Crude drug analysis and elemental content of the leaves and stem bark of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), an indigenous Ghanaian medicinal plant

Adansonia digitata L. is a tree indigenous to Ghana and West Africa. It is traditionally used for medicinal, religious and nutritional purposes. Different parts of the plant are used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as anaemia, malaria, asthma and diarrhoea among others. It is therefore necessary to provide standard parameters for identification and for the purpose of quality control. This study thus sought to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics and elemental properties of the leaves and stem bark of A. digitata grown and used in Ghana. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, phytochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence and elemental properties of the leaf and stem bark were determined using standard protocols. The results of the study showed that the leaves of A. digitata were palmate compound and alternately arranged with stipules at each node. The outer bark was observed to be grey in color while the inner bark was pink to brown and laticiferous. Anomocytic stomata and stellate trichomes were also observed microscopically on the leaf surface. The powdered stem bark contained brachysclereids and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in both leaf and stem bark. They additionally exhibited different fluorescence characters in various solvents. The plant contained major and minor nutritional elements in varying quantities. The results of this study can serve as reliable parameters for accurate identification and authentication of A. digitata L. hence ensuring quality

Macro- and Microelemental Composition and Toxicity of Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP) is a pulverized high-grade powder of compressed solid blocks which remains after extraction. Little scientific data is available concerning its safety despite the presence of potential toxic elements. Elemental composition in UNCP was analyzed with ED-XRF spectroscopy. Single oral high dose toxicity study was conducted on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (150 g) by the limit test method. One group received water and the test group 2000 mg/kg UNCP. All animals were observed for 14 days and then euthanized for haematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations. Thirty-eight (38) elements were found in UNCP. There was an increase in HDL cholesterol (p<0.05), reduction in LDL cholesterol (p>0.05), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05), and creatinine levels, and slight increase in urea levels (p>0.05). Haematological changes were not significant. Histopathological analysis showed no toxic effect on the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, testis, and spleen. Intestinal erosion was observed in the test group. UNCP appears to be relatively safe when taken as a single oral high dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w.t. in rats. Caution should however be exercised at high doses due to the high elemental content of copper and high possibility of intestinal lining erosion

Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder Has the Potential to Attenuate High Dose Artemether-Lumefantrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Non-Malarious Guinea Pigs

Objective. This study investigated the elemental composition of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), its effect on nitric oxide, and its hepatoprotective potential during simultaneous administration with high-dose artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Method. Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with EDXRF spectroscopy. Thirty (30) male guinea-pigs were then divided into five groups. For groups 3 (low-dose), 4 (medium-dose), and 5 (high-dose), the animals received oral UNCP prophylactically for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water (14 days) and group 2 A/L for the last 3 days (days 12 to 14). After euthanisation, biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out in all groups. Results. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Thirty-eight (38) macro- and microelements were found. UNCP produced significant decreases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST levels. A significant increase in total protein levels was observed during A/L+UNCP administration in comparison to 75 mg/kg A/L group. Histopathological examinations buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. UNCP administration increased nitric oxide levels 149.71% (P<0.05) compared to controls. Conclusion. UNCP increases nitric oxide levels and has hepatoprotective potential during A/L administration. A high level of copper was observed which may be detrimental during high daily consumptions of UNCP