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Background: Zingiber officinale is a rhizome commonly consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice. It is considered as a safe spice with several medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-vitro antioxidants, antimicrobial and safety of Nigerian Z. Officinale. Methods: Methanol extract of Nigerian Z. Officinale (MEZO) was evaluated for phytochemical composition, total flavonoids and phenol contents using standard procedures. Antibacterial study was carried out via the agar well diffusion method. Antioxidant activities were carried out using 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) assay. Twenty five (25) wister rats were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of five animals each. Animals in Groups AD were orally administered 75,150, 300 and 600 mg/kg bwt of the extract on daily basis for 4 weeks while those in Group A (control) received distilled water. Results: Total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the extract were 15.24 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g and 19.84 ± 0. 32 mg/g CE respectively. The extract promoted an inhibition of free radicals with IC 50 values of 47.05 ± 2. 03 μg/mL and 89.15 ± 0.29 μg/mL in DPPH and FRAP assay. At extract concentration of 100 μg/mL, K. pneumoniae showed the highest susceptibility of 29.04 ± 0.35 mm, followed by P. aeuruginisa (26.03 ± 0.41 mm), while S. aureus (15.08 ± 0.20 mm) was least susceptible. The serum concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium, albumin, total proteins and the computed organs/body weight ratios compared favorably (p > 0.05) with control at all extract doses tested. The bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels significantly (p < 0.05) increase while chloride decreases in rats dosed 600 mg/kg bwt. However, potassium level increases significantly (p < 0.05) in rats dose 300 mg/kg of the extract when compare with the control. Conclusion: This study revealed the strong antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of methanol extract of Nigerian Zingiber officinale. It was also found to be relatively safe for consumption and thus could serve as a source of candidate for the development of new antioxidants and antimicrobial drugs.

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Background: Maytenus heterophylla (M. heterophylla) is commonly used in African traditional medicine for the management of various ailments. The present study evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial and safety properties of the Flavonoid extract of M. heterophylla in Wister rats. Methods: The Flavonoid was subjected to antibacterial study via agar well diffusion method, and antioxidant study using 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) assays. Subacute toxicity were carried out by the oral administration of the extract at a daily dose of 50 or 100mg/kg for 28 days. Results: The extract produced significant antioxidants activities with IC50 of 33.07±0.84 µg/mL & 38.08±0.89 μg/mL in DPPH and FRAPS models respectively. It produced a dose-dependent inhibition of S. aureus, E.coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia and S. Typhi with MIC between 12.5µg/mL to 25µg/mL. The flavonoid was safe on acute exposure to rats (LD50> 5000 mg/kg). However, the chronic exposure significantly (p<0.05) decreased the creatinine, bilirubin concentrations and increased aspartate transaminase (AST) activities while the total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), urea, chloride, potassium and sodium concentrations were comparable with those in the controls. The organs-body weights ratios also compared well with the controls (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings showed that the Flavonoid extract of M. heterophylla was relatively non-toxic following acute or chronic exposures at 50-100 mg/kg. The flavonoid extract may potentially serve as a candidate agent for the development of an anti-microbial drug and to enhance the antioxidant capacity in rats.

Introduction: Khaya senegalensis is a genus of seven species of trees in the mahogany family Meliaceae, native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. Mahogany  in  English, Aganwo  in  Yoruba,  Madachi  in  Hausa  and  Ono  in  Igbo. All species become big trees 30–35m tall, rarely 45m, with a trunk over 1 m trunk diameter, often buttressed at the base. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets, the terminal leaflet absent; each leaflet is 10–15 cm long abruptly rounded toward the apex but often with an acuminate tip. Aim: The  aim of  the study  was  to determine  the Toxic  effect of prolonged oral administration  of  the  aqueous stem bark of  Khaya senegalensis extract  on the histology of  Kidneys and its biochemical parameters in wistar rats. Methods: This work is an experimental research. A total of 20 wistar rats were randomly divided in to 5 groups each of which consist of 4 rats. Group 1 received distilled water to serve as control while group 2, 3, 4, and 5 received 500 mg/kg bw, 1000 mg/kg bw 2000 mg/kg bw  and 4000 mg/kg bw of the aqueous extract respectively for 60 days after which they were sacrificed, processed in Automatic Tissue Processor machine, Sectioned and stained with H &E. Results: There was statistical significant increase in urea and potassium in all the test groups but is not dose dependent. The creatinine was significantly increased in groups 2, 4 and 5. While other parameters such as sodium, chloride and bicarbonate no significant difference when compared to the control group. The kidney sections showed normal structure in group 1 when compared with the test groups. However, there was significant infiltration of inflammatory cell across all the groups which were suggestive of kidney damage or injury. Similarly phenomenon was noticed in group 5 with additional congestion in the glomerulus and more polymorphs seen. Conclusion: The LD50 was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg bw, therefore, 400 mg/kgbw was used as higher dose in the experimental wistar rats. There were statistical significant increases in some parameters groups while some groups not significant. The kidney section showed significant infiltration of polymorphs across all the groups more marked in group 5 with distension and damaging of the glomerulus indicating renal injury.