In vivo neutralization of Naja nigricollis venom by Uvaria chamae

<i>Uvaria chamae</i> is a well known medicinal plant in Nigerian traditional medicine for the management of many diseases, but investigations concerning its pharmacological characteristics are rare. In this study, we evaluate its venom neutralizing properties against <i>Naja nigricollis</i> venom in rats. Freshly collected <i>Uvaria chamae</i> leaves were air dried, powdered and extracted in methanol. To study the antivenom properties, albino rats were orally administered with a dose of 400 mg kg^-1 body weight and one hour later, the venom was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.08 mg kg^-1 body weight of rats. Albino rats (male) weighing between 180-200g were randomly divided into five (5) groups of three (3). Groups 1-5 received water, normal saline, venom, <i>Uvaria chamae</i> and venom, <i>Uvaria chamae</i> respectively. Blood clothing time, bleeding time, antipyretic activity, haemoglobin, RBC, WBC, creatine kinase, AST, ALP and ALT activities total protein antioxidant activity and some blood electrolytes, plasma urea and uric acid were measured. Our results showed that <i>Uvaria chamae</i> methanol extract neutralized some biological effects of <i>Naja nigricollis</i> venom. The venom increased the rectal temperature, enzyme activities, bleeding time and other blood parameters. The plant extract was able to reduce these parameters in the extract treated groups. Details of the results are discussed. From this study, it is clear that <i>U. chamae</i> leaf extract had antivenom activity in animal models. The above results indicate that the plant extract possess potent snake venom neutralizing capacity and could potentially be used for therapeutic purpose in case of snake bite envenomation

Comparative studies on the protein and mineral composition of some selected Nigerian vegetables

Twenty seven (27) vegetable plant parts usually included in daily schedule of diet in Nigeria were analyzed for their protein and mineral compositions to evaluate their importance in human nutrition. The results showed that almost all the vegetables contain appreciable amount of proteins and minerals. The protein content ranged from 0.04 % in Sesanum indium leaf to 2.67 % in Phaseolus vulgaris. Mineral contents in dry weight basis were found in different concentration in all vegetables. Calcium (Ca) was the most abundant mineral in all the vegetables followed by Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg). Some vegetables had appreciable amount of Na. All vegetables evaluated were found to be poor source of Cd, Ni and Pb. The total ash content ranged from 4 % in Pterocarpus mildbraedii to 12.6 % in Talinum triangulare leaf. The results obtained in this work clearly indicate that the vegetables could provide some amount of proteins and adequate minerals for consumers

Phytoconstituents, proximate and nutrient investigations of Saba florida (Benth.) from Ibaji forest

Quantitative determination of chemical and nutritional composition of the leaf, fruit pulp, pericarp and seed of Saba florida (Apocynaceae), an underexploited medicinal and food plant in Nigeria, was carried out using standard methods. The plant parts contain levels of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and other phytochemical. Proximate analysis (total protein, fats, carbohydrate, ash, and moisture contents) were carried out following methods of Association of official Analytical chemists. The order of increasing concentration of the proximate composition is protein -&gt; moisture-&gt;ash-&gt;crude fibre-&gt;fats -&gt;carbohydrate in all plant parts. Elemental nutrients Ca, K, Na, Mg, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results revealed higher concentration of macronutrients in all plant parts except K. In conclusion S. florida has high nutritional and medicinal value