Showing papers by "Peter A. Akah published in 2017"

Anti-plasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities of cyclotide-rich extract and fraction of Oldenlandia affinis (R. & S.) D.C. (Rubiaceae).

Abstract: Background: Oldenlandia affinis , commonly called ‘ kalata-kalata ’, a versatile plant used locally to treat malaria fever in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa was investigated for anti-plasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the antiplasmodial as well as anti-inflammatory activities of whole extract and cyclotide-rich fraction of Oldenlandia affinis. Method: The dichloromethane-methanol extract (ODE) of the plant, O. affinis was investigated for suppressive and curative antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium berghei in mice. ODE and the cyclotide-rich fraction (CRF) was investigated for chronic and acute anti-inflammatory activities in rat models of inflammation. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators was studied in RAW264.7 macrophages. Results: ODE exhibited significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean parasitaemia in both the suppressive and curative models of Plasmodium berghei infection in mice.Administration of ODE(100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) and CRF (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) produced significant inhibition of rodent models of acute and chronic inflammation . This observation is supported by the significant (P<0.05) inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, inducible nitric oxide (iNO) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the reactive radical scavenging activities in RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: These findings could explain, at least in part, the successes reported in the use of the herb, Oldenlandia affinis in the traditional treatment of malaria fever Keywords: Oldenlandia affinis , Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, Plasmodium berghei , pro-inflammatory mediators, parasitemia

Biochemical and Haematological Effects of the Leaf Extract of Newbouldia laevis in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) extract (DME) of N. laevis leaves was prepared by cold maceration. The effects of the extract on the haematological and some biochemical parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. The results showed that the oral administration of the extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant (P p 0.05) and dose-dependent reduction in the platelet count and the white blood cells (WBC). The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p 0.05) decreased. This effect was not dose related. The serum levels of total bilirubin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p 0.05) decreased. The serum total protein and total antioxidant status (TAS) significantly (p 0.05) increased dose dependently. Overall, administration of DME has significant ameliorative effect on alloxan-induced anaemia and other haematological alterations in diabetes and this may be of immense benefits in the management of diabetes and its associated haematological complications. Improved liver and kidney functions as well as improved antioxidant status are beneficial in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Protective effects of Buchholzia coriacea seeds extract and fractions on blood glucose and hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted global health burden involving multiple pathological defects, including impaired islet function and insulin resistance, which result in impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal high fasting hepatic glucose production. This multi factorial disease has been ranked seventh among the leading causes of death and is considered third when its fatal complications are taken into account. Recent studies have shown that an estimate of 381.8 million adults were with diabetes in 2013 and this number according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report, is likely to increase up to 591.9 million adults or more by the year 2035. However, in Africa alone it has been projected that the number of individuals with DM may increase to 41.5 million in 2035. Long term diabetes is associated with several comorbidities, such as erectile dysfunction, retinopathy, poor wound healing, kidney failure and heart disease due to microand macrovascular complications. Despite considerable progress in the treatment of diabetes by oral antidiabetic drugs, search for newer drugs continues because of several limitations of existing synthetic agents. Since time immemorial, plant extracts have been used to treat patients with diabetes in various parts of the world under complementary and alternative medicine. Medicinal plants provide useful source of oral hypoglycaemic ABSTRACT

Sub-chronic Effect of Methanol-Dichloromethane Stem Bark Extract of Stemonocoleus micranthus Harms. (Fabaceae) on Lipid Profile and Histology of Liver and Kidney of Rats

Abstract: In Nigerian ethnomedicine, Stemonocoleus micranthus Harms (Fabaceae) is used in the management of heart related diseases. This study investigated the effect of sub-chronic administration of methanol-dichloromethane stem bark extract of S. micranthus (SME) on lipid profile and histology of liver and kidney of rats. Adult albino rats of both sexes were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) and received daily administration of SME (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and 2 ml/kg distilled water (control) respectively for 28 days per oral. Biochemical tests were performed pre-treatment and subsequently fortnightly as the treatment commenced. The results showed that the extract increased the serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration while low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were reduced compared with the baseline values. However, the histopathological examination of the liver and kidney of the rats that received extract and solvent revealed normal portal area with bile ducts and hepatic artery as well as normal glomerulus and renal tubules without observable changes suggesting zero tendency of causing toxic effects. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that SME contained alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, reducing sugars, terpenoids, saponins, proteins and, fats oils. SME exhibited an oral LD50 >5 g/kg in mice. These findings suggest that the stem bark extract of S. micranthus contains constituents that possess hypolipidemic activity in rats.

Antitussive properties of the root extract and fractions of Acanthospermum hispidum (L)

Abstract: Acanthospermum hispidum (Asteraceae) is plant widely used in South Eastern Nigeria to treat cough. This study investigated the antitussive properties of the root extract and fractions of A. hispidum . The antitussive effects of oral administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg of A. hispidum root methanol extract (ME), hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EF) and methanol fractions (MF) were evaluated using sulphur (iv) oxide and ammonia induced cough models in mice. The extract and fractions were subjected to acute toxicity test, phytochemical analysis and HPLC finger printing. The extract and fractions of A. hispidum exhibited strong and significant antitussive effects in both cough models. The MF and EF exhibited significant ( p 5000 mg/kg in mice was established for the extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins and flavonoids which may be responsible for its antitussive effects. Results revealed the antitussive property of A. hispidum and root which correlate to its ethnomedicinal use to relieve cough.