Anti-Diabetic Activities of the Methanol Leaf Extracts of Hymenocardia acida (Tul.) in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The effect of methanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves on diabetes and associated lipidemia were investigated on experimentally-induced diabetic rats. The extract did not demonstrate any acutely toxic effect in rats within the dose range (250 mg/kg - 2000 mg/kg) employed in the study; hence it was well tolerated by the rats. In all experiments, the anti-diabetic effects were dose-dependent and comparable to that of glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) standard. At a dose of 500 mg/kg, lipid profile markers such as the serum total cholesterol (TC) levels, LDL-C, triglycerides and HDL-C were significantly lower (p <0.05) than those of both the treated and untreated controls.Keywords: Hymenocardia acida, Diabetes mellitus, Lipid profile, Glibenclamide, Alloxan monohydrat

Analgesic Activity of the Methanol Leaf Extract of Delonix Regia

The analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Delonix regia in albino Wistar mice using acetic acid –induced writhing reflex, tail immersion and hot plate experimental models was evaluated. Three test doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were used while 400 mg/kg of acetylsalicyclic acid (aspirin) was used as reference drug all administered by gastric gavage. In acetic acid-induced writhing reflex model, the extract and acetylsalicyclic acid dose dependently and significantly (p< 0.0001) decreased the abdominal constriction or writhing. The extract also increased the percentage inhibition of abdominal constriction from 0% in the negative group to 80% in the highest dose of the extract (800 mg/kg) treated group. In the tail immersion model, the extract at the doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg significantly (p<0.03) increased the pain reaction time (PRT) while in the hot plate model there was no significant difference in the pre-drug pain reaction time (PRT) but the extract at the dose of 800 mg/kg significantly (p< 0.05) increased the post- drug PRT. In the tail immersion and the hot plate models, the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg had no analgesic effect. In conclusion, the methanolic leaf extract of Delonix regia demonstrated significant analgesic activity that may be mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms.Keywords: Delonix regia, analgesic, aspirin, writhing, hot plateNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33 (2) 515-52

Evaluation of Anacardium Occidentale Methanol Leaf Extracts in Experimental Diarrhoea of Mice

Oral administration of various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of methanol extracts of the leaves of Anacardium occidentale produced significant antidiarrhoeal activities in mice by reducing the number and frequency of defecation of wet faeces, reduction in intestinal weight and intraluminal fluid volume as well as reducing the intestinal transit in charcoal meal test when compared to diphenoxylate Hcl (5mg/kg, p.o.) control in a dose dependent manner. The highest dose (400 mg/kg) produced better antidiarrhoeal activity than the reference drug, diphenoxylate. Findings from the study reveal that Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts possess antidiarrhoeal principles validating its traditional use in the management of diarrhoea.Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Antidiarrhoeal activity, Intestinal transit, castor oil induced diarrhoea, castor oil-induced enteropoolin