Evaluation of the effects of the hydro-ethanolic root extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides on hematological parameters and oxidative stress in cyclophosphamide treated rats

Background: The use of cyclophosphamide in cancer therapy is usually associated with challenging immunosuppression which exposes patients to increased risk of anemia and necessitating preventive measures during therapy. This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the root of Z. zanthoxyloides in preventing and/or improving cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression and oxidative stress in rats.Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each and were pretreated oral doses of 75, 150 and 225 mg/kg of the extract for 7 days and then co-administered with 2.5 mg/kg cyclophosphamide for 28 days.Results: The LD50 of the extract was found to be 1682.3 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and phenols. In the anti-oxidant enzyme assay, CAT was significantly (p < 0.05) increased for animals treated with 150 mg/kg+CP compared to 75 mg/kg+CP and 225 mg/kg+CP. GPx was significantly (p < 0.01) increased in rats treated with 75 mg/kg+CP compared to 150 mg/kg+CP and control. SOD was significantly (p < 0.01) increased in rats treated with 75 mg/kg+CP compared to the control. WBC was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced for 225 mg/kg, 225 mg/kg+CP (p < 0.001), 150 mg/kg+CP (p < 0.001), 75 mg/kg+CP (p < 0.001) and CP administered rats (p < 0.001) respectively compared to the control. LDL and CHOL were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) for rats treated with 75 mg/kg+CP, 225 mg/kg+CP and 225 mg/kg.Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrates that the hydro-ethanolic root extract of Z. zanthoxyloides could be beneficial in hyperlipidemia and in cases of malignancies with abnormal cholesterol metabolism an effect which may be mediated via combating oxidative stress.Keywords: cyclophosphamide, phytochemical, antioxidant, hematological, hyperlipidemi

Effects of Solanum aethiopicum Fruit on Plasma Lipid Profile in rats

To investigate the effects of the inclusion of graded levels of S. aethiopicum fruit in the feed of rats on plasma lipid profile. 20 male and 20 female rats were grouped into four groups of 5rats each per sex and fed on diets containing 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% S. aethiopicum fruit for 28days. Thereafter, the plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were estimated. Atherogenic and coronary indexes were also calculated. The diets resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol. A significant (p<0.05) increase in HDL cholesterol was also observed. The fruit also caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in atherogenic and coronary risk indexed with female rats having better reduction. This work demonstrated the ability of S. aethiopicum fruit to improved the lipid profile of the plasma thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease

Factors that influence pharmacists' efforts in addressing substance use in Nigeria: An exploratory study

Introduction: Substance use is a major global public health problem. Over the years, the burden of substance use has increased worldwide, with Nigeria having a prevalence that is substantially above the global average. Tackling this challenge requires a collaborative effort between different health professionals. Despite the critical roles pharmacists could play in substance use prevention and management, exploration of pharmacists' role in mitigating substance use in society has received limited attention in most sub-Saharan countries. In this study, we explored the experiences of pharmacists in substance use prevention and management. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore pharmacists' perceptions of their roles in the prevention and management of substance use in Nigeria. Following data transcription, we conducted a thematic content analysis. Results: The four major themes that emerged included 1) the extent of pharmacists' involvement in the decision-making process for addressing substance use, 2) factors that influence pharmacists efforts in addressing substance use in Nigeria, 3) how to improve rational prescribing practices and, 4) capacity building to enhance pharmacists participation in addressing substance use. Conclusion: Pharmacists have the opportunity to play critical roles in the prevention and management of substance use, but several individual and systemic challenges limit their full potential. Addressing these challenges is crucial in increasing pharmacists' participation in preventing and managing substance use

Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. As such, there are many guidelines and recommendations set forth by various medical societies regarding colonoscopy for screening and surveillance. The universal goal of these guidelines is to reduce colorectal cancer prevalence and mortality. Recommendations for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance using colonoscopy vary slightly between medical society guidelines and are often dictated by some combination of age, known disease severity, length of time since last study, family history, and comorbid conditions