Antimalarial potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Pseudocedrala kotschyi

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the efficacy of Pseudocedrala kotschyi (P. kotschyi) for the treatment of acute malaria attack used in Nigeria.MethodsThe ethanolic leaf extract was investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei berghei (P. berghei berghei) in mice. Four-day suppressive, curative effect against established infection and prophylactic models of antiplasmodial studies were used.ResultsThe leaf extract of P. kotschyi (100–400 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) exhibited significant dose dependent activity against the parasite in the suppressive and curative, and also had repository activity. The antimalarial effect of P. kotschyi is comparable to that of chloroquine. The ethanolic leaf extract also prolonged the survival time of the infected mice. The LD50 of the plant extract was established to be ≥5 000 mg/kg b.w. p.o. in mice.ConclusionThe results showed that the leaf extract has potential antiplasmodial activity, which can be exploited in malaria therapy

Evaluation of the toxic effects of the aqueous extract of Niprineem tea in mice and rats

Azadirachta indica is an important plant in traditional complementary and alternative medicine with decoctions (tea) being a common mode of administration. Herbal teas are frequently self-administered thus the need to prepare a standardized dosage form for the administration of such decoctions. The leaf of Azadirachta indica was formulated for administration as tea; thus, this study was designed to determine the safety profile of Niprineem tea. Oral acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of Niprineem tea (NTE) were evaluated. The OECD (No 423) limit test was followed to determine the LD50 in Swiss albino mice, while OECD 407 guideline was used for the sub-chronic toxicity studies in Wistar rats. Acute administration of NTE did not cause detectable signs of toxicity in treated animals and no mortality was recorded. In the 28-day toxicity tests, there were no significant (p<0.05) changes in food and water intake, or urine and faecal output. Haematological analysis did not show deleterious effects in treated rats. Biochemical evaluation of indicators for renal and hepatic functions did not show significant changes after treatment with NTE. Likewise, histological tests did not result in structural changes in cells of the tissues of major organs. The results obtained suggest that Niprineem tea is relatively non-toxic and safe at the tested dose

Antibacterial and toxicological evaluation of the ethanol leaf extract of Anthonotha macrophylla

Introduction: The leaves of Anthonotha macrophylla which are widely used in folkloric medicine in Africa were evaluated for antibacterial activity and its toxicological profile.Methods: Antibacterial activities of the leaves against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis were compared with cefoxitin. Toxicological profiles were determined following the administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract and distilled water, as control, to male Albino rats for 28 days. Biochemical and hematological indices and body weights were determined and the vital organs were examined.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla demonstrated antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria tested. Toxicological investigation of the leaf extract showed no significant alterations in hematological and biochemical indices, and the vital organs as well. The LD50 in rats was more than 5000 mg/kg.Conclusion: Findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla possess good antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional use of this plant across Africa. The plant is also considered safe following oral exposure after 28 days