Sparkling ′′wine′′ production tests from extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers

The red calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. are widely used in the production of soft drinks in Africa. The anthocyanin pigments of the calyx give a red color to the drinks which are very appreciated by populations. The aim of this study was to develop a sparkling drink with characteristics similar to those of red wine. The production tests were carried out with the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. commonly called "Bissap" and three types of fermentation: one based on palm wine lees, another by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a third by endogenous fermentation or control wine. Physicochemical analyzes showed that the wine obtained from palm wine lees at 17th days had a pH of 2.77 ± 0.07, an acidity of 116.99 ± 13.03 (mmol H+ / L), a degree Brix of 7.5 ± 0.25%, an alcohol degree of 7.05 ± 0.24% and energy value of 74.27 ± 2.77 (Kcal / 100 ml). Sensorial tests revealed that the “bissap wine” obtained with fermentation based on palm wine lees had organoleptic characteristics very similar to grape wine. Les calices rouges d’Hibiscus sabdariffa L. sont beaucoup utilisés dans la production de boisson rafraîchissante en Afrique. Les pigments anthocyaniques des calices confèrent une couleur rouge aux boissons très appréciées par les populations. L’objectif de cette étude était de mettre au point une boisson pétillante qui a des caractéristiques similaires au vin rouge. Les essais de production ont été réalisés en utilisant les calices d’Hibiscus sabdariffa L. communément appelées « Bissap » et trois types de fermentation dont une à base de la lie du vin de palme, une seconde à partir de Saccharomyces cerevisiae et une troisième par une fermentation endogène ou témoin. Les analyses physico-chimiques ont montré que le vin obtenu à partir de la lie du vin de palme au 17ème jour a un pH de 2,77 ± 0,07, une acidité de 116,99 ± 13,03 (mmol H+/L), un degré brix de 7,5 ± 0,25 %, un degré d’alcool de 7,05 ± 0,24 % et une valeur énergétique de 74,27 ± 2,77 (Kcal/100 ml). Les tests de dégustation ont révélé que le « vin au bissap » obtenu avec le ferment de la lie de vin de palme a des caractéristiques organoleptiques très proches des vins rouges du commerce

FETAL TOXICITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF AGERATUM CONYZOIDES L. LEAVES (ASTERACEAE) IN RATS

Objective: Ageratum conyzoides is known to possess pharmacological and therapeutic pro perties in Africa. Some pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chemicals known to induce fetuses toxicity, have been identified in A. conyzoides. This study aims to evaluate the fetal toxicity of A. conyzoides.Methods: Mated females were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of 8 animals each. Pregnant rats received orally 500 or 1000 mg/kg of 80% hydroalcoholic extract of A. conyzoides, daily from the 17th to the 20th day of gestation. On day 21 of pregnancy, the females were sacrificed. Laparotomy was performed and uterine horns were removed. The number of implants, resorptions, and dead and live fetuses was then recorded. The ovaries were also observed and the corpora lutea were counted.Results: No visible signs of toxicity were observed in females and their pups throughout the study period. However, A. conyzoides (500 and 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease (p<0.01) of fetal weight compared with the control. For the implantation, resorption and morta-lity there was no significant difference between groups.Conclusion: The administration of hydroalcoholic extract of A. conyzoides to female rats in late pregnancy is toxic to the fetuses. This fetal toxicity can be due to the oxidative stress induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in this plant.Â

Antihyperglycemic activity of total extract and fractions of Anogeissus leiocarpus

Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) is a medicinal plant used by traditional practitioners to treat people living with diabetes mellitus in Togo. The objective of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the plant. The hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of A. leiocarpus roots was evaluated on hyperglycemic mice by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and on normoglycemic mice. The effect of the total extract and fractions was also measured on the adsorption and absorption of glucose respectively in vitro and ex vivo. At 30 minutes after glucose overload, the total extract and all fractions (supernatant and pellet) significantly (p< 0.0001) reduced hyperglycemia compared to controls. However, this reduction in hyperglycemia was greater in mice treated with the supernatant fraction at 100 mg.kg-1 during 180 minutes (p < 0.01). In our conditions, the extract at the 500 mg.kg-1 of the total extract in normoglycemic mice did not significantly decrease (p>0.05) basal blood glucose levels compared to controls. In vitro, the extract and fractions of A. leiocarpus adsorbed glucose and inhibited glucose intestinal absorption ex vivo. The results of this study support the use of A. leiocarpus as an antidiabetic plant. Keywords:  Anogeissus leiocarpus- fractions- antihyperglycemic- adsorption – absorption

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF COCCOLOBA UVIFERA LEAVES AND WALTHERIA INDICA ROOTS EXTRACTS

Objective: Coccoloba uvifera (Polygonaceae) and Watheria indica (Sterculiaceae) are two medicinal plants used in Togolese traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate their antioxidant properties and hypoglycemic activity.Methods: After phytochemical screening, hydro alcoholic leaves extracts of Coccoloba uvifera and the hydro alcoholic roots extract of Watheria indica were evaluated on blood glucose levels in fasting normal and glucose loaded hyper glycemic rats (oral glucose tolerance test). Antioxydant activities were performed using AAPH (2, 2'-Azobis 2 Amidino propane Dihydrochloride test and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity).Results: Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, total phenols and tanin in the hydro alcoholic extracts of C. uvifera and W. indica. The hypoglycemic activity measured after oral administration of glucose (2 g/kg) revealed that W. indica leaves and C. uvifera roots induced a significant reduction of hyperglycemia in treated group compared to control group. There was a significant reduction in the hyperglycemic peak with W. indica leaves extract at doses of 250 mg/kg (p<0.05) and 500 mg/kg (p<0.001). Moreover, the administration of extracts (at dose of 500 mg/kg) in fasted rats did not show any significant decrease in basal blood glucose level compared to the control. Hydro alcoholic extracts inhibit hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by AAPH dose-dependent manner and have an antioxidant power comparable to that of the Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (reference drug). The extracts inhibit the production of nitric oxide and possess reducing power.Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of these plants in the treatment of diabetes in Togolese traditional medicine.Â

Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of Crataeva adansonii DC. ssp. adansonii leaves extract on ICR mice

Crataeva adansonii DC. ssp. adansonii is a medicinal plant belong to Capparidaceae family, used traditionally by Togolese to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of the plant leaves. The effect of hydroethanolic extract of C. adansonii ssp. adansonii leaves was assessed in vivo on blood glucose levels in fasting normal and glucose loaded hyperglycemic (oral glucose tolerance test) mice. The phytochemical screening has been done by coloring tests in chemistry. In vitro antioxidants assays had been performed by 2, 2'-azobis 2 amidinopropane dihydrochloride (AAPH) free radical scavenging assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, Fe2+ chelating assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) quantification. After 30 min glucose loading (4 g/kg), the extract 500 mg/kg was showed a significant (p < 0.001) decreased of the peak of blood glucose compared to the hyperglycemic control. The two doses of extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) did not act on the basic blood glucose compared to the normoglycemic control. Phytochemical screening revealed a presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and sterols. AAPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, Fe2+ chelating activity and total antioxidant capacity have shown dose-dependent antioxidant capacity and reducing power of extract compared to ascorbic acid and Butylated hydroxyl Toluene used as reference drug. These finding prove that C. adansonii ssp. adansonii leaves can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications related to oxidative stress and support the use of the plant in traditional medicine in diabetes treatment.  Keywords: Crataeva adansonii, antihyperglycaemic, phytochemical, antioxidant

Antidiabetic Activity of Plumeria Alba Linn (Apocynaceae) Root Extract and Fractions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of total hydroalcohol root extract of Plumeria alba (Apocynaceae) and its active fraction on diabetes in rats.Methods: The effect of total hydroalcohol extract at 250 mg/kg and different fractions was evaluated on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in mice. The effect of the active fractions on OGTT was measured on a model of diabetic rats (fructose-enriched fat diet and streptozotocin-induced).Results: The results show that the total extract (250 mg/kg), ethyl acetate fraction and supernatant fraction (obtained after centrifugation of total extract) at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) reduced hyperglycemia induced by glucose overload in mice. Fructose-enriched fat diet increased blood cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in hyperlipidemic untreated rats compared to normal control rats. Administration of total extract (250 mg/kg/day) and supernatant fraction of P. alba (100 mg/kg/day) during 14 days significantly reduced lipid parameters (total cholesterol, p < 0.001; triglycerides, p < 0.01; HDL, p < 0.05). Analysis of oxidative stress markers shows that the supernatant fraction and total extract significantly increased serum glutathione level (p < 0.01) but significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in liver (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the total extract and fractions of P. alba exhibit significant antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties in streptozotocin induced diabetic animals. The supernatant fraction (which is free of organic solvent) was the most biologically activeKeywords: Diabetes, Hyperlipidermia, Plumeria alba, Fructose-enriched fat diet, Oxidative stress markers, Streptozotoci

GLUE ABUSE IN LOME: INVESTIGATION AND TOXICOLOGICAL STUDY ON WISTAR RATS

Objectives: Volatile substances abuse (VSA) is considered as one of the most dangerous forms of drug abuse leading to serious accidents and fatalities. This study aims to assess the extent and dangers of the sniffing of '' Dia'' glue, used by the vulcanizer to paste the cars' tires.Methods: The first phase of the study involved a survey with vulcanizers of the district I of Lome. The effect of the glue was then evaluated on female wistar rats, by inhalation' in a 1L capacity jar for a period of 5 min at doses of 320 mg/l and 640 mg/l. The rat behavioral changes, driving test, tail flick test, tolerance test and 28 d subchronic toxicity test were carried out.Results: The survey has identified street vendors as glue sniffers (80.95%). The most cited reason for the glue inhalation was the tailism (79.76%) and the presumed effect was to feel stronger (76.19%). On wistar rat, ‘‘Dia'' glue has induced some behavioral changes. It has increased significantly the righting recovery reflex time and the maintaining time of the tail in warm water. After 28 d exposition, 5 min per day, ‘‘Dia'' glue increased significantly (pË‚0.001) the relative weight of the spleen, the AST (pË‚0.001) and ALT (pË‚0.001). It has also induced an anaemia associated with a thrombocytosis. The analysis of the glue by GC-HS-MS has showed a high amount of toluene (65%), a lesser proportion of dimethyl cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and traces of benzene, ethylbenzene and xylene.Conclusion: The sniffing of ‘‘Dia'' glue is very dangerous. Addiction especially that which is done with volatile substances must, therefore, be carefully controlled.Â

Burn wound healing effects of the root hydroethanolic extract of Cochlospermum planchonii in mice

Cochlospermum planchonii is a plant traditionally used in Togo to treat burn wounds. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of the root hydroethanolic extract of Cochlospermum planchonii on the skin burn wounds. Burns were induced in ICR mice by applying on the skin of the dorsal region with a metal stick (0.7 cm diameter) preheated at 100 °C for 10 seconds. Four (4) groups of 8 mice were formed, Control Group (I); Group II, III and IV treated respectively with C. planchonii gel 2.5%, 5%, and Brulex® (Zinc oxide 15% cream). The surfaces of the wounds were evaluated daily by the ImageJ software. Biopsies were performed on day six and twelve for hydroxyproline assays and histological examinations. On the 12th day, wound contraction rates were 44.12%, 67.82%, 66.68% and 69.32% respectively for Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV. Hydroxyproline levels on day 12 were significantly higher in samples of animals treated with C. planchonii 2.5% and 5% (+114,93 ± 1,61 and +120,54 ± 7,22 of augmentation respectively, P<0.01 when compared to the control group). Histological examination confirmed these observations. C. planchonii root hydroethanolic extract could be a potentially natural remedy for burn wound

CYTOTOXICITY STUDY OF ANTIDIABETIC PLANTS ON NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS CULTURED AT NORMAL AND HIGH GLUCOSE LEVEL

Objective:In diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia causes damage (glucose toxicity) on some cells leading to micro and macro vascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antidiabetic plants extracts in high glucose concentration in vitro. Methods: Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), Vitex doniana (leaves), Tectona grandis (leaves and trunk bark) and Plumeria alba (roots) hydroalcoholic extract (at the concentrations of 6.25, 25, 75, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml) were tested for their possible cytotoxicity using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on neuroblastoma cells lines in standard condition (extract alone) and high glucose concentration (extract+50 mM glucose). Results: At concentrations of 6.25 and 25µg/ml, T. grandis bark and leaves and P. amarus induced a significant decrease (p<0.01; p<0.001) on cell viability as compared to controls. The decrease on cell viability was very pronounced in the presence of the extracts plus glucose 50 mM. P. amarus extract becomes increasingly toxic as the concentration of extract increased in the presence of glucose. With P. amarus at 125 µg/ml and glucose at 50 mM, there is no more viable cells in the medium. By contrast, T. grandis bark extract induced a significant reduction of the cytotoxicity in the presence of glucose compared to standard condition. Conclusion:It appears that, only hydroalcoholic extract of T. grandis bark possesses neuroprotective activity in high glucose concentration

Renoprotective effect of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. against the K2Cr2O7 induced nephrotoxicity

Background: The management of kidney injuries remains a big challenge and there is an urgent need to explore novel and alternative therapeutic strategies. Methods: The current study focused on the evaluation for the first time of the possible nephroprotective activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract (HE) and supernatant fraction (SUP) of Anogeissus leiocarpus roots against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The renal function parameters, the oxidative stress biomarkers in the nephrotoxic rats induced by the injection of a single dose (15 mg/kg, sc.) of K2Cr2O7, meanwhile treated orally with the HE (500 mg/kg/day) or SUP (100 mg/kg/day) were evaluated. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated in ex vivo and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was carried out. Results: The K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity was evident by the disturbance in the levels of the renal parameters such as urea, creatinine, proteins, electrolytes and the induction of oxidative stress. The majority of the renal parameters were significantly restored when the HE and SUP were administered to the nephrotoxic rats. Remarkably, in vivo the extracts significantly alleviated the oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant levels (GSH and CAT), and by lowering the MDA level as well as in ex vivo. Furthermore in vitro, the extracts exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusion: The promising capacity of the HE and SUP to alleviate the K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity is mainly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities