Aim: To investigate the protective effects of kolaviron on brain weight and behavioural performance and the histology of the hippocampus of adult Wistar rats following methamphetamine challenge. Materials and Methods:Twenty four adult Wistar rats weighing between 150-200 g, randomly assigned into four groups of six each (Groups A, B, C, D) were used for this research. Group A served as control, while groups B and C were given single dose methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally after group C was pre-treated with kolaviron (200 mg/kg) for 7 days and group D received cornoil (vehicle for kolaviron) only.Results: High level of methamphetamine-induced stereotypic movement was observed, and the onset was delayed by kolaviron administration. Animals administered methamphetamine only, showed significantly poor behavioural performance on the water maze after treatment when compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Histological analysis revealed neuronal destruction of the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus following methamphetamine administration. Kolaviron to some extent prevented destruction of pyramidal cells of the hippocampus in pre-treated rats. Conclusion:The present findings show the neuro-destructive effects of methamphetamine on hippocampal neurons and its ability to negatively affect behaviour and that kolaviron could prevent such behavioural deficit and also afford some protection to the hippocampus.

BackgroundKolaviron, isolated from seeds of Garcinia kola, have been shown to possess wide pharmacological properties.PurposeThe present study examined the effect of kolaviron on acetylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus and striatum of adult Wistar rats.MethodsIn this study, histological and histochemical methods were used to investigate the effects of kolaviron on the histology of the hippocampus and striatum and on acetylcholinesterase activities in these brain regions.ResultsWe showed that kolaviron produced no neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus and striatum. Kolaviron did not significantly alter (p<0.05) neuronal density in these brain regions. Kolaviron significantly reduced (p<0.05) acetylcholinesterase staining intensity, suggesting a likely inhibiting effect on this enzyme.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that kolaviron could act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Kolaviron may be developed as a herbal-based natural product with therapeutic potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders associated with disturbed cholinergic neurotransmitter systems.

This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) supplemented diet. VA leaf powder was fed at 5% and 15% to diet-induced obese rats for 4 weeks and its effect compared with orlistat (5.14 mg/kg p.o.), an anti-obesity drug. Food intake, body and organ weights, total body fat, some lipid components and amino transaminase activities in serum, hepatocytes and brain; as well as serum glucose, were measured during or at end of the study. Result showed respective decrease of 12.78% and 38.51% in body weight gain, of VA fed rats against 17.45% of orlistat at end of study (P < 0.05); but with no effect on food intake. Total body fat was lowered by 28.04% and 30.02% vs. obese control rats (CDC) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum triacylglycerol (TG), serum and brain total cholesterol (TCHOL), were down regulated at 15% VA supplementation (P < 0.05). Serum glucose which increased in obese rats by 46.26% (P < 0.05) vs. NC, indicating intolerance, was restored by VA (38.75% and 34.65%) and orlistat (31.80%) vs. CDC (P < 0.05). VA diet also exerted hepato-protection, via lowering serum alanine amino transaminase (ALT) (41.35% and 27.13%) and aspartate amino transaminase (AST) (17.09% and 43.21%) activities (P < 0.05). Orlistat had no effect on these enzymes. Histology of adipose tissue corroborated the changes on total body fat. We concluded that, diet supplemented with VA can attenuate dietary obesity as well as ameliorates the potential risks of hepato-toxicity and glucose intolerance associated with obesity.

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent stroke survivors who attended an herbal center knew of stroke risk factors and whether significant sex differences existed. Study Design. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2018 at Bebe Herbal Center, and it involved two well-trained assistants who interviewed 149 first-time stroke survivors after consent and ethical approval were obtained. The survivors self-reported their knowledge, attitude, and beliefs on risk factors before and after stroke. Statistical Analyses. Means of continuous variables were compared using Student’s unpaired t -test, while categorical variables between males and the females were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results. Mean age of men ( 64.81 ± 1.24   yrs ) was significantly higher than that of women ( 61.39 ± 1.42   yrs ) ( F = 0.096 , t = 1.79 , df = 147 ; P < 0.05 ). More men than women were 60 years and above while more women than men were below 60 years. Pearson’s chi-square test showed significant association of sex with education ( χ 2 = 12.31 ; df = 3 , P < 0.006 ), occupation ( χ 2 = 23.65 ; df = 4 , P < 0.001 ), alcohol intake ( χ 2 = 24.23 ; df = 1 ; P < 0.001 ), and smoking ( χ 2 = 9.823 ; df = 1 ; P < 0.001 ). The commonest risk factor suffered was hypertension (73.1%), followed by alcohol intake (59.1%), smoking (31.5%), and diabetes mellitus (26.7%); these affected men more than women. Male survivors unaware of their hypertensive status were more likely to have stroke than females, and age had a significant effect on the likelihood of developing a stroke; the same was occupation. Conclusions. These survivors suffered mainly from hypertension, triggered by psychosocial problems and diabetes mellitus; their stroke seemed fueled by unrecognized hypertension, unrecognized diabetes mellitus, ignorance of hyperlipidemia, and wide-scale belief in witchcraft as risk factor. Awareness programs in the third world should take these observations into consideration.