Patrick Aba

Cancer is a disease resulting in unbridled growth of cells due to dysregulation in the balance of cell populations. Various management procedures in handling cases of cancer are not without their adverse side effects on the normal cells. Medicinal plants/herbs have been in use in the management of various ailments, including cancer, for a long time. Medicinal plants have been credited with wide safety margins, cost effectiveness, availability and diverse activities. This study reviewed various mechanisms of anti-cancer activities of some medicinal plants from a biochemical perspective. The mechanisms of anti-cancer activities of plant compounds addressed in this article include induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenic effects, anti-metastasis, inhibition of cell cycle, inhibition of DNA destruction and effects on key enzymes, cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects. The anti-cancer activities of some of the plants involve more than one mechanism.

Sodium propanoate is in the list of approved feed preservatives. However, there is dearth of information on its biological effects on the C. gariepinus. The present study investigated the effect of sodium propanoate-preserved feed on the hepatic histomorphometric changes, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters of C. gariepinus juveniles. One hundred juveniles of mixed sexes, assigned into 5 groups of 20 fish per group, with each group consisting of 2 replicates of 10 fish, were used for the investigation. Group A juveniles were fed basal diet, while groups B-E received basal diet incorporated with sodium propanoate at the rate of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/15 kg of feed respectively. Treatments were done two times daily for 8 weeks. Samples (sera and liver) were collected on the last day for evaluation of a few biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde values, catalase activity, C-reactive protein levels) and histomorphometric alterations in the liver. Results indicated that fish in g...

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the sub-acute toxicity profile of hydro-methanol extract of Burkea africana  (BA) stem bark in rats. Methods: The stem bark of BA was extracted by cold maceration using 80% methanol. Twenty female albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of five rats each. Group 1 (only distilled water). Groups 2-4 received the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) orally, once daily for 28 days. The rats were observed for signs of toxicity and the bodyweight (b.wt) of rats taken weekly. Blood samples were collected on day 28 for hematology and serum chemistry. Visceral organs were harvested for organ-somatic index and histopathology. Results: There were no toxicity signs observed and no significant (p< 0.05) change in body weight but the pulmo-somatic index was significantly (p< 0.05) higher at 400 mg/kg compared with the control and other treated groups. Significant (p< 0.05) increase in PCV, RBC, and MCV and significant (p< 0.05...

This study investigated the blood and serum biochemistry following peritoneum sutured and not sutured techniques of laparotomy sutures in omentopexed WAD goats. Twenty-five male WAD goats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A – E). In group A, peritoneum was not sutured, while in group B, the peritoneum was sutured alongside with muscle layers. In groups C and D, omentopexy was performed and the laparotomy sutured as in groups B and A, respectively while, group E was the normal control. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean packed cell volume (PCV) (%) and red blood cell (RBC) (x106µl) counts in all the surgery groups (A, B, C and D) but persisted only in group D till the end of the study- post surgery day (PSD) (day 14) when compared to the control group (E). There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in mean total WBC (x103/µl), neutrophil (x103/µl) and lymphocyte (x103/µl) counts in all the surgery groups but persisted only in group D to PSD, when compared to pr...

Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Abuja, Nigeria *Corresponding author`s Email: Patrick.aba@unn.edu.ng Received: 06 Nov. 2015 Accepted: 06 Dec. 2015 ABSTRACT This study evaluated the pancreatic histomorphometry and possible hypolipidemic effects of graded concentrations of quail egg administration on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats per group. Diabetes was induced in the rats of groups 2-5 by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at the dose of 160 mg/kg. Group 1 rats were not injected with alloxan monohydrate. Rats with fasting blood glucose levels above 126 mg/dl were considered diabetic. Upon establishment of diabetes, rats in groups 2-4 were treated with 30, 15 and 7.5 mg/ml of quail egg solution respectively. Rats in groups 1 and 5 were administered with 10 ml/kg distilled water....

This study investigated the blood and serum biochemistry following peritoneum sutured and not sutured techniques of laparotomy sutures in omentopexed WAD goats. Twenty-five male WAD goats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A – E). In group A, peritoneum was not sutured, while in group B, the peritoneum was sutured alongside with muscle layers. In groups C and D, omentopexy was performed and the laparotomy sutured as in groups B and A, respectively while, group E was the normal control. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean packed cell volume (PCV) (%) and red blood cell  (RBC) (x10 6 µl) counts in all the surgery groups (A, B, C and D) but persisted only in group D till the end of the study - post surgery day (PSD) (day 14) when compared to the control group (E). There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in mean total WBC (x10 3 /µl), neutrophil (x10 3 /µl)  and lymphocyte (x10 3 /µl) counts in all the surgery groups but persisted only in group D to PSD, when com...

The Red Sokoto goat (RSG) is the most preponderant of all the breeds of goats in Nigeria. There is dearth of information regarding the reference values for serum biochemical markers of liver damage in this breed. This study demonstrated the reference values in apparently healthy RSG and in RSG that were truly negative for liver disorders. The study was a cross sectional survey. Research visits were made to Ikpa Market Abattoir, Nsukka, for 12 weeks. Apparently healthy goats and those truly negative for liver disorders were deliberately selected for the study. Blood samples were collected in sample bottles devoid of anticoagulants. The sera harvested were used for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and levels of albumin and cholesterol. The overall mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) of the parameters assayed in apparently healthy goats were: AST, 59.54 ± 2.43; ALT, 12.72 ± 1.18; ALP, 38.31 ± 6.63; GGT, 20.83 ± 1.56; albumin, 3.31 ± 0.04; cholesterol, 82.76 ± 1.70 while the overall for the goats that were truly negative for liver disorders were: AST, 53.49 ± 2.23; ALT, 10.91 ± 0.62; ALP, 29.88 ± 2.35; GGT, 16.45 ± 0.91; albumin, 3.37 ± 0.04 and cholesterol, 81.36 ± 2.33. Serum ALP was significantly higher in the young rather than the adult goats and in the females more than in the males of apparently healthy RSG while AST was significantly higher in the adults of RSG that showed true negative for liver disorders.

This study investigated the possible hepatoprotective effect of quail egg solution on acetaminophen intoxicated rats. Thirty adult rats of mixed sexes were assigned into five groups of six per group. The rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were pretreated with 30, 15, 7.5 mg/ml ad lib respectively of quail egg solution for 7 days before intoxication with 2000 mg/kg acetaminophen. Rats in group 5 were not pretreated but intoxicated with 2000 mg/kg acetaminophen (negative control) while the group 1 rats were neither pretreated nor intoxicated and served as positive control. Fourty eight hours post induction, blood for some biochemical and haematological analysis was collected and the remaining rats treated until 14 th day when the rats were humanely sacrificed and vital organs (liver and kidney) collected for histopathology. The results showed that the ALT activity of 30 mg/ml pretreated rats were significantly (p 0.05) changes were seen in AST activity, MCHC and MCH levels of both the test gr...

Diabetes is both an endocrine and a metabolic disease affecting large numbers of individuals worldwide. The use of natural products such as herbs in the management of diseases dates back to the prehistoric era. Herbal therapy presents a less adverse side effect when compared with the synthetic orthodox counterpart. The phytochemical components of medicinal plants have been credited for the efficacy of herbal formulations. The aim of this study is to review some common anti-diabetic plants which have been tested experimentally using recent diabetes marker parameters and to highlight the bioactive anti-diabetic principles isolated from their phytochemicals. In addition, anti-diabetic compounds isolated in the process of research in our laboratory have been cited in the review. Such keywords like anti-diabetic medicinal plants, mechanism of actions, phytochemicals, alloxan, streptozotocin, glycosylated haemoglobin, were used on different search engines to generate secondary data used i...

Selection of appropriate ages of rats for experimental diabetes mellitus studies has been posing great challenges to researchers as the rats may either not come down with diabetes or may even die upon induction. This study investigated the influence of age as a possible factor affecting successful induction of diabetes mellitus in albino Wistar rats. One hundred male albino Wistar rats of varying ages weighing between 23.63 ± 0.46 g and 279.00 ± 27.00 g and assigned into ten (10) groups of ten rats per group were used for the study. Diabetes was induced in groups 1-9 consisting of rats aged 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 weeks respectively by injecting 160 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally while group 10 rats (aged 12 weeks) served as normal control. Fasting blood glucose levels and the weights of the rats were determined on 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post alloxan monohydrate injection. Body conditions and behaviors of the rats were subjectively scored. Results s...

There are a lot of testimonies on the therapeutic efficacies of quail egg on diabetics and on liver disorders. This study investigated synthetic and conjugatory states of the liver in diabetic rats administered varying concentrations of quail egg solution. Thirty (30) adult male albino Wistar rats were assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats each. Groups 2-5 of rats were injected with alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally at the dose of 160 mg/kg, while rats in group 1 served as normal control. Upon establishment of fasting blood glucose level above 126 mg/dl, the rats in groups 2-4 were administered 30, 15 and 7.5 mg/ml of quail egg solution respectively for 7 days. Rats in groups 1 and 5 received distilled water (10 ml/kg) each. All treatments were through the oral route. At the end of the 7 days duration of the study, blood samples for serum protein and bilirubin assays were collected. Results indicated that the quail egg administration to alloxanized rats did not alter total serum protei...

The current study investigated the ameliorative effects of combined therapy of glibenclamide and G. latifolium (GL) on several biochemical parameters of alloxaized Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats assigned into 5 groups of 6 rats each were used for the study. Groups 2-5 were intraperitoneally injected with 160 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate and upon establishment of diabetes (Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) ≥ 126 mg/dl) were treated with 10 ml/kg distilled water (DW), 2 mg/kg glibenclamide, 200 mg/kg GL and 2 mg/kg glibenclamide and 200 mg/kg GL respectively. Rats in group 1 were not made diabetic and served as normal control. All the treatments were realized through daily oral route using gastric tube, for 21 days. Results indicated that the treatment of diabetic rats with a combination of glibenclamide and GL significantly reduced the elevated glucose levels, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde levels, along with increases in the high dens...

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine and a metabolic disease resulting from the destruction of pancreatic beta cells; thus assessment of the pancreas in diabetic rats is important in monitoring therapy. The hereby study assessed pancreatic status of diabetic rats treated with methanol root bark extract of Cussonia arborea. A total of seventy two (72) male albino wistar rats weighting between 100-105 g were assigned into six (6) groups of twelve (12) rats per group. Groups 1-5 were diabetic infected by single intraperitoneal injection with alloxan monohydrate, at the dose of 160 mg/kg and treated with 62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg bw of the extract, 2 mg/kg bw glibenclamide and 10 ml/kg distilled water (DW) respectively, while the non diabetic rats, represented by Group 6, received 10 ml/kg DW and served as normal control rats. The treatment was applied daily through the oral route for 84 days. At the end of the experiment, the pancreas organs were acquired under light ether anaesthesia for hist...

... Thus, as the leukocytes and thrombocytes degenerate/deteriorate and become less “visible” for count-ing, they swell and occupy a greater volume and percentage of the centrifuged ... In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N (eds) Robbins and cotran pathologic basis of disease, 7th edn ...

This study investigated the effects of duration of storage and storage temperature on the packed cell volume (PCV) of cattle, goat, pig and chicken blood samples stored at refrigerator (5 o C), room (30 o C) and incubator (37 o C) temperatures for a period of 72hrs (3 days). Blood samples for the study were collected from the jugular vein of the farm animals (16 cattle, 18 goats, 15 pigs and 16 chickens), and the PCV was determined by the microhaematocrit method. Results showed that for all the blood samples studied and the temperatures of storage (OS) there were increases in PCV across time, but there were no significant (p>0.05) changes in the PCV of all the blood samples stored at 5 o C for the 72hrs OS. For the blood samples stored at 30 o C, PCV values not significantly (p>0.05) different from the baseline values (BV) determined at hour 0 were obtained within 18hrs OS in cattle blood (CAB), all through the 72hrs OS for goat blood (GOB), within 24hrs OS for pig blood (PIB)...

Background Vernonia amygdalina is a bitter culinary vegetable known to possess anti-diabetic principle. Baccharoides tenoreana belonging to the same species as V. amygdalina, is also used in cooking soup and it is comparatively non-bitter. However, its glycemic properties have not been studied. This study becomes imperative to find out if B. tenoreana possesses hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties and how it compares with V. amygdalina. Should B. tenoreana be better than V. amygdalina, it should be preferable since it is non-bitter and can comfortably be taken compared to V. amygdalina. This study investigated the comparative hypoglycemic and antioxidant potentials of V. amygdalina (VA) and B. tenoreana (BT). Methods Thirty male Albino wistar rats assigned into six groups of five rats per group were used for the study. Diabetes was induced in groups B-F rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at 160 mg/kg. Groups C-E rats were treated with VA (200 mg/kg)...

This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed 25.00%, 15.00% and 5.00% of pulverized C. echinata leaves in feed respectively while group D was given normal feed for a four weeks period. Blood samples were collected at two weeks intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry analyses. Results showed a significant reduction of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts in group B from week two to the end of the study. There was also a reduction of body weight and leukocytosis in groups A and B from week two to the end of the study. There was a significant reduction of albumin in group B when compared to the other groups after two weeks and a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in group A after two weeks of th...

Background Burkea africana is a widely used medicinal plant in folkloric medicine in many developing countries of the world. It is useful in the treatment of various ailments including hepatitis, jaundice, diarrhea, stomach aches, abscesses, oedema, epilepsy, bloody diarrhea, gonorrhea, syphilis, toothaches and poisoning. Nevertheless, there are little or no scientific evidence to substantiate this medicinal claim by traditional healers. Burkea africana stem bark was therefore, investigated for its protective or stabilizing effect on erythrocyte membrane in acetaminophen-treated rats. B. africana stem bark was extracted using 80% methanol. Erythrocyte stabilizing effect was studied using erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) test. Thirty (30) male rats were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of six (6) rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal control and negative control (acetaminophen-treated group) respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with methanol stem bark extract...

This study comparatively evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of various serum biochemical markers of liver damage in the diagnosis of hepatic disorders in Red Sokoto goats billed for slaughter. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Research visits to Ikpa Market Lairage and Abattoir located in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria, were made two times a week for the period of 12 weeks. All goats presented for sale and slaughter on the days of the research visits were evaluated. The goats were examined and tagged. Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the goats prior to slaughter for harvesting of sera which were used for the assay of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin and cholesterol. Upon slaughter and evisceration, the liver was examined and photographed. Calculations on the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the serum biochemical parameters were made. Comparative evaluation of the clinical values showed that combining results of the assayed serum biochemical markers of liver damage improved the number of true positives (22.31%) and sensitivity of up to 71.05%. AST and ALT, cholesterol and albumin correlated positively and strongly (p  < 0.001), while albumin and GGT, cholesterol and GGT correlated negatively. It was concluded that the sensitivity of diagnosis improved when the serum biochemical markers of liver damage were considered together as a panel.

This study comparatively evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of various serum biochemical markers of liver damage in the diagnosis of hepatic disorders in Red Sokoto goats billed for slaughter. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Research visits to Ikpa Market Lairage and Abattoir located in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria, were made two times a week for the period of 12 weeks. All goats presented for sale and slaughter on the days of the research visits were evaluated. The goats were examined and tagged. Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the goats prior to slaughter for harvesting of sera which were used for the assay of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin and cholesterol. Upon slaughter and evisceration, the liver was examined and photographed. Calculations on the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the serum biochemical parameters w...

Aim: To investigate the phytoconstituents of methanol and petroleum leaf extracts of Asystasia vogeliana (MLEAV and PLEAV), the median lethal dose (LD50) and the effects of MLEAV on body weight, organosomatic indices in vital organs and erythrocyte membrane of Albino Wistar rats during sub-acute administration. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2017. Methodology: The crude extracts of MLEAV and PLEAV were used in determining the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The rats were assigned into four groups and dosed orally with distilled water (0.5 ml/100 g) as Group I, 62.5 mg/kg MLEAV (Group II), 125 mg/kg MLEAV (Group III) and 250 mg/kg MLEAV (Group IV) once daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from all the rats via the medial canthus into EDTA bottles for erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) study on day 29. Relative organ-body weight indices of vital organs (spleen, heart, liver and kid...

Background Metabolic disease like diabetes mellitus is on the increase in developing countries due to lack of access to orthodox medicine owing to its high cost. Health benefits of culinary vegetables cannot be overemphasized. This study therefore aims to profile the hypoglycaemic potentials of 12 common leafy vegetables consumed in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria and advise diabetic patients accordingly. Methods A total of 75 albino Wistar rats assigned to 15 groups of five rats per group were used for the study. Diabetes was induced in groups 1–14 rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg), and rats in group 15 were not made diabetic. Groups 1–12 rats were treated with aqueous extracts of the vegetables (200 mg/kg), and group 13 rats received glibenclamide at 2 mg/kg and served as standard control. Rats in groups 14 and 15 received distilled water (10 mL/kg) to serve as negative and normal controls, respectively. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) values of the...

Background Averrhoa carambola fruit is consumed by many people because of its sweetness and medicinal values. However, there is a dearth of researched information on its complete toxicity profile. This study investigated the possible toxicity potentials of star fruit juice in female albino rats. Methods Thirty-five rats assigned into seven groups of five rats each and administered with varying doses (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 mg/kg) of the juice were used for acute toxicity studies. Another 20 rats assigned to four groups (A–D) of five rats each were administered the juice at 0, 600, 400 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally for 28 days. On the 29th day, whole blood, sera and vital organs were collected for hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological analyses, respectively. Results Acute study results indicate that the juice was safe even at 5000 mg/kg after 48 h. In the subacute studies, there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in all hematological par...

BackgroundDiabetes is associated with both biochemical and haematological complications. Combination therapy has been advocated to mitigate some of these complications.AimThis study was designed to investigate the effects of glibenclamide andMethodsThirty male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of six rats each. Groups 2–5 rats received intraperitoneally, 160 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate while group 1 rats served as normal control. Groups 2–5 rats were respectively treated with 10 mL/kg distilled water (DW), 2 mg/kg glibenclamide, 200 mg/kg GL and 2 mg/kg glibenclamide and 200 mg/kg GL, while group 1 rats received 10 mL/kg DW. All treatments wereResultsCreatinine and BUN values of groups 3 and 4 rats were comparable to that of group 1 but were significantly (p<0.05) lower when compared with those of groups 2 and 5. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in the mean hepatic glycogen content, RBC, PCV, and Hb of group 4 rats when compared to those of group 2.Conclusio...

BackgroundQuail egg is said to heal all sorts of ailments including diabetes and liver diseases, and people have started taking it indiscriminately without verification and standardization. This study investigated some biochemical effects associated with administration of varying concentrations of quail egg solution to alloxanized rats.MethodsThirty (30) adult male albino Wistar rats were assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats each. Groups 2–5 rats were injected with alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally at the dose of 160 mg/kg while rats in group 1 served as normal control. Upon establishment of fasting blood glucose level above 126 mg/dL, the rats in groups 2–4 were administered 30, 15, and 7.5 mg/mL of quail egg solution respectively for 7 days. Rats in groups 1 and 5 received distilled water (10 mL/kg) each. All treatments were through the oral route. At the end of 7 days duration of the study, blood samples for some biochemical (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and blood urea nitrogen [...

This study investigated the effects of methanol extract of Cussonia arborea on serum lipid and oxidative stress biomarkers of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A total of 72 male albino rats assigned into 6 groups of 12 rats per group were used. Groups 1-5 were made diabetic while group 6 were normal. Groups 1-4 were treated with 62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg of the extract and 2 mg/kg glibenclamide respectively while groups 5 and 6 received 10 ml/kg distilled water each. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), malondiadehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed on days 28, 56 and 84 post treatment. The results indicated that the extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde but significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of SOD, catalase and the levels of HDL when compared to negative control. It was therefore concluded that methanol extract of C. arborea mitigated dyslipidaemia and oxi...

:: The ethanol leaf extract of: The extract showed a dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhoea at the tested doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weights). The protection offered by pretreatment with 400 mg/kg body weight of the ethanol leaf extract of: The results indicate that the ethanol leaf extract of

This study investigated the acute toxicity effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Lophira lanceolata and the activities of liver enzymes and other markers of organ damage in rats pretreated with aqueous stem bark extract of L. lanceolata extract and subsequently intoxicated with paracetamol (PCM). A total of 30 rats were used to determine the acute toxicity of aqueous extract of L. lanceolata stem. They were divided into six groups consisting of five rats each. The groups (A-F) were administered the increasing doses of the extract (500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, 2,000 mg/kg, 3,200 mg/kg, 4,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg) orally. The rats were observed over a period of 24 h for acute toxicity signs such as dullness, anorexia, morbidity and death. Thirty rats of mixed sexes randomly assigned to six groups (A-F) of five rats each were used for the study on the effects of L. lanceolata extract on the haematology, liver enzymes and markers of organ damage of extract-pretreated PCM-intoxicated rats. The rats in groups A-D were pretreated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg of L. lanceolata extract and 100 mg/kg Silymarin, respectively, twice a day for 7 days. On the seventh day, all the rats in groups A-E received 1,000 mg/kg PCM (per os). Group E rats served as negative control while group F rats were neither intoxicated nor treated with the extract and served as positive control. Eighteen hours after PCM intoxication, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The serum activities of these enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and other markers of organ damages (bilirubin and total protein) were investigated. Haematologic parameters such as packed cell volume, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration were also determined. The extract did not cause any death in all the groups even at the highest dose (5,000 mg/kg body weight). The results also showed varying degrees in the activity of the enzymes in the serum in comparison with the negative control. The mean serum ALP, ALT and AST activity of group C (rats pretreated with 300 mg/kg of the extract and 1,000 mg/kg PCM) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of the group E (rats intoxicated with 1,000 mg/kg PCM only). The AST and ALP activities of groups C-E rats) were statistically comparable. The serum ALT activities of group C rats were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of group E rats but were statistically comparable (p>0.05) with the group F counterpart. The bilirubin levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the groups pretreated with the extract and Silymarin in comparison with the D group. The total protein and the haematologic indices were not significantly different (p>0.05) across the groups. This study therefore showed that the aqueous stem bark extract of L. lanceolata possesses some active constituents that have antihepatotoxic potentials.

The methanolic root bark extract of Afzelia africana was tested for antidiabetic activities in-vivo. The acute toxicity of the extract was tested in mice and the result showed that the extract has low toxicity. Investigation on the phytochemical constituents of the plant extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids and saponins. The plant extract was tested for antidiabetic activities in alloxan - induced diabetic mice at doses of 62.5 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg over a period of 6 hours. The activity was found to be both dose and time dependent. Optimum activity was noted at the dose of 250 mg/kg and 6 hours post treatment. Distilled water (10 ml/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) were used as negative and positive controls respectively. The extract showed antidiabetic activity which did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from glibenclamide. Column and thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of 5 fractions in the plant extract out of which fraction 3 was found to be active.

ABSTRACT This study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of the methanolic stem bark extract of Cussonia arborea in alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. C. arborea extract was well tolerated by the rats at the highest dose of 3,200 mg/kg. The extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats from 16.9 ± 4.7 to 5.1 ± 1.8 (72.4 ± 2.9 % reduction) 6 h post-extract administration. Upon screening of the four fractions obtained after chromatographic techniques, fraction 2 showed the highest anti-hyperglycaemic activity (75.2 ± 2.1 % reduction). Further phytochemical studies on fraction 2 revealed that it contains mainly saponin. Fraction 2 showed concentration-dependent antioxidant scavenging activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrynyl phenyl hydrazyl photometric assay. The optimum percentage antioxidant activity was 55 % at the concentration of 400 μg/ml. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value (1.6 μm) of the fraction at 400 μg/ml was statistically comparable to that of 2 μm ascobic acid (reference standard).). It was concluded that the anti-hyperglycaemic property of the extract is attributable to fraction 2. The anti-hyperglycaemic activities of C. arborea could also be attributed to its antioxidant potentials.

ABSTRACT Muscle tissue sections harvested on post-surgery days (psd) 3, 7, 14 and 42 from sutured sites following peritoneum-sutured and peritoneum-not-sutured techniques of laparotomy and omentopexy in WAD goats were subjected to histopathology examinations for various stages of wound healing. On psd 3, samples from the peritoneum-sutured techniques without omentopexy (group A) showed intense eosinophilia and myoglobin deposition. The group with peritoneum-sutured techniques with omentopexy (group C) was characterised by polymorphonuclear leucocytes and hyperaemia. Samples from the groups with peritoneum-not-sutured techniques without omentopexy (group B) and with the peritoneum-not-sutured techniques with omentopexy (group D) showed wide area of fibrosis and segmental degeneration. On psd 7, sections from group A had intense infiltration of phagocytic cells and proliferating myoblast while myoblast and fibroblast were predominant in group C sections. Groups B and D sections showed large area of necrosis and lysis of necrotic muscles. On psd 14, there was evidence of new blood vessels, fibrous connective tissues and collagen deposition in tissues from groups A and C. On psd 42, collagen deposition and myocyte proliferation were conspicuous in group A sections. Group C sections showed myofibre formation and thin connective tissues between muscle bundles. There was evidence of mild myocyte proliferation and fibrosis in group B sections while in group D sections, no evidence of myocyte proliferation was seen, there were fibrosis and the stroma were only oedematous. It was concluded that peritoneum-sutured techniques facilitate wound healing while peritoneum-not-sutured techniques delay wound healing.

ABSTRACT This study investigated some biochemical effects associated with subchronic administration of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty male albino Wistar rats were assigned to four groups of five rats per group. Diabetes was induced in rats in groups 1, 2 and 3 by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) while rats in group 4 served as positive control. Upon establishment of diabetes, rats in group 1 were treated with 30 mg/ml of H. sabdariffa extract ad libitum while those in group 3 were treated with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg), a known anti-diabetic drug. Rats in groups 2 and 4 were given clean water. All treatment lasted for 21 days. Blood glucose levels of the rats were assessed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 while blood for clinical chemistry analyses (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein) were collected on days 0 and 21. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald formula and very low density lipoprotein was gotten by dividing triglyceride by 5. In vitro antioxidant assay was carried out using ferric reducing antioxidant power model. Results showed that the blood glucose level of the extract-treated rats decreased significantly (p