18 research outputs found
Changes in the visceral functions of Plasmodium berghei-infected and-uninfected rats following administration of artemether.
The effects of artemether (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg per day, i.m.), administered to
different groups of Plasmodium berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected adult Wistar rats for 1
week, were investigated.
The parameters evaluated were the feeding, drinking and urinating patterns of the rats
and these were compared with those of rats that received normal saline.
Artemether caused a significant dose‐dependent reduction in food consumption of
both P. berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats (P < 0.05). Food intake in infected rats was
reduced by approximately 7 g/24 h. This reduction in food intake was further reduced
during drug treatment with artemether. Artermether also reduced food intake in
uninfected rats. The food consumption of rats that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg
artemether was restored after stopping treatment, in contrast with rats that received
50.0 mg/kg, in which the significant reduction in food consumption persisted 1 week
after drug administration.
During treatment with artemether, the water intake of infected rats was significantly
lower than that of uninfected rats in the 12.5 mg/kg artemether‐treated group, but was
significantly higher in infected rats than in uninfected rats dosed with 25.0 and
50.0 mg/kg artemether.
For all doses of artemether tested, a significant increase in urine output was observed
in infected rats during treatment and 1 week after treatment, whereas in uninfected rats
a significant increase in urine output was observed only following 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg
artemether 1 week after drug administration.
The present study confirms the anorexic activity of a high dose of artemether in both P.
berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats. It also indicates that high doses of the drug could
cause impaired renal function in rats and that the significant increase in urine output
could also be due to other effects of artemether, namely those on thirst, anti‐diuretic
hormone output and the osmotic pressure of the blood
Effect of Xylopia aethiopica, Fiscus mucuso and Anthocleista vogelli extracts on some Biochemical Parameters following ethanol-Induced Toxicity.
A total of forty rats were divided into eight groups (n= 5). Group A were control rats; Group B 27 were administered with absolute ethanol; Group C were ethanol administered rats treated with 28 Xylopia aethiopica; Groups D were ethanol administered rats treated with Fiscus mucuso, Group 29 E were ethanol administered rats treated with Anthocleista vogelli; Group F were normal rats 30 administered orally with Xylopia aethiopica; Group G were normal rats administered orally with 31 Fiscus mucuso; Group H were normal rats administered orally with Anthocleista vogelli. At the 32 end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and serum was obtained for total 33 protein, uric acid, creatinin, urea, Aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase 34 (ALT) analysis using respective research kits. 35
The result showed that Xylopia aethiopica had protective effect on the kidney as compared with 36 Fiscus mucuso and Anthocleista vogelli treated rats. Also, The AST and ALT was lowered with 37 the start of Xylopia aethiopia treatment. The total protein, creatinin and urea were slightly 38 (p> 0.05) affected with ethanol, an effect which was normalized with the start of extract 39 treatment. 4
Effects of artemether on the plasma and urine concentrations of some electrolytes in rats
This study was carried out to determine the changes in the urine levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca 2+) of rats during a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day), another one week thereafter and their concentrations in the plasma at the end of the study. At 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg of artemether, urine Na+ concentration was significantly increased throughout the study (p< 0.05), except on Day 7 (at 12.5 mg/kg) and Day 11 (at 25.0 mg/kg), when it was not significantly different from the control. At 12.5 mg/kg of the drug, urine K+ concentration was significantly increased throughout the study (p< 0.05). Artemether caused no significant changes in urine Ca 2+ concentration in the control rats as well as those that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg of artemether. Progressive and significant reductions in the urine concentrations of all the electrolytes at 50.0 mg/kg of artemether were observed. Their concentrations in the plasma were also significantly reduced at this dose of the drug. A dose-dependent degeneration of the renal tissue of all the experimental rats was also observed. We concluded that high doses of artemether caused progressive degeneration of the renal tissue of rats, inability of the damaged kidneys to concentrate urine, which manifested as excessive water loss and electrolyte depletion
Changes in some biochemical parameters of kidney functions of Plasmodium berghei infected rats administered with some doses of artemether
This study aimed at determining changes in urine concentrations of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) of Plasmodium berghei infected rats during a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day) and one week thereafter. Their concentrations and that of creatinine and urea in the plasma were also determined at the end of the study. The observed changes were related to the effects of artemether on the kidneys of the rats. The urine levels of the two electrolytes decreased significantly during treatment (P< 0.05). One week post-treatment with 12.5 mg/kg of artemether, the urine concentrations of the electrolytes increased to values that were not significantly different from that of day 0. At 25 and 50 mg/kg, their urine concentrations still remained significantly lower than day 0 values (P< 0.05). Plasma concentrations of the electrolytes one week post-treatment increased, but they were only significant at 25 mg/kg for K+. A significant increase in the plasma level of creatinine was observed at all the doses of the drug at one week post-treatment. A dose-dependent degeneration of the renal tissue of all the experimental rats was also observed. We concluded that high doses of artemether caused progressive degeneration of the renal tissue of P. berghei infected rats
BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS AFTER TREATMENT WITH ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF Croton Zambesicus (Müll. Arg.)
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of C.
zambesicus on total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Seventy adult male wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n=10). Group A, control
rats; Group B, untreated diabetic rats; Group C, diabetic rats in which C. zambesicus therapy started
2 weeks prior to induction of diabetes; Group D, diabetic rats administered orally with C. zambesicus
leafextract for 2 weeks after the initial four weeks of diabetic induction; Group E, diabetic rats
administered orally with C. zambesicus leaf extract for 4 weeks after the initial four weeks of diabetic
induction; Group F, normal rats administered orally with C. zambesicus leaf extract for four weeks;
Group G, diabetic rats administered with glimepiride (2 mg/kg/day) for four weeks after the
initial four weeks of diabetic induction. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were weighed
and sacrificed. Serum was obtained for TP, ALB, LDH and G6PDH analysis using respective
diagnostic kits.
Results: The results showed an improvement in protein metaboloites (TP, ALB, GLO) whiles the LDH
and G6PDH in the extract and glimepiride treated groups were restored near normal level when
compared with normal control (group A).
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that C. zambesicus leaf extract exerts positive effects
on serum levels of TP, ALB, GLO, LDH and G6PDH in diabetic rats. Thus, ethanolic leaf extract
of Croton zambesicus can be adopted in the management of diabetes mellitus
Effects of artemether on biochemical markers of liver function in Plasmodium berghei-infected and non-infected rats
This study aimed at determining changes in plasma activities of some enzymes and concentrations of plasma organic constituents which are often used in the assessment of liver functions in uninfected rats (UNR) and Plasmodium berghei infected rats (INR), following a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day). The observed changes were related to the effects of artemether on the liver of the rats. At all the doses tested, the plasma concentrations of total and conjugated bilirubin increased significantly in both INR and UNR. A significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of glucose was also observed in UNR. The levels of cholesterol were significantly higher in INR than UNR. Plasma glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity was significantly increased in both categories of rats, but more significantly in INR. The activity of plasma glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) increased significantly at 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg only in UNR, while a significant increase was observed at 50.0 mg/kg in the INR. Photomicrograph of the liver revealed progressive tissue damage which was more pronounced in INR than UNR. We concluded that high doses of artemether are toxic to the liver of both infected and uninfected rats
EFFECT OF FRACTIONATED EXTRACTS AND ISOLATED PURE COMPOUNDS OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN (L. ANACARDIACEAE) LEAVES ON NOVELTY-INDUCED REARING AND GROOMING BEHAVIOURS IN MICE
This study attempted to elucidate the neurotransmitter systems involved in the neurophysiological properties of ethanolic extract, fractions and pure isolates of Spondias mombin leaves in mice (n = 6) after intraperitoneal (i.p.) route of administration.
The crude ethanolic extract of spondian mombin leaves was fractionated using the partitioning method to obtain the ethylacetate, butanolic and aqueous fractions. Open column chromatographic fractionation of the ethylacetate fraction yielded seven sub-fractions, out of which the pure coumaroyl, quercetine and gallic acid derivatives were obtained after purification on Sephadex LH 20. The ethanolic extract, butanolic fractions, ethylacetate subfractions and pure isolates of the spondian mombin leaves were tested on novelty-induced rearing and grooming behaviours in mice with standard pharmacological tools using the open field method.
The extract and its fractions decreased novelty-induced rearing in a dose-dependent manner. While the Coumaroyl derivative had no effect on novelty-induced rearing, it significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of yohimbine, propranolol and haloperidol on novelty-induced rearing. Quercetin significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of yohimbine on novelty-induced rearing. Naloxone significantly potentiated the quercetine-induced suppression of novelty-induced rearing. Gallic acid derivative significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of yohimbine on novelty-induced rearing. Naloxone, atropine and haloperidol pretreatments significantly potentiated gallic acid derivative-induced suppression of novelty-induced rearing . The extract and its fractions had biphasic effect on novelty-induced grooming in mice. Coumaroyl derivative significantly increased novelty-induced grooming, while quercetine and gallic acid derivative decreased novelty-induced grooming significantly. The three pure isolates significantly reversed the effects of yohimbine and atropine on the novelty-induced grooming in mice. Propranolol-induced increase in novelty-induced grooming was significantly reversed by coumaroyl and gallic acid derivatives. Pre-treatment with naloxone significantly increased the gallic acid derivative-induced suppression of novelty-induced grooming. Pre-treatment with haloperidol reversed the effect of coumaroyl derivative and potentiated the inhibitory effect of quercetine derivative and gallic acid derivative significantly.
This study suggested that adrenergic and dopaminergic neuro-transmissions are strongly involved in the neural mechanisms of the effect of the three pure isolates derivative, while opioid neuro-transmission is strongly linked with the neural mechanism of behavioural effect of coumaroyl derivative
Full Length Research Article - EFFECTS OF CASSIA SIEBERIENA LEAF EXTRACTS ON THE INTESTINAL MOTILITY OF RAT
The in - vitro effects of methanolic extract (MCSL) and aqueous infusion (ACSL) of the leaves of C. sieberiena on the motility of the rat intestines were studied and compared with those of C. acutifolia (MCAL and ACAL) “Senna”. All the extracts and infusion relaxed the ileum dose-dependently. Their effects were blocked by tolazoline, indicating that a –adrenergic receptors were involved. MCSL contracted the colon dose - dependently and was blocked by atropine(1.7x10 -8 M) and nifedipine (2.8x10 -10 M). ACSL contracted this segment at 2.0-8.0 mg/ml and relaxed it at 8.0-16.0mg/ml. Its relaxant effect was blocked by tolazoline (1.0x10 -6 M), indicating the involvement of a – adrenergic receptors . MCAL had a slight relaxant effect on the colon, while ACAL contracted it dose dependently and was blocked by promethazine (3.1x10 -8 M) and nifedipine (2.8 x 10 -8 M), indicating that H 1 -receptor stimulation and increased intracellular calcium ion concentration are involved. MCSL was more potent than ACAL, while ACSL and ACAL were equipotent in contracting the colon. With proper processing C. sieberiena can be substituted for C. acutifolia
Research Paper - STUDIES ON THE ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) EXTRACTS
Spondias mombin L [Anacardiaceae] is a plant used by
traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria in the treatment of
various nervous disorders. In this study, the anxiolytic properties of
the aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the leaves were examined
using aggressive-behaviour response and depression-related swimming
behaviour activities. All the extracts administered orally were not
toxic to mice up to a dose of 5 g/kg. On intraperitoneal injection,
however, the LD50 values [mice/rats] were calculated to be 0.48 g/kg /
0.62 g/kg for ethanol extract, 1.10 g/kg / 1.08 g/kg for methanol
extract and 1.36 g/kg / 1.42 g/kg for aqueous extract respectively. All
residues from different extractions were dissolved in normal saline and
administered intraperitoneally. It was found that the three extracts
abolished the aggressive attacks by rats, and reduced swimming time in
mice. These effects were found to be most potent with the
administration of the ethanol extract. These effects of the extracts
were blocked by flumazenil, an antagonist of GABAA receptor. The
results suggest that the extracts of Spondias mombin possess anxiolytic
effect mediated by GABAergic transmission
Full Length Research Article - EFFECTS OF CASSIA SIEBERIENA LEAF EXTRACTS ON THE INTESTINAL MOTILITY OF RAT
The in - vitro effects of methanolic extract (MCSL) and aqueous infusion (ACSL) of the leaves of C. sieberiena on the motility of the rat intestines were studied and compared with those of C. acutifolia (MCAL and ACAL) “Senna”. All the extracts and infusion relaxed the ileum dose-dependently. Their effects were blocked by tolazoline, indicating that a –adrenergic receptors were involved. MCSL contracted the colon dose - dependently and was blocked by atropine(1.7x10 -8 M) and nifedipine (2.8x10 -10 M). ACSL contracted this segment at 2.0-8.0 mg/ml and relaxed it at 8.0-16.0mg/ml. Its relaxant effect was blocked by tolazoline (1.0x10 -6 M), indicating the involvement of a – adrenergic receptors . MCAL had a slight relaxant effect on the colon, while ACAL contracted it dose dependently and was blocked by promethazine (3.1x10 -8 M) and nifedipine (2.8 x 10 -8 M), indicating that H 1 -receptor stimulation and increased intracellular calcium ion concentration are involved. MCSL was more potent than ACAL, while ACSL and ACAL were equipotent in contracting the colon. With proper processing C. sieberiena can be substituted for C. acutifolia