocidal activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) (Thunb) leaf and its effects on the haematological parameters of Trypanosoma brucei infected albino rats

The in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of Citrullus lanatus leaf aqueous extract and its effects on blood parameters of Trypanosoma brucei infected albino rats was investigated in this study. The plant extract showed in vitro activity against T. brucei at a minimum concentration of 0.0875 mg/ml. There was a positive correlation between extract concentration and parasitaemia clearance, with administration of the extract at 10 mg/ml concentration resulting in zero parasitaemia count. Thirty albino rats divided into six groups (A-F) of five rats each were used for the haematological study. Graded extract doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg were administered orally to groups A, B, and C respectively following an establishment of parasitaemia of 4 7 106 two days post infection. Group D (Veriben\uae 12treated) was given a single dose of 3.5 mg/kg diminazine aceturate (Veriben\uae) intramuscularly. Group E (Untreated) was not treated with any trypanocide but given 10 ml/kg of distilled water orally, while group F (Uninfected) were not infected with the parasites and did not receive any treatments. There was a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in mean packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts of the infected and untreated group (E), when compared with the uninfected (F), and the infected but treated groups (A-D). The mean haemoglobin concentration was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in untreated uninfected and Veriben\uae 12treated albino rats compared with those treated with the extracts (A 12C) and the untreated infected rats (E). White blood cell (WBC) counts increased significantly (p<0.0001) in the untreated infected group (E) compared with the uninfected (F), extract-treated (A 12C) and Veriben\uae 12treated (D) groups. In conclusion, our investigation shows that the aqueous extract of C. lanatus leaf is toxic to T. brucei in vitro. However, in vivo studies are needed to demonstrate that it has any beneficial value in clearing parasites from infected animals

Acute toxicity study on aqueous extract of the leaf of Cassia sieberiana D.C. ( Caesalpiniaceae ) in albino rats

In order to evaluate the toxicity of Cassia sieberiana leaf extract in albino rats with the aim of establishing its safe application in experimental and field trials, the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of the leaves was studied in albino rats. Four experimental groups of albino rats (A, B, C, D) were respectively given intraperitoneal doses of 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg body weight of the extract, while the fifth group (E) was control. The LD50 was calculated, clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions of the liver and kidney were recorded. Immediate clinical signs observed were weakness, depression, starry hair coat, anorexia, while abnormal gait, lordosis, opthalmia, coma and death appeared after 2 hours. Hepatomegaly and focal necrosis were observed on gross examination, while sinusoidal congestion with periportal necrosis and Kupffer cell proliferation were the microscopic lesions observed. Gross enlargement of the kidneys, vascular degeneration, and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration were observed. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 960 mg/kg, and the severity of clinical signs and hepatic and kidney lesions was dose dependent. This study has shown that Cassia sieberiana leaf aqueous extract could be toxic in a dose-dependent way, and should be used with caution in veterinary practice

In vitro assessment of trypanocidal activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) (Thunb) leaf and its effects on the haematological parameters of Trypanosoma brucei infected albino rats

The in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of Citrullus lanatus leaf aqueous extract and its effects on blood parameters of Trypanosoma brucei infected albino rats was investigated in this study. The plant extract showed in vitro activity against T. brucei at a minimum concentration of 0.0875 mg/ml. There was a positive correlation between extract concentration and parasitaemia clearance, with administration of the extract at 10 mg/ml concentration resulting in zero parasitaemia count. Thirty albino rats divided into six groups (A-F) of five rats each were used for the haematological study. Graded extract doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg were administered orally to groups A, B, and C respectively following an establishment of parasitaemia of 4 × 106 two days post infection. Group D (Veriben®−treated) was given a single dose of 3.5 mg/kg diminazine aceturate (Veriben®) intramuscularly. Group E (Untreated) was not treated with any trypanocide but given 10 ml/kg of distilled water orally, while group F (Uninfected) were not infected with the parasites and did not receive any treatments. There was a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in mean packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts of the infected and untreated group (E), when compared with the uninfected (F), and the infected but treated groups (A-D). The mean haemoglobin concentration was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in untreated uninfected and Veriben®−treated albino rats compared with those treated with the extracts (A−C) and the untreated infected rats (E). White blood cell (WBC) counts increased significantly (p<0.0001) in the untreated infected group (E) compared with the uninfected (F), extract-treated (A−C) and Veriben®−treated (D) groups. In conclusion, our investigation shows that the aqueous extract of C. lanatus leaf is toxic to T. brucei in vitro. However, in vivo studies are needed to demonstrate that it has any beneficial value in clearing parasites from infected animals

PCR-based detection of Schistosoma bovis in cattle in Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere Local Government Areas in Borno State, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infection in cattle in Maiduguri Metropolis (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=200) were collected from cattle consisting of one hundred (100) each from five (5) ward levels each of MMC and Jere LGAs. DNA samples were extracted from the serum samples, analysed and quantified using a Nano-drop machine. The extracted DNA were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The overall prevalence of Schistosoma infection was 2% (n=200). Jere LGA had 3% (n=100) while MMC had 1% (n=100). There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate in the two LGAs studied (P=0.621) (P>0.05). At the ward levels, Custom Area in Jere LGA had 15%, Jiddari ward in MMC had 5%, and the remaining ward levels had no cases. Of the 103 female and 97 male cattle screened, the prevalence in female was 1(0.97%) and 3(3.09%) in the male. Of the 177 serum samples from above 1year (adult) examined, 4 (2.26%) were positive and none in the young. There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate among ward levels, sex groups and age groups in the study areas (P=0.621) (P>0.05), (P=0.356) (P>0.05) and (P=1.000) (P>0.05) respectively. Of the eight (8) breeds screened, Kuri had 2.7%, Sokoto Gudali (1.82%), Abore (2%), Red Bororo (2.63%), White Fulani, Porland, Mbala and Wafara recorded no cases. The difference in prevalence rates among the breeds based on the trend of occurrence of Schistosoma infection were not significantly associated statistically (P=1.000) (P>0.05). Conclusion: There is a prevalence of Schistosoma infection in cattle in the two LGAs of Borno state. It is recommended that a system be established to maintain preventive and control programs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 92-98

Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Nigeria, 1994–2015: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The Global significance of schistosomiasis started waning over the years owing to its eradication in most developed societies, until the reawaking of global attention and it now occupies a prominent place amongst the neglected tropical diseases (NTD). The aim of our study was to accurately estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Nigeria, and its six geo-political zones. Subjects and methods: We utilized electronic databases to search and select studies on prevalence across the geographical zones between 1994 and 2015. STATA 10 Random effects meta-analysis of observational studies was used to generate our estimates. Result: Sixty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The unified pooled population studied was 47,440 (n = 14,888 persons). The pooled prevalence]) of Schistosoma haematobium infestation was, for all regions = 34.7% (31.0–38.5) (95% confidence interval [CI)). Conclusion: Schistosomal infestations remain hyperendemic in Nigeria. Nigeria must, therefore, expedite the execution of resolution WHA66.12 adopted by the World Health Assembly on NTD