Effects of aqueous extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon on some haematological parameters and blood glucose concentrations in non-diabetic rabbits

Investigations on possible effects of aqueous extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon on some haematological parameters and glucose concentrations in non-diabetic rabbits were carried out. At least 100 ml of extract was administered daily for 15 days to test rabbits (New Zealand strain) through clean water troughs. Blood was drawn with the aid of sterile syringes from the large vein at the back of the ears of rabbits. Swelab auto-counter 920E+ (UK) was used in haematological analysis while blood glucose concentrations were determined by glucose oxidase procedures  involving spectrophotometry. Aqueous extract of T. scleroxylon did not have significant effects (P > 0.05) on the haematological parameters (mean hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts) examined in non-diabetic rabbits when compared to normal control. However, it caused significant decrease (P < 0.05) in plasma glucose concentrations obtained on the 13th through 15th day of administration to the test rabbits. Aqueous extract of T. scleroxylon had hypoglycemic properties but does not contain lethal concentrations of chemical substances capable of adverse interference on the haematological parameters to cause any form of blood disorder.Key words: Triplochiton scleroxylon, haematological parameters, non-diabetic rabbits

Ascorbic acid and microbiological analyses of extra - Cotyledonous deposits of pride of barbados (Caesalpina pulcherrima) stored at various temperatures

Ascorbic acid and microbiological analyses of extra - cotyledonous deposits of Pride of Barbados (Caesalpina pulcherrima) stored at various temperatures were investigated. 2,6 - Dichlorophenolindophenol (dye) solution titration method was used in ascorbic acid determination while Nutrient and Sabouraud agar were used in microbiological analyses. Result obtained showed mean ascorbic acid content of 0. I 5mg/g (P>0.05) for extra - col) ledonous samples from pods of Pride of Barbados (PB) stored al - 21 °c for 7 days and lower mean values (ascorbic acid content) for exposed samples stored at other examined storage temperawre conditions; 4°C and 25 28°C. Corynebacterium xerosis, Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium notatum were isolated from exposed extra - cotyledonous samples on the 6'h and 7'11 days of storage under room temperature (25 - 28°C). However, no growth was observed on samples from the pods of PB stored at - 21 °C, 4°C and at room temperatures (25 - 28°C) after 7 days of storage. Extra - cotyledonous deposits of Pride of Barbados, whenever collected, Should be consumed immediately or stored appropriately in pods for as long as 7 days at - 21°C for the preservation of the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content and to avert the health hazard of contamination by pathogenic bacteria and fungi.KEY WORDS: Ascorbic acid. microbiological anal) ses. extra - coryledonous deposit