Xylopia aethiopica

About: Xylopia aethiopica is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 347 publications have been published within this topic receiving 5511 citations.

Behavioural and biochemical indications of the antidepressant activities of essential oils from Monodora myristica (Gaertn) seed and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) fruit in rats.

Abstract: Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica are two underutilised spices that are hypothesized to be important in the management and treatment of certain stress-induced diseases such as depression. The present study was designed to test the anti-depressant effects of the essential oils of Monodora myristica (EOMM) and Xylopia aethiopica (EOXA) and the possible underlying mechanisms in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) - induced depression in the rat. Forty-two male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups (n = 6); group I received corn oil (p.o, unstressed control), group II (stressed control) administered corn oil, groups III-IV received EOMM (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o), groups V – VI received EOXA (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o) whereas group VII had fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o in d/w). Corn oil served as the vehicle for the delivery of the essential oils and the doses were administered via gastric intubation to rat once daily for six consecutive weeks from the 2nd week. Open-field, tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests were used to evaluate the behavioural activity in addition to the biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, monoamine oxidase, corticosterone, protein carbonyl compound, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). The result showed that the administration of EOMM (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) and EOXA (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) during CUMS significantly ameliorated these behavioural activities and some biochemical parameters in rats. EOMM and EOXA exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of CUMS. At treatment doses of especially 300 mg/kg b.wt, the antidepressant effects of EOMM and EOXA are comparable to a standard antidepressant drug, fluoxetine (Prozac ™). The EOXA especially at a dose of 300 mg/kg b.wt is more effective than EOMM even at 300 mg/kg dose level in ameliorating depression in stressed rats. In conclusion, the study revealed that both the EOXA and EOMM relieved depression-like states through the mitigation of oxidative stress with a reduction in serum Corticosterone (CORT) and brain Monoamine Oxidase-A (MAO-A) levels.

Evaluation of spices extracts for antifungal properties

Abstract: Pepper cultivation is severely affected by anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici. Conventional control of the diseases has been by the use of synthetic chemicals which are not readily available to farmers, expensive and environmentally hazardous. However, hazards associated with the use of chemicals have necessitated the search for alternatives particularly in botanicals. Two solvents (ethanol and Omi-ogi (supernatant solution of fermented maize slurry) were used to extract the active ingredients from dried parts of 5 spices (Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Allium sativum, Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta) at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% concentrations respectively. Generally, mycelia growth decreased with increase in each of the spices concentration. Also all the tested spices extract reduced significantly the mycelial growth of C. capsici. The most potent spice extract was O. gratissimum recording a growth of 0.9 mm compared to 4.4 mm at 10%. The same trend was recorded with supernatant of fermented maize extract where extract of O. gratissimum recorded significantly the least mycelial growth. Generally better antifungal activities were recorded with ethanol extracts compared to extracts from supernatant of fermented maize slurry.

Effects of Xylopia Aethiopica Fruits on reproductive hormonal level in rats

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