Effects of Aqueous and Butanol Leaf Fractions of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. on Inflammatory Cytokines in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Inflammation is regarded as the primary physiologic defense mechanism that helps protect the body against allergens, infection, toxic chemicals, burns, or other noxious stimuli. 1 It has been demonstrated as the root cause of almost all chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. 2,3 Likewise, inflammatory and oxidative processes have been implicated in the pathological features associated with the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease. 4 Inflammation is caused by a variety of soluble factors; which include lipoxins, platelet activating factor (PAF), leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and cytokines. 5 Cytokines are the major determinants of the systemic responses to inflammation. 5 They are small proteins that are secreted and released by cells and they have a specific effect on the communications and interactions between cells. 6 They are divided into

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae): a review

“…Research by Odoma et al has shown that the aqueous and butanol leaf fractions of Olax subscorpioidea significantly reduced the concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1α (IL-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF); with no effect on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-2 [54]. In contrast, the fractions stimulate the synthesis of antiinflammatory cytokines such as IL-5, IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) [54]. These findings validated the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders.…”

Evaluation of Antidepressant-Like Activity of Solvent Partitioned Fractions of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (Olacaceae) Leaf Extract in Rodents

“…Among the reports found in literature are; antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory. 4,5 anticonvulsant and sedative 6 and antidepressant. 7 Other biological activities of this plant like proapoptotic activity 8 , antiprotease 9 , antimicrobial 10 and antihyperglyceamic 11 effects were reported.…”