Effects of food flavour enhancer (Monosodium Glutamate and Maggi Poulet) supplementation on glucose tolerance in Sprague Dawley rat

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of purified monosodium glutamate and ‘Maggi Poulet’, on body weight gain, lipid profile, hepatic lipid peroxidation and glucose tolerance in rats. Thirty five young male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups and fed by oral route as follow: group I (distilled water), group II (monosodium glutamate solution), group III (‘Maggi Poulet’solution), group IV (monosodium glutamate solution. and high fat solution) and group V (‘Maggi Poulet’ solution and high fat solution). During the experimental period, fasting glycemia was taken and an oral glucose tolerance test has been performed at the end . Blood samples were then collected in all groups and serum cholesterol and triglyceride were assayed. Animals were killed after and abdominal adipose tissue, liver and heart were excised and weighed. Liver samples were also used to estimate hepatic malondialdehyde level in rats. The results proved that the dietary feeding did not affect the body gain and lipid profile in experimental groups. The hepatic lipid peroxidation has also increased in all experimental groups and at the same time, rats in group II, group IV and group V present a two-hour plasma glucose level signifantly higher. However, purified monosodium glutamate and ‘Maggi Poulet’ at the dose of 1500 mg/kg. b. wt. have not impaired fasting glycemia in Sprague Dawley rat. All changes observed in the glycemia of rats in experimental groups do not allow to qualify them to be glucose intolerant, nevertheless monosodium glutamate consumption in association or not with high fat is hepatotoxic and may contribute to the emergence of prediabetes in human being. © 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Malondialdehyde, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, prediabetes

Acute and Sub-chronic (28-day) Oral Toxicity Studies of Hydroalcohol Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides L (Asteraceae)

Purpose: Ageratum conyzoides is an annual herbaceous plant commonly used in African traditional medicine as a purgative, antipyretic, anti-ulcer and wound dressing agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of A. conyzoides leaves in Wistar rats. Methods: In the acute test, the limit test dose of 5000 mg/kg was administered to Wistar rats and then observed individually 1 h post-dosing, and at least once daily for 14 days. Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body wt., for 28 days to the rats, Biochemical and haematological assessments as well as body and relative organ weights of the rats were carried out. Results: The limit dose of 5000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or signs of acute toxicity in the rats tested during the observation period. In the sub-chronic tests, the results did not show any treatment–related abnormalities in terms of haematological and biochemical parameters. However, urea was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group treated with 500 mg/kg of A. conyzoides extract. The weekly body and organ weight of the rats showed no significant differences between the control and the rats treated with the extract except for liver where there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in rats that received 1000 mg/kg, i.e., 3 ± 0.2 g as against 2.5 ± 0.1 g for the control. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the hydroalcohol extract of A. conyzoides is relatively safe when administered orally in rats.Keywords: Ageratum conyzoides, Acute and sub-chronic toxicity, Biochemical parameters, Haematological analysis, Wistar rats

Effects of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) on rat parturition

The leaves of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) are used by traditional healers in some parts of Africa to treat dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. All experiments are performed on albino wistar mature and immature rats. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Spondias mombin Linn on rat parturition in order to determine its action on labor time, uterus and sex steroids organs weight and coagulation time. Hydro-ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves were given daily by oral route to female rats from 19th day of pregnancy, at doses of 100; 250 and 500 mg/kg. The dose 250 mg/kg reduced significantly (P &lt; 0,05) labor time. To explore estrogenic activity of the extract, the dose of 250 mg/kg, given daily by oral route to immature female rats for 7 days, induced vaginal opening and the increase in uterus and ovarian weight. The extract at 100 mg/ml was reduced the coagulation time. These results suggest that the leaves hydro-ethanolic extract of S. mombin contain one or more principles which reduced labor time, induced vaginal opening, increased uterus and ovarian weight and reduced coagulation time.Keywords: Spondias mombin, labor time, vaginal opening, uterus, ovarian, coagulation time

Effect of Dietary Intake of Fermented Seeds of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth (African Locust Bean) on Hypertension in Bogou and Goumou-kope Areas of Togo

Purpose: To identify the possible effect of the consumption of fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (Jack) Benth, Mimosaceae (African locust bean) by humans on the prevention of hypertension.Methods: Two types of populations in Togo were identified and compared: one type was in a region (Bogou) where the condiment (Parkia biglobosa seeds) is highly consumed and the other people do not eat it at all (Goumou-kope). Anthropometrical, clinical and biochemical analyses were investigated in both target groups.Results: Significantly decreased blood pressure and heart beat were detected in the group of people living in Bogou&rsquo;s region when compared to the non-consumption group of Goumou-kope (p &lt; 0.001). Magnesium level was significantly increased in the Bogou group compared to that in the second group (p &lt; 0.0001). Lower levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (91&plusmn; 36 vs. 110 &plusmn; 44 mg/dL, p = 0.01), triglycerides (111 &plusmn; 6 vs. 129 &plusmn; 6 mg/dL, p = 0.028), and higher levels of high density lipoproteincholesterol (63 &plusmn; 2 vs. 48 &plusmn; 3 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001) were observed in subjects who regularly consummed P. biglobosa fermented seeds. Furthermore, plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower in Bogou group than in Goumou-kope (68 &plusmn; 16 vs. 76 &plusmn; 15 mg/dL (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa exert an anti-hypertension effect.Keywords: Blood minerals, Plasma lipids, Antihypertensive, Parkia biglobosa seed

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis in Togo

Objectives: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. 50 to 70% of African are contaminated and 60% to 80% in Togo. This parasitic infection involves disorders in immunocompromised persons and pregnant women. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the risk factors of contamination in the Togolese population. Methods: Prospective studies from January 2012 to December 2015 concerned 7076 patients. A survey on the risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii contamination has done. The seroprevalence was monitored by examining serological antibodies IgG and IgM using ELISA method. Sampling of 200 excreta of domestic cats were analyzed by coproscopy examinations Results: The average age was 32.61±6.80 years old. The seroprevalence of IgM was 2.85%; and for IgG 59.7%. IgG were high in men (67.0% vs. 58.6%, p&lt;0.0001); IgM were high in women (2.81% vs. 1.85%, p&lt;0.01). In this study, we observed 57.49% immunized subjects. Regarding potential risk factors for contamination, the survey revealed that 80.5% of subjects consume raw garden produce, 65.4% non-potable and 8.3%  undercooked meat. In cats, 20.5% of them excreted oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii. Conclusion: The prevalence of the toxoplasmosis was high in the Togolese population because the risks factors were variable and the level of contamination were high too. The country’s health authorities, especially for the pregnant women, should install sensitization and prevention programs on the risks of the contamination of toxoplasmosis. The high proportion of the young subjects affected constitutes a socio-economical danger for the country

Facteurs agissant sur la mortalité des chevreaux Djallonké et croisés Djallonké et Sahélien à la station de Kolokopé

Mortality Determinants of Djallonke Kids and Crossbred between Djallonke and Sahelian Buck at Kolokope Station. Productivity of Djallonke goats is low despite their good prolificacy. This low productivity is due to the high mortality rate before weaning of the kids. Perinatal mortality is often related to the low birth weight of kids. Crosses between Djallonke goats and a Sahelian buck goat on one hand and between Djallonke goats and bucks of the same breed on the other hand were carried out during two campaigns at the National Goat Sheep Program station of Kolokopé. A mortality rate of 78.3± 14.6% was observed for pure Djallonke kids which were born with a weight less than 1 kg. During the two seasons, the mortality rate was higher but not significant for pure Djallonke (41.3 ± 7.1%) compared to the mortality of crossed ones (30.9 ± 8.1%). The factors sex, birth mode, breed and calving season did not affect the pre-weaning mortality of the kid's. Birth weight affected very significantly the kid's mortality. The crossbreeding between Djallonke goats and a Sahelian buck induced a reduction of mortality rate at weaning. This reduction was due to the improvement of the birth weight of crossbreds compared to the birth weight of the pure Djallonke. This method can therefore been considered as one of the ways to improve the survival of Djallonke kids at weaning

Contribution a l’etude des effets pharmacologiques in vivo de lippia multiflora mold. (Verbenaceae)

Lippia multiflora Mold (Verbenaceae) currently known as "Thé de Gambie" is one of popular medicinal plant used as tea in Togo to treat insomnia and jaundice. The aim of this study is to investigate the sedative, analgesic and muscular relaxation properties of aqueous extract of L. multiflora administered at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. At these doses, the extract reduces the latency time of sleep, increases the time of equilibration and the time of sleep induced by Phenobarbital. The extract shows analgesic effect. These results confirm partially the traditional use of L. multiflora in the treatment of insomnia. Lippia multiflora Mold (Verbenaceae) communément appelé "Thé de Gambie" est une plante couramment utilisée en Afrique et en particulier au Togo en boisson théiforme pour le traitement de l’insomnie et de l’ictère. L’objectif de ce travail est d’évaluer les propriétés sédatives, analgésiques et musculo-relaxantes chez le rat wistar par l’administration de L. multiflora aux doses de 250, 500 et 1000mg/kg. A ces doses, l’extrait de Lippia multiflora réduit le temps de latence d’entrée en sommeil, augmente la durée de rétablissement de l’équilibre, le seuil de sensibilité et potentialise la narcose barbiturique. Ces résultats justifieraient partiellement son indication traditionnelle dans le traitement de l’insomnie

Activites antihyperglycemiante et antioxydante des ecorces de racines de Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Rrutaceae)

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Rutaceae) est une plante médicinale utilisée dans les régions tropicales pour le traitement du diabète sucré. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer l’activité hypoglycémiante de l’extrait hydroalcoolique des écorces de racines de Z. zanthoxyloides. L’extrait&nbsp; hydroalcoolique des écorces de racines de Z. zanthoxyloides a été évalué sur des souris normales en état d’hyperglycémie provoquée par voie orale (HPVO) et sur des souris normoglycémiques. Après une étude phytochimique, les activités antioxydantes de l’extrait ont été déterminées par le test de chélation et de réduction des métaux. Le pouvoir antioxydant par piégeage de radicaux libres a été également réalisé. L’administration de l’extrait aux doses de 250 et 500 mg.kg-1avant la surcharge glucidique a diminué significativement (p&lt;0,01) le taux de glucose des souris, 30 minutes après la surcharge glucidique par rapport au lot témoin. Pendant 60 minutes, l’effet de l’extrait à 500 mg.kg-1 reste significative (p&lt;0,05). Par ailleurs, l’administration de l’extrait à la dose de 500 mg.kg-1chez des souris normoglycémiques n’a montré aucune diminution significative (p&gt; 0,05) de la glycémie basale comparée aux témoins. Le screening phytochimique a révélé la présence des flavonoïdes, d’alcaloïdes, de tanins et de saponosides dans l’extrait. L’étude quantitative a montré la présence des polyphénols tels que les phénols totaux, les tanins et les flavonoïdes&nbsp; totaux. Les tests in vitro ont montré une activité antioxydante de l’extrait. L’activité antihyperglycémiante associée aux propriétés antioxydantes de la plante, justifie son utilisation dans le traitement du diabète en médecine traditionnelle. Mots-clés : Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, activité antihyperglycémiante, antioxydant. English Title: Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of root barks of &lt;i&gt;Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides&lt;/i&gt; (Rutaceae) Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in subtropical and tropical regions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of this plant. The hydro-alcoholic extract was evaluated on hyperglycemic mice by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and on normoglycemic mice. After phytochemical study, antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by the&nbsp; chelation and reducing power test and AAPH test. The administration of the extract at 250 and 500 mg.kg-1 before glucose loading significantly decreased (p &lt;0.01) the glucose level of the mice, 30 minutes after the glucose loading compared to the control group. During 60 minutes, the effect of the extract at 500 mg.kg-1 was significant (p &lt;0.05). In addition, the administration of the extract at a dose of 500 mg.kg-1 of normoglycemic mice showed no significant decrease (p&gt; 0.05) in basal glucose compared with controls. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids,&nbsp; alkaloids, tannins and saponosides in the extract. The quantitative study showed a presence of polyphenols such as total phenols, tannins and total flavonoids. In vitro tests showed an antioxidant activity of the extract. The antihyperglycemic activity associated with the antioxidant properties of the plant, justifies its use in the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine. Keywords: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, antihyperglycemic activity, antioxidant

Anti-ulcer and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hydroalcohol Extract of Aloe buettneri A. Berger (Lilliaceae)

Purpose: Aloe buettneri A. Berger is commonly used in Togolese folk medicine to treat inflammation and gastric ulcer. In this study we investigated the anti-oedema, analgesic, antipyretic and ulcer healing properties of the hydro-alcohol extract of their leaves. Methods: Rat oedema paw were induced by the injection of 0.1 ml of formaldehyde 1%, tail flick method is used to study analgesic property, hyperthermia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 15% of a brewers' yeast suspension at dose of 10 ml/kg and ulcers were induced by ethanol or HCl/ethanol mixture. Results: The extract showed anti-inflammatory properties at doses between 250-500 mg/kg. It inhibited, in a dose- dependent manner, the oedema induced by 0.1 ml of formaldehyde 1%. Scores of 73.70% and 83.63% were obtned when the doses of extract administered were 100 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. The tail flick analgesic index showed an increase of 36.56% when the dose was 500 mg/kg. The extract decreased significantly the hyperthermia induced by the injection of yeast. 1000 mg/kg of the extract inhibited 63.77% of the gastric lesion induced by acid-water-ethanol mixture while daily administration of the same dose accelerated the cicatrisation of gastric ulcer induced by 95% ethanol. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the hydro-alcohol extract of Aloe buettneri A. Berger (Lilliaceae) has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and wound healing propertie

Antihyperglycemic activity of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum & Thonn) in rats

Phyllanthus amarus Schum &amp; Thonn is a medicinal herb widely used in tropical and subtropical countries for diabetes mellitus treatment. The effect of aqueous extract (AE) and hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of this plant on blood glucose levels was investigated in fasting normal and glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) during 2-3 h using metformin as reference drug. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that P. amarus contains tannin, polysaccharide, saponin, flavonoid and alkaloid. The two extracts (2 g/kg) administered 30 min before glucose loading, decrease the blood glucose level in hyperglycemic rats within 30 min and 60 min after glucose loading (P &lt; 0.001). When the extracts (1 g/kg) were administrated 1 h prior to glucose loading a maximum activity was observed after 30 min. HAE was more efficient in reducing hyperglycemic peak and contain more flavonoid than AE.Key words: Phyllanthus amarus, antihyperglycemic, intestinal glucose absorption.Phyllanthus amarus Schum &amp; Thonn est une plante médicinale très utilisée dans les pays tropicaux et subtropicaux pour le traitement du diabète sucré. L'effet de l'extrait aqueux (EA) et de l’extrait hydroalcoolique(EHA) de la plante sur la glycémie a été évalué sur des rats normaux et en état d’hyperglycémie provoquée par voie orale (HPVO) pendant 2-3 h avec metformine comme drogue de référence. L’étude qualitative et le screening phytochimique ont révélé la présence de tanins, des polysaccharides, des saponines, des flavonoïdes et des alcaloïdes dans la plante. Administrés 30 min avant la surcharge glucidique les deux extraits (2 g / kg) réduit l’hyperglycémie chez les rats en état d’HPVO dans les 30 et 60 min après la surcharge glucidique (P &lt;0,001). Par contre, lorsque les extraits (1 g / kg) sont administrés 1 h avant la surcharge glucidique, l’activité maximale a été observée dès 30 min. Comparé à l’EA, l’EHA réduit plus significativement le pic hyperglycémique et contient beaucoupplus de flavonoïdes que l’EA.Mots clés : Phyllanthus amarus, antihyperglycemiante, absorption intestinal du glucos