CNS activity of ZS-1A: a phytoceutical from Zizyphus spina-christi root bark

Zizyphus spina-christi (ZS) Willd is reputed to have medicinal values. Studies on the phytochemistry, and some pharmacological activity of the plant\'s rootbark were initiated in our laboratories. The present study is a report on sedative effect of a fraction obtained from the hexane extract (numbered ZS-1A) of the plant material. The fraction (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested against pentobarbital sleeping time, motor coordination (rota-rod performance) test and exploratory behaviour in mice. Results show that ZS-1A prolonged pentobarbital induced hypnosis and decrease the head-dip responses in the exploratory behaviour tests dose dependently. It however failed to give a positive test on the motor coordination test. The results demonstrate potent central depressant effect by ZS-1A. Keywords: Phytomedicine, sedation, mice.International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2008: pp. 456-46

Hypoglycemic effects of the aqueous extract of African Mistletoe, Tapinanthus sesselifolius (P. Beauv) van Tiegh (Loranthaceae)

The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of African mistletoe, Tapinanthus sesselifolius, was investigated in-vivo and in-vitro. Studies were carried out on normoglycemic and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rabbits, and glucose uptake studies were done using the isolated intestine of normal rabbits. The safety studies (acute toxicity test) were carried out in mice. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Tapinanthus sesselifolius exhibited transient reduction of blood glucose in normoglycemic rabbits and significantly lowered blood glucose level in hyperglycemic rabbits. The extract significantly decreased the level of glucose in serosal fluid dose dependently. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD50 of Tapinanthus sesselifolius was found to be 2000 – 2650 mg/kg within 95% confidence limits. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed positive test for biologically active substances such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and glycosides. The data showed that Tapinanthus sesselifolius contain biologically active substances that may be useful in treatment of diabetes and thus gave a scientific basis for its use in herbal traditional medicine as an antidiabetic agent.Keywords: Phytomedicine, alloxan-induced hyperglycemia, glucose uptak

Protective effects of the aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers

Effects of the aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus were investigated on ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. The extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05), dose dependently, protected the rat gastricmucosa against the necrotising effects of ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, and had an oral LD50 of >5000 mg/kg. These resultsshows that aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus contains active ingredients with a therapeutic potential against gastric ulcers, and thus authenticate the use of Nymphaea lotus as an antiulcer agent in traditional medicine.Keywords: Nymphaeae lotus, ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, gastroprotection

In vitro screening of NIPRD-AH1 on CYP3A4 activity for plausible herb-drug interaction

NIPRD-AH1 is being developed from freeze-dried aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja Nigeria as immunestimulant for HIV infected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NIPRD-AH1 on human cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) drug metabolising enzyme in order to generate clinically significant data for its safe and efficacious use. Activity on CYP3A4 was measured with and without the addition of NIPRD-AH1 in a reaction medium with testosterone (70 μM) as CYP3A4 substrate, and ketoconazole (2.5 μM) as positive inhibitor. The metabolites formed after the enzymatic reactions were quantified by validated HPLC techniques. Results showed NIPRD-AH1 exhibiting low IC50 value of 0.03 mg/ml, indicating that its metabolic processes are likely to inhibit CYP3A4. This suggests possibility of herb-drug interaction, with potential implication on concomitant administration of NIPRD-AH1 with CYP3A4 substrates. We therefore suggested that this effect be examined in vivo in order to draw a definitive conclusion.Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, NIPRD-AH1, CYP3A4, herb-drug interaction

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of Combretum sericeum in rodents

Combretum sericeum (Combretacae) is used traditionally in Northern Nigeria for the treatment of fever. In this study, the activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of this plant against nociception andinflammation were investigated in mice and rats. The studies were carried out using acetic acid writhing, hot plate algesia and carrageenan induced inflammation in rats. The results showed that the extractexhibited significant (P < 0.001) anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all the models used. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides alkaloids and anthraquinones. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was found to be 177.48 mg/kg in mice. The observed activities might be the scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of fever. This study also paves way for the possible development of the plant extract as a phytodrug against pain and inflammatory conditions.Keywords: Combretum sericeum, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, hot plate algesi

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

TOXICITY FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR PRODUCTS

No Abstract Keywords: Medicinal plants, toxicity Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.4 2000: 4-

Neuropharmacological activity of the methanol root-bark extract of vitex doniana in rats and mice

No Abstract.Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 10 () 2006: pp.47-5

Psychopharmacological properties of the saponin fraction of Ficus platyphylla stem bark

The psychopharmacological effects of a saponin-rich fraction (SFG) obtained from crude methanolic extract of Ficus platyphylla stem bark were studied on spontaneous motor activity (SMA), pentobarbitalinduced sleep, motor coordination, amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour, catalepsy, forced swim and tail suspension tests in rodents. SFG reduced SMA dose dependently, suggesting that it may contain psychoactive principles with sedative effects. The fraction shortened the onset and prolonged the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep, which confirmed its sedative properties. The fraction diminished immobility time in forced swim and tail suspension tests, which is indicative of antidepressant properties. It attenuated amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour, induced catalepsy and exacerbated haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rodents, but had no effect on motor coordination in the treadmill experiment at the doses tested. These effects were similar to those of classical neuroleptics and antidepressants. Our study provides scientific evidence of psychopharmacological effects of the saponin fraction of Ficus platyphylla stem bark and therefore supports further development of its psychoactive components as antipsychotics and antidepressants. Keywords: Ficus platyphylla, depression, psychosis, sedation, spontaneous motor activity, stereotyped behaviour. Int. J. Biol. Chem. Sci. Vol. 2 (3) 2008: pp. 239-24