The Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources (JPB) publishes scientific work in all areas of Pharmaceutical and life sciences, including (but not restricted to): medicinal plant research; herbal medicines and cosmetics; development of drugs and pharmaceuticals; quality assurance of drugs; safety and efficacy of drugs; pharmacy practice; veterinary pharmacy; bioresources development and conservation.
Phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial studies of extracts and chromatographic fractions of Gmelina arborea Roxb (Lamiaceae)
Antimicrobial resistance and oxidative stress are increasing and researchers are being encouraged to search the natural plant products, due to their popular usage in ethno-medicine, for alternative source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Gmelina arborea used in West-Africa and Ayurveda folkloric medicine to cure several diseases was therefore investigated for phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Extracts and chromatographic fractions of the root-bark tested for antibacterial activity with the MIC determined on seven selected bacteria using agar dilution method. The antioxidant capacity of the crude extracts was determined by six (6) methods: total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, ferric reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) properties. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids anthraquinones, phenols and alkaloids. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the plant showed good antibacterial activities (18 mm inhibitory zones and MIC and MBC 12.5–100 mg/mL) against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and S. aureus ATCC 6571. Antioxidant study of the extracts revealed that both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts have good antioxidant capacity comparable to that of ascorbic acid standard. Therefore, Gmelina arborea could prove a valuable source of developing new antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds for therapeutic uses.
Efficacy of methanol extracts of Lawsonia inermis L. and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. against fungal isolates from poultry farms in Anambra State, Nigeria
Fungal diseases in poultry constitute a challenge to poultry productivity and public health risk to poultry workers. The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Lawsonia inermis L. and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. leaves against fungal isolates from poultry farms. Susceptibility of fifteen species of fungi to methanol extracts of the plants leaves were assessed using disc diffusion method. Discs impregnated with different concentrations of these extracts were placed on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates inoculated with the test organisms. Discs with 2% DMSO and 1.25 mg/ml Nystatin served as negative and positive controls. The plates were incubated at 25°C for 48 hours and diameter of zone of inhibition measured in millimeters. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined using broth dilution method. Ten moulds (66.7%) were susceptible to methanol extract of L. inermis while eight (53.3%) were inhibited by C. citratus. MIC and MFC of the extracts were recorded at ≥12.5 mg/ml and ≥50 mg/ml respectively. The leaves exhibited fungicidal activities against most tested moulds and could be explored as alternative and safer sources of new antifungal drugs.
Incidence of malaria infection and adherence to antimalarial treatment guidelines at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
The development of antimalarial resistance has been a foremost barrier to malaria control. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of malaria infection and adherence to Antimalarial Treatment Guidelines (ATG) at Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH), Jos, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess malaria infection diagnosis, antimalarials prescription pattern and adherence to the ATG by physicians over a two-year period. The study extracted data from 570 prescriptions of different patients and 227 patient files. The demographics of the patients was also obtained. Analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that of the 227 patients treated for malaria, 65 % (n=148) underwent laboratory investigations before treatment while 35 % (n=79) were treated empirically. Artemether-Lumefantrine was the most prescribed antimalarial for treatment of uncomplicated malaria while parenteral Arteether and Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine (SP) was the mainstay for treating severe malaria. This study also revealed that physicians placed patients on antimalarials without confirmatory test indicating poor adherence to the ATG. Adherence to ATG has the potential to limit resistance to antimalarial drugs and should therefore be discouraged.
Retrospective analysis of prescribing pattern at Bayero University, Kano, old campus clinic
Drugs are substances used to treat or manage certain health problems. There is no health care system without drugs. The rational use of drugs is a worldwide concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prescription pattern for outpatients in Bayero University, Kano (BUK) old campus clinic. This is a retrospective study conducted using 600 prescriptions at outpatient unit in BUK old campus clinics between January 2021 and December 2021. The data was collected using data collection form, which consists of two sections, namely, demography of the patient and prescription information. The average number of drugs per encounter was 3.26. Antibiotic prescription was high (48.8%) while the drugs prescribed by generic name were 61.8% which is low compared to the WHO standard. Injection was prescribed in 25.8% of prescription encounters. In addition, 80.8% and 40.5% of the prescriptions had analgesic and antimalaria drugs respectively. Amoxicillin and paracetamol were the most prescribed antibiotic and analgesic respectively. There was inconsistency between the prescription pattern at BUK and the WHO guidelines as the values deviate from WHO references values.
Mosquito repellent propensity of hexane extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. (Poaceae), lemongrass, cream and emulgel formulations
Malaria is a global threat affecting majorly the African continent with Nigeria having the highest burden of deaths from the disease. Prophylactic measures in addition to curative treatments are strategies used for eradication of malaria. This study aims to develop topical mosquito repellent from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Lemongrass extract was obtained by Soxhlet extraction using n-hexane, it was formulated as lemongrass extract cream (LGCM) and emugel (LGEM) at 1 and 2% w/w concentrations. Organoleptic properties, spreadability, pH and skin irritation test were evaluated. Percentage mosquito repellency (R) and complete protection time (CPT) assay using the animal (rodent) model were determined and compared with N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Results showed all the formulations were non-gritty, homogenous, relatively stable upon storage for 30 days at room temperature except for LGCM 1. They were non-irritant to the skin; pH was in range of 5.3 – 8. Spreadability was optimum with LGCM, LGEM 1 and 2% w/w. Mosquito repellency was concentration dependent and ˃ 80% in LGCM 2 and LGEM 2 but emulgels exhibited better repellency. CPT was 4, 5 and 8h for LGCM 2, LGEM 2 and DEET respectively. This study shows that LGEM 2% may be considered as an efficient topical mosquito-repelling formulation.
Water quality index of selected borehole locations in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria
Prevalence of water borne diseases is a public health concern. The study assessed the quality of selected borehole waters in Jos North for their potability. The physicochemical parameters were assessed in addition to chlorides, phosphates, nitrates, and sulphates, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total hardness, using standard methods. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry used for elemental analysis of samples for manganese, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc. microbial analysis was carried out to test for presence of anaerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, yeast and mould, Staphylococcus aureus using the plate count method. Water Quality Index by Weighted Arithmetic Index Method. Results ranged from 22.19-56.22 mg/L (chlorides), 0.00-0.07 mg/L (phosphates), 0.11-0.19 mS/cm (conductivity), 141.40-169.40 mg/L (alkalinity) and 86.70-160 mg/L (TSS). Kyan Primary school had Mn 0.632 mg/L against 0.500mg/L recommended by WHO. Microbial analysis revealed that Kyan primary school had 1 cfu per 100 mL water for E. coli, Salmonella typhi, yeast and mould. This indicated faecal contamination. The WQI revealed Village hostel, Kyan Village, Gadabiu had values of 6.54, 19.41, 10.97 are potable, Government College, Angwan Jarawa, Kyan Primary school had 28.90, 61.50, 93.60 are potable, poor, very poor, not potable.
Peptide-rich extracts from leaves of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex. Bureau (Bignoniaceae) with antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality activities
Global concerns over antibiotic-resistant microbial pathogens have spurred a quest for innovative, stable, and target-specific molecules like bioactive peptides. This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties and toxicity of peptide-enriched extracts from Newbouldia laevis leaves. Aqueous extraction, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and Phenomenex's Stratum Giant Tube C18-E were used to obtain partly purified fraction (PPF) and crude peptide extracts (CPE). Antimicrobial inhibitory capacity was determined using p-INT dye, with gentamicin and fluconazole as standards. Cytotoxicity was assessed with Artemia salina nauplii. Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 5 was used in analysing the data. Peptides were detected in CPE and PPF via TLC and modified G-250. PPF demonstrated more efficacy (IC50: 5.89μg/mL to 33.94μg/mL) against bacteria and fungi, with low toxicity (LC50: 5964.87μg/mL for PPF and 1094.20μg/mL for CPE) in the Brine shrimp lethality assay. The study presents the discovery of bioactive peptides from the leaves of Newbouldia laevis. Consequently, bioactive peptides extracted from this plant hold potential as foundational compounds for the development of novel broad-spectrum antibiotics aimed at combating microbial infections.
Phytochemicals, proximate and elemental analysis, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of purple (Capitata F. rubra) and green (Capitata Linn.) Brassica oleraceae (cabbage)
Malnutrition remains a significant impediment to growth in many countries. Exploring the medicinal potentials of exotic vegetables represents a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development goals. This study focused on the evaluation of proximate, elemental, and phytochemical composition, including the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of green and purple cabbage varieties. The findings revealed different percentages of moisture, crude fat, fibre, protein, and carbohydrates in both varieties. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, anthraquinones, and steroids were also detected and quantified. The green (IC50=186.3 μg/mL) and purple (IC50=187.6 μg/mL) cabbage extracts demonstrated broad-spectrum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, as compared with the standard, ascorbic acid (IC50=267 μg/mL). Similarly, the green (IC50=148.7 μg/mL) and purple (IC50=103.9 μg/mL) cabbage extracts exhibited nitric oxide inhibitory activity, as compared with the standard, ascorbic acid (IC50=135.2 μg/mL). The green (CC50=10.6 μg/mL) and purple (CC50=16.66 μg/mL) cabbage extracts exhibited an inhibition on the growth of Rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines as compared with the standard, Vincristine (CC50=0.30 μg/mL). These results support the utilization of the two cabbage varieties as dietary supplements, potentially aiding in the discovery of anticancer drugs and the management of other disease conditions owing to their antioxidant properties.
Proximate, elemental and anti-nutritional composition of Pachycarpus bisacculatus (bitter butter) roots used locally as anti-snake venom
Snake bite remains a public health problem in many countries including Nigeria; hence search for snake antivenom has intensified. One plant that is potentially useful in this regard is Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots (bitter butter). This study determined; proximate, phytochemical, of the aqueous, n-hexane, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots. These extracts obtained by maceration were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Proximate, elemental, anti-nutritional compositions of this plant were carried out using standard methods. Results obtained were: moisture content (71.56±0.06, 7.53±0.37)%, crude protein (3.19±0.19, 1.92±0.05)%, crude fibre (11.33±0.31, 3.98±0.28)%, crude fat (1.05±0.07, 0.30±0.03)%, Ash (4.68±0.17, 2.32±0.32)%, carbohydrate (72.21±0.24, 19.92±0.48)% for the dried and fresh roots respectively. Elemental content showed that level of Ca was highest while that of Zn was the lowest. Al, Si, V, Pb were not detected. Anti-nutritional composition showed: oxalate (1.68±0.02 mg/100g), tannins (7.10±0.78 mg/100g), phytate (8.47±0.25 mg/100g) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.03±0.01 mg/100g). Extraction yields were 21.068% in aqueous solution, 1.6391% in ethyl acetate. The results indicate that root extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus contain bioactive chemicals and micronutrients which may be responsible for the medicinal properties reported for the plant.
Evaluation of haematinic activity of Tapinanthus globiferus (A. Rich.) van Tiegh leaf extract and fractions in phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic rats
Anaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both males and females of all ages. Anaemia was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of phenylhydrazine (60 mg/kg) for a period of 3 days. Anaemic rats were allotted to five (5) groups; group I served as the negative control, group II served as the positive control received Astyfer syrup (0.15 mg/kg p.o) , groups III-V served as the test groups that received Tapinanthus globiferus methanol extract, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB) and red blood cell count (RBC) were analysed as indices of anaemia at 7-day intervals for 21 days. The mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated accordingly. Leaf extract and fractions of Tapinanthus globiferus significantly (P<0.001) increased the PCV, the HB concentration and the RBC, which had been originally decreased by phenylhydrazine (P<0.001) administration within one week of treatment. The extract and fractions were compared with rats administered with the positive and vehicle-treated group. The results suggested that Tapinanthus globiferus leaves have haematinic activities.
Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn. (Piperaceae) - a review of its pharmacognostic, phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties
Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn. (Piperaceae) is a spice plant cultivated in West Africa for its aromatic, pungent, or otherwise desirable qualities. The leaves of P. guineense are used as a leafy vegetable, while its fruits are favoured for imparting flavour to a wide range of African soups. This study aimed to review available scientific literature on the pharmacognostic, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies of P. guineense Schum. & Thonn. in Africa, from the year 2000 till date. Pharmacognostic studies have identified various macroscopic, organoleptic, microscopic, and physicochemical characteristics have been identified, providing valuable tools for the accurate identification and authentication of P. guineense. The phytochemical studies of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Several studies have explored various plant parts of P. guineense, to elucidate its pharmacological effects, including its potential as an antimalarial, anticancer, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, antiplatelet, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial agent. This review has shown that beyond its traditional role as a spice, P. guineense offers significant nutritional and biological benefits.
Bio-efficacy of essential oils of Eryngium foetidum L. and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng against Anopheles gambiae Giles
Malaria and lymphatic filariasis transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes remain health challenges in tropical Africa. Resistance by vectors to synthetic insecticides limits control efforts. This study evaluated efficacy of essential oils of Eryngium foetidum and Plectranthus amboinicus against Anopheles gambiae. Test oils were obtained by hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus. From 1 mL stock solution, 31.25, 62.50, 125 and 250 and 500 μL/mL concentrations of E. foetidum and P. amboinicus oils were prepared using serial-dilution with tween 80 as diluent. Each concentration had eighty adult mosquitoes exposed. Results of knockdown and insecticidal tests after 30 and 60 minutes respectively revealed higher susceptibility of An. gambiae to E. foetidum. Eryngium foetidum (250 μL/mL) elicited 100% knockdown after 20 minutes. In the insecticidal test, the same concentration resulted in 100% mortality at 40 minutes. Same effect was observed for 500 μL/mL of P. amboinicus oil at 25 and 60 minutes. From Probit analysis, KD50 values were 66.793 and 251.350 μL/mL for E. foetidum and P. amboinicus respectively. Values for LC50 were 85.818 and 428.663 μL/mL for E. foetidum and P. amboinicus respectively. Results demonstrate that E. foetidum oil holds promise as control agent against An. gambiae. Plectranthus amboinicus oil did not demonstrate appreciable efficacy.
Comparative study of heavy metal content of Manihot esculenta tubers and soil in Rivers State, Nigeria: Effect on histology of kidney and liver of Wistar rats
There is a concern that Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae) grown in Rivers State, Nigeria may be contaminated with heavy metals due to industrial activities with likely risk to human health. This study determined the heavy metal contents in the soil and tubers of M. esculenta and potential health risks in Wistar rats. Tubers harvested from different farms in Rumuji, Omoku and Gokhana areas of the state with their corresponding soil samples were combined and analyzed for heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, As and Ni. The control group rats received normal feed while test groups were fed with 30 g of blended tubers from the locations respectively for 28 days. The liver and the kidneys were harvested for histopathological examination. Nickel, Pb, and Cr were present in the three locations while Cd and As were not found in Rumuji and Omoku but were present in Gokhana with a concentration of (0.01 ± 0.00 and 0.01±0.00 mg/kg) respectively. Bioconcentration factor was >1 for Pb and Cr in Rumuji. Liver histopathology showed fatty degeneration while the kidney tissues exhibited occluded Bowman’s capsule space. Heavy metals concentrations were within permissible limits although histological findings indicated some degree of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Correlation between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease: A retrospective assessment of diabetics attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano
Periodontal disease is a common oral infection that affects the tissues that surrounds and support the teeth. The aim of the research was to study the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. The data was collected at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano where a thorough review of patients’ record (files) who visited or were admitted at the facility within the period of January 2022-May 2023. Correlation coefficients showed the existence of a strong relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. Out of 80 patients with diabetes mellitus; 52(65%) had periodontal disease, 36(45%) were males and the disease was severe within the age range of 55-74; 16 (20%) were females with the disease being severe within the age range of 75 and above while 28 (35%) had no periodontal disease. Twenty percent of the patients had gingivitis, 15% have mild periodontitis, 20% have moderate periodontitis, 10% have severe periodontitis and 35% had no periodontitis. There exists strong relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease, the poorer the glycaemic control, and the longer the duration of diabetes mellitus; the greater will be the increased risk and severity of periodontitis.
In vitro studies on the antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf
Silver nanoparticles having applications in the field of medicine and biology are shown to have tremendous health benefits. Diabetes is still on rampage and antibacterial resistance is currently a global health challenge. This study focuses on the in vitro antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf. An aliquot (5 mL) of extract sample was added to 50 mL of 1 mM aqueous AgNO3. Reaction mixtures were heated and maintained at 70oC for 10 minutes. Colour change to dark brown solution and a UV-vis spectrum peak at 400 nm confirmed silver nanoparticle synthesis. The antidiabetic activity of the nanoparticle was studied using an in vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay. Acarbose was used as antidiabetic control drug. Disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial susceptibility testing on Mueller-Hinton agar medium with ampiclox as control antibiotic. Results of the analysis showed significant inhibition of alpha amylase that resembled the activity of acarbose. The highest percentage inhibition of alpha amylase by AgNPs was observed at 65.625% while that of acarbose was 90.357%. Antibacterial inhibition assay revealed that 100% biosynthesized silver nanoparticles had significant (p<0.05) inhibitory effects on Eschericia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Isolation of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside from the leaves of Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) growing on Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae)
Globimetula braunii is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical countries and is used in the treatment of various diseases. The plant was reported to contain several secondary metabolites that are responsible for its therapeutic activities. This study aimed to isolate more flavonoid compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of the plant. The n-butanol fraction of an ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel, and repeated gel filtration with Sephadex LH-20 eluted with methanol led to the isolation of a compound identified as the flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data.
Molecular docking and ADMET studies of the interaction of 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrophenylazohydroxynaphthalenes with bovine serum albumin
Previous spectrophotometric investigations revealed strong binding affinities between four potential monoazo colourants (code-named AZ-01 to 04) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) which could dictate the tissue distribution and toxicity of the additives. The molecular docking interactions of the dyes with BSA were analyzed using AutoDock vina and PatchDock in order to elucidate the functional groups involved in complex stabilization. Docking conformations confirmed the ligands preferentially inserted into the hydrophobic cavities of BSA site I. Structure- BSA binding relationships revealed the binding of AZ-02 was driven by hydrogen bond donation from its free phydroxynaphthalene substituent to Ser-479 while the predominantly hydrazone form of its positional isomer, AZ-01, increased its lipophilicity and tendency for hydrophobic interactions. The relatively higher C/H ratio of AZ-03 and - 04, which contain additional C-7 substituents, was responsible for their stronger binding and the extensive involvement of their aromatic rings in ligand-site I complex stabilization via Pi-Pi T-shaped, Pi-alkyl and alkyl-alkyl interactions. Moreso, AZ-01, -03 and -04 exist predominantly as hydrazone tautomers with an overall positive charge which provided complementary modes for interaction with negatively charged aspartic and glutamic acids. The structure-BSA binding relationships of the molecules, which can be employed in synthesis of safer congeners, have been elucidated.
Integrated community case management of childhood illnesses; impact on training of community health workers in Vandeikya, North-East Zone of Benue State, Nigeria
Community health workers appropriately trained on Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM) of childhood illnesses can correctly treat children below 5 years who have pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria. In Benue State, Nigeria, primary healthcare workers care for most children at community level, as such they need to be trained on ICCM. The objective of this study was to find out if training of primary healthcare workers in Vandeikya, North-East Zone of Benue State can improve their knowledge on ICCM. In Benue North-East, Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) was randomly selected out of seven LGAs. Health Officers’ in-charge of 30 Primary HealthCare Clinics were selected and trained based on our adapted ICCM training manual. The Pre- and Post-training assessment test for this study was designed based on the training manual. Paired sample t-test was conducted to find out if there was any significant difference in the knowledge of primary health care workers before and after receiving training. There was statistical difference in pre-training scores ( 1 x = 142.100, 1 S = 25.925) and post-training scores ( 2 x =177.600, 2 S=13.587) at (t=6.643, P=0.000). This result strongly indicated that the teaching intervention has improved the knowledge of the Primary Health Care workers on ICCM in Vandeikya LGA.
Comparative efficacy and safety investigation of eight antidiabetic herbal products distributed within South- Western Nigeria
Herbal preparations, often promoted as being natural and completely safe, are gaining popularity in the management of diabetes mellitus, despite lack of scientific data to confirm their efficacy and safety claims. This study investigated efficacy and safety of eight commercial antidiabetic herbal products. Antidiabetic activities were investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at doses based on their labelled recommended dosages using metformin as reference drug. Body weights, blood glucose level (BGL), haematogical and biochemical parameters as well as histopathology of the kidney and lungs were assessed by standard procedures. All the samples demonstrated weight reduction (p<0.05), with accompanying BGL decrease ranging from 21.9 ±1.71 to 73.9 ±1.42% which was significant (p < 0.01) in three samples, when compared with metformin (37.9 ±7.41%). Of all the hematological indices, only WBC, platelet and eosinophil were affected by two of the samples, while for the biochemical parameters only alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were increased (p<0.05) by one of the samples. Varied histopathological damages were observed with the liver, lungs and kidney tissues of treated groups. Hypoglycaemic activities were confirmed in all the samples, however, their deleterious effects on the liver, kidney and lungs calls for caution in their consumption.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schum. & Thonn. (Verbenaceae) leaves
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schumach and Thonn. (Verbenaceae) is a perennial herb, which grows up to 0.5 m to 2 m high. It is widespread over North-East, East, and South Central Africa. It is known as “bambaro or maashayi” by the Hausas of Northern Nigeria. The leaves are used traditionally to treat intercostal pain, headaches and toothaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous ethanol extract and fractions of C. capitatum. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model, while acetic acid induced mice writhing model was used to evaluate the anti-nociceptive property. The oral median lethal dose values were found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg for the aqueous ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, while that of dichloromethane fraction was less than 2000 mg/kg using OECD method. The acetic acid induced writhing was significantly (P<0.05-0.001) reduced particularly for the EF and NF fractions at 200 mg/kg (93.12% and 98.79%). DF showed percentage inhibition of 87.59% and 81.75% at 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. The extracts and fractions also caused a significant (P<0.05-0.001) dose dependent reduction of inflammation induced by carrageenan when compared with the negative control with the maximum inhibitory effect of 43.69% observed in Ethyl acetate fraction at 50 mg/kg dose at the 3rd hour. It can be concluded that the leaf extracts of C. capitatum possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models, which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents present in the extract and fractions of the plant.