Haematopoietic induction and hepatic protective roles of Hepacare® in CCl4-induced hepatic damaged rats

Herbal formulations are plant parts used as raw materials for self-administered pharmaceutical remedies, and many of them are being sold without any scientific validation for their potency and efficacy. This research work was aimed at evaluating the haematopoietic, biochemical, and histological effects of Hepacare®, a popularly sold herbal formulation in Nigeria against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated liver dam- age in rats. Haematological analysis showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) in haemoglobin, red blood cell, packed cell volume, and platelet counts in CCl4-treated group when com- pared with the untreated group. These parameters were however reversed across the groups treated with the herbal formulation. Levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after treatment of rats with the formulation which were previously elevated (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated group when compared with the untreated group. The CCl4-treated group exhibited significantly different activities in liver SOD and GSH enzymes. The level of MDA was lowered in the liver tissue samples of treated rats when compared with the CCl4-exposed untreated rats. The groups treated with the formulation showed signs of protection against this toxicant as evidenced by the absence of necrosis. Hepacare® showed reversal effects on the previously increased haematological parameters and damaged liver tissues with a potential to ameliorate oxidative stress in hepatic dysfunction

Toxicological evaluation of extract of Olax subsorpioidea on albino Wistar rats

This research work was undertaken in order to evaluate the toxicity effects of the leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea on albino Wistar rats using the biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices. Five groups (A to E) of eight rats per group were used for this study. Animals in group A was administered with distilled water while the rats in groups B, C, D, and E were administered with 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract of O. subsorpioidea via oral intubation for 28 days. Animals were subsequently anaesthetized in diethyl ether respectively and blood samples were collected for some biochemical and haematological assays, while the liver and kidney organs were isolated and processed for histopathological studies. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase in the groups treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, while significant elevation (p<0.05) was observed in alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels. Furthermore, haematological studies showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in white blood cell count and haemoglobin level in the treated groups. Moreover, the group treated with 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract exhibited a reduced (p<0.05) percentage mean cell haemoglobin and lymphocyte, while the percentage neutrophil was significantly increased (p<0.05). Histopathological studies conducted revealed that there was no significant damage on the liver and kidney tissues. The results suggest that extract of the leaf of O. subscorpioidea could alter the haematopoietic elements as well as some biochemical parameters and may not cause any adverse effect on the liver and kidney tissues

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identification of anticancer phytochemicals in Aframomum danielli (LB579)

Aframomum danielli is one of the African spices used in folklore medicine for the management of several diseases. This study identified the phytochemical components present in the n-hexane seed extract of the A. danielli by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and also evaluated the anti-cancer potential of the identified phytochemicals by performing molecular docking against human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) using Molegro Virtual Docker. The GC-MS analysis identified the presence of phytochemical components caryophyllene (RT: 18.479), humulene (RT: 19.189), 2-butanone (RT: 22.976), benzenesulfonamide (RT: 31.651) and 2-pyridine acetic acid (RT: 32.446). 2-Butanone was the strongest binding ligand (-65.744 kcal/mol) while caryophyllene was the weakest bind lingand (-56.311 kcal/mol). These compounds showed relative strong docking to VEGF with docking energies comparable to an anticancer drug, bevacizumab (-77.883 kcal/mol). This in silico molecular docking study has shown that these phytochemical components could be responsible for anti-cancer properties of A. danielli

Induction of rat hepatic mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening by leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea

has been implicated in the cascade of events involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death). Olax subscorpioidea is traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases and infection. However, its role on MMPT is not yet established. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of varying concentrations of the methanol leaf extract of O. subscorpioidea (MEOS) on MMPT pore opening, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Materials and Methods: Opening of the pore was spectrophotometrically assayed under succinate‑energized conditions. Results: In the absence of triggering agent (calcium), MEOS induced MMPT pore opening by 350, 612, 827, 845% at 36, 60, 86 and 112 µg/ml, respectively. MEOS further induced MMPT pore opening in the presence of a triggering agent by 866, 905, 831, 840, 949% at 12, 36, 60, 86 and 112 µg/ml, respectively. The extract significantly induced mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation in all the concentration used. MEOS also significantly increased mitochondrial ATP hydrolysis by mitochondrial ATPase in all concentration of the extract used. Conclusion: It may be deduced from this results, that MEOS contains certain bioactive components that may find use in pathological conditions that require an enhanced rate of apoptosi

Sub-Acute Evaluation of Extract of Syzygium malaccense in Albino Rats

The study was aimed at investigating the sub-acute evaluation of the extract of Syzygium malaccense in albino rats. Five groups of eight rats per group were orally administered with graded 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 b.wt. doses of the extract for 28 days. Blood samples of the sacrificed rats were collected for biochemical and haematological studies while liver and kidney tissues were used for histopathological assessment. The results showed an LD50 of 1224.75 mg kg-1 b.wt. with no significant (p>0.05) changes in weight of organs tested. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALP, protein and albumin levels in all the treated animals did not change significantly, however, there was significant (p<0.05) change in the activity of ALT as well as haematological parameters such as RBC, WBC, HGB, platelet counts, MCV and MCH when compared with the control group. The results from histopathology showed an inflammation of the liver cells at doses beyond 100 mg kg-1 b.wt. but there was no significant damage to the kidney tissue. It may be concluded that the extract of S. malaccense possesses the tendency of affecting the haematopoietic elements and may also alter the structural integrity of the liver tissue if ingested at higher doses

Review of Aquaculture Production and Management in Nigeria

Fish is an important source of food, income, employment, and recreation for people around the world and it is a very important source of animal protein for both man and livestock in developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, the current demand for fish is about four times the level of local production. Humans consume approximately 80 percent of the catch as food. The remaining 20 percent goes into the manufacturing of products such as fish oil, fertilizers, and animal food. Fisheries and aquaculture are integral parts of agriculture which were found to have the capacity to increase the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and can solve the unemployment problem for our teeming youths if adequately managed. Therefore, this paper reviewed the status of Aquaculture in Nigeria, its problems and development prospects, different fish species that can adequately thrive in Nigerian pond and its preparation, and finally showed some first-rate management practices that can boost aquaculture production in Nigeri

African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Toxicological evaluation of extract of Olax subsorpioidea on albino Wistar rats

This research work was undertaken in order to evaluate the toxicity effects of the leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea on albino Wistar rats using the biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices. Five groups (A to E) of eight rats per group were used for this study. Animals in group A was administered with distilled water while the rats in groups B, C, D, and E were administered with 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract of O. subsorpioidea via oral intubation for 28 days. Animals were subsequently anaesthetized in diethyl ether respectively and blood samples were collected for some biochemical and haematological assays, while the liver and kidney organs were isolated and processed for histopathological studies. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the levels of total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase in the groups treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, while significant elevation (p&lt;0.05) was observed in alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels. Furthermore, haematological studies showed a significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in white blood cell count and haemoglobin level in the treated groups. Moreover, the group treated with 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract exhibited a reduced (p&lt;0.05) percentage mean cell haemoglobin and lymphocyte, while the percentage neutrophil was significantly increased (p&lt;0.05). Histopathological studies conducted revealed that there was no significant damage on the liver and kidney tissues. The results suggest that extract of the leaf of O. subscorpioidea could alter the haematopoietic elements as well as some biochemical parameters and may not cause any adverse effect on the liver and kidney tissues

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identification of anticancer phytochemicals in Aframomum danielli (LB579)

Aframomum danielli is one of the African spices used in folklore medicine for the management of several diseases. This study identified the phytochemical components present in the n-hexane seed extract of the A. danielli by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and also evaluated the anti-cancer potential of the identified phytochemicals by performing molecular docking against human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) using Molegro Virtual Docker. The GC-MS analysis identified the presence of phytochemical components caryophyllene (RT: 18.479), humulene (RT: 19.189), 2-butanone (RT: 22.976), benzenesulfonamide (RT: 31.651) and 2-pyridine acetic acid (RT: 32.446). 2-Butanone was the strongest binding ligand (-65.744 kcal/mol) while caryophyllene was the weakest bind lingand (-56.311 kcal/mol). These compounds showed relative strong docking to VEGF with docking energies comparable to an anticancer drug, bevacizumab (-77.883 kcal/mol). This in silico molecular docking study has shown that these phytochemical components could be responsible for anti-cancer properties of A. danielli

ANTIMICROBIAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES OF RICINODENDRON HEUDELOTII (BAILL.)

 Objective: This work assessed the antimicrobial activity and toxicological consequence of the ethanolic extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill).Methods: The antimicrobial potential of the leaf extract was investigated against 9 different microorganisms using the agar well diffusion method while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was ascertained. Toxicity evaluations were carried out on five groups of seven albino rats each for 28 days. Rats in Group A received normal saline, while those in Groups B, C, D, and E received 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of the extract. After treatment, they were anesthetized, blood samples collected for biochemical assays; organs isolated, weighed, and processed for histopathological studies.Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence of glycosides, tannins, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids while saponin was absent. Antimicrobial effect was observed against 7 of the 9 microorganisms tested with inhibition zone and MIC ranging from 18 to 36 mm and 31.25 to 62.5 mg/mL, respectively. Liver function tests were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased, whereas no significant change in total protein and creatinine levels was observed. Histology showed a sinusoidal congestion and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes in groups administered higher doses, and a dose-dependent reduction was observed in some hematological parameters.Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the R. heudelotii may not induce significant toxic effect below 3600 mg/kg b.w. and could serve as an effective antibiotic