Anti-putrefying properties of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Manihot esculenta (cassava) on dead laboratory Sprague Dawley rats

The leaves of Manihot esculenta (ME) have been used by ancestors, apart from food, to preserve human bodies before burial. Formalin remains the chemical agent of choice in modern times to preserve corpses. However, cost, associated health hazards and recent public health concerns meant that researchers must explore alternative means of continuing this age-long process of preservation of human remains. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of extracts from cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves in the preservation of dead remains of corpses. Aqueous extracts from fresh leaves of M. esculenta (MELE) were used to preserve euthanised rats and the internal organs were harvested after 7 days for histological analysis. The histological sections of the stomach and liver were compared with those of control rats treated with 6 ml of formalin (10%). The low and intermediate doses of MELE preserved the tissues of the dead rats beyond 7 days, as evidenced by histological sections of the stomach and liver. Concentrations of MELE between 300 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg showed adequate potency in preserving dead rats compared to formalin. However, the dead rats treated with doses of MELE greater than 1500 mg/kg showed rapid putrefaction after 7 days

Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: A Potent Nutraceutical in Perspective

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is a pulverized high-grade powder of compressed solid blocks which remains after extraction and removal of the cocoa butter. The authors determined the elementary composition of UNCP, investigated its effect on nitric oxide levels, toxicity, and its protective effect on the heart, kidney, and liver during simultaneous administration with high dose (HD) artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Adult male guinea pigs were administered various doses of UNCP alone and also simultaneously with A/L. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and 38 macro- and microelements. Histopathological analysis showed no toxic effect on the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, testis, and spleen. Administration of various doses of UNCP increased white blood cell counts and lymphocyte count (p > 0.05) compared with the controls. Additionally, UNCP and A/L combination caused an increase in nitric oxide levels when compared with the control group and restores some hematological disorders induced by the 3-day HD A/L administration. Even though UNCP appears to be relatively safe, care should be taken due to the high content of copper element to avoid the possibility of intestinal lining erosion

Long-term continuous administration of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn in male Sprague-Dawley rats: biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes

Background: Conflicting reports about the toxicity of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn (family Asteraceae), a plant traditionally used in Ghana for the management of epilepsy, abound in literature. The present study evaluates the effect of a 90-day continuous oral administration of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats.Methods: The toxicological evaluation of the extract (100, 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) was focused on haematological, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of some isolated organs.Results: The extract produced no mortality in the rats treated during the study period. Only SNE 100 mgkg-1 produced significant decrease in white blood cell and neutrophil counts and an increase in albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, total protein and potassium levels. The higher doses (SNE 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) had no significant effect on all the haematological and biochemical parameters measured. Histopathological assessment of the liver, kidney and heart revealed no abnormalities in rats treated with the extracts. Only the SNE 1000 mgkg-1 produced distortions of the branching arrangements of the myocardial fibres and a congested vessel which indicates a healed infarction.Conclusions: The findings suggest hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn generally has a low toxicity profile following a 90-day continuous oral administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats under the present laboratory conditions. However patients with renal or cardiac problems should use the plant with caution.Funding: Jointly supported by the International Foundation for Science, Stockholm, Sweden, through a grant (# F/5191-1) to Dr. Patrick Amoateng and the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, grant awarded to Dr. Patrick Amoateng (reference number: URF/6/ILG-002/2012-2013)Keywords: : Synedrella nodiflora, Sprague-Dawley rats, histopathological, haematologica

Enalapril increases postischaemic cerebral oxygen and glucose consumption in cats

No Abstract Available Discovery and Innovation Vol.15(3&4) 2003: 197-20

Some Effects of the Medicinal Plant Kalanchoe Pinnata

The hepatoprotective and choleretic effects of Kalanchoe pinnata syrup prepared from its extract were studied using the rat model of toxic hepatitis, produced by the administration of the hepatotoxic compound 50% solution of carbon tetrachloride. The syrup was introduced in a dosage of 30 mg/kg. After the administration of syrup Kalanchoe (per os) in rats with toxic hepatitis, the following enzymes considered to be informative during toxic hepatitis were determined: alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides. The cholagogic (choleretic) effect was determined by cannulating the common bile duct and determining the amount and content of bile produced within three hours. The antimicrobial activity of the syrup was determined using a microbial inhibition assay. The Kalanchoe syrup was seen to normalize the level of alaninetransaminase, alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides in the animals with toxic hepatitis and increase the secretion of bile with the contents of cholesterine. Acids and the cholato-cholesteric coefficient in the bile remained unchanged. The syrup was found to react with some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherchia coli. This finding demonstrates the hepatoprotective, choleretic and antimicrobial activity of syrup Kalanchoe. Keywords: Kalanchoe syrup, hepatoprotection, choleretic activity, antimicrobial activity Résumé Les effets hépatoprotecteurs et cholérétiques du sirop préparé à partir des extraits de Kalanchoe pinnata ont fait objet d'étude en utilisant les rats affectés d'hépatite toxique déclenchée par l'administration de la solution hépatotoxique de 50% de tétrachlorure de carbone. Le sirop a été administré à la dose de 30 mg/ kg de poids vif. Après l'administration du sirop de Kalanchoe par voie orale aux rats atteints d'hépatite toxique, les enzymes suivantes considérées comme symptômes d'affection par l'hépatite toxique ont été déterminées: l'alanine transaminase, la phosphatase de soude et les triglycérides. L'effet cholérétique a été déterminé après ponction du canal principal de la vessie biliaire et la détermination de la quantité et la teneur en bile produite dans un délai de trois heures. L'activité antimicrobienne du sirop a été déterminée par test d'inhibition microbienne. Le sirop de Kalanchoe a révélé son pouvoir de normaliser le niveau de l'alanine transaminase, de la phosphatase de soude et des triglycérides chez les animaux avec de l'hépatite toxique et il a augmenté la sécrétion biliaire avec des taux de cholestérol, d'acides et des coefficients cholato- cholestériques normaux, dans la bile. Le sirop s'est avéré être actif contre certaines souches de Staphylococcus aureus et d'Escherchia coli. Ceci plaide en faveur des activités hépatoprotectrices, cholérétiques et antimicrobiennes du sirop des extraits de Kalanchoe. Mots-clés: sirop de Kalanchoe, protection hépatique, activité cholérétique, activité antimicrobienne (Discovery and innovation: 14(1-2): 102-106

Micro- and Macroelemental Composition and Safety Evaluation of the Nutraceutical Moringa oleifera Leaves

Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose plant used in Ghana and most parts of Africa. Its high mineral, protein, and vitamins content has enabled its use as a nutraceutical and panacea for various diseases. This study aimed at measuring the micro- and macroelements content of dried Moringa oleifera leaves using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic (EDXRF) and assessing its toxicological effect in rats. Acute toxicity (5000 mg/kg) and a subacute toxicity studies of the leaf (40 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) extract were conducted in rats. Blood samples were assessed for biochemical and haematological parameters. Results showed significant levels of thirty-five (35) elements (14 macroelements and 21 microelements) in M. oleifera extract. There were no observed overt adverse reactions in the acute and subacute studies. Although there were observed elevations in liver enzymes ALT and ALP (P<0.001) and lower creatinine levels in the extract treated groups, no adverse histopathological findings were found. Moringa oleifera dried leaf extract may, therefore, be reasonably safe for consumption. However, the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves should not exceed a maximum of 70 grams per day to prevent cumulative toxicity of these essential elements over long periods