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Caralluma dalzielii is a plant whose aerial parts have been used by traditional healers in the Northwest Nigeria for the treatment of several ailments including stomach disorders. This research aimed at evaluating the protective effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii against carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced 4 acute liver injury in Wistar rats. Phytochemical studies were conducted on the extract using standard methods. The extract was administered to the rats in doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg via oral gavage with silymarin as the positive control and distilled water as the negative control for 7 days. After the last pre-treatment dose, oral dose of CCl (1.5 ml/kg) was administered to the study rats. 24 h later, rats were sacrificed and blood samples 4 collected. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine and serum electrolytes levels were determined. Histopathological assessment of the liver and kidney tissues were carried out. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, terpenes, glycosides and tannins. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the AST, ALT, ALP and creatinine serum levels compared with CCl-negative control group. Histopathological assessment confirmed that the extract markedly reduced the 4 toxicity of CCl and preserved the architecture of the liver tissues to near normal structure. These results suggest 4 that aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii may possess hepatoprotective ability.

The study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity of the ethyl acetate fraction derived from the stem bark extract of the Desert date tree (EFDD) (Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile; family Zygophyllaceae) using ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. The study was conducted using Wistar rats and divided them into five groups (n=5). Group 1 received 10% Tween 20 (1 ml/kg), which served as the control group. Group 2 was administered the standard drug, omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Groups 3-5 were the extract groups and received doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, of EFDD. Two ulcer models were used in the study namely ethanol-induced ulcers and indomethacin-induced ulcers. After administration of the respective treatments, evaluation of the mean ulcer indices in each group and calculation of the percentage ulcer inhibition compared to the control group were carried out. The results indicated that the EFDD, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly reduced the mean ulcer indices in both the ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models compared to the control group (p<0.05). This suggests that the EFDD possesses gastroprotective properties. In conclusion, the EFDD exhibits gastroprotective activity. This finding supports the traditional use of Desert date in folkloric medicine for the treatment of ulcers. However, further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed gastroprotective effects.

Background: Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (Zygophyllaceae) is a perennial tree found mostly in the desert environments. Decoctions of its stem barks are used traditionally in northern Nigeria to treat wounds, ulcers and stomach ailments. Other ethnomedicinal uses include: treatment of malaria, pain and fever. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of the chloroform stem bark extract of Balanites aegyptiaca in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Acute toxicity study on the chloroform fraction of the stem bark extract of Balanites aegyptiaca was carried out using the OECD 425 guidelines at a limit dose of 3000 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis of the fraction was carried out to detect the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, carbohydrates, saponins and glycosides using standard procedures. The antiulcer activity of the fraction was evaluated in ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models in rats. Rats were allotted into five groups (n=5). Group 1 received 10% Tween 20 (1 ml/kg), group 2 received standard drug, omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and groups 3-5 were the extract groups and received 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. respectively of the chloroform fraction of Balanites aegyptiaca. The mean ulcer indices were assessed and the percentage ulcer inhibition calculated. Results: At the limit dose of 3000 mg/kg the fraction of Balanites aegyptiaca did not produce any mortality or observable signs of toxicity in the rats. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The fraction at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean ulcer indices in the ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models when compared to the control. Conclusion: Our study showed that the chloroform fraction of the stem bark extract of Balanites aegyptiaca possesses antiulcer activities. Further studies are needed to isolate the active constituents.