A polyherbal formulation reverses hydrogen peroxide-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats

927-933DRHM® is a polyherbal formulation [composed of Cymbopogon citratus (17%), Carica papaya leaves (16%), Mangifera indica bark (15%), Moringa oleifera leaves (14%), Citrus limon (12%), Psidium guajava (11%), Zingiber officinale root (9%) and Allium sativum (6%)] that is indicated for many disease conditions and as a detoxifier. In this study, the effects of DRHM® on hydrogen peroxide (3 mL/kg b.w of 5% H2O2, i.p)-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats were evaluated. H2O2 significantly (p<0.05) reduced hemoglobin level, packed cell volume and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts. It elevated the activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and levels of total bilirubin and malondialdehyde. In addition, H2O2 also decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione and antioxidant vitamins levels. However, after 14 days of treatment at 1, 2 and 3 mL/kg/d b.w. p.o, DRHM® reversed aberrations in hematological status, enhanced antioxidant status and attenuated lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage induced by H2O2, in a dose-dependent manner comparable to silymarin (100 mg/kg/d. b.w.). These findings suggest that the phytoconstituents in DRHM® might be responsible for these ameliorative effects by boosting antioxidant defense system. DRHM® was tolerable up to 10 mL/kg. b.w

A polyherbal formulation reverses hydrogen peroxide-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats

927-933DRHM® is a polyherbal formulation [composed of Cymbopogon citratus (17%), Carica papaya leaves (16%), Mangifera indica bark (15%), Moringa oleifera leaves (14%), Citrus limon (12%), Psidium guajava (11%), Zingiber officinale root (9%) and Allium sativum (6%)] that is indicated for many disease conditions and as a detoxifier. In this study, the effects of DRHM® on hydrogen peroxide (3 mL/kg b.w of 5% H2O2, i.p)-induced hematological and biochemical aberrations in rats were evaluated. H2O2 significantly (p<0.05) reduced hemoglobin level, packed cell volume and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts. It elevated the activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and levels of total bilirubin and malondialdehyde. In addition, H2O2 also decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione and antioxidant vitamins levels. However, after 14 days of treatment at 1, 2 and 3 mL/kg/d b.w. p.o, DRHM® reversed aberrations in hematological status, enhanced antioxidant status and attenuated lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage induced by H2O2, in a dose-dependent manner comparable to silymarin (100 mg/kg/d. b.w.). These findings suggest that the phytoconstituents in DRHM® might be responsible for these ameliorative effects by boosting antioxidant defense system. DRHM® was tolerable up to 10 mL/kg. b.w

Physicochemical Evaluation of the Effects of Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids and Total Hardness Concentrations on the Water Samples in Nsukka Town

ABSTRACT: The problem of environmental pollution due to toxic metals has begun to cause concern now in most major metropolitan cities. Nsukka environs have been plagued with perennial problem of water supplies round the year and a better understanding of its water physicochemically status will help to address this daunting problem and issues of human health. The analysis carried out was on the utility water supplies in Nsukka area. Thirteen sampling areas consisting of four boreholes, six dugwells and three springs were chosen for this research work. A total of 26 water samples were taken from the sampling areas during the dry season and another 26 samples during the wet season. Water samples were collected from these sampling areas and refrigerated at 4 0 C for processing. Harch Model C50 digital multirange meter was used to measure total dissolved solid. Complexiometric titration was employed in the determination of total hardness of water samples. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples were carried out to ascertain whether there was faecal contamination by the use of multiple tube/most probable number techniques. It was observed that total suspended solid concentration of water samples from dugwell sources was found to have significant increase (p&lt;0.05) when compared with the water samples from the samples obtained from borehole and spring sources during both dry and rainy seasons. Total dissolved solid concentration was found to be significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the water sample from dugwell sources when compared with the total dissolved solid concentration in the water samples from both borehole and spring sources during both dry and rainy seasons. Water sample from dugwell sources had showed significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the level of total hardness as compared with water samples from borehole and spring sources during dry and rainy seasons. Also, there was significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the level of total hardness of water sample from borehole sources when compared with the spring sources during dry and rainy seasons. Therefore, from the foregoing, it could be concluded that these boreholes, springs and dugwells water tested in Nsukka town are physicochemically good for human consumption as all the physicochemical parameters tested conformed to WHO, SON and NAFDAC water quality standards except Iyi-adoro spring water which might not be very good for consumption during rainy season because of possible bacteria contamination

Nephroprotective effects of Piper nigrum extracts against monosodium glutamate-induced renal toxicity in rats

Background: The toxicological effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG), widely used as a food additive, are a major public health challenge. This research aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Piper nigrum (MEPN and HEPN, respectively) against MSG-induced renal toxicity in rats. Materials and methods: The phytochemicals, vitamins, and in vitro antioxidant activities were determined using standard protocols. Acute toxicity was determined with thirty-two Swiss albino mice, while thirty male Wistar albino rats were used for the nephroprotective study. The rats were randomly distributed into 6 experimental groups (n = 5). Group 1 (baseline) was not induced or treated; groups 2–6 were given 2 g/kg body weight of MSG. Additionally, group 2 received normal saline; groups 3–6 were given 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of MEPN and HEPN, respectively. MSG was administered alone for 21 days, after which MSG was concomitantly administered with the extracts for additional 28 days. After treatment, biochemical tests were done on the serum, and a histopathological examination was determined with the kidney. Results: Both extracts scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and reduced ferric ions to ferrous ions in the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, with MEPN having higher efficacy. The extracts also ameliorated lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the level of reduced glutathione. In addition, intervention with MEPN and HEPN provided nephroprotective effects by decreasing urea and creatinine levels and also improved the histo-architecture of the kidney. This efficacy could be due to the rich phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins previously identified in the plant. Conclusions: These findings are critical in focusing attention on abolishing the use of MSG in our food sector and highlights the health benefits of incorporating P. nigrum into our food to avert food and drug toxicity

Synthesis, Biological and In Silico Studies of a Tripodal Schiff Base Derived from 2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazine and Its Trinuclear Dy(III), Er(III), and Gd(III) Salen Capped Complexes

A tripodal Schiff base ligand, 2,4,6-Tris(4-carboxybenzimino)-1,3,5-triazine (MT) and its trinuclear Dy(III), Er(III), and Gd(III) complexes were synthesized. These were characterized using UV-visible, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and molar conductivity measurements. The spectral studies indicate that the ligand is hexadentate and coordinates to the Ln(III) ions through the oxygen atoms of the carboxylic group. The trinuclear complexes were characterized as being bridged by carboxylate anions to the Dy(III), Er(III), and Gd(III) salen centers and displaying a coordination number of six. Biological studies revealed that MT is more active against the test micro-organisms relative to the trinuclear complexes. Acute toxicity studies revealed that MT is safe and has a wide range of effective doses (ED50). In vivo antimalarial studies indicate that MT could serve as an effective antimalarial agent since it has parasitemia inhibition of 84.02% at 50 mg/kg and 65.81% at 25 mg/kg, close to the value (87.22%) of the standard drug—Artesunate. Molecular docking simulation studies on the compounds against SARS-CoV-2 (6Y84) and E. coli DNA gyrase (5MMN) revealed effective binding interactions through multiple bonding modes. The binding energy calculated for Er(III)MT-6Y84 and Er(III)MT-5MMN complexes showed active molecules with the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and E. coli DNA gyrase