Hematological Indices of Diabetic Rats Treated with Crude Extract and Fractions of Lasianthera Africana Leaf

Background: Diabetes adversely affects hematological indices. Lasianthera africana (LA) leaf is used in folklore to treat diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be induced with high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of crude extract and fractions of LA leaf on hematological parameters of male Wistar rats, with induced Type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Crude extract was prepared by macerating the leaf powder in a 50ml methanol and 50ml dichloromethane mixture and concentrating the filtrate in a water bath. Fractions were produced by column chromatography using 50% and 100% methanol. Twenty-five diabetic rats were induced and assigned to groups 2-6. Group 2, diabetic controls (DC) received DMSO; groups 3-6 glibenclamide, crude extract, 50% and 100% leaf fractions, respectively. Group 1 was normal control (NC). Treatment was orally for 28 days and blood collected the following morning for determination of hematological indices using an automated heamanalyzer. Results: RBC indices (Count, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC) were reduced in diabetic controls (DC) compared to normal controls (NC) but increased in treated diabetic rats compared to DC. Total WBC and Neutrophils were raised while Lymphocytes were reduced in DC compared to NC. Other white cells were insignificantly different in DC compared to NC, and even after treatment with the plant leaf compared to DC. The platelet indices were increased in DC compared with NC but reduced following treatment with the plant leaf and glibenclamide compared to DC. Conclusions: Crude extract and fractions of LA leaf can reverse hematological anomalies in type 2 diabetic male Wistar rats and may thus be useful in preventing diabetesinduced hematotoxicity. Keywords: Hematological Indices, Lasianthera Africana, Diabetes Mellitus, Crude Extract, Fractions&nbsp

Antibacterial and toxicological evaluation of the ethanol leaf extract of Anthonotha macrophylla

Introduction: The leaves of Anthonotha macrophylla which are widely used in folkloric medicine in Africa were evaluated for antibacterial activity and its toxicological profile.Methods: Antibacterial activities of the leaves against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis were compared with cefoxitin. Toxicological profiles were determined following the administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract and distilled water, as control, to male Albino rats for 28 days. Biochemical and hematological indices and body weights were determined and the vital organs were examined.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla demonstrated antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria tested. Toxicological investigation of the leaf extract showed no significant alterations in hematological and biochemical indices, and the vital organs as well. The LD50 in rats was more than 5000 mg/kg.Conclusion: Findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla possess good antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional use of this plant across Africa. The plant is also considered safe following oral exposure after 28 days