No abstract

Background Momordica. charantia is popularly used as a medicinal herb in ethnomedicine for the management of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the beneficial effects of the ethanolic extract of M. charantia (Linn.) in experimentally induced cardiovascular disorders using cholesterol-fed Wistar rat. Methods Seventy-two experimental rats were randomly assigned into nine 9 groups of 8 rats each and treated as follows: Rats in group A (control) were given distilled water only; Rats in group B were given 30 mg/kg of cholesterol dissolved in coco-nut oil (cholesterol solution); Rats in group C were given cholesterol solution and 100 mg/kg Atorvastatin; Rats in group D were given 250 mg/kg of M. charantia and cholesterol solution; Rats in group E were given 500 mg/kg of M. charantia and cholesterol solution; Rats in group F were given 250 mg/kg. M. charantia; Rats in group G were given 500 mg/kg M. charantia; Rats in group H were given 1 ml of coconut oil; Rats in group I were given 100 mg/kg of Atorvastatin. Results Mean LDL-cholesterol was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in groups F, E and H as compared with the control groups. Histological analysis of the heart and aortic branch of the experimental rats show that cholesterol administration induced myocardial degeneration, vascular ulceration and stenosis in the aorta and heavy perivascular infiltrates of inflammatory cells. However, these deleterious effects were ameliorated upon treatment with Momordica charantia and Atorvastatin as compared with the control groups. Conclusion Our findings indicate the possible cardiovascular benefits of M. charantia.

Voacanga Africana stapf (Apocynaceae) leaves is being used in herbal medicine to treat leprosy, diarrhoea, generalized oedema and convulsion in children as an infant tonic and the present study was aimed at its toxicological evaluation in wistar rats. The sub-acute toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of Voacanga Africana stapf (100, 400 and 800 mg/kg) for 28 days after which the effect on anthropometric, haematological and histopathological parameters were assessed. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the pattern of weight gain in the female albino rats and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) but no significant difference in the organ weight index in all selected organs. There were no gross abnormalities or histopathological changes observed among any the groups treated. The results suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Voacanga africana can be considered relatively safe on chronic administration to rats and may cause reduction in weight gain in female rats probably due to changes in female hormones. © JASEM

Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the hematinic effect of Spondias mombin and its protective role against the spleenotoxic effect of Phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups. Group A (Control) animals were neither given the extract nor PHZ. Rats in groups B and C were administered 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight doses of the extract respectively. Anemia was induced in rats in groups D and E by oral administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of PHZ and concomitantly administered 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight doses of the extract respectively. Anemia was also induced in rats in group F by administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of PHZ but without administration of the extract. Results: Histology of the spleen show moderate expansion of the red pulp and contraction of lymphoid follicles in group F and mild follicular activation and sinus histiocytosis in group D. There were significant (p < 0.05) increase in the weight of the spleen in group F and decrease in group C. Results also show significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the RBC count in group F and increases in the Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin in groups D and E. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Count in group D. Conclusion:This study shows the hematinic effect of Spondias mombin and its possible use in ethno-medicine in managing anemic conditions, as well as its potential in protecting against the spleenotoxic effect of PHZ.

Background: In recent times, medicinal plants has been explored for their ameliorating effect on Cadmium induced organ toxicity in Wistar rats. Aims and Objectives: This study investigates the protective effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) on cadmium-induced biochemical and histological alterations in heart of rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty male wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). Blood samples were collected from the animals after treatment with cadmium (10mg/kg body weight) and varying doses (150, 300, 600mg/kg B.W) of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus for 60 days for evaluation of antioxidant status and hematological parameters. Sections of the heart and aorta were examined for histological alterations. Results: Treatment with extract of Cyperus esculentus resulted in a significant increase (P<0.05) in superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthathione peroxidase activities and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level when compared to the untreated animals. However, the alterations observed in the hematological parameters were not improved on treatment with Cyperus esculentus. Conclusion: Treatment with medium (300mg/kg B.W) and high (600mg/kg B.W) of Cyperus esculentus reversed the histological alterations observed in the heart and aorta of the untreated animals. The study demonstrated that aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus can protect against oxidative stress resulting from cadmium toxicity.