Pro-inflammatory and toxicological evaluation of Hepacare� in mice

Objectives: Hepacare� is a widely marketed herbal formulation in Nigeria for treating chronic liver ailments. This study evaluated the safety, as well as proinflammatory and genotoxicity effects, of Hepacare� in mice. Methods: The effect of the formulation was estimated in a 28-day study where 25 mice were divided into five groups, and Hepacare� was orally administered at 250, 500, 750 and 2500 mg/kg body weight. The biochemical and haematological parameters were determined, organ weights were estimated and histopathology was also conducted. mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a and IL-6 was estimated by RT-PCR in acute toxicity experiments. Results: The LD50 was calculated at 3807.89 mg/kg body weight in mice. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the ALP activity in the 750 mg/kg treated group, while the 2500 mg/kg group exhibited significant increases in their AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and total protein levels compared with the control group. However, there was a significant dose related increase in monocyte

Pro-inflammatory and toxicological evaluation of Hepacare in mice

Objectives: Hepacare! is a widely marketed herbal formulation in Nigeria for treating chronic liver ailments. This study evaluated the safety, as well as pro- inflammatory and genotoxicity effects, of Hepacare! in mice. Methods: The effect of the formulation was estimated in a 28-day study where 25 mice were divided into five groups, and Hepacare! was orally administered at 250, 500, 750 and 2500 mg/kg body weight. The biochemical and haematological parameters were determined, organ weights were estimated and histopathology was also conducted. mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a and IL-6 was estimated by RT-PCR in acute toxicity experiments. Results: The LD50 was calculated at 3807.89 mg/kg body weight in mice. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the ALP activity in the 750 mg/kg treated group, while the 2500 mg/kg group exhibited significant increases in their AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and total protein levels compared with the control group. However, there was a significant dose related increase in monocyte

Haematopoietic induction and hepatic protective roles of Hepacare® in CCl4-induced hepatic damaged rats

Herbal formulations are plant parts used as raw materials for self-administered pharmaceutical remedies, and many of them are being sold without any scientific validation for their potency and efficacy. This research work was aimed at evaluating the haematopoietic, biochemical, and histological effects of Hepacare®, a popularly sold herbal formulation in Nigeria against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated liver dam- age in rats. Haematological analysis showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) in haemoglobin, red blood cell, packed cell volume, and platelet counts in CCl4-treated group when com- pared with the untreated group. These parameters were however reversed across the groups treated with the herbal formulation. Levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after treatment of rats with the formulation which were previously elevated (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated group when compared with the untreated group. The CCl4-treated group exhibited significantly different activities in liver SOD and GSH enzymes. The level of MDA was lowered in the liver tissue samples of treated rats when compared with the CCl4-exposed untreated rats. The groups treated with the formulation showed signs of protection against this toxicant as evidenced by the absence of necrosis. Hepacare® showed reversal effects on the previously increased haematological parameters and damaged liver tissues with a potential to ameliorate oxidative stress in hepatic dysfunction

Sub-acute Toxicological Effects of Jobelyn® on Pregnant Albino Rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the sub-acute toxicological effects of Jobelyn® on pregnant albino rats by employing biochemical, haematological and histopathological methods. A total of 32 pregnant female rats were randomly assigned to four different groups of eight rats each. The control group received distilled water and different doses of Jobelyn®; 250, 500, 1000 mg kg-1were administered orally once a day for 2 weeks to the other groups. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, albumin, urea, PCV and Hb in the treatment groups when compared to the control. However, the significant decrease in PCV and Hb was observed solely in the group treated with 1000 mg kg-1body weight, suggesting that this decrease could be dosedependent. Alkaline phosphatase, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, WBC count, revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to the control. The results show that at an appropriate dosage, the use of Jobelyn® during pregnancy may have no adverse effect on the liver and kidney tissues and may possess hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties however the histopathological studies revealed that very high levels of Jobelyn may be hepatotoxi

An evaluation of business skills and training needs within selected small manufacturing businesses in the Vanderbijlpark area of Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract Laxity in managerial competencies due to relevant and appropriate skills has often been linked to small business failure despite its vital contribution to the economic development in South Africa. Skills development is one of the major challenges faced by South Africans, with more than 60% of the labour force being unskilled. This affects large percentage of small businesses around the country with unskilled employees evidenced in the day to day operation of the business. The small Manufacturing Industry in the Vanderbijlpark area of the Gauteng Province is a prime example of businesses that are affected by the short supply of relevant skilled personnel in the labour market. Nevertheless, the primary objective of this study was to undertake an evaluation concerning the significance of business skills and training needs for business success. Secondary objectives were to determine whether training in business skills as well as technical skills for the employees, could add value to the business success. Research methodology included a literature review and an empirical study, making use of the survey method through self-administered questionnaires. Using mixed research design methods, the study collected data on the knowledge, training needs and attitudes of the employees. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, frequencies, Chi-square tests, linear regression and ANOVA. Thence, the Cronbach&apos;s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research results. This however reduced the situation in which either test or scale is wrongly discarded or test criticized for not generating trustworthy result. Additionally, the associated concept of internal consistency, homogeneity and unidimensionality was employed to improve the use of alpha. The research findings established that training in business skills and related types of skills was essential for the success of a business. The findings further showed and confirmed that, effective training foster and enhanced sales results, annual turnover, product quality and employee skills and development

South African equity market reaction to the 2010 FIFA World CupTM announcement

On Saturday, May 15, 2004, the world football governing body FIFA announced that the 2010 World CupTM would be held in South Africa. This would be the first time the football tournament had gone to an African nation. This study examines the South African equity market reaction tothe announcement of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Abnormal returns of the JSE all share index are calculated around the period of the announcement. Using standard event study methodologies, results show that pre-event abnormal returns are negative and statistically significant. Abnormalreturn in the event month, while positive, is not significant. However, there was a positive wealth effect created in the aftermath of the announcement evidenced by persistent positive post-event abnormal returns. While investors may have doubted the cost effectiveness of hosting the gamesbefore the announcement, the positive post-event abnormal returns seem to suggest a steady but incremental market reaction to a positive view of the event

Enhancing Dry Season Production of Indian Spinach (Basella alba) through Fertigation

Optimum and qualitative production of vegetables in the depleted soils during the dry season are best achieved through irrigation. Two experiments were concurrently conducted in 2010 to determine the effect of irrigated poultry manure on the vegetative growth and nutritional quality of Indian Spinach (Basella alba) in South Western Nigeria. Poultry manure (P) rates at 0 (P0+W), 5 (P1+W), 10 (P2+W), 15 (P3+W) and 20 t ha-1 (P4+W) were each irrigated with 6,000 litres of water per hectare (W) and the plots were arranged on a complete Randomized Block Design with four replications. The plot that had no manure but irrigated with 6,000 liters of water served as control. Compared with control, all the treatments significantly increased Basella height, leaf area (except P1+W), wet leaf weight and dry matter yield. The percentage increases in the leaf area of Basella alba were P1 + W (0.68%), P2 + W (6.48%), P3 + W (10%) and P4 + W (25.95%). Accumulation of crude protein, fat and ash were highest in P3 + W and were respectively 19.47, 4.34 and 13.49%. Crude fiber and dry matter yield were highest in P4 + W with increase of 15.3 and 0.1% respectively. Treatment P1+W had the highest carbohydrate with percentage increase of 18.51%. Compared with control, all the treatments significantly increased soil pH, OM, N, P, K and Ca. Fertigated poultry manure at 20 or 15 t ha-1 most increased basella growth, nutrient contents and soil chemical properties