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Showing papers on "Xylopia aethiopica published in 2013"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The studied plants are potential cytotoxic drugs that deserve more detailed exploration in the future, to develop novel anticancer drugs against sensitive and otherwise drug-resistant phenotypes.

103 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that XAE inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate allergic reactions and exhibit anti-inflammatory actions through the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells via stabilizing the cell membrane.

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evaluation of the plant powders on survival and development of C. maculatus revealed that fecundity and adult emergence were drastically reduced in all treatments except those with G. kola and A. boonei.
Abstract: Biological activities of eight plant powders including Piptadeniastrum africanum (rootbark), Piptadeniastrum africanum (leaf), Piper guineense , Aristolochia repens , Alstonia boneei, Xylopia aethiopica, Garcinia kola and Picralima nitida were assessed under prevailing atmospheric condition (28±2 0 C, 70-75 r.h.) in laboratory on Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) at four treatment levels of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0g of plant powders per 20g of cowpea seeds corresponding to 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% w/w. Percentage beetle mortality was scored at 24, 48, 72 and 96h after treatment. The results obtained showed that powder of P. guineense was the most toxic to C. maculatus evoking 100% mortality at day four with treatment levels of 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 %w/w respectively. The plant powders of P. africanum (rootbark), P. africanum (leaf) and A. repens evoked 85.00%, 85.50% and 80.00% mortality at day four with treatment level of 10.00% w/w. The least toxic powders on the insect were those of A. boonei, X. aethiopica, G. kola and P. nitida . In a further evaluation of the plant powders on survival and development of C. maculatus , it was observed that fecundity and adult emergence were drastically reduced in all the treatments except G. kola and A. boonei Key words : Plant powders, Callosobruchus maculatus, fecundity and adult emergence

20 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new cytotoxic ent-kaurane-type diterpene named xylopioxyde has been isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica Dunal together with three known compounds, namely 15a-acetoxy-ent- kaur-16-en-19 oic acid (xylopic acid) and two new selective trypanocidal stereoisomers.
Abstract: A new cytotoxic ent-kaurane-type diterpene named xylopioxyde (16,17-epoxy-15-oxo-ent-kauran-19-oic acid) has been isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica Dunal (Annonaceae) together with three known compounds, namely 15a-acetoxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19 oic acid (xylopic acid), 15-oxo-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid. Xylopic acid, obtained in a good amount, has been successively converted in moderate to good yields into 15-hydroxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, 15-oxo-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and two new selective trypanocidal stereoisomers of 15-acetoxy-16,17-ent-epoxy-kauran-19-oic acid, respectively. All the compounds except the synthetic epoxides displayed cytotoxic effects on the mammalian fibroblast cell line MRC-5 as well as inhibitory effects on the growth of the bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei cells (strain 241). © 2013 Desire SOH et al.

14 citations


01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruits, determine its total phenolics content and estimate its volatile constituents by GC-MS as well as investigate its protective effect against panadol-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male rats.
Abstract: 5 Abstract: The objectives of this study were to assess in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruits, determine its total phenolics content and estimate its volatile constituents by GC-MS as well as investigate its protective effect against panadol-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male rats. Our results indicated that Xylopia aethiopica fruits infusion has high phenolics content and possesses high antioxidant activity in vitro. Thirty five volatile compounds were identified. The main volatile compounds are cis-linalool oxide (47.11%), Carveol (13.2%), buten-1-ol (9.05%), iso-borneol (4.91%) and Borneol (4.14%). Twenty eight adult rats were used for studying the effects of the plant infusion on panadol (paracetamol) and hepatic and renal toxicity. Biochemical results showed that Panadol induced significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels as well as significant decrease (P<0.05) in total proteins, albumin and some antioxidant biomarkers; total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Administration of aqueous Xylopia aethiopica extract decreased the toxic elevation in plasma bio-indicators of liver and kidney functions and increased previous antioxidant biomarkers. The hepatoprotective effect of Negro pepper was confirmed by histopathological and histochemical examinations of the liver tissue of control and treated animals. It could be concluded that the Infusion of X. aethiopica fruits possess nutritional and medicinal values. Aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruits rich in phenolics and volatile compounds, act as strong natural antioxidants. The aqueous extract protect against the toxic effect of panadol-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.

13 citations


01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh leaves of four Annonaceae: Annona muricata, Annona squamosa, Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica growing wild in Benin were analyzed by GC and GC/MS.
Abstract: The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh leaves of four Annonaceae: Annona muricata, Annona squamosa, Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica growing wild in Benin were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty four compounds were identified and quantified in the essential oil of Annona muricata with isocaryophyllene (20.2%); -caryophyllene (16.1%); cadinene (11.4%), elemene (8.9%); muurolene (6.9%) as major components. Twenty nine compounds were identified and quantified in the essential oil of Annona squamosa which contained isocaryophyllene (24.9%), camphene (10.2%), caryophyllene (2.6%), epi-cadinol + epimuurolol (9.2%) as prominent components. Essential oil of Monodora myristica screened contained twenty four components identified and quantified with phellandrene (65.5%), pinene (6.2%) as main compounds. Thirty three compounds were identified and quantified in the essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica, the major compounds being p-cymene (16.0%), sabinene (12.6%), terpinen-4-ol (11.3%), elemene (10.6%) and pinene (7.1%). The antiradical and anti-inflammatory activities of these oils were found to be low.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: On the whole, all the plant extracts exhibited the least antimicrobial activities on Lactobacilli and fungi species.
Abstract: Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica , Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense fruits were assayed against fourteen (14) microorganisms commonly associated with food poisoning and/or food spoilage. The microorganisms were Bacillus subtilis IAM1069, Bacillus cereus IFO 13494, Staphylococcus aureus FDA 209p, Escherichia coli NRIC 1023, Salmonella typhimurium IFO12529, Lactobacillus plantarum IAM 1041, Pediococcus acidilactici -M, Leuconostoc mesenteroides - M, Lactobacillus casei TISTR390, Saccharomyces cerevisiae OC-2, Hansenula anomala IFO 0140 (p), Pichia memb.IFO 0128, Penicillium funiclosum NBRC 6345 and Candida species. All the plant extracts exhibited selective antimicrobial activities on the test organisms. X. aethiopica extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity on the organisms with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 ppm on Bacillus species and S. aureus. S. cerevisiae (MIC = 300 ppm), P. funiclosum NBRC 6345 and L. mesenteroides (MIC = 500 ppm) were also susceptible to X. aethiopica fruit extract but the MIC values for the other tested microorganisms were higher than 1000 ppm. This was followed by A. melegueta fruit extract with MIC of 100 ppm for B. cereus and S. aureus . Although P. guineense fruit extract inhibited the growth of B. cereus and S. aureus (MIC = 300 ppm); and B. subtilis (MIC = 1000), the MIC for the other microorganisms were higher than 5000 ppm. On the whole, all the plant extracts exhibited the least antimicrobial activities on Lactobacilli and fungi species. X. aethiopica fruit extract was used to preserve fresh orange juice. The ability of 100 and 1000 ppm extract to preserve the orange juice was significantly greater (p<0.05) than 50 ppm. The microbial concentration in orange juice containing 100 ppm of X. aethiopica extract was 4 cfu/mL after 28 days of storage at room temperature. Keywords: Food spoilage, food poisoning, microorganisms, spices, ethanolic extract, natural preservatives, orange juice African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(16), pp. 1993-1998

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the effect of the extracts of the dry fruits of Xylopia aet hiopica (XA) and Hypodaphnis zenkeri (HZ) on some biological parameters of acute hyperlipidemic rats and on rats fed with High Fat High Sucrose (HFHS) diet.
Abstract: Obesity is a complicated multifaceted problem generally accompanied by disturbances in carbohydrate and fat meta bolism, insulin resistance as well as an increase in oxida tive stress. The bark of Hypodaphnis zenkeri (HZ) and dry fruits of Xylopia aet hiopica (XA) commonly used as spices in Cameroonian cuisine also have applications in traditional medicine. This study evaluates their effects on some biological parameters of acute hyperlipidemic rats and on rats fed with High Fat High Sucrose (HFHS) diet. The spices were extrac ted in water, water/ethanol (50/50) and ethanol. The first part of the work was the in vitro st udy where, the partial phytochemical composition as well as the antioxidant potential of extracts w ere studied, using folin Ciocalteu’s phenol method and ABTS (3 - ethyl - benzothiazoline - 6 - sulfonic acid) assay. The best extract for each spice was selected and used for the “ in vivo ” study which consisted in studying their effect on weight and biochemical parameters in acute hyperlipidemic r ats and insulin resistant rats. The extracts contained phenols like flavonoids. They also showed free radical scavenging pr operties in vitro . Total phenolic content were higher particularly for the hydroethanolic extract ( HEE ) of Hypodaphnis zenkeri (413.87 ± 13.19 mg Eq catechin/g of extrac t), but lowest for the water extract ( WE ) of Xylopia aet hiopica (63.07 ± 1.60 mg Eq cat echin/g of extract). At a concentration of 400 mg/kg, t he HEE extract of Hypodaphnis zenkeri showed a hypotriglyceridemic activity on rats with hypertriglyceridemia induced by triton WR - 1339 unlike the EE of Xylopia aet hiopica . But these two ext racts inhib ited weight gain and reduced postprandial glycemia in insulin resistant rats. T he bark of H y podaphnis zenkeri , and dry fruits of Xylopia aethiopica cont ained bioactive ingr edients; they ameliorated the glucose uptake and the evolution of weight impaired by the chronic consumption of HF HS diet i n rats.

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Oil of A. occidentale was more effective than other extracts as it effects up to 76.65 and 90.00% adult mortality of the moth at 0.5 and 1.0 ml dosage and could be recommended for the management of this insect pest.
Abstract: Studies on the control of Ephestia cautella with oil of Capsicum frutescens, Anacardium occidentale, Monodora tenuifolia, Xylopia aethiopica, and Ricinus communis were carried out in the laboratory at ambient temperature of 28 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 78 ± 5%.The extracts were studied at 0.5 ml and 1.0 ml dosages against the egg, larvae, and adult of E. cautella. Results showed that oil of A. occidentale was more effective than other extracts as it effects up to 76.65 and 90.00% adult mortality of the moth at 0.5 and 1.0 ml, respectively. In addition, only the oil of A. occidentale and C. frutescens was able to effect more than 50% larvae mortality within 96 h of exposure at 1.0 ml dosage. However, R. communis showed the greatest effect on hatchability of E. cautella eggs but its effect was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of A. occidentale and C. frutescens oil. Moreover, only the oils of C. frutescens, A. occidentale, and R. communis were able to prevent the adult emergence of the...

8 citations



Journal Article
TL;DR: Results show a reversible dose dependent negative effect in body and organ weight, sperm parameters and in fertility parameters, indicating that xylopia aethiopica has antifertility potentials which could be explored for contraceptive purposes.
Abstract: The rising human population, particularly in the developing countries, and the attendant socioeconomic effects necessitates the need for its effective regulation. This study aims at exploring the contraceptive efficacy of the fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A Rich, a plant with wide ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and social values, in combating this public health challenge. Forty eight adult male and 48 female wistar rats were used for the study. The males, randomly selected into two groups: 30 days treatment and 30 days reversal groups; each further divided into 3 test and 1 control group of 6 animals each. Daily oral doses of 0.5, 2.0 and 10.0mg/kg body weight respectively were given to the test groups for 30 days followed by 30 days of extract withdrawal. 6 animals were sacrificed from each treatment group animals on day 31 and on day 61 for the reversal group animals. Body weight of the animals were measured at beginning of study and before each sacrifice. Fertility test was done after 30 days of extract treatment and after 30 days withdrawal while testicular and epididymal weight, testosterone as well as sperm parameters were assessed on the day of each sacrifice. Results show a reversible dose dependent negative effect in body and organ weight, sperm parameters and in fertility parameters. Therefore, xylopia aethiopica has antifertility potentials which could be explored for contraceptive purposes

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The results showed that there was a significant increase in the serum biochemical parameters accessed, which signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves.
Abstract: This study investigates the possible toxic effect of Xylopia aethiopica on liver function via the evaluation of some serum biochemical parameters. The study involved 24 adult rats with weight ranging from 150 to 300g and divided into four groups of 6 rats each (A, B, C and D). For 21 days, varying doses of 1.2g/kg, 3.0g/kg and 6.0g/kg per body weight of Xylopia aethiopica leaves powder were administered daily to test groups B, C and D respectively. Group A however served as control that received normal feed and water only. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia to obtain blood samples for the estimation of liver enzyme activities. The results showed that there was a significant increase (P 0.05) from that of the control. Therefore, the observed changes in the parameters accessed, signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves. Keywords : Xylopia aethiopica, hepatoxicity, Herbs, Nigeria.

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The consumption of extract of Xylopia aethiopica in male may cause reproductive disorders, and the levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, luitenizing hormone,testerone,prolactin and estradiol was significantly decreased when compared with the control.
Abstract: Background: Xylopia aethiopica fruits locally called “uda” by the southern eastern part of Nigeria. This is highly valued plant in Igbo land. Among the Igbo’s; the fruits are used as spices; and aqueous decoction is used especially after child birth probably for its antiseptic properties and to arrest bleeding. Objectives: The present study was conducted to check the effect of Xylopia aethiopica extract on serum reproductive hormonal level in male rat. Method: 20 rats were divided into 2 groups (10 rats per group). Group I was control (untreated), while group II was given Xylopia aethiopica Fruits extract 80 mg/kg body weight intragastric twice per 7days for 28days respectively. Results:The levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, luitenizing hormone,testerone,prolactin and estradiol was significantly decreased when compared with the control(P<0.05) Conclusion:This result implies probably that the consumption of extract of Xylopia aethiopica in male may cause reproductive disorders

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The results suggest that dietary Xylopia aethiopica can induce a reduction in plasma levels of steroid reproductive hormones, possibly through reduction in Plasma cholesterol.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of dietary Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive hormones and plasma lipids in rats. 10 male and 10 female Wistar rats weighing 200-220g and 120-150g respectively, and subdivided into two respective groups of 5 rats each (M1 and F1 as control; M2 and F2 as test), were used for this study. For 21 days, the control rats received normal feed and clean water ad libitum , while test rats received 50g/kg of feed diet. Blood was collected from the rats and used to determine the reproductive hormone profile and plasma lipids concentration. Hormonal analyses were performed by the ELISA method, while lipid analyses were done using enzymatic saponification for total cholesterol, and enzymatic hydrolysis by lipases for the triglyceride. Results showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in plasma testosterone concentration (2.70±0.82ng/ml) of the treated male rats. The plasma concentrations of estradiol (13.80±2.84pg/ml) and progesterone (2.85±0.64ng/ml) in the treated females were also significantly reduced. Lipid analyses showed significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol in the treated male rats (1.20±0.63mmol/l) and female rats (1.75±0.55mmol/l). Our results suggest that dietary Xylopia aethiopica can induce a reduction in plasma levels of steroid reproductive hormones, possibly through reduction in plasma cholesterol. Keywords : Xylopia aethiopica, reproductive hormones, plasma lipids.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the combined chloroform extracts of the leaves of Psidium guajava, Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus and Xylopia aethiopica are used in the management of diabetes mellitus and their effects on the concentration of malondialdahyde (MDA), activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and concentration of vitamin C in diabetic and normal rats were investigated using standard methods.
Abstract: The leaves of Psidium guajava, Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus and fruits of Xylopia aethiopica are used in the management of diabetes mellitus. Hence, the phytochemical constituents as well as the acute toxicity of the combined chloroform extracts (A. occidentale + E. globulus and P. guajava + X. aethiopica) and their effects (at graded doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight each) on the concentration of malondialdahyde (MDA), activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentration of vitamin C in diabetic and normal rats were investigated using standard methods. The phytochemical analyses of the four extracts showed the presence of terpenoids and fats and oil in all of them. Each of the combined extract was found to be non-toxic even at a dose as high as 5000 mg/kg body weight. The combined extracts at the tested doses significantly (p < 0.05) and dose-relatedly reduced the concentration of MDA, raised the activities of CAT, GPx and SOD as well as the concentration of vitamin C in the treated rats. The effects of the combined extracts (especially 250 mg/kg body weight of A. occidentale + E. globulus) were better than that of the standard anti-diabetic drug [glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight)]. The data of this investigation imply that the combined chloroform extracts of the leaves of A. occidentale, E. globulus, P. guajava and fruits of X. aethiopica may be preferentially used in the management and/or amelioration of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Key words: Anti-oxidants, diabetes mellitus, lipid peroxidation, Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus, Psidium guajava and Xylopia aethiopica.

Journal Article
TL;DR: It is concluded that xylopia aethiopice enhances copulatory performance without altering sexual excitement, arousal and motivation; therefore could be useful in the management of male sexual dysfunction.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effect of xylopia aethiopica on the sexual behavior of adult male rats. Fort eight adult male wistar rats were used for the study. They were randomly divided into four groups of 6 animals each: group 1 was control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 were test groups treated daily with 0.5, 2 and 10 mg/kg body weight respectively of hydro-methanolic fruit extract of xylopia aethiopice for 30 consecutive days followed by 30 days recovery. Mating test was performed on six animals from each group on days 30 and 60 of the study. Also, 6 animals were sacrificed from each group and blood collected for serum testosterone assay on 31st and 61st days of the study. Results show significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in ejaculation latency (EL), and post ejaculatory interval (PEI) with significant decrease (P<0.05) in ejaculation frequency (EF) and in serum testosterone levels in rats in all the test groups. We conclude that xylopia aethiopice enhances copulatory performance without altering sexual excitement, arousal and motivation; therefore could be useful in the management of male sexual dysfunction

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The effect of dietary intake of various doses of powdered whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on some selected serum electrolytes (Na +, K +, Cl -, HCO 3 -, Mg 2+, Ca 2+ and PO 4 2- ) and trace elements (Cu 2+, Zn 2+, and Mn 2+ ) were investigated in male Wistar rats (weighing 120-150g body weight).
Abstract: The effect of dietary intake of various doses of powdered whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on some selected serum electrolytes (Na + , K + , Cl - , HCO 3 - , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and PO 4 2- ) and trace elements (Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and Mn 2+ ) were investigated in male Wistar rats (weighing 120-150g body weight). The control rats received normal rat feed, while test animals were fed with three graded diet doses that contained Xylopia aethiopica at 1.5% w/w, 2.5% w/w and 5% w/w. Both control and test animals received their food, plus drinking water, ad libitum for six weeks. At the end of the treatment, blood was then obtained from all the animals and used for the various analyses of the serum electrolytes and trace elements here in reported. The results showed significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increases in mean serum concentrations of Ca 2+ , HCO 3 - , PO 4 2- , Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ ,and Mn 2+ . These alterations point to the positive effect of the spice on blood electrolyte homeostasis and its trace element ions content. It is speculated that these treatment-induced changes in serum electrolytes and trace elements play important roles in the documented antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, spasmodic and antifertility activities of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica . Keywords : Xylopia aethiopica , fruits, electrolytes, trace elements

Book
25 Jul 2013
TL;DR: There is no thorough scientific investigation on most of the claims made by the traditional medicine practitioners on the use of Xylopia aethiopica in reproductive health care despite its use, so this book provides information about contraceptive and abortifacient effect of Xlopia a Ethiopica which is of plant origin.
Abstract: Female reproductive health is an issue of political and economic concern, especially in Nigeria, due to the high incidence of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Over one-third of the population in developing countries lack access to essential medicines. Hydro-alcoholic formulations of Xylopia aethiopica compared with the conventional alcoholic/aqueous formulations effect on reproductive physiology in females and its cardiovascular, haematological, neurobiology, and biochemical activities has been studied in the female Wistar rats. The traditional uses of Xylopia aethiopica include as postpartum tonic to relieve delivery pains, inflammation, heal after-birth wounds, increase menstrual blood flow and to terminate unwanted pregnancy. But there is no thorough scientific investigation on most of the claims made by the traditional medicine practitioners on the use of Xylopia aethiopica in reproductive health care despite its use. Therefore this book provides information about contraceptive and abortifacient effect of Xylopia aethiopica which is of plant origin. It will provide knowledge about the active principles of Xylopia aethiopica preparations which is not well defined.

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: Xylopia aethiopica may possibly influence body weight and growth performances and the feed conversion rate (FCR) was observed to decrease with time in the control compared to the test groups where it increased with time.
Abstract: The effect of Xylopia aethiopica leaves on body weight and growth performance was studied on growing Wistar rats. The study involved twenty-four rats of comparable sizes and weights ranging from 150 to 300g and divided into four groups of six rats each. Group A served as the control while groups B, C and D served as the test and received 1.2g, 3.0g and 6.0g per day of Xylopia aethiopica leaves respectively for 21 days. The feed intake and weights of both the test animal and control were monitored weekly. Results showed that during the 21 days of Xylopia aethiopica leaves administrations, the control (Group A) had a greater mean body weight than those of the test groups. On growth performance, the average daily growth increased in the control but decreased in the test groups in a dose dependent manner. On the other hand, the feed conversion rate (FCR) was observed to decrease with time in the control compared to the test groups where it increased with time. Based on the findings of this study therefore, Xylopia aethiopica may possibly influence body weight and growth performances.Keywords: Growth, Feed Conversion Rate, Body weight, Xylopia aethiopica, Plants.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that ethanolic extracts of X. aethiopica alone or in combination with B. sapida may actually lead to termination of pregnancy due to reduction of progesterone and estradiol and there is increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia in the users of these plants.
Abstract: th to 25th day of gestation after which they were fasted for 18 h. Serum levels of reproductive hormones (progesterone and estradiol) and lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDLcholesterol) were determined at the end of the treatment. Results showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in progesterone and estradiol levels, significant elevations of triglycerides (p < 0.05) and no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of total cholesterol in all the treated groups compared with the control (group A). There was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the levels of HDL-cholesterol in Group B, a significant increase in group C and no significant reduction in group D compared with the control (group A). The levels of LDL-cholesterol in all the treated groups did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) from the control (group A). The results suggest that ethanolic extracts of X. aethiopica alone or in combination with B. sapida may actually lead to termination of pregnancy due to reduction of progesterone and estradiol. The results also suggest that there is increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia in the users of these plants but this may not predispose them to arteriosclerosis because of the insignificant differences in the levels of LDL-cholesterol in all the treated groups compared with the control.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ethanol and supernatant solution of fermented maize slurry extracts from Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta and Allium sativum were evaluated and mycelial growth was significantly reduced in the following descending order.
Abstract: Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is an important fungal pathogen affecting the production of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Conventional control methods using chemicals are expensive, which constitute environmental hazards. This has necessitated the search for alternatives in botanicals. Ethanol and supernatant solution of fermented maize slurry extracts from Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta and Allium sativum were evaluated. In vitro test was carried out at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% concentrations against the pathogen. Mycelial growth was significantly reduced in the following descending order: O. gratissimum > A. melegueta > A. sativum > X. aethiopica > C. citratus. Supernatant solution extracts of O. gratissimum and A. melegueta at 5% concentration gave highest mycelial reduction (0.00 mm), respectively, while O. gratissimum ethanol extract recorded highest mycelial reduction (0.23 mm) among the ethanol extracts. Supernatant solution of fermented maize slurry ex...