Effects of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf on Nutritional and Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf on the nutritional and biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rat were investigated. Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf was squeeze-washed, dried, pulverized and mixed with standard feed at 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%. The proximate nutrient composition of the standard and prepared rations was determined. The Vernonia amygdalina incorporated rations and standard ration were fed to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 70 consecutive days. Thereafter the nutritional and biochemical parameters as well as the histopathology of some vital organs of the treated rats were determined. The Vernonia Amygdalina at 2.5% inclusion rate significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the nutritional indices and biochemical parameters which were compromised in diabetic rats fed with standard ration alone. The VA also reversed the degenerative changes in the pancreatic islet, kidney tissue and cardiac muscle induced by alloxan. Vernonia Amygdalina has potent antidiabetic activity and its incorporation in excess of 5% in the diet should be avoided

In vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii skin

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii Skin (UHSEE). Methods: The in vitro effects of UHSEE at various concentrations (10 - 250 µg/mL) on the activities of ߙ-amylase, ߙ-glucosidase and glucose uptake by yeast cells were used to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Nitric oxide (NO), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide inhibitory assay were employed to determine its antioxidant effects, while the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay. Results: UHSEE inhibited ߙ-amylase and ߙ-glucosidase enzymes but increased glucose uptake by yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It also inhibited NO, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and HRBC hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uromastyx hardwickii skin exhibits promising good antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in vitro. However, its true potentials in this regard needs to be evaluted in vivo

Ameliorative effects of Helianthus annuus against nephrotoxic, cardiac, and haematological disorders in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia in albino rats

The study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Helianthus annuus leaf extract on nephrotoxicity, cardiac, and haematologic disorders in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats

Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Potentials of Aframomum melegueta Methanolic Seed Extract

Aframomum melegueta Schum (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb widely cultivated for its valuable seeds in the tropical region of Africa. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of methanolic seed extract of A. melegueta. The antioxidant effects were evaluated using in vitro, 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay and in vivo serum catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay method. The extract (25–400 μg/mL concentration) produced concentration dependent increase in antioxidant activity in 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the control group. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the serum level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that the seed of A. melegueta has potent antioxidant activity which may be responsible for some of its reported pharmacological activities and can be used as antioxidant supplement