kaempferol) have also been detected in ethanol husk extract of Zea mays. 8 Corn husk has also been reported to be rich in anthocyannins. 15 In this study, we report the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of the husk extract against paracetamolinduced liver and kidney injuries in rats to confirm its use in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases in ethnomedicine. Materials and Methods Collection of plant materials Fresh husks of Zea mays were collected in August, 2018 from Farmland in Uyo in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The husks were identified and authenticated as Zea mays by a taxonomist in the

Saccharum officinarum Linn. (sugarcane, Family-Poaceae) is employed in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various infections and diseases such as malaria. We This study aims to assess the antiplasmodial effect of the leaf extract and fractions on human malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) in vitro, and rodent malaria parasite (P. berghei) in vivo, and analyse the bioactive components of the active fraction(s). The leaf extract and fractions of S. officinarum were prepared and their growth inhibitory effects tested against the chloroquine resistant P. falciparum strain (Dd2) and P. berghei infection in mice. An acute toxicity of the extract was determined. A combination of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied for metabolites profiling of crude extract and active fractions. The leaf extract and fractions demonstrated moderate activity against P. falciparum with the dichloromethane fraction producing the most potent activity (EC50 = 15.4 µg/mL). The leaf extract (170–510 mg/kg, p.o., LD50 = 1732 mg/kg) and fractions demonstrated significant (p < 0.05–0.001) effect on P. berghei infection in prophylactic  tests as well as in established infection with n-butanol fractions producing the highest effect. An unusual sulphur-containing compound, dilaurylthiodipropionate, fatty acids, phenolic acids, flavonoid and flavonoid glycoside were identified in the active fractions. These results give credence to the use of sugarcane leaves as malarial remedy locally by confirming the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial potential of leaf extract/fractions of S. officinarum.

Background: Croton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) is a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of some ailments. Aim: The root extract of Croton zambesicus was evaluated for effect on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Materials and Methods: The root extract of C. zambesicus (27-81 mg/kg) was investigated for laxative effect in rats using different experimental models to study its effect on the GIT. Results: The extract was found to significantly increase the frequency and output of faecal matters in rats in all the experimental models studied. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the root extract of C. zambesicus has a significant laxative effect and this supports its use in ethnomedicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders.

Background: Panicum maximum root is used routinely to treat ailments such as malaria, fever, pains and inflammatory diseases by traditional medicine practitioners. Aim: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of P. maximum root so as to validate its uses by practitioners of traditional medicine. Methodology: The root of P. maximum (dried powdered material) was extracted in ethanol using cold maceration technique. The root crude extract (137 –547 mg/kg) of P. maximum was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using various experimental models; carrageenan, egg albumin and xylene - induced edema models. Results: The root extract of P. maximum caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) reduction of inflammation induced by the phlogistic agents in a dose-dependent fashion. The recorded anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to those initiated by 100 mg/kg acetyl salicylic acid (ASA, standard drug) used in some of the models here. The anti-inflammatory effect of this plant may be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant. Conclusion: The findings from this research confirm the ethnomedical use of Panicum maximum root in treating inflammatory conditions.

Croton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of diseases including diabetes was evaluated for effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes in vivo. The leaf fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, 150 mg/kg) of C. zambesicus were investigated in vivo for inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes using starch, sucrose and maltose as substrates. Acarbose was used as reference drug. The leaf fractions (n-hexane, DCM and ethyl acetate) caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels of treated rats with the various substrates used. DCM fraction exerted the highest inhibitory effect when starch was used as substrate followed by n-hexane. N-hexane was the most active fraction followed by ethyl acetate when sucrose and maltose were used as substrates. The results suggest that the leaf fractions of C. zambesicus have the potentials to inhibit alpha amylase and glucosidase in rats.