Showing papers on "Xylopia aethiopica published in 2020"

Antibiofilm and Enzyme Inhibitory Potentials of Two Annonaceous Food Spices, African Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) and African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica).

Abstract: Food pathogens represent an important health threat, and it is relevant to study the effect of foodstuffs such as spices which can inhibit bacterial growth. This study reports the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and enzyme (Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase) inhibitory activities of two medicinal food spices belonging to the Annonaceae family, Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica. GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) analysis of silylated samples of Methanol-Dicloromethane (50:50) extracts of both plants led to the identification of nine compounds in M. myristica and seven compounds in X. aethiopica. M. myristica and X. aethiopica had the same minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.625 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL on C. albicans and E. coli, respectively. However, M. myristica had better activity than X. aethiopica on Staphylococcus aureus, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more susceptible to X. aethiopica than M. myristica. The lowest MIC value was 0.1325 mg/mL, exhibited by M. myristica on S. aureus. Both extracts showed good antibiofilm activity. On S. aureus, at the same concentration, M. myristica had better antibiofilm activity than X. aethiopica. On E. coli and Candida albicans, X. aethiopica had better antibiofilm activity than M. myristica at the same concentration. X. aethiopica showed better violacein inhibition in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472, as its percentage inhibition of violacein varied from 80.5% ± 3.0% at MIC to 5.6 ± 0.2 at MIC/8, as compared to M. myristica with 75.1% ± 2.5% at MIC and 15.5% ± 1.1% at MIC/8. The anti-motility activity by swimming and swarming inhibition on P. aeruginosa PA01 was low at test concentrations and in both models, M. myristica showed higher motility inhibition than X. aethiopica. Although in enzyme inhibitory assays all extracts had low inhibitions compared to standards tested at the same concentrations, the results show that these plants can be used to manage food-borne infections.

Oxidative stress modulation by cameroonian spice extracts in HepG2 cells: Involvement of Nrf2 and improvement of glucose uptake

Abstract: Oxidative stress plays a relevant role in the progression of chronic conditions, including cardiometabolic diseases. Several Cameroonian plants, including spices, are traditionally used as herbal medicines for the treatment of diseases where oxidative stress contributes to insulin resistance, like type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and the effects on oxidative-stress-induced impairment of glucose uptake of 11 Cameroonian spice extracts. H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by human HepG2 cells was significantly reduced by 8/11 extracts. The most effective extracts, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus, and Dichrostachys glomerata, showed a concentration-dependent ROS-scavenging activity, which involved Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus. Xylopia parviflora, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Dichrostachys glomerata, Aframomum melegueta, and Aframomum citratum extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity, according to oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (2.52-88 μM Trolox Eq/g of extract), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (40.23-233.84 mg gallic acid Eq/g of extract), and total phenol (8.96-32.96% mg gallic acid Eq/g of extract) assays. In HepG2 cells, glucose uptake was stimulated by 4/11 extracts, similarly to insulin and metformin. H2O2-induced oxidative stress reduced glucose uptake, which was rescued by pretreatment with Xylopia aethiopica, Xylopia parviflora, Scorodophloeus zenkeri, Monodora myristica, and Dichrostachys glomerata extracts. The ROS-scavenging ability of the spice extracts may reside in some secondary metabolites observed by phytochemical profiling (reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC-UV-DAD)). Further studies are needed to better clarify their biological activities and potential use to control oxidative stress and promote insulin sensitivity.

Dietary Cameroonian Plants Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Abstract: In Cameroon, local plants are traditionally used as remedies for a variety of ailments. In this regard, several papers report health benefits of Cameroonian spices, which include antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, whereas gastric anti-inflammatory activities have never been previously considered. The present study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts of eleven Cameroonian spices in gastric epithelial cells (AGS and GES-1 cells). The extracts showed antioxidant properties in a cell-free system and reduced H2O2-induced ROS generation in gastric epithelial cells. After preliminary screening on TNFα-induced NF-κB driven transcription, six extracts from Xylopia parviflora, Xylopia aethiopica, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Dichrostachys glomerata, Aframomum melegueta, and Aframomum citratum were selected for further studies focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity. The extracts reduced the expression of some NF-κB-dependent pro-inflammatory mediators strictly involved in the gastric inflammatory process, such as IL-8, IL-6, and enzymes such as PTGS2 (COX-2), without affecting PTGS1 (COX-1). In conclusion, the selected extracts decreased pro-inflammatory markers by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling in gastric cells, justifying, in part, the traditional use of these spices. Other molecular mechanisms cannot be excluded, and further studies are needed to better clarify their biological activities at the gastric level.

Medicinal uses, thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography profiles of plant species from Abomey-Calavi and Dantokpa Market in the Republic of Benin.

Abstract: This study provides a list of popular medicinal plants found in southern Benin (West Africa) with their mode of use, diseases treated, and thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatography profiles. The list includes 10 of the most widely used plant species from Dantokpa Market (biggest market located in Cotonou) and Abomey-Calavi in the Republic of Benin. Species were identified by the Laboratory of Botany and Applied Ecology, University of Abomey-Calavi. Voucher specimens were deposited in the herbarium of the Experimental Station for Medicinal Plants, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan, and in the National Herbarium of Benin, University of Abomey-Calavi. The list was as follows-Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Caesalpinia bonduc (Caesalpiniaceae), Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae), Garcinia kola (Clusiaceae), Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae), Monodora myristica (Annonaceae), Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae), Talinum fruticosum (Talinaceae), Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae), and Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae).

Ethnobotanical survey, anthelmintic effects and cytotoxicity of plants used for treatment of helminthiasis in the Central and Kara regions of Togo

Abstract: Traditional medicines are the main source of treatment of helminthiasis in endemic areas of Togo. The present study aimed to investigate the plants used by Traditional healers (THs) to treat helminth infections in endemic communities within the Central and Kara regions of Togo and to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the three most cited plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from 19 to 24 June 2017 among traditional healers in the Central and Kara regions of Togo. The anthelmintic activity of the most cited plants namely Aframomum melegueta K. Schum, Khaya senegalensis A. Juss and Xylopia aethiopica A. Rich, was evaluated using microfilariae (Mf) of Litomosoides sigmodontis. The plants were evaluated for cytotoxicity according to the recommendation of NF EN ISO 10993-5 standard using the propidium iodide (PI) dye by flow cytometry on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A total of 197 THs were interviewed and 41 plant species were recorded. Leguminosae (14.6%) and Annonaceae (9.7%) families constitute the highest number of species cited for treatment of helminth infections. Afromomum melegueta was the most cited by the THs for the treatment of onchocerciasis (UV = 0.036) while X. aethiopica was associated with the treatment of schistosomiasis (UV = 0.061) and lymphatic filariasis (UV = 0.061). There was a great agreement among the THs regarding ethnomedicinal uses of plants to treat helminthiasis with ICF values ranging from 0.57 to 0.67. The anthelmintic assay yielded lethal doses values of 233 μg/mL, 265 μg/mL and 550 μg/mL, respectively for X. aethiopica, A. melegueta and K. senegalensis. Afromomum melegueta and X. aethiopica presented no cytotoxicity, less than 20% death, whereas K. senegalensis induced moderate toxicity, 24 ± 8% death. This study demonstrated the scientific rationale for the use of plants to treat helminthiasis in the Togolese traditional medicine. However, the use of K. senegalensis requires more caution since the plant is fairly toxic. NA

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and anticholine esterase activities of essential oil of xylopia aethiopica seeds

Abstract: Background: Xylopia aethiopica is well known to treat neurodegenerative diseases in traditional medicine and there is no scientific evidence for this claim. Objective: The current research aimed at investigating chemical characterization, antioxidant, and anticholine esterase activity of the essential oil from X. aethiopica. Materials and Methods: Essential oil extraction was carried out by the use of the steam distillation method in a modified Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition of the essential oil from seeds of X. aethiopica (African pepper) was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and its potentials as antioxidant and anticholine esterase were evaluated for the first time. Results: The oil yield was 5.2% (v/w) in X. aethiopica. The GC-MS analysis identified a total of 52 compounds corresponding to 100% of the total oil in X. aethiopica. The major constituents of X. aethiopica essential oil are terpinen-4-ol (11.88%), α-terpineol (5.93%), cyclohexane methanol (4.79%), and β-copaene (4.74%). The most abundant classes of compounds from the essential oil were oxygenated monoterpenes (MT) which amounted to (37.6%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (29.61%), sesquiterpenes (14.67%), oxygenated diterpenes (9.05%), nonterpenoid aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (4.81%), diterpenes (3.8%), and MT (0.47%) of all the identified constituents. A significant antioxidant (IC50value of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl = 2.19 ± 0.09 mg/mL) and anticholine esterase activity (IC50 =1.21 ± 0.06 mg/mL) was obtained for the essential oil of X. aethiopica. Conclusion: The study established the chemical composition, antioxidant, and anticholine esterase activities of the essential oil of the plant seeds.

Growth performance and blood profile of grazing Red Sokoto bucks fed Xylopia aethiopica seed meal diets

Abstract: This study was aimed at assessing the growth performance and blood profile of grazing Red Sokoto bucks fed Xylopia aethiopica seed meal diet. Nine (9) Red Sokoto bucks were apportioned to three (3) dietary treatments; T1, T2, and T3 at 0%, 2.5% and 5% Xylopia aethiopica seed meal inclusion level in a completely randomized design. The weights of the animals were taken at the beginning of the experiment and done weekly to determine the live weight changes. Feed intake was calculated as the difference between feed served and refusals. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of the experimental animals and taken to the laboratory for haematological and biochemical analysis. Xylopia aethiopica supplementation did not statistically (P<0.05) affect performance. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), chloride, urea and creatinine values of the goats though they all fell within the normal range for goats. Xylopia aethiopica seed meal diet had no deleterious effects on performance and health conditions of the Red Sokoto bucks and is recommended for use in goat production at 5.0% inclusion levels. Key words: Creatinine; haemoglobin; negro pepper; packed cell volume and white blood cells.

MALDI-HRMS imaging and HPLC-HRESI-MSn characterisation of kaurane diterpenes in the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae).

Abstract: Introduction Kaurane diterpenes, notably xylopic acid, have demonstrated important biological activities including analgesia, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity. The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica have been reported to be a rich source of kaurane diterpenes. Objective An analytical approach for detailed imaging and characterisation of selected kaurane diterpenes was developed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation high-resolution mass spectrometry (MALDI-HRMS) imaging techniques and high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRESI-MSn ) studies, respectively. Methods The images of the compounds were constructed based on selected ions from their HRESI-MS spectra. The matrix employed comprised a solution of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA) in acetonitrile-water with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). HPLC-HRESI-MSn measurements were conducted on an LTQ-Orbitrap spectrometer equipped with a heated electrospray ionisation (HESI)-II source. Results The analytical strategy adopted showed the spatial distribution of the compounds in the fruits of X. aethiopica based on the dominant ions at m/z 301.2163 [M + H - HOCOCH3 ]+ and m/z 399.1932 [M + K]+ for xylopic acid, m/z 317.2111 [M + H]+ and m/z 355.1670 [M + K]+ for 15-oxo-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and m/z 303.2319 [M + H]+ for ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid. The fragmentation patterns of the compounds were proposed based on the HRESI-MSn measurements. Conclusions The study revealed the spatial variability, differential behaviours and specificity of the selected kaurane diterpenes in the fruit, seed and pericarp. The compounds under study were predominantly restricted to the pericarp of the fruit with trace amounts in the seed.

Phytochemical analysis of Xylopia aethiopica (Dun), Citrus limon (L.) and Allium sativum (L.) extracts and their effect on selected human pathogens

Abstract: A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of phytochemical properties of plant extracts of Xylopia aethiopica, Citrus limon and Allium sativum on selected human pathogens. Phytochemical analysis of ethanol and chloroform of Xylopia aethiopica, Citrus limon and Allium sativum extracts showed presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, HCN, saponin, tannin and sterol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of C. limon, X. aethiopica and A. sativum revealed C. limon has highest flavonoid (2.635 ± 0.021), sterol (0.160 ± 0.000), terpenoid (0.520 ± 0.000) and anthraquinone (2.760 ± 0.057). X. aethiopica has highest composition of hydrogen cyanide (0.835 ± 0.021) while A. sativum has highest composition of alkaloid (2.080 ± 0.000), saponin (2.080 ± 0.000) and tannin (1.040 ± 0.000). The three plants; Allium sativum, C. limon and X. aethiopica showed a significant difference in their composition of all assayed phytochemicals (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effect of plant extracts against S. aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. in all concentrations had C. limon and A. sativum as the highest while X. aethiopica showed the least inhibitory activity against Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. The study proves the effectiveness of the plant extracts in the control of human pathogens.

Toxicity study of ethanolic stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica on fertility indices of male rats: An experimental study

Abstract: Background: The uses of toxicologically unscreened plants to enhance fertility can be associated with adverse consequences. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic stem back extract of X. aethiopica (EEXA) on the fertility indices of male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino rats (weighing 200-250 gr) were grouped and administered by gavage with 200-800 mg/kg of EEXA daily for 15, 30, and 60 days. After the administration of EEXA, the rats were weighed and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected, serum samples were extracted, and evaluated for testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels. The testes, epididymis, and prostrate were harvested, weighed and testes were evaluated for sperm parameters. Results: Significant increase in body weight (p = 0.02) with significant decreases in testes (p = 0.01), epididymis (p = 0.01), and prostate (p = 0.02) weights occurred in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Significant (p 0.05) effects on sperm pH when compared to control. Furthermore, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased whereas serum prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels were significantly increased in a dose-dependent fashion in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that the use of X. aethiopica may be detrimental to male reproduction function. Key words: Xylopia aethiopica, Toxicity, Sperm, Hormone, Rat.

Safety assessment of essential oils from Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) fruit from Nigeria

Abstract: Introduction: The essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica fruits have been reported to possess numerous biochemical effects. However, no toxicological data is available regarding the safety evaluation of the essential oils from the plant spice. The present study was performed to evaluate the safety of essential oils from X. aethiopica (XAEO) fruit by acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies in experimental rodents. Methods: In assessing the safety of XAEO, acute and sub-acute oral toxicity tests were performed following OECD guidelines 425 and 407, respectively, with slight modifications. At the end of each test, hematological and biochemical analysis of the collected blood was performed. Histopathological examination of vital organs of the animals was conducted for gross findings and for comparison to controls. Results: In acute oral toxicity, signs of toxicity were observed in the initial period of the experiment which culminated in the death of the mice before the end of the experiment. The sub-acute test observations indicated that generally, there were no significant differences (pl0.05) up to the high dose level compared to the controls. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the tolerability of XAEO administered daily for 28 days up to 450 mg/kg dose.

In vitro comparative assessment of the inhibitory effects of single and combined spices against glucose-synthesizing enzymes

Abstract: Purpose: To assess the individual and synergistic inhibitory activities of five (5) tropical spices, viz, Zingiber officinale Rosc., Xylopia aethiopica (Dun.) A. Rich, Piper guineense Schum & Thonn, Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Allium sativum L. against glucose hydrolysing enzymes.Methods: In vitro assessment of the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of cold water, hot water, ethanol and aqueous-ethanol extracts of each of the five spices and their combination was investigated using enzymatic protocols. Acarbose was used as the standard.Results: Only four extracts showed strong inhibition against alpha-glucosidase and weak inhibition against alpha-amylase. Going by their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), the combined spices exhibited the best concurrent inhibitory activity against both hydrolysing enzymes (665.83 ± 27.50 μg/mL for alpha-glucosidase) and (1166.86 ± 14.70 μg/mL for alpha-amylase).Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrate the enhanced antihyperglycemic potentials of the combined spices compared to the individual spices for the management of diabetes. Keywords: Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, Alpha-amylase, Alpha-glucosidase, Zingiber officinale, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Myristica fragrans, Allium sativum, Spices

Bio-pesticide actions of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum, Piper nigrum, Xylopia aethiopica, Azadirachta indica and Zingiber officinale formulation on cowpea leaves

Abstract: The emergence of widespread insecticide resistance and the potential environmental problems associated with synthetic pesticides have indicated more interest for bio-pesticide usage in pest control. This study investigates the efficacy of a bio-pesticide formulation based on the aqueous extract of five plants namely Ocimum gratissimum , Piper nigrum , Xylopia aethiopica , Azadirachta indica , and Zingiber officinale in reducing cowpea leaf damage in event of bean beetle attach. Cowpea seeds were sown in four (4) different pots containing loamy soil and kept separately in the field at a distance of 10meters. Seven 7 days after foliage production, pots 1 and 2 were treated with 250ml of the formulations daily for 7 days, while pot 3 and 4 were not treated. From observations, the treated Cowpea plants were not attacked by bean beetle, while the untreated Cowpea plants were attacked by bean beetle, causing great damage on the foliage and this can lead to wilting, chlorosis and other fungal and bacterial diseases. Synthetic pesticides used for pests control, have adverse effects on crops and environment, but bio-pesticides formulated in this research is environmentally friendly, target specific and biodegradable. The extracts showed significant effect at p<0.05. Keywords: Bio-pesticide, Vigna unguiculata Protection, Insect, Wasteland Weed

Toxicological Effects of Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Xylopia Aethiopica on Testicular Oxidative Stress Markers and Histology of Male Rats

Abstract: Impairment in testicular function can occur through perturbations in testicular oxidative stress markers and histology. Xylopia aethiopica (XE) is used to enhance fertility in males, but with information gap on its effect on testicular oxidative stress markers and histology. The present study assessed the effects of ethanolic stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica (EEXA) on testicular oxidative stress markers and histology of male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats (200g-250g) were randomly grouped into 4 (A-D) of 15 rats per group. The rats in the control group A (A1-A3) were administered per oral (p.o) with water (0.2 mL/day) for 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. The rats in groups B (B1-B3), C(C1-C3) and D (D1-D3) were administered p.o with EEXA (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day) for 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. The rats were anesthetized at the termination of EEXA administration and were dissected and testes removed. The testes were weighed and evaluated for oxidative stress markers and histology. Testicular weights were decreased in a dose and-time dependent fashion in EEXA-treated rats. Significant decreases in testicular superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels with significant increases in malondialdehyde levels in a dose and time-dependent fashion were observed in rats administered with EEXA. Testicular histology showed cellular necrosis, degeneration and loss of interstitial tissues in rats administered with EEXA. This study observed that EEXA perturbed testicular oxidative markers and histology. Its use may impair testicular function.

Ethnobotanical Study Of Medicinal Plants In The Fight Against Buruli Ulcer In The Maritime Region Of Togo

Abstract: Background: In Togo, few data are available on the traditional treatment of Buruli ulcer, so this study aim to inventory and identify the plants and recipes included in the herbal medicines in the maritime region where this disease is more common. Method: The methodology was based on ethnobotanical semi-structural individual interviews of 16 traditional healers in the maritime region. The Data were collected and analyzed in Microsoft excel 2013. Results: 10 of the traditional healers were male and the average age of all the respondents was 42.31 ± 4.24 years. A total of 27 plant species belonging to 20 families were identified. The most represented families were: Caesalpinaceae with 3 species, Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Sapindaceae and Annonaceae with 2 species each. In the preparation methods, the decoction is the most used (37%), followed by the black powdered incorporated in an ointment (24%), the maceration (15%), the infusion (12%), the spraying (6%) and poultices (6%). These modes of preparation, were administered mainly externally by massage, disinfection of the lesion and orally. The most used parts of the plants were leaves (48%), roots (21%), and bark (10%). The species with the highest frequency of use were Blighia sapida KD Koenig, Amaranthus spinosus L, Ocimum canum Sims, Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redh, Aloe verra L, Anacardium occidentale L, Paullinia pinnata L and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. Conclusion: By highlighting these plant species of interest, this study has an applicability in therapeutic innovation. It can contribute to the chemical, pharmacological and clinical evaluations of their molecules leading to development of phytomedicines to produce new drugs to strengthen the already existing therapeutic arsenal.

Effect of Three Different Drying Methods (Oven, Solar and Sun) on the Mineral Composition of Ethiopian Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)

Abstract: The effect of oven, solar and sun drying methods on the mineral properties of the Ethiopian Pepper was determined by conducting a study at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The mineral properties analyzed were, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Solar dried Ethiopian pepper, had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) calcium (0.38%) as compared to that of oven and sun-dried Ethiopian pepper. Iron level (68 mg/kg) was relatively highest in solar dried Ethiopian pepper whiles magnesium content was highest in oven dried Ethiopian pepper (0.25%). Sodium (1.50%), and zinc (41.75 mg/kg) were recorded for oven dried Ethiopian pepper. Ethiopian pepper dried under oven and solar drying methods retained higher levels minerals.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potentials of Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica in Alcohol- Induced Hepatotoxic Albino Rats

Abstract: Aims: This study evaluated the antioxidant potentials of Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica on Alcohol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino rats. Study Design: The study is an experimental case-controlled study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: Fifty-five (55) healthy adult male albino rats with an average weight of about 150200 g were used for the study. They were divided into 11 groups of 5 Rats each and subjected to different treatments of the aforementioned herbs. All the animals received humane treatments according to the criteria outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals prepared by the National Institute of Health. Fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica were bought from the Mile 3 market in Port-Harcourt. The herbs were separately extracted using maceration method. Absolute ethanol at a volume of 1 ml/kg (0.79 g/kg) was used to induce Original Research Article Chuks-Oguine et al.; JOCAMR, 10(2): 8-16, 2020; Article no.JOCAMR.60337 9 hepatotoxicity in rats. At the end of the treatment period, rats in all the groups were anaesthetized with chloroform and blood samples collected by jugular puncture. Total antioxidant capacity was analyzed using colorimetric method, whilst, malondialdehyde levels were determined using ELISA method. SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyse data generated and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Results show that intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg ethanol significantly raised plasma MDA levels and significantly decreased TAOC in induced rats. Treatment with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.wt. of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica however effectively reduced ethanol induced raised activity of the MDA levels and increased the activity of TAOC in the rats, but the effects were not dose dependent and a combination of both herbs did not produce better therapeutic effect. Conclusion: Based on our findings, we conclude that Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica used separately could reduce oxidative stress in alcohol induced hepatotoxic rats.