Study on Biochemical Indices of Liver Function Tests of Albino Rats Supplemented with Three Sources of Vegetable Oils

Biochemical and histological analysis were conducted to determine the effects of palm oil, groundnut oil and coconut oil on the liver condition of albino rats. Thirty-two albino rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each and were fed with 90% rats chow supplemented with 10% of palm oil, coconut oil and groundnut oil for six weeks along with water ad libitum. Biochemical indices of liver function determined include serum total protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin, aspartate aminotranferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Liver weight, body weight, feed intake and faecal output were also determined. Results show increase in liver weight, serum total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, ALT (in rats fed with palm and groundnut oil-based diet), AST (in rats fed with coconut oil-based diet only) as well as ALP compared with control. Histopathological examination show mild inflammation of the liver. These results therefore, indicate a compromise in liver of rats administered 10% oil - based diet

Phytochemical, Proximate and Metal Content Analysis of the Leaves of Psidium guajava Linn (Myrtaceae)

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemicals and some other constituents of the powdered leaves of Psidium guajava Linn and to evaluate the tolerability profile of the leaves because of their profound medicinal and non-medicinal uses. Methods: The phytochemical analysis of Psidium guajava was carried out by using a standard procedure. Ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate and fibre contents were determined using proximate analysis while the metal contents were determined using Pearson’s method. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids, the proximate analysis showed a low ash value of 2.80%, protein content 2.80%, fibre 2.70% and fat 1.80% but a relatively high content of carbohydrate 88.90%. The metal content analysis revealed the presence of seven metals Calcium 1.34 mg/kg, Magnesium 0.64 mg/kg, Potassium 0.76 mg/kg, Sodium 0.05 mg/kg, Iron 16.18 mg/kg, at concentrations below the tolerable upper intake level except for Manganese 29.23 mg/kg and Zinc 56.49 mg/kg Conclusion: The powdered leaves of Psidium guajava contain more of organic components and levels of manganese and zinc is above the tolerable upper intake established by the overseeing body.Keywords: Psidium guajava, Toxicity, Screening, Tolerability, Leave

Biochemical evaluation of the effect of Sudan IV dye on liver function

The effect of Sudan IV (Scarlet red or Solvent red 24) dye on liver integrity was investigated. Parameters studied include weight gain, feed intake, faecal output, albumin content, total protein, direct and total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST & ALT respectively) activities. Thirty- two albino rats (Wistar strain)were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. All the groups were fed 90% rats mash supplemented with 10% palm oil. Sudan IV was  co-administered with the diet to provide levels of 0, (PO), 0.005% (PO/0.005), 0.01% (PO/0.01) and 0.015% (PO/0.015). The animals were given these diets for six weeks along with water ad libitum. Results showed no significant (P<0.05) weightgain associated with test rats compared with the control, although feed intake was significantly reduced in those rats administered the dye. ALT and AST activities as well as protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin concentrations were significantly increased in a dose - dependentmanner. Histopathological analysis revealed fibrosis in the liver of test rats. These results show a compromise in liver integrity of the experimental animals.Key words: Sudan IV, liver integrity, aminotransferases, protein, bilirubin

Phytochemical studies of the Methanolic extract of the fruit bark of Parquetina Nigrescens (afzel) (periplocaceae) and preliminary thin layer chromatography (tlc) of its fractions

Parquetina nigrescens (Periplocaceae), is a shrub found in equatorial West Africa and has been used in traditional medicine practice for centuries. The leaves, roots and latex are the parts of the plant used for traditional medicine. There seems to be little information on the fruits and this has prompted this study, to determine the phytochemical constituents and characteristics of the dried fruit bark as well as undertake a preliminary chromatographic characterization of the methanol extract and partitioned fractions of the extract. Phytochemical screening of the fruit bark shows the presence of sugars (reducing sugars), alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and saponins. Proximate analysis shows moisture content, total ash and water soluble extractive of 14.85%, 14.6% and 3.09% respectively. Preliminary chromatographic characterization revealed many components with varying characteristics. In conclusion this study has provided for the first time the phytochemical, proximate and preliminary chromatographic data on the dried fruit bark of parquetina nigrescens.Keywords:Parquetina nigrescens, fruit bark, phytochemical screening, quantitative analysi