Annona muricata L. Suppresses Stannous Chloride Effects through Changing Hematological Parameters in Male New Zealand White Rabbits

Background: Annona muricata. L has a wide range of therapeutic characteristics and is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Stannous chloride (SnCl2) are widely used in daily life and distributed in many tissues and nutrients. Although over-ingestion of SnCl2, can cause health problems, relatively little attention has been given to the toxic effects of this compound in livestock health and hematological parameters. This study was designed to study protective roles of A. muricata L. against SnCl2 effects through alleviating hematological disturbances in adult male New-Zealand white rabbits. Materials and Methods: Four rabbits per group were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: 0 mg A. muricata and 0 mg SnCl2/kg BW (control); 100 mg of A. muricata /kg BW; 20 mg SnCl2/kg BW; 20 mg SnCl2 plus 100 mg of A. muricata /kg BW. Rabbits were orally administered the respective doses every other day for 10 weeks. Results: The obtained results showed that A. muricata alone caused increase in body weight, relative weight of liver, lung, heart and kidney. It also caused increase hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) level and number of platelets (PLT) compared to control. However, treatment with A. muricata was caused significant decrease in white blood cell counts (WBCs) and non-significant decrease in red blood cell counts (RBCs), mean cell volume (MCV). Meanwhile, treatment with SnCl2 was lead to adverse effect on the body weight and relative organs weight practically spleen. It was caused significant increase in WBCs, MCV compared to control. The rest of hematological parameters (RBCs, PCV, PLT, Hb and MCHC) were significantly decreased, which indicated to cause anemia. Previous parameters were returned to normal values in group that treatment with A. muricata plus SnCl2. In term of bone marrow smear, all smears are similar in terms of numbers and types of cells. Conclusion: Results of the present study convincingly demonstrated that SnCl2 exposure resulted in varying degree of hematological parameters of rabbits. A. muricata has been promise as nutritional supplements to help prevent disorders involving SnCl2 induced these effects. Thus A. muricata may be helpful to combat SnCl2 associated sufferings in human as well as animal.

Perceived Sustainability and Reliability of Naturopathic Birth Control Methods; A Study in Ningo-Prampram, Ghana

Background: According to worldwide estimates, some 600,000 women die each year of pregnancy-related causes, and another 75,000 die following unsafe abortions. At least 200,000 of these maternal deaths are attributable to the failure or lack of contraceptive services. Naturopathic birth control methods have been proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies Aim: this study aimed to examine the use of naturopathic birth control methods and to explore the perceived reliability and perceived sustainability of naturopathic birth control methods among adults. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. Adults in the Ningo-Prampram Municipality were randomly sampled to select 100 respondents, who were then administered with the structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Results were presented using descriptive metrics. Results: Majority of the respondents (39.6%) strongly agree to the use of naturopathic birth control methods 12 months. 34.1% strongly agreed as against 2.2% who strongly disagreed to the reliability of naturopathic birth control methods. 38.5 showed agreement as against 19.8% showing disagreement on the reliability of naturopathic birth control methods. 49.5% agreeing strongly to its sustainability, as against 3.3% disagreeing strongly. Conclusion: It is indicative that given the benefits of naturopathic birth control methods, more adults are in strong agreement of its usage, reliability and sustainability, since it presents the user with no later life health issues such as infertility and complications in parturition. It is therefore important that, the issues of Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are addressed with abstinence and or fidelity with one sexual partner.

Micromorphological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Leaf and Stem of Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae)

Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae), it’s ethnomedical uses include anti-plasmodial, anti-pyretic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of the leaf and stem of Solenostemon monostachyus to aid in the identification and standardization of the medicinal plant. The plant leaves and stems were collected, identified, air-dried, pulverized and stored in separate glass containers. Standard procedures were employed to obtain the microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence properties, moisture contents, ash values and soluble extractive values. The results of the microscopic studies using fresh and powdered leaf samples revealed the presence of diacytic stomata on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces (amphistomatic), with stomatal index of 27.9% and 14.8% respectively. The result of the micromeritics properties of the powdered leaf and stem samples showed angles of repose of 38.0o and 46.0o, Carr’s index of 23.7% and 32.5% and Hausner’s ratios of 1.3 and 1.5 respectively. Results for the moisture content, total, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 11.7%w/w, 13.7%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.4%w/w for the leaf and 13.3%w/w, 17.3%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.2%w/w for the stem respectively. Extractive values for water-soluble, methanol-soluble and ethanol-soluble were 26.5%w/w, 32.3%w/w, 14.5%w/w and 15.5%w/w, 15.8%w/w and 14.5%w/w for the leaf and stem respectively. Chemomicroscopy indicated the presence of lignin, calcium oxalate crystals and protein in the leaf and stem. The results obtained therefore could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standard for the fresh and powdered drug products of Solenostemon monostachyus, thus preventing adulteration.

Hypoglycaemic Activity of Extra Virgin Avocado (Persea americana) Oil and Extra Virgin Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal elevation of blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). Despite significant milestones achieved using conventional drugs in managing the disease, there are some drawbacks associated with their use such as drug resistance, adverse drug effects, high cost, and sometimes outright therapeutic failure. The urgent need to bridge this therapeutic lacuna calls for further exploration and investigation of other treatment options. This study therefore aims at evaluating the antidiabetic potentials of virgin avocado oil and virgin coconut oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Animals were divided into 5 groups of five rats each. Group 1 (negative control) received 10 ml /kg/day of normal saline, group 2 (diabetic control) -10 ml/kg/day of normal saline; group 3 received extra virgin avocado oil (1 ml/250 g) body weight, group 4 received extra virgin coconut oil (2 ml/kg) bodyweight, and group 5 received 10 mg/kg/day of metformin. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days. Extra virgin avocado oil and extra virgin coconut oil respectively showed significant antidiabetic activities, and may be beneficial for management of diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Anti-depressant, Anti-anxiety and Muscle Relaxant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Aerva javanica Roots

Aims: To evaluate anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva javanica roots in various experimental animal models. Study Design: Animal study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bilwal Medchem and Research Laboratory, Jaipur from July 2021-August 2021. Methodology: The root powder of Aerva javanica was extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent (70% ethanol). The hydroalcoholic extract at three doses 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg was checked for anti-depressant and skeletal muscle relaxant activity in the experimental animal models. To determine the anti-depressant activity tail suspension test, locomotor activity, open field test, and MAO inhibitor assay were done; to determine the anti-anxiety activity hole board test was used; and to determine the skeletal muscle relaxant activity rotarod test, grip strength test, and chimney test were done. Results: In the tail suspension test, the extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of immobility compared to normal control (p<0.0001). The extract at dose 400 mg/kg significantly reduced MAO-A and MAO-B activity compared to the normal control group (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were able to decrease locomotor activity in actophotomoter and increased time spent in centre square in open field test revealing the sedative effect of the extract. In hole board test, the extract at dose 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly increased number of head dip count (p<0.0001 and p<0.001) respectively. In the rotarod test, the extract at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg decreased the time spent on the rotating rod (p<0.0001), compared to normal control. Similarly, in the grip strength test the extract at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg decreased the time spend on suspended wire revealing the skeletal muscle relaxant property of the test extract. Conclusion: Based on the result, it can be concluded that the extract exert anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and skeletal muscle relaxant like activity in the experimental rat which was hypothesized to be attributed to the flavonoids present in the hydroalcoholic root extract of Aerva javanica.

A Mixed Questionnaire Study on Prayer as Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana

Background: Prayer is paramount in the spiritual welfare and development of an individual. Interestingly, prayer is also considered as a form of complementary alternative medicine and is employed in primary healthcare delivery. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of prayer in primary healthcare delivery as a form of complementary healthcare. This study also investigates why patients opt for prayer as an alternative to standard medical care and ultimately to review the scientific aspect of prayer in medicine. Methods: The study incorporates a mixed methods study with integrated data analysis. The respondents in this study were selected practitioners of Naturopathic Medicine with pastoral background, who belong to the Association of Naturopathic Medicine Practitioners in Ghana. Results: Patients and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners alike in Ghana believe that prayer is very important to aid recovery and hence, plays an integral role as complementary medicine in healthcare. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a role of prayer as complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare delivery. We therefore hold the view that, pastors at the prayer camps should be well educated in basic medical sciences to enable an effective referral pathway to the standard medical centers.

Cytotoxic Synergism between a Proprietary Commiphora mukul Gum Extract GU-MCT810, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, and Metformin in Human Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma and Hepatoma Cell Lines In vitro

In this investigation we have analyzed the synergism for the cytotoxic effect of a proprietary guggul gum extract (GU), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and metformin (Met) in SJRH30 human alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and HepG2 hepatoma cell lines in vitro. 2-DG and Met as single agents have weak cytotoxic effects in both cell lines. However, the combination of GU+2-DG, GU+Met and 2-DG+Met showed synergism for cytotoxic effect by CompuSyn analysis. Therefore, GU can be included in the combination of drugs involving 2-DG and Met to have synergistic effect. GU also showed a dose-dependent increase in cellular glucose uptake in HepG2 cells like the antidiabetic drug 2,4-thiozolidine dione (TZ). The demonstration of synergism of anticancer effects between GU, metformin and 2-DG, suggest that their mechanisms are in general complementary, though further studies are required to delineate the mechanism of GU, 2-DG and metformin combinations.

Antioxidant Potential of Crude Methanol Leaf extract and Fraction of Mallotus oppositifolius

Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is a predominant edible shrub in Nigeria. It is locally used for treatment of common infections and wounds. This study evaluated the toxicity and antioxidant potential of the crude extract and fractions of M. oppositifolius using invitro 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The result showed abundance of flavonoids (28.21), tannins (17.72), alkaloids (7.79) and Saponins (0.23) in the crude extract of M. oppositifolius leaf extract. Also, the result showed that the LD50 is above 5000 mg/kg, therefore the crude extract is safe for consumption. The result further showed that the ethyl-acetate and butanol had significant (p<0.05) antioxidant activity when compared with the control at 125, 62.5 and 31.125 µg/ml respectively while at 250 and 500 µg/ml there was no significant different in the level of reduction of oxidation between the butanol and ethyl acetate when compared with the control. The result further showed that the butanol and ethyl-acetate fraction of M. oppositifolius had the best antioxidant potential among the fractions studied. The result of GCMS studies of ethyl-acetate fraction showed the presence of 7,10,13-eicosatrienoic acid methyl ester, korormicin, agosterol, phyllanthin, ricinoic acid, 2,4,6-decatrienoic acid 1a,2,5,5a,6,9,10,10a-octahydro-5,5a-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1,7,9, limonin, com-pounds that have shown to possess strong antioxidant activities. Also, the GCMS result of butanol fraction showed the presence of seven compounds which include: ferulylhistamine, hippeastrine, 10,13-eicosadienoic acid methyl ester, ethyl 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate, 6-hydroxy-powelline-N-nitroso-7-demethoxy-aldehyde, 6,7-epoxypregn-4-ene-9,11,18-triol-3,20-dione 11,18-diacetate and 5Alpha-androstane-3,17-dione 17-monooxime, compounds which may serve as a new lead for the treatment of diseases associated with the oxidative stress.

Antioxidant Potentials of Pentaclethra macrophylla Seed (Ugba) on Mercury Toxicity Induced Hepatic, Renal and Testicular Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of Pentaclethra macrophylla seed (Ugba) on mercury-induced hepatic, renal and testicular oxidative stress in male Albino Rats. Study Design: This study is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology Animal House, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between January 2019 and January 2021. Methodology: Thirty-six (36) adult male albino rats weighing approximately 135±1.5g were purchased from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. They were housed in plastic suspended cages, placed in well-ventilated conditions and provided with rat diet and water, and acclimatized for two weeks. Fresh matured seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla (African oil bean seed) were sourced locally from markets in Imo state, Nigeria. The maceration technique was used to carry out an ethanolic extract of the plant seed. Mercury chloride salt was purchased from Port Harcourt. A standard dose of 3.0mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride obtained from acute toxicity study dose determination was administered to the rats for 30 days after they were divided into six groups of six rats per group. After 30 days, all the animals were weighed, anesthetized using chloroform. Tissue samples of liver, kidney, and testis were collected and homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline and stored at 40C for determination of oxidative stress assessment. Malondialdehyde, Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase Activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Glutathione Peroxidase Activity were analyzed using the homogenized sample. Data were expressed as mean ±SD, and the statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS statistics 23.0, and p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that there were significant increases (P<.05) in the liver, kidney, and testicular MDA and significant decreases (p<.05) in SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx activities in group 2 rats versus control. However, after treatment with different concentrations of Pentaclethra macrophylla, MDA activity significantly decreased (P<.05), while SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH significantly increased (P<.05). Conclusion: The results obtained from the study showed that mercury chloride has the potential to cause liver, kidney, and testicular toxicity to adult male albino rats, and this toxicity was exerted majorly through oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. However, treatment with Pentaclethra macrophylla seed extract ameliorated oxidative stress.

Comparative Study on Treatment using Water-based Extract of Fresh and Dry Unripe Banana Peels with Conventional Antibiotics on UTI

Almost every part of a banana plant has use in medicine. Increased bacterial resistance to the conventional antibiotics has led to research into the development of alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics. This study focuses on the antimicrobial properties of banana peels against selected isolates from Urinary Tract Infection sample. The isolates from cultures further analysed with agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence of 16SrRNA and Phylogenetic analysis revealed Staphylococcus sciuri strain, a coagulase‐negative species, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. Fresh unripe and dry unripe were used to determine the antimicrobial activities. A measure of 150grams of both fresh unripe and dry unripe was extracted with 100ml of water solvent (sterile) respectively for about 2days. The solvent extracts were concentrated separately under reduced pressure, 10g of each concentrated solvent extracts were dissolved in 5ml of sterile distilled water and used for antimicrobial assay using agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical analysis of fresh unripe and dry unripe revealed that alkaloid, flavonoid, cardiac glycosids,and phenols were present.. Musa sapientum L peels showed some effect on Escherichia coli, Enterococcusfaecalis, Staphylococcus sciuri, Klebsiellapneumoniae and Proteus mirabilisat 80% concentrations for water. Dry unripe has advantage over fresh unripe banana peels. The peels of Musa sapientum exhibited some inhibitory activity on these selected UTIs isolates, which could be attributed to the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Finally, when compared the peels extracts against the standard antibiotics drugs as the control, the water solvent extract were less effective.