Toxicological studies of Anchomanes difformis Blume (Araceae) using rats and mice

Background: The toxicity; biochemical, hematological and histopathological study of Anchomanes difformis aqueous extract was carried out.Methods: Six groups; 0, 100, 1000, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 mg/kg p.o of mice consisting of four animals; two females, two male a group were used in the acute toxicology experimentation. For the sub-acute test, rats of either sex; three males and three females were shared into four groups; 0, 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg p.o for 21 days. Toxicity studies were done using automated techniques and prepared histology slides viewed under a light microscope.Results: Results showed no mortality - undeterminable lethal dose, 50%. Biochemical parameters tested were within permissible limits and no pathologies in the selected organs studied.Conclusion: It can be inferred that A. difformis aqueous extract is safe even at a dose as high as 10 g/kg body weight

Phytochemical, Antimicrobial and ToxIicological evaluation of the leaves of Peperomia Pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae)

Peperomia pellucida is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of abscesses, acne, boils, arthritis, wound healing, inflammation and gout. This study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activities and toxicological profiles of the chloroform and methanol extracts of P. pellucida. Chemical and chromatographic tests were employed in phytochemical investigations. Inhibitory activities of chloroform and methanol extracts against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans were compared with those of gentamycin. Acute toxicological evaluation was carried out in mice while 14-day assessment was done in rats. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The extracts inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Bacillus subtilis to varying extents, but only the methanol extract and the positive control, gentamycin inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Oral doses as high as 5 g/kg did not cause death or toxicological symptoms in mice. Histopathological effects on the liver, spleen, heart and kidney of rats administrated the aqueous methanol extract showed mild to moderate congestions and infiltrations of chronic inflammatory cells. Peperomia pellucida showed mild toxicity in certain organs and it will be necessary to fully establish its safety profile, as this may likely unlock its mechanism of action as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of selected microorganisms, thereby justifying its usage in traditional medicine.Keywords: Peperomia pellucida, phytochemistry, toxicology, antimicrobial activitiesJournal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 9 No. 3 (2012

A role of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone in the modulation of uterine contractility and reproductive function in mouse models

Background and aim: Alpha-tocopherol has been implicated in reproduction processes, and deficiency of phylloquinone has been associated with serious complications in pregnancy. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effects of phylloquinone and alpha-tocopherol on uterine contractility and female reproductive function using mouse models. Materials and methods: Both in vivo and ex vivo animal models were employed and designed to assess changes on uterine contractility and reproductive functions in the non-pregnant uterus. The effect of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone on spontaneous uterine contractions, oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (11.82 nM) and high KCl-induced tonic uterine contractions (80 mM) were assessed. The effect of subcutaneous administration of alpha-tocopherol (10 mg/kg) on reproductive hormone levels and reproductive tissues were also determined. Results: Alpha-tocopherol increased the force of contractions while phylloquinone decreased the force of uterine contractions. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (P < 0.01), estrogen (P < 0.01) and progesterone (P < 0.001) were elevated in the presence of alpha-tocopherol after 6 days subcutaneous administration. Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone have been shown to directly modulate uterine contractility and reproductive function and may contribute to the management and treatment of reproductive disorders