Aims: The present study investigated the potential nephroprotective activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Trema guineensis leaves (Ulmaceae) and determined the most active extract in rat.

Aim of study: Inflammation was associated with many diseases in humans. Crinum species have a considerable medicinal reputation as potent folkloric remedies. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Crinum scillifolium bulbs in in vivo models. Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of Crinum scillifolium extracts was also evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema models and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was measured. Two doses 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for each extract, were tested. The results obtained were compared with those of the standard drug (Diclofenac at 25 mg/kg body weight) and those of the control (normal saline). Results: The results showed a highly significant decrease in the edema size (p < 0.01) and significant decrease in CRP values (p < 0.01) compared to control group when the animals were treated with diclofenac at 25 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. Conclusion: The study suggests that the extracts possess enough potential to reduce inflammation on rat model and directs the importance of further research and development of novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Crinum species is frequently used for the treatment of nervous disorders such as epilepsy. This study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the hydroethanolic extract of the Crinum scillifolium bulbs in chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in mice. The anticonvulsant activity of the extract (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg), was investigated in isoniazid (INH)-induced seizures in mice. The hydroethanolic extract protected mice from INH-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner. 100% of protection was observed when the animals were treated with 200 and 400mg/kg of hydroethanolic extract of Crinum scillifolium. At Dose of 50 and 100mg/kg 83% protection was observed; the onset of convulsion significant was delayed, and no mortality was found of the mice against isoniazid-induced convulsion. Mice pretreated with hydroethanolic extract at the dose of 25mg/kg reduced mortality to 27% and significant delayed the onset of death (p<0.01). In conclusion, Crinum scillifolium was revealed possessing anticonvulsant effects in mice, via the GABAergic neurotransmission.

This study was undertaken to determine vitamins A, D and E composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Trema guineensis and effect of supplementation of these extracts on serum concentrations of these vitamins. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Trema guineensis were obtained by decoction and maceration of leaves powder, respectively. Then, they were administered to animals at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight against a control group treated with distilled water for two weeks. Composition of vitamins in extracts and serum concentrations of vitamins A, D and E were performed by HPLC. Results showed that Trema guineensis extracts contained high concentrations of vitamins A, D and E. Thus, vitamins A and D serum concentrations were weakly influenced while that of vitamin E increased strongly during administration of Trema guineensis extracts. This study therefore showed that extracts of Trema guineensis had vitamins A, D and E and a beneficial effect on serum concentrations of these vitamins.

Alchornea cordifolia has been shown to be hepatoprotective against hepatotoxicity induced by high dose paracetamol in a model animal. However, its hepatoprotective effects against the hepatotoxicity induced by anti-tubercular drugs have not yet been studied, whereas anti-tubercular drugs are known to be hepatotoxic at therapeutic dose. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of a methanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves in order to overcome hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs. Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamid have been used to induce hepatotoxicity in rats. The animals were administered hepatotoxic agent. Two hours later they were given methanol extract of A. cordifolia (MEAC) leaves or silymarin. One group of animals received only the antitubercular drugs, one group received MEAC only and another group received physiological saline. The animals were thus treated for 10 consecutive days. Blood sample was taken on the 11th day for evaluation of the biochemical parameters, as well as markers of hepatotoxicity. Isoniazid increased transaminases (ALT and AST), MEAC and silymarin reduced these biochemical parameters, Isoniazid + Rifampicin increased ALT and AST levels, MEAC reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, Isoniazid + Rifampicin + Pyrazinamid combination resulted in significant ALT elevation and MEAC reduced the ALT levels. MEAC alone did not significantly alter ALT and AST values. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, saponosides and alkaloids. A. cordifolia leaves would thus have a protective effect against anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in rats.