BackgroundScoparia dulcis Linn (Scrophulariaceae) together with other medicinal plants serve as antisickling remedies in Africa. This study was aimed at investigating the antisickling activity of the leaves of the plant as well as establishing the toxicological profile.MethodChemical tests were employed in phytochemical investigations. Evaluation of the antisickling activity involved the inhibition of sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of the HbSS red blood cells obtained from confirmed sickle cell patients who were not in crises. Concentrations of the crude extract and its fractions were tested with normal saline and p-hydroxybenzoic acid serving as controls. Acute toxicological evaluation was carried out in mice while 30-day assessment was done in rats.ResultsPhytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Percentage sickling inhibitions of the aqueous methanol extracts of S. dulcis were significant all through the period of assay p < 0. 05 compared to normal saline, but not significant with PHBA. The fractions had less activity compared to the crude extracts. The LD 50 of the extract in mice was above 8000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Toxicological evaluations at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed mild congestion in virtually all the target organs.ConclusionThe antisickling results confirmed traditional usage of Scoparia dulcis in the management of Sickle cell disorders and a candidate for further investigations.

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata, ELAM on some early changes in cycas-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. 7 groups of male Wistar rats (10 rats /group) were used. Groups were fed either mash alone or mash mixed with 5 % (w/w) cycas leaf powder. ELAM (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered before, simultaneously with, or after exposure to 5 % (w/w) cycas, for 30 days. After sacrifice, colon sections were dissected out for histological and some biochemical analysis. Results showed that cycas alone caused significant decreases in colon total protein (p <0.05), but administration of cycas with ELAM (irrespective of which came first) led to reversal of these decreases, with colon protein restored to levels higher than values for controls. Cycas-induced increases in LDH were significantly (p <0.05) reduced by ELAM. Colon SOD, catalase and GPx activities were significantly decreased in the group fed cycas, while these enzymes were significantly increased above control values in the groups fed both cycas and ELAM (p <0.05). In addition, the cycas-treated group had significant elevation of colon MDA, but MDA levels were significantly lowered in the groups fed cycas and ELAM. Histology results revealed early cancer-related morphological changes in the cycas group, including mucosal erosion, oedema and glandular hyperplasia. These lesions were absent in the groups given ELAM and cycas, irrespective of the duration of ELAM exposure. These results demonstrate evidence for protective role of ELAM in early biochemical events associated with colorectal carcinogenesis in rats

BP has demonstrated antiasthmatic and antitussive properties in these rodent models. These properties may underscore its use in Nigerian ethnomedicine.

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