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

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. ‘Diabetes’ and ‘Nigeria’ were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then ‘Plant name – accepted or synonyms’, ‘Constituents’, ‘Drug interaction’ and/or ‘Toxicity’ for the secondary searches. Results: The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs. Conclusion: This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb–drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided

Évaluation de la qualité des poudres thérapeutiques à base de plantes dans les marchés de la ville de Lomé (Togo)

La thérapie par les plantes est de plus en plus pratiquée partout dans le monde. Les médicaments traditionnels voient ainsi le jour sous diverses formes de manière fulgurante. Cependant il faut s’assurer de la qualité de ces médicaments qui sont peu contrôlés et dont très peu disposent d’une autorisation de mise sur le marché. La présente étude est consacrée à l’évaluation de la qualité pharmacognosique de quelques médicaments à base de plantes présentées sous la forme de poudre, recensées dans les marchés de Lomé. La détermination de leurs caractères organoleptiques, de leur teneur en eau et de leur taux de cendres ont servi de moyens pour ce contrôle de qualité. Il en est résulté que 28,57% des poudres recensées ont une teneur en eau comprise entre 5% et 10% et 23,80% ont un taux de cendres inférieur ou égal à 14%. Au total seulement 11,11% des poudres sont de bonne qualité en ce qui concerne la propreté et la préservation des principes actifs. Ces résultats montrent bien que les  médicaments traditionnels ont besoin d’un cadre de contrôle de qualité et de suivi surtout au Togo. Mots clés : médicaments traditionnels, poudres thérapeutiques, teneur en eau. English Title: Evaluation of the quality of therapeutic powders based on plants in Lomé City markets (Togo) Plant therapy is increasingly practised around the world. Traditional medicines thus see the day in various forms in a dazzling way. However, it is necessary to ensure the quality of these medicines which are poorly controlled and of which very few have a marketing authorisation. The present study is devoted to the evaluation of the pharmacognosic quality of some herbal medicines presented in the powder form, identified in the markets of Lome. The determination of their organoleptic characteristics, their water content and their ash levels have served as means for this quality control. As a result, 28.57% of the recorded powders have a water content of between 5% and 10% and 23.80% have an ash level of 14% or less. In total only 11.11% of the powders are of good quality with regard to cleanliness and The preservation of active principles. These results show that traditional medicines need a quality control and monitoring framework especially in Togo. Keywords: traditional drugs, therapeutic powders, water content

Effect of Spirulina platensis powder on metabolic syndrome in sprague dawley rats

In Benin folk medicine, Spirulina platensis a blue–green alga has a reputation to treat diabetes. The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis powder on some markers of metabolic syndrome (hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, obesity and oxidative stress). The syndrome was induced by high fructose and fat diet in Sprague Dawley rat. The rats received fructose and fat diet (10ml/kg per day) during 29 days. At 15th day to 29th day 30 minutes before, the first group (high-fructose diet control) received distilled water, the second and third groups (treated groups) received respectively Spirulina platensis powderat 75 and 150 mg/kg per day. The normal control group received only distilled water during the experiment. After 29 days of experiment, fasting blood glucose, body weight gain, intra abdominal grease and serum triglycerides (TG) in treated groups were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of high-fructose diet control group. In the oral glucose tolerance test, rats in treated group had a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of blood glucose level during 180 minutes after glucose load, indicating that Spirulina platensis powder improved glucose tolerance. S. platensis inhibits also hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by AAPH. In conclusion, S. platensis powder prevent metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose and fat diet. These results justify the use of the plant in the treatment of diabetes in Benin.Keywords: Spirulina platensis, metabolic syndrome, fructose, diabetes, fat diet

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