Vitamins Composition in Clarias gariepinus Fish Body Parts (Liver, Muscle, Head): Reporting on Samples on Fresh, Smoked-Dried and Dry Extract Bases

An investigation into the vitamins composition levels in Clariasgariepinus fish was carried out and reported in dry extract/fresh; dry extract / smoked-dried on individual vitamins and the sum of the whole vitamins. Parts investigated were liver, muscle and head. Whereas fresh and smoked-dried data were laboratory results, the dry extract portions were calculated and reported as dry extract /fresh sample, dry extract / smoked-dried sample for liver, muscle and head. Results obtained ran thus and all values were in mg/100g vitamin where d = difference, CV% = coefficient of variation and % difference = % value that shows what made dry extract value greater than its reported comparison: dry extract/fresh, % d = 74.5 (all), CV% = 84.0 (all), in liver; dry extract/smoked, % d =24.5 (all), CV% = 19.7 (all), in liver; dry extract/fresh, % d = 74.3 (all), CV% = 83.6 (all), in muscle; ndry extract/smoked, % d = 10.2 (all), CV% =7.60 (all), in muscle;m dry extract/fresh, % d = 68.5 (all), CV% = 73.7 (all), in head; dry extract/smoked, % d = 9.10 (all), CV% = 6.74 (all), in head; dry extract/fresh, % d = 71.9- 74.5, CV% = 79.4 - 82.4 in total vitamin body load; dry extract/smoked, % d = 9. 69- 24.5, CV% = 7.20 - 19.7 in total vitamin body load; dry extract (fresh) – dry extract (smoked), %d = 69.6 - 82.0 in liver; dry extract (fresh) – dry extract (smoked), %d = 72.3 - 76.3 in muscle; dry extract (fresh) – dry extract (smoked), %d = 62.9 - 75.2 in head; dry extract (fresh) – dry extract (smoked), %d = 69.7- 79.0 in total vitamins body load.Among the dry extract values calculated from fresh samples and subjected to chi-square (χ2) values, significant values were observed in vitamins B6, C, A, B1, D, E and total at α=0.05. In the dry extract values from smoked samples, only three significant χ2 values in vitamins A, E and total were observed. In reflection to vitamin concentration levels, percentage higher levels in dry extracts (from fresh) had these trends: liver (74.5%) > muscle (74.3%) > head (68.5%) whereas from smoked, we had liver (24.5%) > muscle (10.2%) > head (9.10%). Also total vitamin body load from dry extract (fresh) was 71.9-74.5% difference and dry extract (smoked) was 9.69 -24.5% difference. It should be noted that liver occupied the higher part of the range in the two comparisons, like 74.5% (fresh) and 24.5% (smoked).

Development of Novel Protective Polyvalent Irradiated Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccine for Immuno-Compromised Patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen affecting immuno-compromised patients; however, no effective vaccine is currently available in the market. Here, we developed novel polyvalent irradiated P. aeruginosa vaccine using cobalt 60 that inhibited pathogen viability but retained antigenic expression functionally. Mice were vaccinated by the developed vaccine by intranasal, intramuscular and subcutaneous route of administration followed by challenge test. The protective efficacy of the novel vaccine reached up to 95%. This significant protection was mainly associated with measurable antiserum opsonic killing activity. In conclusion, the novel vaccine provides a promising strategy of both prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for immuno-compromised patients against MDR P. aeruginosa.

Effects of Tetracarpidium Conophorum on Iron Overload-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Wistar Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum on iron overload-induced cardiac toxicity in wistar rats. A total of 30 rats weighing between 170-245g were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of five per group. Group A (control) was administered 1ml of distilled water, group B, C, D, E, and F were induced with iron (II) chloride for thirty days and treated with different doses of the extract except group B for thirty days, group F was treated with standard drugs at the same time interval, using orogastric tube. After last day of administering drugs, the rats were left for an overnight fast and then sacrificed 24 hours later. Blood tissue samples were collected through cardiac puncture and immediately transferred to EDTA sample bottles for iron level and total iron concentration tests. 2ml was transferred into plain sample bottles for oxidative stress test analysis. Free radical scavenging activities, lipid peroxidation, haematological indices, body and heart weight and histological studies analysis were accessed. Results shows that there was significant increase (p<0.05) in body weight and no significant change in organ weight. These show that Tetracarpidium conophorum extract when mildly consumed has healing effect on damages heart induced by iron (II) chloride. It also proves anti-inflammatory activity of walnut. Histological slides showed vascular ulceration, erosion and stenosis of coronary artery in group B treated with only iron (II) chloride while other groups were normal. There was no significant change in anti-oxidant enzymes activities, except glutathione peroxidase that significantly increased in group F treated with high dose of the extract. However, graded doses of Tetracarpidium conophorum and standard drug reversed the lesions induced by iron (II) choride. Tetracarpidium conophorum extract has ameliorating effects on iron (II) chloride-induced heart damage.

Histoarchitectural Changes in the Liver Following Lactational Lead Intoxication in Sprague Dawley Rats

The present experiment was designed to study the histoarchitectural changes in the liver following lactational lead (Pb) intoxication in rats. A total of 12 adult female and 4 male rats were used in the experiment and 32 offspring for the analysis of lactational lead intoxication. The offspring were divided into four groups. Groups B, C and D were administered 10 mg/dL, 30 mg/dL and 70 mg/dL of lead acetate respectively, via drinking water for 21 days through the lactating mothers while group A was control. The livers of the pups were observed using histological methods. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze data, followed by Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons. The results from the analysis showed that the total body weight, body length and liver weights were only slightly altered in the Pb intoxicated groups. Using relative liver weights alone revealed some form of hepatomegaly among the experimental groups. The results revealed a dose-dependent increase in blood lead concentration. Histopathological evidences revealed moderate to severe histoarchitectural distortions along Pb concentration gradient. Lactational lead intoxication portends dose dependent histopathological changes in the liver of SD rats.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Extracts from Plants Traditionally Used in North-East Brazil

The north-eastern region of Brazil is home to communities of diverse ethnic origins that still depend significantly on folk medicine, with emphasis on plant extracts. The present work aims at investigating medicinal plants used in the traditional medicine of north-eastern Brazil with an assessment of the antimicrobial profile of their extracts. The antimicrobial activity of 12 extracts from 11 plant species from eight higher plant families traditionally used was evaluated against three human pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae) using the Agar Disk Diffusion and Broth Microdilution assays. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated on human keratinocytes. A hydroalcoholic extract from Anadenanthera colubrina presented the most promising in vitro antimicrobial activity against S.aureus associated with low cytotoxicity towards human keratinocytes. The information gathered in the present study represents a starting point for further research aiming at providing scientific evidence to the empirical usage of medicinal plants in traditional practices.

Antiamnesic Potential of Coccinia indica (Linn.) Extract: A Mechanism Based Study

Coccinia indica Linn., a well explored traditional edible medicinal plant of North East region of India, is routinely used as folkloric medicine to treat neurological disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antiamnesic activity of Coccinia indica fruit extract. Antiamnesic activity of Coccinia indica was studied in Elevated plus maze and Y-maze against scopolamine induced amnesia. Moreover, we studied the influence of Coccinia indica extract on whole brain acetyl cholinesterase enzyme. Ethanolic extracts of Coccinia indica (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) were administered to healthy adult Wistar rats for successive seven days and acquisition, retention and retrieval of spatial recognition memory was determined against scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) induced amnesia in-vivo. Further, whole brain acetylcholinesterase was estimated as per Elman’s method. Pre-treatment with Coccinia indica ethanolic extract significantly improved spatial learning and memory and decreased rat brain acetyl cholinesterase activity in a dose dependent manner and comparable with standard drug Donepezil. The results indicate that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica might be a useful as natural source of antiamnesic drug to improve learning and memory deficit associated symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Antidiarrheal Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae)

Context: Diarrhea, a major leading cause of death among under-five children in developing countries is still ravaging the society today due to limitations associated with conventional treatment approaches. The leaf of Rauwofia vomitoria (R. vomitoria) is used by the locals in Nigeria for the treatment of diarrhea. Aim: This study evaluated the anti-diarrheal activity of the leaf extract and fractions of R. vomitoria using animal models. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out. The extracts and fractions of R. vomitoria were screened using castor-oil induced diarrhea, castor-oil induced enteropooling, charcoal meal test and ex-vivo anti-spasmomodic models. The tests groups received 400 mg/kg of the extract, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water fractions based on the result of preliminary study. The Negative control (5 ml/kg of 5% Tween-80) and Positive control (Loperamide, 2 mg/kg and atropine sulphate, 10 mg/kg) were used. Ex-vivo anti-spasmodic test was carried out using isolated guinea pig ileum. Results: Phytochemical test revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids and steroids. In castor oil-induced diarrhea model, 400 mg/kg of the extract and fractions significantly (p≤0.05) prolonged diarrhea onset, decreased frequency of defecation, weight of feces, and volume of intestinal content. The extract and n-hexane fraction produced more significant (p<0.05) antidiarrheal activity in castor oil –induced enteropooling and charcoal meal test models. The extract exhibited a dose dependent inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction of isolated ileum. Conclusion: Results obtained from this study validate the folkloric use of R. vomitoria leaf extract in the treatment of diarrhea.

90-Days Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Study on Majoon-e-Nisyan

Majoon-e-Nisyan (MJN) is a polyherbal semisolid compound formulation. Its description is present in various Unani literatures. It is used in Unani medicine for its therapeutic efficacy against amnesia. There is no report regarding its safety on long term administration. Therefore, toxicological evaluation of MJN is carried out in rats. Majoon-e-Nisyan was subjected to 90-days repeated oral dose toxicity studies as per OECD guide line 408. Wistar rats were treated at three dose levels i.e., 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw and one vehicle treated group. MJN and vehicle were orally administered daily for 90 days and animal were observed for clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, body weight and feed consumption. On completion of 90-days, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematology and biochemistry. Necropsy was performed on all survived animals and vital organs were collected and subjected to histopathology. No post dose adverse effect was reported on survival of both male and female rats after oral administration of MJN for 90 days. No incidence of mortality was reported in MJN treated male and female rats at all tested dose levels. No abnormal clinical signs were observed in MNJ treated animals at 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw as compared to animals of control group. No significant changes were observed in biochemistry, hematology and histopathological examination. No incidence of mortality, adverse changes in clinical signs of toxicity or body weight gain of rats was noted. No changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, and histopathology were observed in MJN-treated or control group. Therefore, NOAEL for MJN may be considered more than 2000 mg/kg bw in rats. Subject Classification Numbers: Pharmacology, Toxicology.

Ethnopharmacological Documentation of Medicinal Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Hypertension in Tarfaya Province, Morocco

The use of plants to treat chronic diseases is part of an ancient Moroccan tradition. This study will present the first relevant documentation on medicinal plants used in the treatment of hypertension in Tarfaya province. This study aimed to collect and document information on medicinal plants traditionally used by the local population of Tarfaya province for the treatment of hypertension. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted using 150 questionnaires in the study area. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethno-botanical indices of frequency citation (FC) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). The results obtained allowed to inventory 52 species of medicinal plants belonging to 29 families traditionally used against hypertension. The species were rich in diverse chemical constituents. The most cited families are Lamiaceae (9 species), Apiaceae (5 species), Compositae (3 species), Leguminosae (3 species) and Myrtaceae (3 species). Ten plants are reported for the first time as used in the treatment of hypertension. The most cited plant species are Allium sativum (RFC = 0.28), Allium cepa (RFC = 0.2), Olea europaea (RFC = 0.18), Searsia tripartita (RFC = 0.16), Ammodaucus leucotrichus (RFC = 0.15) and Myrtus communis (RFC = 0.15). Leaves were the most used organs. The decoction was the dominant method of preparation. This study showed that the inhabitants of Tarfaya use a wide variety of plants for the treatment of hypertension. This work is a source of information that can serve as a basis for phytochemists and pharmacologists interested in research on plants with antihypertensive effect.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Aerial Parts of Artemisia pallens in Mediating Hepatoprotective Activity of RIF+INH Intoxicated Rats

To investigate the free radical scavenging & hepatoprotective activity of phenolic rich fraction of Artemisia pallens on RIF+INH induced oxidative stress in Sprague dawley rats. Free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by using DPPH, Nitric oxide, Superoxide radical and Hydroxyl radical assay models and induced RIF+INH intoxicated rats. The total phenolic content was found to be 312.60 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/gm of dry extract. The total flavonoid content was found to be 322.20 μg rutin equivalents (RUE)/gm of dry extract. In the current study, free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were found to be (42.25 ± 0.95) and (09.16 ± 1.62) μg/ml, (101.62 ± 1.64) and (32.41 ± 1.24) μg/ml, (72.62 ± 1.86) and (10.28 ± 1.96) μg/ml, (33.82 ± 1.12) and (12.82 ± 1.86) μg/ml, respectively. There was also a dose dependent increase in reductive ability of Artemisia pallens extract with increase in concentration and were further investigated in invivo hepatoprotective activity experiment against toxicity induced by RIF+INH. The free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective activity may be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the extracts showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective activity of Artemisia pallens.