Aqueous Extract of Sorindeia Juglandifolia Leaves Protects Methotrexate-Induced Liver and Kidney Damage in Rat

Introduction: Liver and kidney affection is a life-threatening disease caused by factors including drug-based treatment. Treatment based on methotrexate could result in liver and kidney damages. The study evaluates the preventive effects of Sorindeia juglandifolia leaves on methotrexate-induced liver and kidney impairment in rat. Methods: Healthy rats divided into 6 groups daily received distilled water, methotrexate (20 mg/kg), sub-cutaneous injection of L-carnitin (500 mg/kg) and methotrexate and the plant extract doses of 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg and methotrexate for 10 days. During treatment, body weight was recorded. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed; venous blood were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Liver and kidney were collected for oxidative markers and histological examination. Results: The consecutive treatment of animals with plant extract and methotrexate showed a significant prevention of the body weight decrease and enhancement of the relative weight of liver and kidney. Sorindeia. juglandifolia extract also protected from the significant increase in transaminase activities, bilirubin and protein level, hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic index, and in the kidney from hypercreatininemia and the increase in serum urea level. The extract prevented the decrease of sodium level and glomerular filtration. Plant extract improved reactive oxygen species detoxification agents and protected from the histological disorganization of the liver and kidney tissues, observed in the MTX control. Conclusion: Sorindeia juglandifolia leaves extract expressed hepatorenal protective properties and could be useful to prevent liver and kidney damage induce by methotrexate

Prevalence and intensity of human soil transmitted helminth infections in the Akonolinga health district (Centre Region, Cameroon): Are adult hosts contributing in the persistence of the transmission?

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are among the most prevalent afflictions of the developing world, with approximately 2 billion people infected worldwide. Heavily infected individuals suffer from severe morbidity that can result in death. These parasitic diseases also impair physical and mental growth in childhood, thwart educational advancement, and hinder economic development. Periodic deworming with Albendazole or Mebendazole of high-risk groups (school-age children, preschool children, and pregnant women) can significantly lower the levels of infections below the threshold associated with morbidity. However, an important proportion of the population (adults) is excluded from this high-risk group treatment based-strategy, and might lead to the persistence of these diseases in endemic areas despite the repeated treatments. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of this neglected at-risk group in the spread and persistence of STH in Cameroon. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Akonolinga health district (Centre Region, Cameroon) to assess the prevalence and intensity of these helminth infections. Stool samples were collected from males and females, aged 18 years and over, and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. Results: A total of 334 patients, among which 181 (54.2%) females and 153 (45.8%) males, were examined. The STH of major concern was found in this group of individuals, with overall prevalence equal to 18.0% (95% CI: 14.2–22.4) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 43.7% (95% CI: 38.5–49.1) for Trichuris trichiura, and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.1–10.8) for Necator americanus. Conclusion: This study reveals that STH infections are prevalent in adults in the Akonolinga health district, with moderate to high risk and light intensity of infection. These infected adults might constitute a potential parasite reservoir and a source of dissemination and persistence of these infections, highlighting the need to really take into account this neglected group of individuals in the mass treatment policy

Hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of Pterocarpus santalinoides stem barks aqueous extract on oxidized palm oil and sucrose-induced hypertensive rats

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of the stem barks aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (AEPS) on oxidized palm oil and sucrose-induced hypertensive rats.Methods: Hypotensive effects of AEPS, were evaluated in Wistar rats by intravenous injection of the extract (5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg). The arterial pressure and heart rate were directly recorded. The action mechanism through which the extract exhibits hypotensive effect was performed. Antihypertensive effects of AEPS were evaluated by administrating the enriched diet in oxidized palm oil and sucrose (DOS) concomitantly with AEPS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) during 8 weeks.Results: AEPS provoked a significant immediate decrease of mean blood pressure and heart rate. Atropine and reserpine, reduced significantly (p < 0.01) the hypotensive effect of P. santalinoides. The enriched diet in oxidized palm oil and sucrose significantly increased the blood pressure and heart rate (p < 0.001) by the increase (p < 0.001) of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and a decrease of HDL-cholesterol. DOS also increased the liver (AST and ALT) and kidney (urea, creatinine) marker levels. The activity of SOD, catalase and MDA levels were significantly increased. The AEPS prevented the increase (p < 0.001) in blood pressure and heart rate. The Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions and oxidative stress markers were also improved.Conclusion: Pterocarpus santalinoides exhibits a hypotensive activity through muscarinic cholinergic receptors and sympatic central nervous system. It also prevents DOS-induced hypertension by attenuating hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, liver and kidney damages initiated by DOS.  

Hibiscus noldea (Malvaceae) Aqueous Extract Prevents Insulin Resistance and Protects Pancreatic Islets From Dexamethasone Damages in Rat.

Hibiscus noldea leaves-stems aqueous extract is used in Cameroonian traditional medecine to manage diabetes. To investigate the preventive effect of Hibiscus noldea aqueous extract on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance, the animals received one of the following treatments: distilled water (10 mL/kg), metformine (200 mg/kg), or H. noldea (100 or 200 mg/kg) concomitantly with dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, ip) for ten days. Body weight was evaluated daily and blood glucose levels were measured. At the end of experiment, insulin sensitivity test was performed and lipid profile, transaminases Aspartate amino transferase, Alanin amino transferase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione were evaluated. Histological analysis of the liver was investigated to estimate glycogen content using Periodic Acid Schiff coloration and histomorphometry of pancreatic islets area was performed.The administration of dexamethasone during ten days induced body weight loss, hyperglycaemia, insulinresistance, an imbalance in lipid profile, an increase in transaminases and oxidative stress. Dexamethasone treatment also induced an increase in the pancreatic islets area and depletion in the levels of hepatic glycogen. Concomitant administration of dexamethasone and the aqueous plant extract prevented the rise in blood glucose levels, reduced insulinresistance, improved lipid profile and oxidative status. The aqueous extract of H. noldea prevented the use of glycogen storage and the increase in pancreatic islet area in dose dependent manner.Conclusion: The stem leaves aqueous extract from Hibiscus noldea have the ability to reduce insulinresistance via its antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. These results justify the use of this extract in the management of diabetic state

Additional file 1: Dataset S1. of Loss of sensitivity of immunochromatographic test (ICT) for lymphatic filariasis diagnosis in low prevalence settings: consequence in the monitoring and evaluation procedures

Database for lymphatic filariasis survey in four health districts in the Far North Region of Cameroon (XLS). NA: non applicable; 0: negative; 1: positive. (XLS 92 kb

Aqueous extract of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK accelerates fracture healing in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK is consumed as vegetable and used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the management of diseases and for fracture healing. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous whole plant extract of Peperomia pellucida on fracture healing in female Wistar rats. Methods A drill hole injury was created by inserting a drill bit inthe diaphysis of the femur. The aqueous extract of the whole plant of Peperomia pellucida was administered orally at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg to adult female Wistar rats. The vehicle (distilled water) was given to the control. Besides these rats, one group of rats without fracture received the extract (400 mg/kg). After 14 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and the effects of the extract were evaluated on body weight, the relative weights of organs (femurs, uteri and ovaries) and on hematology. Bone (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase) and serum biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase) were also evaluated. Radiological and histological tests were carried out on the femurs. The mineral content of the plant extract was also investigated. Results The extract induced an increase in body weight at high dose and in WBCs count at low doses. Aqueous extract from Peperomia pellucida increased bone calcium at lowest dose but maintained this parameter at normal range at high dose in fractured rat. Alkaline phophatase and phosphorus concentrations reduced significantly (p < 0.01) at the dose of 400 mg/kg as compared to fractured rats. Moreover, radiological tests revealed a dose dependent formation of callus at the level of the fracture gap, confirmed by the formation of a highly dense and compact fibrocartilagenous callus. The mineral content of the plant extract revealed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Conclusion The aqueous extract of P. pellucida accelerates bone healing due partly to the mineral content of the extract. These results confirm its traditional use in the treatment of bone fractures

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) and lc-ms-based phytochemical analysis

Djouwoug CN, Gounoue RK, Ngueguim FT, et al. In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) and lc-ms-based phytochemical analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY. 2021;266: 113424.Ethnopharmacological relevance: Malaria is a life-threatening health problem worldwide and treatment remains a major challenge. Natural products from medicinal plants are credible sources for better anti-malarial drugs. Aim of the study: This study aimed at assessing the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Bridelia atroviridis bark. Materials and methods: The phytochemical characterization of Bridelia atroviridis extract was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The cytotoxicity test on Vero cells was carried out using the resazurin-based assay while the in vitro antiplasmodial activity was determined on Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2 strain, chloroquine resistant) using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay. The in vivo assay was performed on Plasmodium berghei-infected rats daily treated for 5 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg) for malaria control, 25 mg/kg of chloroquine sulfate for positive control and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of B. atroviridis extract for the three test groups. Parasitaemia was daily monitored using 10% giemsa-staining thin blood smears. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis while organs were removed for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: The HPLC-MS analysis data of B. atroviridis revealed the presence of bridelionoside D, isomyricitrin, corilagin, myricetin and 5 others compounds not yet identified. Bridelia atroviridis exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity with the IC50 evaluated at 8.08 mu g/mL and low cytotoxicity with the median cytotoxic concentration (CC50) higher than 100 mu g/mL. B. atroviridis extract significantly reduced the parasitemia (p < 0.05) with an effective dose-50 (ED-50) of 89 mg/kg. B. atroviridis also prevented anemia, leukocytosis and liver and kidneys impairment by decrease of transaminases, ALP, creatinine, uric acid, and triglycerides concentrations. As well, B. atroviridis extract decreased some pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6) levels and significantly improved the anti-inflammatory status (P < 0.01) of infected animals marked by a decrease of IL-10 concentration. These results were further confirmed by the improved of antioxidant status and the quasi-normal microarchitecture of the liver, kidneys and spleen in test groups. Overall, the hydroethanolic bark extract of Bridelia atroviridis demonstrated antimalarial property and justified its use in traditional medicine to manage malaria disease

Antibacterial and antishigellosis activity of Xylopia staudtii (engl. & diels), Annonaceae

Nguiam MP, Wouamba SCN, Longo F, et al. Antibacterial and antishigellosis activity of Xylopia staudtii (engl. &amp; diels), Annonaceae. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2021: 114406.Ethnopharmacological relevance Xylopia staudtii is a medicinal plant which fruits are traditionally used in western Cameroon as a spice in the preparation of soups known for their abdominal cramp relieving properties. Often identified as Xylopia africana, its bark is used in the treatment of dysentery in Mont Cameroun localities. This plant could therefore contain active ingredients against intestinal pathogens, including Shigella spp, which are responsible of the deathly dysenteric diarrhoea. Aim of the study This study aims to assess the efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract from Xylopia staudtii bark in immunodepressed mice infected with Shigella flexneri. Materials and methods Qualitative detection of compounds in the crude extract was done using UPLC–DAD–(HR) ESI-MS analysis in an attempt to link the activity to the chemical composition. The MIC and the MBC of the extract was determined using broth dilution method. Shigellosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Shigella flexneri to immunodepressed mice pretreated with streptomycin. These infected mice were then treated with the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), and reference substances (ciprofloxacin and saline). During the 9 days of treatment, animal morphology, fecal pathology and deaths were recorded. At the end of the treatment period, blood and organs were collected from any surviving animals for hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results The extract was found to be significantly active, with a bactericidal effect against Shigella and a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli. It was able to reduce and stop the faecal pathology caused by the infection in mice, as well as the rate of deaths which was brought to zero (0) in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. The bacteria load in faeces was reduced by 100% in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. Xylopia staudtii extract elicited anti-inflammatory properties by reducing MPO activity and Lcn2 intestinal level. It also prevents damages in the intestinal tissue and the shortening of colon which characterise Shigella infection. The serum level of ASAT, ALAT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in animals treated with the extract was similar to those of normal animal used in the study. These activities of the plant may be due at least in part to the presence of ent-kauran type diterpens such as kaurenoic acid identified in the extract. Conclusion These findings support the usage of Xylopia staudtii as an antimicrobial against bacillary dysentery, making this plant a potential candidate for the formulation of an improved standardized traditional medicine

Hydroethanolic Extract from Bridelia atroviridis Müll. Arg. Bark Improves Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Nicotinamide-/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Noussi Djouwoug C, Ngueguim FT, Kamkumo Gounoue R, et al. Hydroethanolic Extract from Bridelia atroviridis Müll. Arg. Bark Improves Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Nicotinamide-/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020: 3160834.Bridelia atroviridis Müll. Arg. (B. atroviridis) is a plant used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to manage diabetes. The effects of hydroethanolic barks extract from B. atroviridis were evaluated on diabetes disorders including hematology, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the hydroethanolic bark extract (70 : 30) was evaluated. Nicotinamide-/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were daily treated with the B. atroviridis extract for fifteen days. Glycemia were evaluated every 5 days, insulin sensibility test was performed, and haematological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters were analysed. Histomorphometry of the pancreas was realized. The extract was able to scavenge free radicals in vitro and decrease significantly the blood glucose levels. The treatment resulted in a significant alleviation of insulin resistance, anemia, leukocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia observed in untreated diabetic rats. The extract significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10. The rate of reduced glutathione was increased in the pancreas, whereas the catalase activity and nitrite concentration were decreased. Diabetic control showed a reduced size of Langerhans islet, whereas the size of islets was large in treated groups. The hydroethanolic extract of B. atroviridis was able to improve glycemia and alleviate haematological and inflammatory parameters disorders observed in diabetic conditions, probably due to its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capacities