FETAL TOXICITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF AGERATUM CONYZOIDES L. LEAVES (ASTERACEAE) IN RATS

Objective: Ageratum conyzoides is known to possess pharmacological and therapeutic pro perties in Africa. Some pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chemicals known to induce fetuses toxicity, have been identified in A. conyzoides. This study aims to evaluate the fetal toxicity of A. conyzoides.Methods: Mated females were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of 8 animals each. Pregnant rats received orally 500 or 1000 mg/kg of 80% hydroalcoholic extract of A. conyzoides, daily from the 17th to the 20th day of gestation. On day 21 of pregnancy, the females were sacrificed. Laparotomy was performed and uterine horns were removed. The number of implants, resorptions, and dead and live fetuses was then recorded. The ovaries were also observed and the corpora lutea were counted.Results: No visible signs of toxicity were observed in females and their pups throughout the study period. However, A. conyzoides (500 and 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease (p<0.01) of fetal weight compared with the control. For the implantation, resorption and morta-lity there was no significant difference between groups.Conclusion: The administration of hydroalcoholic extract of A. conyzoides to female rats in late pregnancy is toxic to the fetuses. This fetal toxicity can be due to the oxidative stress induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in this plant.Â

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF COCCOLOBA UVIFERA LEAVES AND WALTHERIA INDICA ROOTS EXTRACTS

Objective: Coccoloba uvifera (Polygonaceae) and Watheria indica (Sterculiaceae) are two medicinal plants used in Togolese traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate their antioxidant properties and hypoglycemic activity.Methods: After phytochemical screening, hydro alcoholic leaves extracts of Coccoloba uvifera and the hydro alcoholic roots extract of Watheria indica were evaluated on blood glucose levels in fasting normal and glucose loaded hyper glycemic rats (oral glucose tolerance test). Antioxydant activities were performed using AAPH (2, 2'-Azobis 2 Amidino propane Dihydrochloride test and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity).Results: Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, total phenols and tanin in the hydro alcoholic extracts of C. uvifera and W. indica. The hypoglycemic activity measured after oral administration of glucose (2 g/kg) revealed that W. indica leaves and C. uvifera roots induced a significant reduction of hyperglycemia in treated group compared to control group. There was a significant reduction in the hyperglycemic peak with W. indica leaves extract at doses of 250 mg/kg (p<0.05) and 500 mg/kg (p<0.001). Moreover, the administration of extracts (at dose of 500 mg/kg) in fasted rats did not show any significant decrease in basal blood glucose level compared to the control. Hydro alcoholic extracts inhibit hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by AAPH dose-dependent manner and have an antioxidant power comparable to that of the Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (reference drug). The extracts inhibit the production of nitric oxide and possess reducing power.Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of these plants in the treatment of diabetes in Togolese traditional medicine.Â

Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of Crataeva adansonii DC. ssp. adansonii leaves extract on ICR mice

Crataeva adansonii DC. ssp. adansonii is a medicinal plant belong to Capparidaceae family, used traditionally by Togolese to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of the plant leaves. The effect of hydroethanolic extract of C. adansonii ssp. adansonii leaves was assessed in vivo on blood glucose levels in fasting normal and glucose loaded hyperglycemic (oral glucose tolerance test) mice. The phytochemical screening has been done by coloring tests in chemistry. In vitro antioxidants assays had been performed by 2, 2'-azobis 2 amidinopropane dihydrochloride (AAPH) free radical scavenging assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, Fe2+ chelating assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) quantification. After 30 min glucose loading (4 g/kg), the extract 500 mg/kg was showed a significant (p < 0.001) decreased of the peak of blood glucose compared to the hyperglycemic control. The two doses of extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) did not act on the basic blood glucose compared to the normoglycemic control. Phytochemical screening revealed a presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and sterols. AAPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, Fe2+ chelating activity and total antioxidant capacity have shown dose-dependent antioxidant capacity and reducing power of extract compared to ascorbic acid and Butylated hydroxyl Toluene used as reference drug. These finding prove that C. adansonii ssp. adansonii leaves can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications related to oxidative stress and support the use of the plant in traditional medicine in diabetes treatment.  Keywords: Crataeva adansonii, antihyperglycaemic, phytochemical, antioxidant

Antidiabetic Activity of Plumeria Alba Linn (Apocynaceae) Root Extract and Fractions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of total hydroalcohol root extract of Plumeria alba (Apocynaceae) and its active fraction on diabetes in rats.Methods: The effect of total hydroalcohol extract at 250 mg/kg and different fractions was evaluated on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in mice. The effect of the active fractions on OGTT was measured on a model of diabetic rats (fructose-enriched fat diet and streptozotocin-induced).Results: The results show that the total extract (250 mg/kg), ethyl acetate fraction and supernatant fraction (obtained after centrifugation of total extract) at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) reduced hyperglycemia induced by glucose overload in mice. Fructose-enriched fat diet increased blood cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in hyperlipidemic untreated rats compared to normal control rats. Administration of total extract (250 mg/kg/day) and supernatant fraction of P. alba (100 mg/kg/day) during 14 days significantly reduced lipid parameters (total cholesterol, p < 0.001; triglycerides, p < 0.01; HDL, p < 0.05). Analysis of oxidative stress markers shows that the supernatant fraction and total extract significantly increased serum glutathione level (p < 0.01) but significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in liver (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the total extract and fractions of P. alba exhibit significant antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties in streptozotocin induced diabetic animals. The supernatant fraction (which is free of organic solvent) was the most biologically activeKeywords: Diabetes, Hyperlipidermia, Plumeria alba, Fructose-enriched fat diet, Oxidative stress markers, Streptozotoci

CYTOTOXICITY STUDY OF ANTIDIABETIC PLANTS ON NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS CULTURED AT NORMAL AND HIGH GLUCOSE LEVEL

Objective:In diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia causes damage (glucose toxicity) on some cells leading to micro and macro vascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antidiabetic plants extracts in high glucose concentration in vitro. Methods: Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), Vitex doniana (leaves), Tectona grandis (leaves and trunk bark) and Plumeria alba (roots) hydroalcoholic extract (at the concentrations of 6.25, 25, 75, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml) were tested for their possible cytotoxicity using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on neuroblastoma cells lines in standard condition (extract alone) and high glucose concentration (extract+50 mM glucose). Results: At concentrations of 6.25 and 25µg/ml, T. grandis bark and leaves and P. amarus induced a significant decrease (p<0.01; p<0.001) on cell viability as compared to controls. The decrease on cell viability was very pronounced in the presence of the extracts plus glucose 50 mM. P. amarus extract becomes increasingly toxic as the concentration of extract increased in the presence of glucose. With P. amarus at 125 µg/ml and glucose at 50 mM, there is no more viable cells in the medium. By contrast, T. grandis bark extract induced a significant reduction of the cytotoxicity in the presence of glucose compared to standard condition. Conclusion:It appears that, only hydroalcoholic extract of T. grandis bark possesses neuroprotective activity in high glucose concentration

Contribution au Recensement des Plantes Médicinales au Togo : Cas de la Région Maritime

The ethnobotany survey conducted in nine markets of Togo maritime region leads to identification of 106 medicinal species in 61 families and 97 genera, including 90 dicotyledons, 6 monocotyledons, and one fern. These different species are used in the treatment of 63 pathologies, of which malaria and Gynecologic disorders are the most common. This vast array of therapeutic indications shows the important role that plants play in medical terms. The infusion and decoction appear as the most used methods of the traditional therapists. Several parts of plants fall into these different preparations. The leaves are the most used. These results of ethnobotanical survey will allow a possible orientation in the choice of target plants for given pathologies and the search for new molecules that are more active. L’enquête ethnobotanique menée sur neuf marchés de la région maritime du Togo a permis de recenser 106 espèces médicinales regroupées en 61 familles et 97 genres, dont 90 dicotylédones, 6 monocotylédones et une fougère. Ces différentes espèces interviennent dans le traitement de 63 pathologies, le paludisme et les troubles gynécologiques étant les plus fréquentes. Cette grande panoplie d’indications thérapeutiques montre le rôle important que les plantes jouent sur le plan médical. L’infusion et la décoction apparaissent comme les modes de préparation les plus utilisés par les tradithérapeutes. Plusieurs parties des plantes entrent dans ces différentes préparations. Les feuilles sont les plus utilisées. Ces résultats d’enquêtes ethnobotaniques pourront permettre une orientation éventuelle dans le choix des plantes cibles pour des pathologies données et la recherche de nouvelles molécules plus actives

Pesticides Use Practice by Market Gardeners in Lome (Togo)

Pesticides are more and more used in African countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk and the impact of pesticides on gardener’s health. It is a transversal descriptive study, which referred to vegetable growers, held in Lomé on the period from May 20 to June 5, 2017. Forty-eight (48) growers participated in the study. Men accounted for 70.8% of the study population against 29.2% of women. The level of education was primary (47.9%) in the majority of cases. Married people or couples represented 77.1% of cases. Most gardeners (72.9%) has no training in the use of pesticides. Pesticides were consistently applied (100%), including insecticides (72.7%), herbicides (9.1%), and fungicides (18.2%). Of 20 pesticides collected, 9 (45%) were approved by our authorities. Only 43.8% of growers were supplied with pesticides from authorized structures of agricultural products. Branches of plants (79.2%) were the spray means of most of the pesticides. Most gardeners (79, 2%) did not use personal protective equipment because of lack of resources for 81.6% of them. Water and environment contamination risk by pesticides was known by only 6.3% of gardeners. Among the adverse effects reported, pruritus was the majority in 85.4% of cases followed by headache (70.8%), cough (68.8%), and muscle pain (64.6%). The training of gardeners, monitoring and control of this informal sector, and the monitoring of unregistered pesticides will help to reduce the risk of poisoning of gardeners and consumers of vegetables as well as environmental pollution

Evaluation du pouvoir antioxydant des feuilles d’Ageratum conyzoides l. sur les rats wistar.

Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) est une plante très utilisée en Amérique du Sud et en Afrique. Au Togo, on la retrouve dans le traitement de la rougeole et de la fièvre alors qu’au Nigeria, elle est l’une des rares plantes rencontrée dans la plupart des préparations traditionnelles utilisées dans le traitement du Sida. L’objectif de notre étude a donc été d’évaluer le pouvoir antioxydant d’A. conyzoides in vitro et in vivo. Pour cela, la lipoperoxidation des globules rouges a été induite in vivo par le 2,2’-azo-bis (2- amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). A. conyzoides a significativement (p<0,001) augmenté l’inhibition de l’hémolyse provoquée par le AAPH donnant une CI50 de 87 μg/mL alors que celle de la vitamine C (contrôle positif) est de 57 μg/mL. In vivo, 1 h après l’administration des extraits d’A. conyzoides, seule la dose de 1,5 g/kg a significativement augmenté le pourcentage d’inhibition de l’hémolyse provoquée par le AAPH. Mais 2 h de temps après, ce sont les deux doses utilisées (1g/kg et de 1,5 g/kg) qui ont significativement (p< 0,05) augmenté ce pourcentage.Mots clés: Ageratum conyzoides, AAPH (2,2’-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride), pouvoir antioxydantEnglish AbstractThe hydroalcoholic extract of A. conyzoides L. leaves was studied for its protective effect against RBC haemolysis induced by a water soluble radical generator 2, 2’ azobis (2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). The result showed that A. conyzoides extract, in vitro and in vivo, was very active in inhibiting the peroxidation of erythrocytes membranes and haemolysis induced by AAPH. The IC50 values were 88 μg/ml and 57 μg/ml respectively for A. conyzoides and ascorbic acid (positive control) in vitro. In vivo, 1 h after administration of extracts of A. conyzoides, only the dose of 1.5 g / kg significantly increased the percentage of inhibition of hemolysis induced by AAPH. But after 2 hours, the two doses used (1g/kg and 1.5 g / kg) significantly (p <0.05) increased the heamolysis inhibition. These results suggest that A. conyzoides as antioxidant inhibits AAPH induced haemolysis of RBC and support partially the traditional use of A. conyzoides in treatment of many diseases.Keywords: A. conyzoides; AAPH (2,2’-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride), red blood cells haemolysis, antioxidan

A 90-Day Oral Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar Rats

Background. Herbal medication is a worldwide and ancient practice, mostly in developing countries, where a large part of the population is involved in this practice. Hence, studies must be conducted to evaluate their safety and efficiency to avoid or prevent toxicological risks due to their usage. In Togo, Carissa spinarum is a medicinal plant belonging to Apocynaceae family, used as an aphrodisiac or to heal some ailments including malaria, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, pain, and asthma. Notwithstanding its several ethnomedicinal benefits, just a few toxicological data associated with its chronic use are available. Objective. Therefore, this study aims to assess the toxicity of an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar rats. Methods. The 90-day oral toxicity process following OECD TG 408 guidelines is used. Male Wistar rats received Carissa spinarum root hydroethanolic extract at 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 90 days by oral gavage. Body weight changes, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, organ weight changes, malondialdehyde as a lipoperoxidation marker expressed according to tissue proteins, and histopathology of vital organs were assessed. Results. No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed during the 90 days experiment. Hematological parameters have not shown any treatment-related abnormalities. According to biochemical parameters, an increase in the chloride ion level was observed at 1000 mg/kg p<0.01. There was no significant difference between the treated groups and the control group concerning the malondialdehyde concentration, body weight, and organ relative weight. No changes in necropsy and histopathology of vital organs associated with extract treatment were observed. Conclusion. The results indicated that an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum does not cause adverse effects, which can lead to Wistar rats’ death after 90-day oral administration at 500 and 1000 mg

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of the Hydroethanolic Extract of the Fruits of Solanum torvum (Swartz) (Solanaceae) Use as Vegetable in Togo

The fruits of Solanum torvum (Swartz), a vegetable-fruit, are used in traditional medicine in Togo in the treatment of infectious diseases and as an anti-anemic. This study then focused on the antimicrobial activity assessment of the hydroethanolic extract of these fruits in the interest of contributing to the valorization of this Togolese flora’s species. A hydroethanolic extraction (50 % - 50 %: v/v) was performed followed by preliminary phytochemical tests. Antimicrobial activity was determined on fourteen bacterial strains using the agar diffusion method. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing compounds, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes, saponins, total carbohydrates and free quinones. The extract was active on the reference strains of S. aureus, E. coli, S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. However, this activity was only observed on clinical strains of S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The extract showed MICs of 25 and 50 mg/ml and BMCs of 50 and 100 mg/ml respectively for S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The MBC/MIC ratio for these two strains was 2. These fruits would then have bacteriostatic activity on S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial properties of the extract on these germs could justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. Keywords: Solanum torvum, fruits, phytochemical compounds, antimicrobial activit