Effects of aqueous extracts of Mucuna sloanei (Fabaceae) seed on haematological parameters of albino rats (Rattus novergicus)

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parameters tested. These findings suggest that consumption of the crude seed extracts of M. sloanei may not constitute any adverse effect on the haematological indices of the consumers. However, the significant reduction in white blood cell levels observed in week 3 could compromise the body’s immunity and may predispose consumers to opportunistic and supra-infections in the long run.Keywords: Mucuna sloanei seed, aqueous extract, haematological parameters, albino rats

Antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolia stem on clinical isolate of Escherichia coli from diarrhoea patients

This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial activities of Gongronema latifolia stem extract on clinical isolates of Escherichia coli from diarrhoea patients. Twenty five isolates of E. coli were obtained from stool samples of diarrhoea patients within the ages of 1-5 in Nsukka Health Centre, Nsukka. The antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract was then carried out using agar cup diffusion technique. The result of the study showed that the E. coli was moderately sensitive to methanolic extract of G. latifolia stem. This shows that in the treatment of infections caused by E. coli, methanolic extract of G. latifolia stem may be used

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NOVEL HERBOSPHERES DELIVERY SYSTEM OF LEAF EXTRACT OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA DEL (ASTERACEAE)

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to formulate herbospheres of V. amygdalina leaf-extract and to study the in vitro and antibacterial properties of the formulationsVernonia amygdalina, Del (Asteraceae) is a tropical shrub used throughout West Africa for the management of diabetes and other metabolic diseases associated with the liver. The plant has acquired special relevance recently, having been proved in human medicine to possess potent antimalarial, antihelmintic, and antitumorigenic properties.Methods: Herbospheres were formulated with lipid matrices consisting of goat fat (70%) and Phospholipon® 90H (30%) by melt homogenization and characterized for taste masking, particle size, pH, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. Inhibition zone diameter of the herbospheres was studied.Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, protein, steroids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides in substantial quantities. Acid compounds and oils were, however, absent. The particle size of herbospheres ranged from 6.90±0.2 to 28.50±0.71 μm and was significantly affected by the type of surfactant used (p < 0.05). The pH ranged from 5.6 to 5.9 at day 1 and 4.1 to 4.4 at 30 days. Highest EE of 90–92 % was obtained and was significantly affected by surfactant used (p<0.05). Formulations exhibited significantly higher inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus than tetracycline pure sample used as the reference drug (p<0.05).Conclusion: V. amygdalina herbospheres formulations had antibacterial properties in addition to taste masking and high encapsulation of the extract

Studies on anti-ulcer, analgesic and antipyretic properties of the ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium in rodents

The ethanol extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves were evaluated for anti-ulcer, analgesic and anti pyretic activities in rats and mice. Ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced nociception were used. Yeast-induced hyperpyrexia was used to investigate the antipyretic activity. The extract produced a significant ulcer protective activity in rats. The extract also decreased pain induced both by acetic acid in mice and early phase of formalin test in rats. A significant reduction in hyperpyrexia was also produced by the extract in rats. This present studyprovides a strong evidence of anti-ulcer, analgesic and antipyretic activities of G. latifolium

Effects of management systems on semen characteristics of indigenous and exotic layer type cocks

No Abstract

Studies on identification of yam (Dioscorea Spp) food forms and factors that determine choice criteria for consumption in Nigeria

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 36 2005: pp. 145-15