Antidiabetic properties of Solanum villosum and Solanum nigrum var sarrachoides in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses immense challenge to the health of people worldwide. Current therapies are limited by cost and adverse effects. Solanum nigrum, a complex of many species in the family Solanaceae has been recorded to be used by many communities in the management of DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic efficacy and safety of two species, namely; Solanum villosum and S. nigrum var sarrachoides using streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model.Methods: Qualitative assessment for phytochemical constituents was carried out. Acute toxicity was conducted based on ‘Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development’ 2001 guidelines. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal after the mice fasted for 8 hours. Aqueous extracts were administered orally using an oral gavage at doses of 150, and 300 mg/kg body weight for each plant daily and monitored weekly for 28 days.Results: Both plants contain vital phytochemicals. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and glycosides were present in both plants. However, phytosterols and coumarins were absent in S. villosum. Additionally, both plants did not show toxicity. Both plants showed efficacy with S. nigrum var sarrachoides being more potent at both doses.Conclusions: The study validates the use of these plants by herbalists and recommends further studies on them with the aim of elucidating the active compounds that can be used as novel therapies for diabetes. Additionally, the study recommends the evaluation of other species in this complex for antidiabetic properties

Acute toxicity studies of Catharanthus roseus aqueous extract in male Wistar rats

Background: The knowledge of the healing virtues of Catharanthus roseus and a host of other medicinal plants has been in existence since ancient times. Catharanthus roseus is traditionally used more commonly as anti-diabetic and anti-malaria remedy. Lack of adequate pharmacological and toxicological data of natural products to support their use is a major setback. Objective: To establish the acute toxicity effect of Catharanthus roseus crude aqueous extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters. Methodology: Catharanthus roseus aqueous extract was orally administered once to two groups of male rats at 1000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight respectively alongside a control group which received 2ml distilled water. Hematological and biochemical assays were done at 48 hours and the 14th day. The data was analyzed using SPSS 17.0. Results: White blood cells (WBC), creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase showed significant increase while mean cell volume reduced significantly at 48 hours in the high dose group. The body weight change was also significantly reduced. Discussion: The alterations of the body weight gain, various biochemical and hematological parameters reflect the effect of toxicity after exposure of the tested extract doses. Total proteins concentration was not altered suggesting that the renal and liver functions were not adversely affected. Key words: Catharanthus roseus, acute toxicity, rat

Development of thermoregulation in Hawaiian brown noddies (Anous stolidus pileatus)

1. 1.|Oxygen consumption () and body temperture (Tb) of Hawaiian brown noddies (Anous stolidus pileatus [Aves: Laridae]) during late incubation and in the first 24 h after hatching were measured at ambient temperatures (Ta) between 28 and 38[deg]C and between 15 and 43[deg]C, respectively. Evaporative cooling by hatchings at Ta of 36-43[deg]C was also measured.2. 2.|Throughout the late incubation stages studied, and Tb both varied directly with Ta in an ectothermic pattern.3. 3.|The hatchlings successfully regulated Tb at Ta between ca. 29 and 43[deg]C.4. 4.|The functional basis of the abrupt increase in thermoregulatory capacity with hatching is discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29056/1/0000089.pd

Validation of Safety and Efficacy of Antitussive Herbal Formulations

Background: Cough is an important defensive pulmonary reflex that removes irritants, fluids or foreign materials from the airways. Frequently, cough is non-productive and requires suppression and opioid receptor agonists such as codeine are commonly used as antitussive agents. However, opioids produce side effects that include sedation, addiction potential and constipation. Novel cough suppressant therapies should maintain or improve upon the antitussive efficacy profile of opioids but with minimum or no side effects. Objective: To evaluate antitussive activity of combination of herbal medicines as formulations in sulphur dioxide - induced cough model in rats. Methodology: Wister rats of either sex, weighing 150 - 200 g, were divided into 7 groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as a control and received normal saline, groups 2 received codeine phosphate, group 3 and 4 received the coded market samples and groups 5, 6 and 7 received the test samples, respectively. Thirty or sixty minutes following administration, the rats were exposed to sulphur dioxide gas for 1 minute and then placed in an open chamber for counting of cough bouts. Results: The formulations exhibited cough inhibitions of between 15 and 27%, and 14 and 38%, with respect to the control group, 30 and 60 minutes after sample administration respectively. Conclusion: The herbal formulations demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antitussive activity in sulphur dioxide induced cough model. Key words: Antitussive activity; herbal formulations; sulphur dioxide; coug