Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated using rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia. Methods and Results: Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were analysed as indices of anaemia. Following phenylhydrazine administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 days, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the haematological parameters was observed indicating anaemia. However, treatment with graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the RBC count, Hb concentration and PCV time- and dose- dependently. Conclusion: It was concluded that Lophira lanceolata leaves possess haematinic activity, making it useful in the management of anaemia.

The effect of male and female urine on growth and phytochemical constituents of Zea mays was investigated. The male and female urine were diluted at different concentrations (50ml, 100ml, 150ml and 200ml) and thereafter used to plant the Zea mays. The growth rate was measured in two and four weeks' time after planting for both the male and female urine. The control treatment was without urine. At the end of week four, the leaves were harvested and macerated with the aid of a pestle and mortar for phytochemical analysis. It was observed that both the male and female urines increased the rate of growth and phytochemical constituents of the Zea mays for 50ml, 100ml and 150ml respectively. High concentration of urine (200ml) inhibited the growth of Zea mays. The study thus showed that urine is a good source of fertilizer at considerably low concentration. However, high concentration inhibits plant growth.

Aim:To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamideinduced constipation in Wistar rats. Methods: Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg b.wt.). The Nweje et al.; AJRIMPS, 6(1): 1-7, 2019; Article no.AJRIMPS.47572 2 constipated rats were orally treated daily either with 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight per day of the extract or 0.21 mg/kg bisacodyl (reference drug) for 7 days while the normal and constipated control groups received distilled water. The feeding characteristics, body weight, faecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored throughout the study period. Results: There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) between normal and constipated rats in the number of faecal pellets and water content of faecal pellets while there was no significant changes in the feed/ water intake and body weight of rats .Administration of the graded doses of the extract to the constipated rats significantly and dose-dependently normalized (p < 0.05) the number of faecal pellets/ water content of faecal pellets and gastrointestinal ratio compared to the constipated control. Conclusion: The aqueous root extract of Sida acuta possesses laxative activity in loperamideinduced constipated rats. Original Research Article

The effect of administration of zinc and selenium on lipid peroxidation and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in albino rats was investigated. Forty-five (45) healthy rats were divided into nine (9) groups of five (5) rats each. Groups I, II, and III served as control; administered with normal chow and distilled water ad libitum, zinc gluconate and selenium and Trypanosoma brucei without treatment respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were the pretreated infected groups that were administered with daily dose of 50mg per kilogram body weight of zinc, 10mg per kilogram body weight of selenium and combination of zinc and selenium respectively for seven (7) days. Whereas group VII, VIII and IX represented the post-infected treated groups that were administered with daily dose of 50mg per kilogram body weight of zinc, 10mg per kilogram body weight of selenium and combination of zinc and selenium respectively for seven (7) days. The control group of Trypanosoma brucei infected without treatment showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities when compared with other control groups. Administration of zinc and selenium to the pre and post-infected groups caused significantly (P<0.05) lower values in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), with significantly (P<0.05) higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver and kidney. Treatment with zinc and selenium may contribute in protection against cellular damage during Trypanosoma brucei infection in rats.

The metabolic parameter dependent on the central nervous system (CNS) can regulate the storage and release of energy. Macrophages are the main effector cells that represent the innate immune system and have multiple roles, such as phagocytosis, secretion of cytokines, and antigen presentation. These responses are intervened by the generation of reactive oxygen/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), such as superoxide. In macrophages, G6PD (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) stimulates the expression of ROS-and RNS-producing genes. The immune response function requires rapid and extensive cell growth, proliferation, and production of effector cytokines. The metabolic and biosynthetic demand of lymphocytes increases after activation in relation to glucose metabolism via increasing glucose transporter 1. During the immune system response to pathogens, a special group of cytokines (chemokines) signals immune cells such as T-cells and macrophages to travel to the site of infection. These cytokines activate their cells to stimulate production of more cytokines. Many metabolic processes react directly or indirectly to proinflammatory cytokines to ensure a steady supply of nutrients for proliferation of phagocytes. This review has focused on energy metabolism regulation with neuroimmunity dependent cells.