Aqueous and ethanol leaf-extracts of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum) increase locomotor activity in Sprague-Dawley rats

Among other uses, aqueous and alcohol extracts of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum) have been claimed by traditional herbal medical practitioners in Nigeria to be effective tranquilizers. In our efforts toestablish some of the tradomedical uses of the plant, we designed the present study in order to test the effects of the extracts on the locomotor activity (LA) of rats. Male rats were administered 25 or 50 mg/kg of the aqueous (AE) or ethanol (EE) extracts with or without 2 mg/kg dexamphetamine (DEX). Results show that the lower doses of both extracts did not significantly increase LA but the higher doses significantly (P < 0.05) increased the 90 min cumulative locomotor score although far less than 2 mg/kg DEX alone. Doses of 50 mg/kg of EE but not AE also significantly (P < 0.05) increased the 90 min cumulative DEX-induced locomotor score. The increase in LA by 50 mg/kg of the extracts has led us to conclude that they may not have any tranquilizing potentials

Comparative study of analgesic effectiveness of single doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen in a dental pain model

Objective: The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of paracetamol and ibuprofen in the pharmacologic management of acute post-operative dental pain.Method: This study employed the visual analogue scale to measure the effectiveness of single doses of ibuprofen and paracetamol over a six-hour period, following a third molar surgery in a homogenous study population, matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and gender. Alarms were set to remind patients to score pain intensity at time point 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 hours, post-dosing. A measure of the difference between the pain scores at the various time interval and that at the basal level (time 0) is the pain intensity difference (PID) at the various time intervals. Data obtained were analysed, using the SPSS version 16.0. (Chicago, IL, USA). Inferential statistics used include Chi squared test and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). P&lt;0.05 was considered  significant.Result: Ibuprofen showed a statistically significant superiority over paracetamol from time 2.5 hours to the sixth hour (P&lt;0.05). There is no significant difference between paracetamol and placebo (P&gt;0.05). The difference per dose prices of ibuprofen and paracetamol is negligible. Probability of developing significant pain following use of paracetamol is greater than 0.9, the relative risk is 1.10 and the odds 10.3, C.I. 95%.Conclusion: This study concludes that ibuprofen is significantly more efficacious than paracetamol in the management of post-surgical dental pain and suggests that paracetamol should not be prescribed as a sole agent for analgesia after a third molar surgery.Key words: Analgesic effectiveness, dental pain, pharmacologic managemen

Microbiological and toxicological studies on cellulose generated from agricultural wastes

A pharmaceutical excipient is required to meet certain minimum standards for use in the manufacture of dosage forms. In this study, two of such requirements, microbiological and toxicological suitability, was investigated in respect of cellulose powder derived from an agricultural waste, maize cob.Microbial count data were obtained by inoculating a suspension of the cellulose into various types of agar. We also studied some of the possible toxicological effects of sub-acute ingestion of the cellulose in 2% tragacanth mucilage on adult male Wistar rats given 1.6 g/kg per day for 14 days. Weight changes, locomotor activity, some haematological parameters and the presence of gastrointestinal lesions were evaluated. Microbiological results indicate a &lsquo;no growth&rsquo; status for yeast, fungi as well as for coliform and pseudomonas bacteria. The mesophilic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis returned a count of 100 cfu/g. Toxicological results show that animal weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced on the 14th day compared to weights on the 1st and 3rd days. Locomotor activity increased in a similar pattern being significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) on day 14 than on days 1 and 3. Platelet counts, white blood cell counts, and packed cell volume were not affected. There were no visible gastrointestinal (GI) lesions or morbidity and mortality in the animals. We conclude that the cellulose satisfied the BritishPharmacopoeia requirement for pharmaceutical grade starch that it should be free from the coliform bacterium, Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the results obtained showed that the cellulose neither exerted adverse effects on the haematological status of the animals nor is it associated with any other significant toxicological event

Effects of hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide on creatinine clearance in some hypertensive Nigerians

Hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide have been reported to alter the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and possibly the creatinine excretion by the kidneys. Also, therapy with these diuretics, especially in theelderly, can be complicated by volume depletion resulting in prerenal azotemia. Creatinine clearance (Clcr) is considered to be the most accurate test of renal function. Unfortunately, although thesediuretics are widely used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure in the young and elderly Nigerians, their effects on renal function have been poorly investigated. We, therefore, evaluated theeffects of treatment with 21-day single daily oral doses of 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide or 40 mg furosemide on Clcr in this prospective randomized study of forty Nigerians with mild to moderateuncomplicated essential hypertension (20 males and 20 females) 32 to 80 years of age and 40 age and sex-matched healthy normotensive controls while on their usual diet. Blood and 24 h urine specimenswere collected at baseline and on days 7, 14 and 21. Specimens were assayed for creatinine and the corresponding Clcr for each day was calculated. Analysis of variance did not show a statisticallysignificant effect of the diuretic regimens on Clcr over the period. This study demonstrates that single daily doses of either of these diuretics do not have a significant effect on Clcr over a short-termmonotherapy

Antidiarrhoeal activities of aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (Cham, Sandrine Petit) stem bark in rodents

The antidiarrhoeal effect of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (Cham, Sandrine Petit) stem bark was investigated in in vivo experimentally-induced diarrhoeal models using mice and rats.The extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced castor oil-induced intestinal transit in mice, with the greatest effect observed with the 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The pretreatmentof mice with the extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) delay in the onset of diarrhoea, frequency of stooling, decreased weight of wet stools and the general diarrhoeal score in mice. The effect of the extract on the normal intestinal transit in mice was not significant. However, in the phenol red meal test in rats, the extract (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) in a doserelatedmanner, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the normal intestinal transit in rats, without a significant effect on the gastric emptying compared to loperamide (5 mg/kg) treated rats. The extract produced no significant effect on the castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in rats. Also, the extract produced no mortalities in mice at a maximum oral dose of 8 g/kg; it is therefore well tolerated and relatively safe by oral route. The results indicate that the aqueous extract possesses antidiarrhoealactivity. This is a possible reason for its antidiarrhoeal use in traditional medicine

Antipyretic and Analgesic Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Fruit Pulp of Hunteria umbellata K Schum (Apocynaceae)

Purpose: The aqueous fruit pulp extract of Hunteria umbellata K. Schum is used traditionally for the treatment of various fevers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extract for antipyretic and analgesic activity, and determine its probable mechanism of action.Methods: Pyrexia was induced in rabbits by intravenous injection of 105 CFU of E. coli/kg. Rectal temperature was monitored at 30, 60, and 90 min post-administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract. The analgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using acetic acid-induced mouse writhing test.  The extract was tested for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Escherichia coli, and Psuedomonas aeruginosa using agar diffusion method. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract was also carried out.Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of simple sugars, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and steroidal compounds. The extract (250, 500 mg/kg) and aspirin produced comparable antipyretic effects up to 60 min. The extract did not inhibit the growth of the microorganisms butsignificantly reduced the number of writhes in mice at 250 and 500 mg/kg with results comparable to ASA.Conclusion: The extract possesses antipyretic and analgesic activities which validate its use in the treatment of pains and fevers

Electrolyte profiles in Nigerian patients with essential hypertension

Information is inadequate on the serum and urine electrolyte profiles in Nigerians with mild to moderate essential hypertension. We, therefore, measured the levels of Na+, K+ and Cl- in 40 adult Nigerians withuntreated uncomplicated mild to moderate hypertension and compared these values with those obtained from age and sex-matched normotensives. Electrolytes were measured using ion-selectiveelectrolyte analyzer. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 127.20 ± 4.20 mmHg in the hypertensives as compared to 92.27 ± 6.25 mmHg in the normotensives. Both groups of subjects had comparable weightand body mass indices. Results show that in the hypertensives serum, levels of Na+ (152.8 ± 2.14 mmol l-1) and Cl- (115.4 ± 2.62 mmol l-1) were significantly higher than in the normotensives (Na+: 136.0 ± 3.23; Cl-: 102.2 ± 2.52 mmol l-1). Serum K+ levels were significantly lower in the hypertensives than in the normotensives (4.01 ± 0.08 vs 4.82 ± 0.03 mmol l-1). The hypertensives excreted more Na+ (300.9 ± 41.30 mmol l-1) and Cl- (278.6 ± 4.39 mmol l-1) than the normotensives (Na+: 147.10 ± 1.10, Cl-: 126.40 ± 1.51mmol l-1). Urinary K+ level in the hypertensives was significantly higher than in the normotensives (73.70± 0.73 vs 55.60 ± 0.63 mmol l-1). We conclude that mild to moderately hypertensive Nigerians showsignificant differences in their levels of serum and urinary Na+, K+ and Cl- from their normotensive counterparts. The relatively higher serum Na+ and Cl- concentrations and the corresponding lowerserum K+ may indicate their roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension in these patients

Antibacterial and dermal toxicological profiles of ethyl acetate extract from Crassocephalum bauchiense (Hutch.) Milne-Redh (Asteraceae)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The emergence in recent years of numerous resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria to a range of formerly efficient antibiotics constitutes a serious threat to public health. <it>Crassocephalum bauchiense</it>, a medicinal herb found in the West Region of Cameroon is used to treat gastrointestinal infections as well as liver disorders. The ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of <it>C. bauchiense </it>was evaluated for its antibacterial activity as well as acute and sub-acute toxicities.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The plant extract was prepared by maceration in ethyl acetate. Its phytochemical screening was done by standard methods. The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the <it>in vitro </it>antibacterial activity. The <it>in vivo </it>antibacterial activity of a gel formulation (0.05, 1 and 2% w/v) of this extract was evaluated using a <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>-induced dermatitis in a murine model. Selected haematological and biochemical parameters were used to evaluate the dermal sub-acute toxicity of the extract in rats.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Phytochemical screening of the <it>C. bauchiense </it>extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins and sterols. <it>In vitro </it>antibacterial activities were observed against all the tested microorganisms (MIC = 0.04-6.25 mg/ml). Formulated extract-gel (2% w/v) and gentamycin (reference drug) eradicated the microbial infection after five days of treatment. A single dermal dose of this extract up to 32 g/kg body weight (bw) did not produce any visible sign of toxicity. Also, daily dermal application of the <it>C. bauchiense </it>extract gel formulation for 28 days did not show any negative effect, instead some biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT and AST), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides were significantly (p < 0.05) affected positively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results indicate that the <it>C. bauchiense </it>ethyl acetate extract can be used safely for the treatment of some bacterial infections.</p

Improved appetite of pregnant rats and increased birth weight and survival of their neonates following feeding with probiotic lactobacilli

Malnutrition and pathogenic colonization of the vagina are two major contributors to preterm labour, newborn survival and low birth weight babies. Hypothetically, the use of probiotics as food supplements might improve the appetite and health of the mother and their newborn babies. Sprague-Dawley albino rats were chosen as a model to test the above hypothesis. The rats were separated into two groups A and B each group comprising 10 rats. The rats in group A were the test rats and those in group B the control rats. Two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhaminosusGR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentumRC-14 were fed separately to the rats as supplement in drinking water for 30 days. The feed intake and bir weight of the newborns were measured. There was significant improvement in appetite for the lactobacilli fed rats with a mean feed weight of 16.81g compared with 13.16g feed weight for the control rats, P=0.006. The pups mortality rat for the control rats was 18% as opposed to 2.7% death rate for the newborns of the probiotic fed group. There was significant difference in birth weight between the 37 newborns whose mothers were fed probiotics (mean birth weight 6.5g) and the 38 newborns from the control group (mean birth weight 4.5g) at P=0.01. There was a two-log increase in total lactobacilli recovered from the stools of the probiotic fed rats. No adverse effects of the lactobacilli were noted in the rats. These findings support the nutritional benefits of probiotics in the tested rats.Keywords: probiotics, Sprague-Dawley rats, appetite, birth weight, death rate RésuméLa sous-alimentation et la colonization patogénique du vagin sont deux contributeurs majeurs au couchage prémature à la survivance du nouveau né, et à une baisse de poids à la naissance des bébés. Hypothétiquement, l\'emploie de suppléments alimentaires probiotiques pourrait améliorer l\'appetit et la santé des mères et leurs bébés. Les Sprague- Dawley rats albinos sont choisis comme modèles pour tester l\'hypothèse ci-dessus. Les rats étaient repartient en deux groupes: A et B; chaque groupe ayant chacun 10 rats. Les rats du groupe A sont ceux étudiés alors que ceux du groupe B sont les contrôles. Deux espèces probiotiques, le lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 et le Lactobacillus fermentumRC 14 ont été administé séparément comme supplément dans l\'eau potable aux rats étudiés pendant 30 jours. La ration et le poids à la naissance des chiots ont été mesuré. Une amélioration significative d\'appetit des rats dont le lactobacilli ont été administé est remarque avec 16.81gm moyen de poids en alimentation par rapport à 13.16g, P=0.006 moyen pour le groupe de contrôle. Le taux de mortalité des chiots du groupe de contrôle était de 18% par rapport à 2.2% pour le groupe nourri par la probiotique. Il y avait une différence significative dans le poids à la naissance entre les 37 nouveaux-nés dont les mères étaient nourries par la probiotiques (un moyen de 6.5g) et les 38 nouveaux-nés du groupe de contrôle (un moyen de 4.5g) a P=0.01. Il y avait un accroissement de deux-log dans la totalité du lactobacilli retrouvé dans les selles des rats nourris par la probiotique. Aucune contre indication du lactobacilli n\'a été observée chez les rats. Ces résultants sont compatibles avec les avantages nutritionels des probiotiques observés chex les rats étudies surtout pendant la période de la gestation, du point de vue du poids à la naissance et de la baisse du taux de mortalité de néonates.Mots cles: probiotiques, les rats Sprague-Dawley, appetit, poids a la naissance, taux de mortalitéWest African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 20(1&2) 2005: 48-5

Some Pathological studies on Indomethacin-Induced Lethality in Rats

Some pathological lesions in rats occurring at lethal doses of indomethacin were characterised. Damage occurred mainly in the liver (hepatocellular necrosis), kidney (interstitial nephritis and tubular necrosis), and lungs (interstitial pneumonitis). Mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased significantly compared to control animals (P< 0.01). Haematological studies revealed a decrease in the haematocrit (P< 0.01), WBC (P< 0.05), and platelets. Marked polychromasia and anisocytosis of the RBCs were indicative of active bone marrow response. At the lethal doses, indomethacin increased bleeding time but not more than a therapeutic dose of aspirin. Mean weight and locomotor activity were reduced significantly by the third day following the administration of 12mgkg-1 of indomethacin. The studies show that other injuries aside from GIT lesions contribute to indomethacin-induced death in rats. Key words: Rats, indomethacin, pathological lesions, lethality. Résumé Quelque lesions pathologique produit chez les souris à des doses léthal d'indométhacin on été charactérisées .les destructions se manisfestant majoritairement au foie ( nécrose hépato-cellulaire, néphrite interstitielle et nécrose tubulaire) et aux poumons ( pneumonie interstistielle). Le taux moyen de l'aspartate aminotrasferase(AST) était significativement éléve comparativement à ceux des animaux de control (p < 0.01) globules blanc compté (GBC) , (p < 0.05) et les plaquettes sanguines (platelets). Une polychromatose et anisocytose marké des globules rouge (GR) indicant une réponse active de la mœl osseuse. A des doses léthal d'indométhacin prolonge le temps d'ecoulement sanguin.mais pas plusque la dose therapeutique de l'aspirin. La moyenne du poids et de l'activitée locomotrice étaient reduite significativement au troisièmejour de l'administration des doses de 12mg kg-1 d'indométhacin. Les études ont montré que des lesions apart ceux du tract gastrointestinal contribue à la mort induite par l'indométhacin chez les souris. Mot clés: Souris, indomethacin,lesions pathologique, léthalité West African Jnl of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol.18 2002: 21-2