Helminths infections are among the major ailments affecting humans and livestock in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world which necessitates the current need for the use of traditional plants in the treatment of parasitic diseases.The aim of this study was to determine the pathological effects of Senna italica leaves extract on Hymenolepis diminuta infection. Plant leaf were collected and processed using cold maceration method. Phytochemical composition of the plant extract was determined. Rats were grouped into five groups of five rats each for the experiment. Albendazole was used for treatment at 7.5 mg/kg as positive control, while different concentrations of 75, 150, 300 and 0.0 mg/kg of the plant extracts were used for treatment of rats in the other groups. Daily worm-egg counts from all the rats for all the groups were recorded for up to 7 days post infection. Histopathology of tissues from representative rats from all groups was conducted to determine any visible change due to the treatments. The findings have shown a significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean egg/gram (EPG) in positive control after three days. Rats in group 2 (75 mg/kg) showed a fluctuating faecal worm-egg count throughout the period of the study, with no significant difference observed. Rats in group 3 (150 mg/kg) showed a slightly decreased mean worm-egg count with no significant difference observed at P<0.05. Rats treated with 300 mg/kg of the extract have shown significant decreased of worm-egg count within three days of the treatment (P<0.05) which was observed to be similar to the treatment with Albendazole. Histopathological studies of intestine, liver and lung tissues of the infected and treated rats have shown that the plant extract has no significant histopathological effects. Leaves of Senna italica have therapeutic effect against Hymenolepis diminuta infection with no observed pathology in an experimental animal model.

Introduction: Kaduna state in Nigeria is located within the Guinea Savannah of the African Continent. The state is susceptible to desertification and the risks of drought. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to access magnitude and extent drought in Kaduna state Nigeria using MODIS dataset. Study Design: The study examined people’s perception; precipitation data and satellite imageries for assessing and monitoring drought. Descriptive statistics were used to present the some of the data. Methodology: The dataset were analysed using Idrisi remote sensing and Geographical Information (GIS) softwares to determine the aerial coverage of drought and its magnitude. Furthermore, run off were determined, VCI calculated, cross-tabulation were made from classified imageries and the views of respondents were also sought to complement the analysis. Results: The study revealed that there have been several episodes of drought in Kaduna state within the period under review. Runoff decreased from 72.50mm in 2000 to just about 48.00mm in 2009. The study also revealed that there is a positive relationship (0.72) between rainfall and vegetation vigour/biomas in the state. Similarly, vegetation condition index (VCI) revealed a value 10.2% indicating a severe drought in the state based on Kogans drought classification. Conclusion: The study concluded that both rainfall and vegetation/biomas vigour are generally decreasing suggesting a strong positive correlation value of 0.71. While a better high spatial resolution satellite dataset be utilised for further studies in this direction, the study also recommends that individuals and organisations be encouraged to engage in the habit of tree planting in order to curtail the decrease in vegetation biomass in the state.  In addition, research and extension services should be strongly promoted in order to develop particular breed of seeds that can survive the drought in this period of food insecurity.

In spite of the effectiveness of most anthelmintic agents in use, there is still need to identify more due to their unwanted side effects. Hence, the need to develop more that can be safe for all, cheap and available even in our localities. In the light of the current need for the use of traditional plants in the treatment of parasitic diseases, we have assessed the anthelmintic effect of Senna italica and aimed to investigate the therapeutic activity on Hymenolepis diminuta infection. We described in vivo studies evaluating the anthelmintic effects of the leaf extract at different concentrations in a murine infection model. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract has shown the chemical components available in the compound. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean egg/gram (EPG) in one of the treatment groups which was observed to be similar to that of the treatment using conventional anthelmintic agent (Albendazole). A fluctuating but insignificant faecal worm-egg count was observed in the other experimental groups. The results obtained suggest a likelihood of its future use as an anthelmintic agent. Our next plan is to establish animal experiments with different types of helminth infection in order to have the full anthelmintic coverage by the agent, hopefully, before it will be validated for use as a human therapeutic agent.