UnizikSpace Community: Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

Hematological Changes Following Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Albino Rats

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Hematological Changes Following Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Albino Rats Authors: Njoku-Oji, N. N.; Nwike, C. V.; Dimkpa, U.; Ifegwu, N. O.; Anike, L. C.; Maduka, S. O.; Sobanke, O. A.; Uchefuna, R. C. Abstract: Objective: This work was carried out to investigate the effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Ficus capensis on some hematological parameters in albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-eight normal male rats weighing between 180-240 g were used for this study. They were randomly grouped into four groups, A- D of seven rats each. Group A was the control group and received distilled water only, while groups B, C and D were administered 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of F. capensis leaves respectively via oral gavage for 28 days. Blood sample was collected from each animal by cardiac puncture using sterile needle into an ethylene diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) bottle for determination of RBC, WBC, PCV and Hb. Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in RBC count in groups C (7.55±0.19 x106) and D (8.39±0.21 x106), when compared to the control (6.44±0.08 x106). There was significant (p<0.05) increase in WBC count in group D (13.43 ± 0.50 x103) when compared to control group (9.47±0.97 x103). Groups C (45.43±1.31%) and D (50.14±1.94%) showed significant (p<0.05) increase in PCV when compared to control group (35.57±0.78%). There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in Hb concentration in groups C (15.21±0.41 g/dl) and D (16.71±0.67 g/dl) when compared to control group (11.89±0.26 g/dl). Conclusion: The present findings validated the claim that the leaf extract of F. capensis is useful in treating anemia. Description: The study investigated the effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Ficus capensis on some hematological parameters in albino rats.

Elemental Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Aqueous Leaf Extract and Stem Bark Extract of Crateva adansoni

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Elemental Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Aqueous Leaf Extract and Stem Bark Extract of Crateva adansoni Authors: Maduka, Hugh Clifford Chima; Akubugwo, Emmanuel Iroha; Olorunnipe, Oluwale; Okpogba, Aloysius Ngozika; Maduka, Ann Amaka; Aguoru, Celestine Uzoma; Ugwu, Chidiebere Emmanuel; Dike, Charles Chijioke; Ogueche, Peter Nnamdi Abstract: Objective: To investigate the elemental and Phytochemical components of aqueous extracts of the leaves and stem bark of Crateva adansonii. Methods:The elemental analysis was done using atomic absorption analysis with Perkin Elmer Analyst atomic flame spectrophotometer (FAAS) 400 models, India. Carbohydrate, anthraquinone, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phlobatanins were determined using known standard methods. Results:The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins and flavanoids in both the leaf and stem bark extracts. Tannins, alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids were present only in the leaf extracts, while carbohydrate was found only in the stem bark extracts. Anthraquinone and phlobatanins were absent in both the leaf and stem bark extract. The anions and cations detected include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), manganese (Mn),copper(Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+) iron (Fe2+), lead (Pb2+), cobalt (Co2+), lithium (Li+), chloride (Cl-) and sulphate (SO42-) ions, suggesting that the plant contains pharmacologically active ingredients as well as metal cations found important in antioxidative stress roles. The results gotten from elemental analysis were subjected to statistical analysis using students “T”-test statistical method at P<0.05 level of significance to find out which of the extracts that contained higher concentrations of the above elements (cations and anions). The statistical software used is IBM SPSS statistic version 21. Statistical analysis done showed that sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron and phosphorous ions were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the stem bark extract compared to the leaf extract. Calcium, magnesium and manganese were significantly higher in the leaf extracts than in the stem extracts. Conclusion:The results show that Crateva adansonii contains microelements which include Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn, Cu2+, CL-, SO42- and phytochemical constituents which include alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and terpenoids. The plants therefore may have some therapeutic values. Description: A study investigating the elemental and Phytochemical components of aqueous extracts of the leaves and stem bark of Crateva adansonii.

The Effect of Dacroydes edulis (African Pear) Pulp Oil Extract on Serum Lipid Parameters in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Effect of Dacroydes edulis (African Pear) Pulp Oil Extract on Serum Lipid Parameters in Male Albino Wistar Rats Authors: Okonkwo, Chukwudi Onyeka John; Maduka, Hugh Clifford Chima; Dike, Charles Chijioke; Maduka, Stephen Ozoemenam; Oguaka, Victor Nwabunwanne; Iketuonye, Chinelo Maryann Abstract: This work aimed at evaluating the effects of Dacroydes edulis pulp oil extract onserum lipid profile of male-albino Wistar rats at various concentrations. This was done by assessing serum total cholesterol (TCHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This is in order to widen its utilization for the treatment and control of cardiovascular diseases. Study Design: The research was carried out by grouping the rats into four groups of five rats each (groups 1-4). The groupings were according to the doses of the extract given. The oil extract was done using n-lexane in soxhlet apparatus at room temperature and the solvent evaporated using rotary evaporation (model TT22, USA) at 50°C. Twenty male albino Wistar rats of 180-200 g were grouped into 4. Groups 1 were the control while groups 2,3 and 4 were given, 5 mg/kg/d, 10 mg/kg/d and 20 mg/kg/d of the pulp oil extract for 21 days. Blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile via ocular puncture using heparinized capillary tubes. Serum lipid profile Levels were analyzed using VIS-UV spectrophotometer (model 752, China). Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software using ANOVA analysis. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University-Awka, Nigeria. The study lasted for forty days. The results analyzed so far showed that among all the parameters tested for (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein, only serum high density lipoprotein showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in levels in the test groups (groups 2-4) when compared to the control group (40.31 +15.4 mg/kg/g). Those given 20 mg/kg/d of the pulp oil extract (group 4) had the highest level of serum high density lipoprotein (212.12 mg/kg/d) among all the treatment groups. (P< 0.05). The animals also recorded increased in weight at 21 days of treatment. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the pulp oil extract of Dacryodes edulis might have increased high density lipoprotein in a dose dependent manner. The pulp oil extract may, therefore, be useful in the treatment and management of some cardiovascular diseases. Description: A research paper evaluating the effects of Dacroydes edulis pulp oil extract onserum lipid profile of male-albino Wistar rats at various concentrations.

Protective and Curative Potentials of Sida corymbosa Extract Against Antioxidant Depletion in Rats Administered Carbon Tetrachloride

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Protective and Curative Potentials of Sida corymbosa Extract Against Antioxidant Depletion in Rats Administered Carbon Tetrachloride Authors: Dike, Charles Chijioke; Ezeonu, Francis Chukwuemeka; Oguazu, Chinenye Enoch; Ezeokafor, Emmanuel Nonso; Maduka, Hugh Clifford Chima; Okpogba, Aloysius Ngozika; Onoriode, Akpoghene Eyeghre; Asebioyo, Sunday Jacob; Nwankwo, Emilia Chika; Ihekwoaba, Ebelechukwu Nwaoma; Aronu, Cecilia Nkech Abstract: Sida corymbosaplant is one of medicinal plants used in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria for the treatment ofhuman diseases. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antioxidant effects of Sida corymbosa ethanolic leaf extract on rats administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). One hundred and sixty male-rats between 170-180 g were used. They were grouped into 8 major groups (groups A-H) and 4 subgroups (A1-H4) in each group making it 32 subgroups of 5 rats each. The major groups comprise A (positive control- normal rats giving feed and water only and left for 7-28 d), B (negative control-those administered CCl4 only at 0.4 ml/kgbw and left for 7-28 d), C-H (treatment groups-those administered extract before and after CCl4 administration at 5,000, 3,000 and 1,000 mg/kgbw for 7-28 d). Antioxidant assays were determined using UV-VIS spectrophotometer (model 752g, China). Results of serum antioxidant assays done revealed that levels of serum reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), supraoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly (P<0.05) in the treatment groups from 7-28 d, when compared with the negative control. Oxidative assay carried out showed that serum malondialdehyde(MDA) levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatment groups than in negative control groups. These may be suggestingthat the extract may have improved the antioxidantlevels of the rats. Sida corymbosaethanolic leaf extract may, therefore, have positive effects on antioxidant status of rats administered CCl4.