Aims: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) is a plant known to possess very high phenolic compound. The study evaluated hematological indices, anti-oxidative properties and gastroprotective potentials of CA leaf-supplemented diet. Methodology: Male Wistar rats weighing between 80-100 g were divided into 5 groups of n=18. Group 1 animals were fed with normal diet and groups 2-5 were fed with diets supplemented with 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% of C. aconitifolius powdered leaves continuously for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Hematological indices were examined in the whole blood plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) were investigated, and changes in stomach architecture were also examined via histology. Results: There was a progressive increase in weight gain at different weeks of feeding with Cnidoscolus aconitifolius-supplemented diet (CAD). Malondialdehyde level decreased (p<0.05) significantly in 1% CAD at 8 weeks of feeding when compared to normal diet group. Glutathione at the 8th and 12th weeks of feeding with 1% CAD and 10% CAD significantly (p<0.05) decreased when compared to the group fed normal diet. Catalase activity increased (p<0.05) significantly in 1%, 2.5% and 5% CAD groups when compared to the group fed normal diet at 4 weeks of feeding. There was increase in haematological indices across all the groups during the weeks of feeding. The microscopic examination of the stomach epithelial layer reveals improvement with no serious damage across all the groups. Conclusion: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius-supplemented diet moderately improves blood anti-oxidant against oxidative stress and the hematological indices with time. The diet also maintains the structural integrity of the stomach wall without causing any damage.

Background and Aim: Since there is an increasing demand by people for means of enhancing the neuro-cognitive functions of the brain and the side effects of many neuro-cognitive drugs which have left many persons with irreversible neurological damage. This situation has lead to our investigation of the neuro-cognitive properties (learning and memory) of the plant, Ficus thioningii (wild fig). Methods: 30 Adult Swiss mice weighing between 16-21g, were divided into 3 groups, 10 mice per group. Before the neurobehavioral parameters were assessed, the LD 50 , acute toxicological screenings of the plant were determined. Group A being the control, received rat feed with normal saline, group B being the low dose were administered with Ficus thoninngii extract at a dose of 10mg/kg and group C being the high dose were administered with Ficus thoninngii extract at a dose of 20mg/kg, this administration lasted for 14 days. All animals were allowed clean drinking water. Results: The data's were analyzed and the results showed that on days 1, 2 and 3 of acquisition training mice from low dose and high dose learned equally when compared to the control. In the reversal training, memory was improved in the low dose and high dose treated mice when compared to control at (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). During the probe trial, the swim duration in the SouthEast quadrant was significantly higher for high dose and low dose compared to control (p<0.01 and at p<0.001). However, during the visible platform task, the swim latencies for the low dose and high dose group were also significantly lower compared to control (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that consumption of Ficus thoninngii extracts enhances learning and memory in mice, thus Ficus thoninngii containing diet may be beneficial in the improvement of learning and memory.

Objective: Potash known as potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is a mixture of salt with other components, including impurities which coexist in mineral and salt is highly consumed in various forms by pregnant women. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of potash on the weight index of pregnant Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 25 albino Wistar rat with weights ranging from 180 to 300 g were used and allocated into five groups of five animals each (four females and one male) designated as Groups A, B, C, D, and E. The experimental Groups B, C, D, and E were administered through oral route different doses of potash of 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg, respectively, after pregnancy was detected by checking for mucus plug in the vagina. Group A served as the control group and was administered distilled water only. The animals were allowed for 1 week for acclimatization under normal temperature (270–300°C), which they were being fed with normal feed (grower’s mash) and water ad libitum for 1 week. Results: The result showed a significant (p˂0.05) reduction in weight with the highest level seen with the 1200 mg/kg group when compared to the control. Conclusion: Therefore, the effect of potash alters the physical activity and decreases weight, by implication may induce growth retardation of the Wistar rats which is not healthy for a pregnant animal.

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Background and Aim: The use of Mucuna flagellipes in recent time has been on the increase as a result of its speculated therapeutic effect mostly on the protein level of the body. And owing to the fact that there are no detailed reports on Mucuna flagellipes on its effect on neurobehavioral parameters, this work is therefore intended to investigate the possible effects of this herb on the exploratory behavior and body weight in Swiss white mice. Methods: Twenty (20) mice of mixed gender were randomly divided in to two groups of ten mice each. Group 1 served as the control, while group 2 received the Mucuna flagellipes diet. The feeding lasted for 31 days. The open field maze task was used to assess exploratory behavior. All mice were allowed free access to clean drinking water. Daily food intake, water intake and body weight change were measured. Results: The results showed that the Mucuna flagellipes diet fed mice had significantly increased (p<0.01; p<0.05) line crossings, close arm duration and Stretch Attend Posture (SAP) compared to control. There was an increase in food intake and water intake (p<0.001 and p<0.01) compared to control. However, the body weight change was statistically higher but not significant when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Therefore, consumption of Mucuna flagellipes improves exploratory behavior and body weight in mice. These may be has a result of an unknown phytochemical compound present in Mucuna flagellipes.