Evaluation of Sorghum bicolor leaf base extract for gastrointestinal effects

The leaf base of Sorghum bicolor (Family: Gramineae, Poaceae) was cold-macerated with 70% v/v methanol. The aqueous methanolic extract was further fractionated into non-polar, medium polar andvery polar components using hexane, ethylacetate and water (aqueous), respectively. The gastrointestinal effects of these extracts were tested on intestinal motility (transit) in mice, castor oilinduced diarrhoeal model in rats, isolated rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum and rat stomach fundusstrip. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 values for the extracts were determined in mice and rats. The aqueous methanolic extract (100 – 400 mg/kg i.p) significantly (P < 0.05) and dose-dependently decreased the intestinal motility, inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhoea, produced concentrationdependent relaxation of rabbit jejunum with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.21 mg/ml. This extract also produced both non-myogenic and slight relaxation effects on guinea pig ileum and acontraction on rat stomach fundus strips. Both aqueous and ethylacetate fractions also reduced intestinal motility. However, ethylacetate fraction caused greater reduction than the aqueous fraction. The oral LD50 value for the aqueous methanolic extact in both rats and mice was found to be 2000 mg/kg while the intraperitoneal values are 1414.2 mg/kg in rats and 1341.6 mg/kg in mice. The intrapertoneal value for both aqueous and ethylacetate fractions is 2000 mg/kg in mice. The study provided scientific bases for the traditional use of S. bicolor for treatment of gastrointestinal related problems such as diarrhoea

Micromorphological, anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory investigations of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri

Anatomical and powdered samples of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri were investigated for its micromorphological profile, while the aqueous extract was investigated for its anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory effects in mice and rats, respectively. The micromorphological study indicated the presence of characteristic bundles of phloem tissues, separated by medullary rays, abundant grains of starch in isodiametric parenchyma cells, prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, cork cells and cortex parenchyma. The extract showed a significant anti-nociceptive activity at the tested doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg i.p.). The extract at the same doses showed a non-dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity. The effect was significant at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. These findings contribute to the preparation of a monograph for proper identification of the plant and also corroborate some of the traditional use

Pharmacological justification for the ethnomedicinal use of Amblygonocarpus andongensis stem bark in pain relief

Amblygonocarpus andongensis (family: Mimosaceae) is ethnomedicinally used in Northern Nigeria for the relief of pain. The methanolic extract of the plant stem bark was evaluated for anti-nociceptive activity using acetic acid-induced writhing model and formalin test in mice. Anti-inflammatory property was tested on egg albumin-induced oedema in rats while agar dilution method was used for antimicrobial effect. The acute toxicity effect (LD50) was also determined via intraperitoneal route. The results showed the LD50 value to be 547.7 mg/kg i.p. There was a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction of acetic acid-induced pain at 50, 100, 200 mg/kg i.p. The extract at the same doses significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited pains in both early and late phases of the formalin test. However, the extract showed neither anti-inflammatory nor anti-microbial effects. The results corroborate the folkloric use of the plant

Evaluation of the aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielii stem bark for antimicrobial activities and gastrointestinal effects

The aqueous extract of Boswelli dalzielii Hutch (family: Burseraceae) was investigated for therapeutic properties using aspirin-induced ulceration in rats, gastrointestinal motility in mice and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was carried out via the oral route in mice. Antimicrobial and preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was also investigated. The extract did not show toxicity signs or death at doses O.O5) protection against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. No antimicrobial effects were shown by the extract (200 mg/kg) against any of the tested organisms. Tannins were detected in the aqueous extract. The above results show that B. dalzielii stem bark probably contains some active ingredients that could be developed for such gastrointestinal problems as have been claimed by traditional medical practitioners. Key words: . African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(5) 2004: 284-28

Evaluation of toxicity profile of leaf base extract of Sorghum bicolor in rat

The toxicity profile of 70% methanolic extract of Sorghum bicolor leaf base widely used in ethnomedicine was evaluated in male rats treated daily for 28 days using 100 – 400 mg/kg p. o. doses. No adverse clinical signs were observed. There was no significant change in the feed intake, body weight and relative organ weight except the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in weight of kidneys and increase in relative weight of the testes observed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. No gross or histopathological changes were seen in the kidneys, heart, spleen, lungs, liver and testes. No significant effect was observed in the haematological indices (packed cell volume, heamoglobin, totaland differential white blood cells), hepatic function indices (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, totalprotein) as well as renal function indices (urea and creatinine). Uric acid was however reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Study of effect on serum lipid profile showed no significant effect on cholesterol but a significant reduction of triglyceride at 200 mg/kg p. o. dose. The results suggest that S. bicolor leaf extract is relatively safe