Anti-mitotic and anti-proliferation potentials of aqueous and methanolic extracts of fermented Citrullus vulgaris (ogiri-egusi) seeds

There is a growing scientific evidence of the health-enhancing benefits of fermented food and beverages, especially in cancer prevention and  treatment. Ogiri-egusi is an indigenously fermented condiment consumed in some West African countries, and prepared mainly from natural fermentation of melon (Citrullus vulgaris) seeds. The condiment has been previously reported to possess anti-oxidative and anti hyperlipid emic properties. In this study, different concentrations of ogiri-egusi extracts were exposed to actively dividing cells from Allium cepa meristematic roots and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the antimitotic and antiproliferative investigations, respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in mitotic activities of the treated A. cepa meristematic cells compared to the untreated cells. The mitotic index (MI) of the untreated cells was 28.38 ± 4.58. At a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml, the extracts induced a reduction in the MI to 6.02 ± 2.74 and 4.94 ± 0.61 in the aqueous and methanolic extracts- treated cells, respectively. Some chromosomal aberrations were also observed. In addition, proliferation in yeast cells was significantly inhibited at all the concentrations of the aqueous extract examined as well as at the highest concentration of the methanolic extract. These results provide useful insights to the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of fermented Citrullus vulgaris. Keywords: Fermented Citrullus vulgaris, Allium cepa, antiproliferation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicit

Antihyperlipidaemic and Antioxidant Potential of Fermented Citrullus vulgaris Seeds (Thunb.) on Tyloxapol-induced Hyperlipidaemic Rats: A Comparison With Fluvastatin

Globally fermented foods form an integral part of the staple diet of people. Fermented Citrullus vulgaris (FCV) (ogiri) seeds is a nutritious natural fermented condiment that features frequently in West African diets as a spice.This study investigated the antihyperlipidaemic potential of this condiment in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidaemic rats with reference to that of fluvastatin, a standard antilipidaemic drug. The antioxidant potential of the condiment was also examined using different relevant in vitro assays. Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=5), based on the diet and treatment received. The groups were standard feed (control); FCV supplemented feed; standard feed with tyloxapol administered at the end of the experimental period (tyloxapol control); FCV supplemented feed and tyloxapol at the end of the experimental period; standard feed with fluvastatin sodium (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg body weight separately) followed by tyloxapol. The results revealed that administration of tyloxapol induced significant (p < 0.05) increase in total-cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG). These lipid increases were significantly mitigated in groups initially pre-fed with supplemented FCV feed. Plasma TC decreased by 69.38% (p < 0.05); TG by 80.58% (p < 0.05); LDL-C by 7.80% (p < 0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased by 78.61% (p < 0.05). FCV showed appreciable antioxidant activities in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Histomorphological examination of the liver suggested that the FCV possessed hepatoprotective potential. These results suggest that FCV consumption may be a possible dietary measure for the control of dyslipidaemia

CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN SEEDS ON A BREAST CANCER CELL

Objective: There is a growing scientific evidence of the health-enhancing benefits of fermented food especially in cancer treatment and prevention. Fermented African locust beans (FALB) are a condiment with many medicinal activities and consume in many West African countries. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of FALB extracts on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells overtime and at different concentrations. Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to quantify the extent of cytotoxicity of the extracts. Results: The aqueous extract of FALB had an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.51 and 0.98 mg/mL on exposure for 24 and 48 h, respectively, against MCF-7 cells. Comparatively, the IC50 obtained for the same extract against normal human fibroblasts was 1.90 and 1.37 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The results obtained here suggest some measure of selective cytotoxicity by the aqueous extract against transformed as compared with normal cells. These findings present an important lead to the usefulness of this condiment in cancer treatment. Further studies are recommended

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA FLOWER BUD EXUDATE ON CATARACTOGENESIS IN RAT LENSES

Background: The flower bud exudates of Spathodea campanulata is commonly used as a local eye drop in Nigeria and is anecdotally claimed to improve vision. This study evaluated the anti-cataract activity of Spathodea campanulata (SPCM) flower bud exudates against cataractogenesis using rat lenses. This was done with a view to providing empirical scientific support for the use of the exudates from SPCM in the treatment and management of certain eye disorders. Materials and Methods: Fifty (50) rat lenses were used in this study, i.e. five groups of ten (10) lenses per group. Lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor (Normal control) with simultaneous incubation in 30 mM galactose (Untreated cataract). Co-incubation with captopril (Captopril treated cataract); 0.1 mg/ml of the exudate (Exudate treated cataract - Low dose) and 0.2 mg/ml of exudate (Exudate treated cataract- High dose) constituted the study groups. After 72 hr of incubation, lenses were observed for cataract and the preventive potential of the exudate against cataractogenesis was evaluated through the determination of the levels of anti-oxidant parameters such as total protein (TP), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in the lens homogenates. Results: Photographic evaluation of the lenses showed the development of cataract in the untreated cataract group while opacification was retarded in higher dose exudate-treated and captopril treated lenses. Significant decrease in the levels of GSH and total protein, reduction in SOD and CAT activities as well as increase in MDA content were observed in cataractous lenses when compared with the normal control. SPCM displayed a dose-related anti-cataract activity. Captopril showed comparable anti-cataract potential to (0.2 mg/ml) SPCM. GSH, SOD and CAT activity in captopril treated cataract lenses increased to 75.55%, 64.08% and 72.45% of the normal control values respectively. In (0.2 mg/ml) exudate treated cataract lenses; GSH, SOD and CAT activity increased to 57.7%, 76.69% and 80.61% respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that exudate of SPCM elicited its anti-cataract potential through its anti-oxidant activities

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. ‘Diabetes’ and ‘Nigeria’ were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then ‘Plant name – accepted or synonyms’, ‘Constituents’, ‘Drug interaction’ and/or ‘Toxicity’ for the secondary searches. Results: The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs. Conclusion: This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb–drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided

Capacity of Nigerian national institutions to conduct biotechnology research to improve livestock productivity

Biotechnology development has been the subject of interest in Nigeria over the past decade. As part of the study by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to investigate the development and/or prospects of biotechnology tools as applied to animal science research in Nigeria, a survey aimed at assessing biotechnology capacity of Nigeria for animal research was conducted between June and July 2004. The survey used a structured questionnaire, interviews and personal visits to some universities, polytechnics and national research institutions situated in strategic locations in Nigeria. Though a general deterioration of facilities in most universities was noted, there are quite a number of institutions identified to be capable of applying some biotechnology tools to improve animal production in Nigeria. There are well-trained Nigerian researchers in the country who when supplied with tools in biotechnology and financial support to carry out well-focused or coordinated research can help propel the country towards self-sufficiency in animal production. The role of ILRI and development investors like USAID in making significant intervention in the attainment of this goal is highlighted

Fermented Condiments from Melon (Citrullus vulgaris) and African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Seeds – A Review

Food fermentation is a low cost technology for nutrition, preservation and diversification of foods. Fermentation is also known to improve the digestibility of proteins and carbohydrates and it aids the removal of natural toxins while also decreasing the number of cooking times. Fermented Citrullus vulgaris and Parkia biglobosa have been reported to contribute to minerals, calorie and protein intake when consumed. Although these traditionally fermented condiments have not attained full commercial status in Nigeria due to the subsistence level of farming and artisanal production; they have been reported to possess outstanding biological and health benefits. This article reviews the general properties, nutrient, preparation processes and reported biological activities of these West African fermented condiments. This is with the aim to explore them deeper, which will in-turn encourage further in-depth research work that will culminate into their sustainable use as better options for healthy living.Keywords: Fermented citrullus vulgaris, fermented parkia biglobosa, iru, ogiri, biological activity, fermented condiment, nutrition

Modulation of Blood Coagulation and Hematological Parameters by Crassocephalum crepidioides Leaf Methanol Extract and Fractions in STZ-Induced Diabetes in the Rat

Diabetes affects the homeostasis of the circulatory system. Crassocephalum crepidioides Benth S. Moore (Asteraceae) is an edible plant locally used in the treatment of wounds, stomach ulcer, and skin-related conditions in Africa and some other parts of the world. This study investigated the effects of C. crepidioides leaf methanol extract and fractions on blood coagulation profile of diabetic Wistar rats. The effect of 100 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract and partitioned fractions of C. crepidioides on blood coagulation profile of STZ-induced diabetic rats were initially evaluated, while graded concentrations (50–200 mg/kg body weight) of the aqueous and hexane fractions were further tested in diabetic rats against standard drugs aspirin (anticoagulant) and metformin (antidiabetic). Rats were allocated into groups (n = 6) and administration was done orally, once daily for 2 weeks. The methanol extract and fractions of C. crepidioides at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly prolonged the bleeding (58–200%), clotting (65–133%), prothrombin (176–441%), and activated partial thromboplastin (209–518%) times in diabetic rats compared to the control rats (LD50 ≥ 5000 mg/kg). Highest prolongation effects were recorded in the diabetic group treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of the hexane fraction. Plasma calcium concentration and platelet counts of C. crepidioides treated diabetic rats were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to diabetic control rats, while the red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly increased. This study showed that C. crepidioides possess anticoagulant and antianemic activities. The leaves can thus be a potential source of novel anticoagulant and nutraceutical for management of the thrombotic disorder in diabetes and other diseased states

Evaluation of antioxidant and hypolipidaemic effects of fermented Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) seeds in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidaemic rats

Globally, fermented foods form an intricate part of the staple diet of people. This study investigated the hypolipidaemic potential of fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean/iru), a popular condiment by supplementing (20% w/w) in animal feed. Animals (n= 5) in six treatment groups received; standard rat diet (control); iru-supplemented feed; standard rat feed with tyloxapol administered at the end of the experimental period (tyloxapol control); iru supplemented feed and triton at the end of the experimental period; standard feed with administration of fluvastatin sodium (40 and 80 mg/kg body weight) accordingly. Hyperlipidaemia was induced and ascertained by single intraperitoneal injection of 250 mg/kg triton WR 1339 (tyloxapol) constituted in normal saline. It was administered after six weeks experimental period to respective groups. The results revealed that addition of the fermented condiment into