Oxidative stress-induced disease conditions are on the increase and there is need for natural sources of antioxidant for relieving stress. The crude extract of Allium cepa L. has been well published as a potential natural source of antioxidant. But there is inadequate information on the antioxidant activities of fractionated extracts of the plant. The in-vitro antioxidant capacity of crude extract of red cultivar A. cepa bulbs and its four solvent fractions were studied and compared using Nitric oxide radical inhibitory assay (NORIA), FRAP and DPPH antioxidant models. The results of the three models revealed that the crude methanol extract exhibited very good antioxidant activities. However, with the aid of DPPH, the crude methanol extract, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions exhibited excellent antioxidant activities in comparison with ascorbic acid. Serial extraction did not make any of the fractionated extracts better than the crude extract of the red cultivar A. cepa bulbs. These results also showed that red cultivar A. cepa bulbs is a natural source of antioxidants and could serve as therapeutic agent in the prevention or slowing down of oxidative stress. Further studies are currently underway to identify the active component responsible for the observed antioxidant properties.

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a severe debilitating protozoan disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by the pathogenic trypanosome species, and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It affects about 60 million cattle in Africa, with about US$1.5 billion in annual losses. Eradication of the disease through chemotherapy and vaccine development has been hindered by parasite antigenic variation and its resistance to drugs. In this study, the crude ethanol stem bark extract of Corymbia torelliana was prepared by cold maceration in 70% Ethanol. It was further purified using the modified Kupchan partition method into n-hexane, Ethyl acetate, N-butanol and Aqueous pure fractions. A pure compound was isolated from the ethyl acetate purified fraction using the column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. The isolated compound was named Makoshi_Mak1. The in vitro antitrypanosomal effects of the crude extract, the purified fractions and the isolated compound were then tested against the blood stream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain). 0.2 ml of prepared trypanosome suspension containing about 2x104 parasites was dispensed into each of seven clean test tubes using micropipettes. 0.2ml of prepared Ringer’s solution was also added to stabilize the parasites. Five varying concentrations of the crude extract, the extract fractions and the isolated compound (Makoshi_Mak1) were added to test tubes 1-5. Test tube 6 and 7 served as the negative and positive controls respectively. Aliquots of the contents of each test tube were examined under the microscope at x400 magnification for parasites motility at different time interval for 2 hours. The crude extract was effective at the concentrations of 12 mg/ml, 1.2 mg/ml,0.12 mg/ml and 0.012 mg/ml. the n-hexane fraction had efficacy at 0.12mg/ml and 0.096mg/ml. The Eethyl acetate fractions were effective at 0.12mg/ml, 0.096 mg/ml, 0.048mg/ml and 0.024mg/ml, the N-butanol fraction had efficacy at 0.12mg/ml and 0.096mg/ml, while the Aqueous fraction was effective at 0.2mg/ml, 0.16mg/ml and 0.08mg/ml. Makoshi_Mak1 was effective in vitro against T. brucei beucei at all the tested concentrations of 0.219mg/ml, 0.109mg/ml, 0.055mg/ml and 0.027mg/ml. Efficacy of the extracts and isolated compound was determined by parasite mortality, and was seen to be concentration dependent. Dead parasites appeared to float freely on the fluid environment, while the lysed parasites were seen as floating debris. The results of the study showed that both the crude extract, the purified extract and the pure isolated compound of Corymbia torelliana had in vitro activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in a concentration dependent manner. Corymbia torelliana can then be considered as a potential herbal antitrypanosomal drug candidate.

wo hundred and two blood samples from White Fulani breed of cattle, comprising 130 from the Guinea Savannah and 72 from the derived Savannah vegetational zones of South-Western Nigeria were examined for presence of trypanosomes. These animals were reared under the nomadic system of management such that they were constantly exposed to tsetse bite both during the day and night The results of this analysis showed that the prevalence of trypanosomal infection in the Derived Savannah and Guinea Savannah vegetational zones were 45.8% and 27.5 % respectively. Though the incidence of trypanosomal infection is less in the Guinea Savannah vegetational zone reluta to the Derived Savannah, livestock production during the dry season is severely limited due to inadequate pasture at this time of the year.

A field survey involving 180 adult white Fulani cattle was carried out in the Guinea Savannah and Derived Savannah vegetational zones of South Western Nigeria to determine the effect of natural trypanosomal infection on plasma protein levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent examination were used as diagnostic indices. The results showed a prevalence of 36.7% mixed infection in the animals sampled. It was also observed that the albumin level was lowered, globulin level increased and the total protein level was slightly on the increase. Trypanosomal infection in this study therefore affects the concentration of total and differential plasma protein levels in indigenous cattle.

A total number of 37 cattle of both sexes predominantly of white Fulani breed and some White Fulani crosses selected from two herds reared under nomadic Fulani traditional management in South Western Nigeria were used in this study. The cattle were divided into two groups (I and II) depending on the trypanocide (Isometamidium chloride Samorin)(R) or Diminazene aceturate (Berenil)(R) administered. The antigen - trapping enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine the level of trypanosomal antigen in the blood of the cattle. The presence of trypanosomes was demonstrated by light microscopy of buffy coat obtained from centrifuged blood samples some few minutes before and 5 months after treatment. The packed cell volume (PCV), serum albumin and globulin levels were determined for the pre-and post-treatment periods. The prevalence of animal trypanosomiasis in the herds surveyed was 63% - 72% Hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinaemia and low PCV values (anaemia) were observed as consistent features of the disease. Five months post-treatment with Samorin and Berenil, the prevalence dropped 10 () - 11% and the serum albumin, globulin and PCV levels were restored to normal. The differences in the pre- and post Treatment values were statistically significant (P<0.05) for all the measurements evaluated. It was discovered that Saniorin and Berenil are quite effective and beneficial as trypanocidal drugs in the traditional nomadic cattle industry despite the problems of translocation inherent in this form of cuttle management. Samorin appeared to be much more effective than Berenil because it tremendously suppressed re-infection for up to five months post-treatment whereas some iruccable level of re-infection was recorded for the Berenil treated group. The serious problem of continuity or lack of follow up treatment precipitated by the 770madic lifestyle of the Fulani herdsmen is highlighted in this study.

A total of 15 domestic rabbits divided into 3 groups of 5 animals per group were used in this study Group A animals (control) were not bled but those in groups B and C were bled to induce anaemia. Group B were left to recover by normal haemopoiesis while those in group C were treated with Hematopan B12*, a commercially prepared haematinic. The post-bleeding treatment haematologic values were obtained at given intervals (7 days) and compared with the pre-bleeding values earlier obtained. The result of this study showed that the group B animals recovered gradually by physiologic haemopoeisis while animals in group C showed accelerated recovery since these animals had a better and faster response in terms of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Thus Haematopan B12 is an effective haematinic.

An outbreak of acute coccidiosis is reported in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats kept under a semi intensive management system at the University of Ibadan farm. During the period of the outbreak, clinical signs observed among the animal included anorexia, fever, coughing, ocular and nasal discharges and diarrhoea. Sixty nine out of eighty-five (85%) animals were scouring, 6 out of 20 (30%) pregnant did abort, 8 out of 80 (10%) died through severe infection. Average oocyst counts was 2.73 x 10°/gram faeces in kids and 0.9 x 10 gram faeces in adult goats. Eimeria species predominant in goats and percentage occurrence were E. arloingi (77.5%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (62.89%), E. hirci (58.6%). E, alijevi (39.5%). Areas of glandular degeneration and necrosis of epithelium of the small intestine were seen. Also coccidia schizonts, immature oocysts, and neutrophilic infiltrations can be seen in the intestinal mucosa. The presence of pathogenic species of the Eimeria in WAD goats suggest that coccidiosis may be contributing to the enteric syndromes, poor feed conversion and low productivity

This study was aimed at determining how the infectivity of trypansome brucei could be affected by steriod administration to the local chickens. It has been shown that Nigeria domestic chickens were susceptible to Trypanosome brucei (8/18), In the course of this study the Try some brucei brucei (8/18) was found to have lost Its infectivity to the local chickens. Even steroid administration at both low (0.2mg/ml) and high (1.0inglinl) dosage and prolonged administration of the steroid could not change this occurrence. The study thus concluded that serial passage of T brucei brucei (8/18) over a time will make it loose infectivity to Nigerian domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Male infertility is one of the complications associated with diabetes mellitus. This study reported the effect of managing experimentally-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats with Cleome rutidosperma leaf extract at doses of 100 mg.kg−1, 200 mg.kg−1 or 400 mg.kg−1 for 14 days. Further deterioration or amelioration of reproductive derangement was assessed by changes in sperm morphology, sperm characteristics, and testicular histo-pathology. Andrology profile of diabetic untreated rats showed significant (P < 0.05) derangements compared to normoglycaemic rats. The profile of diabetic rats treated with the extract of C. rutidosperma, especially at the 200 mg.kg−1 dose showed a significant decrease in abnormal sperm cells, increases in sperm motility, live/ dead ratio and count compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Histopathology showed spermatogenic arrest and degeneration of Sertoli cells in the diabetic untreated rats, but was restored in the C. rutidosperma treated rats. This study showed evidence of infertility associated with diabetes and the ameliorative ability of C. rutidosperma on infertility demonstrated by improved andrological parameters. Traditional management of diabetes with C. rutidosperma leaves should therefore be encouraged in both humans and other animals, especially males with reproductive intentions.

Cobalt is a ferromagnetic metal with extensive industrial and biological applications. To assess the toxic effects of, and mechanisms involved in cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced cardio-renal dysfunctions. Male Wistar rats were exposed orally, daily through drinking water to 0 ppm (control), 150 ppm, 300 ppm, and 600 ppm of CoCl2, respectively. Following exposure, results revealed significant ( p < 0.05) rise in markers of oxidative stress, but decreased activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione content in cardiac and renal tissues. There were significant increases in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure at the 300- and 600-ppm level of CoCl2-exposed rats relative to the control. Prolongation of QT and QTc intervals was observed in CoCl2 alone treated rats. Also, there were significant increases in the heart rates, and reduction in P wave, and PR duration of rats administered CoCl2. Histopathology of the kidney revealed peritubular and periglomerular inflammation, focal glomerular necrosis following CoCl2 exposure. Further, cyclooxygenase-2 and B-cell associated protein X expressions were upregulated in the cardiac and renal tissues of CoCl2-exposed rats relative to the control. Combining all, results from this study implicated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis as pathologic mechanisms in CoCl2-induced hypertension and cardiovascular complications of rats.

The effects of oral administration of crude methanol extract of red cultivar Allium cepa (Onion) on serum cardiac troponin (cTnI) in cardiac muscle and some haematological parameters were investigated in this study. Fifty five (55) male albino rats were housed and fed with standard growers ration and water ad libitum. There were three major groups; A, B and C containing twenty five (25), twenty five (25) and five (5) rats respectively. Group C was the control group while groups A and B were sub-divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was administered with red cultivar A. cepa extract at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg for 14 days while group B rats were administered with the doses of red cultivar A. cepa for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinus for haematology and cardiac troponin-I assay, histopathological examination of the heart was also done. Haematology showed significant (p<0.05) progressive decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and there was progressive elevation of mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Dose-independent elevation of serum cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) with varying degrees of myocardial injuries was observed. This study further postulates a correlation between the A. cepa-induced anaemia and increased cTnI which may be caused by myocardial ischaemia. In conclusion, this study reported the capability of red cultivar A. cepa to induce anaemia and cause myocardial injury as expressed with statistical significant (p<0.01) increase in serum cTnI. Medicinal use of red cultivar A. cepa is therefore recommended to be limited to lower doses and for short duration to prevent the haemotoxic and cardiotoxic potentials.Keywords: Allium cepa, Cardiac troponin-I, Cardiotoxicity, Haemotoxicity, Medicinal, Red cultivar

This study evaluated the toxic changes that may accompany treatment of diabetes with Phragmanthera incana, a mistletoe species growing on two plant hosts [Cola nitida (Kolanut; PICN) and Theobroma cacao (Cocoa; PITC)]. The toxic potential of this treatment regimen was evaluated using the effect of the extracts PICN and PITC on the haematology and serum chemistry of the diabetic rats. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated with the extracts at doses of 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg or glibenclamide for 14 days. Blood samples were collected on day 15 for haematology and serum biochemistry. Haematological parameters analyzed were packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count, platelet count, lymphocytes, neutrophil, monocytes and eosinophil. Serum biochemical parameters analyzed were total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alanine phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, bilirubin and glucose. The results showed that P. incana extracts, regardless of the host plant decreased blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Although it depressed packed cell volume (PCV), it also alleviated other complications of diabetes such as liver and kidney injury, and may possess hepatoprotective effect. Key words: Phragmanthera incana, Cola nitida, Theobroma cacao, diabetes, haematology, serum biochemistry.

Evidence in both experimental and clinical studies has shown the participation of oxidative stress in the development and progression of diabetes mellitus. This study therefore, sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of methanolic extract of Phragmanthera incana leaves, a mistletoe species harvested from Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and Kolanut (Cola nitida) on FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas, liver, kidney, heart and brain in vitro. The methanolic extract was prepared with 90% methanol (v/v); subsequently, the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect of the extract on Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation in some rat tissues were determined in vitro. Incubation of the different rat tissues homogenate in the presence of Fe caused a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the tissues. However, the methanolic extracts of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from both Cocoa and Kolanut trees caused a significant decrease in the MDA contents of all the tissues tested in a dose-dependent manner. However, the extract of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from kolanut trees had a better inhibitory effect on Fe2+- induced lipid peroxidation in the rat tissues homogenates than that of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from cocoa trees. This higher inhibitory effect could be attributed to its significantly higher antioxidant properties as typified by their phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power. Therefore, oxidative stress associated with diabetes and its other complications could be potentially managed/prevented by harnessing Phragmanthera incana leaves as cheap nutraceuticals. However, Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from kolanut trees exhibited better antioxidant properties.

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg(-1) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg(-1) on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg(-1) ) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg(-1) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA-treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

Herbal medicine is undoubtedly the oldest form of medicine, with thousands of years of history behind it, but it's use in Veterinary practice is in its infancy although alternative remedies is rapidly gaining popularity for the treatment of a variety of' ailment in the human race. In Nigeria, there has been little or no documented information on herbal drugs used in Veterinary practice in the treatment of animal diseases. This study was therefore designed to investigate the extent of the use of herbal drugs amongst animal health practitioners, farmers, and pet owners. The efficacy and adverse effects of the herbal drugs used were also studied. Data were collected in two selected state of south western Nigeria from animal health personnel and Veterinary Doctors using structured questionnaires, and the results statistically analyzed using SPSS computer package. The result showed that most of the data came from Veterinary clinic age between 1 to 9 years. 87% of the people interviewed indicated that they use herbal drugs. Herbal drugs used were found to be effective in poultry, small animals, (dogs and Cat) and large animals especially ruminant. The herbal drugs used included charmade, charmil, diamuket, keel-out, livfit, livjivan, newcharm, stressroak and zerokeet. Newcharm was used for skin diseases, livjivan, used as liver tonic, stressroak used as anti-stress and immune-modulator and livftit used against aflatoxicosis. Most of them were administered orally or tropically and could be used singly or in combination with other drugs. Even when they are used in combination, no adverse drugs reactions were observed.

Lagenaria breviflora roberty is used in West Africa as traditional remedy for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhoea. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of the pulp and seed extract of L. breviflora on the contractile activity of isolated rabbit ileum. Rabbits of both sexes were used for the study and a rabbit was sacrificed for each experiment. The ileum was located and taken out into a petri dish containing Tyrode solution constantly aerated by an air pump. The organ was cut into strips of about 2cm long and mounted in an organ bath. The contractile responses were recorded on a kymograph. The maximum response (Emax), concentration producing 50% of the response (EC50) and affinity (pA2) were determined from repeated experiments conducted. Values were expressed as mean±SEM and significant differences were determined using one way ANOVA (p<0.05). The extracts caused a dose-dependent relaxation of the ileum and the relaxant effect was antagonized by prazosin and phenoxybenzamine (ß-adrenergic antagonists) with a right shift in concentration response curves (CRCs) obtained. Propranolol (ß adrenergic antagonist) caused a left shift in the CRCs obtained. Emax and EC50 for the extracts reduced, while pA2 increased. The extracts produced á-adrenergic receptor-mediated gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation which explains the rationale for the use of L. breviflora fruit for treatment of diarrhoea.Keywords: Adrenergic, Antagonists, Breviflora, Contractility, Lagenaria.

BACKGROUND:In this study, the bioactive compound in Lagenaria breviflora Roberty responsible for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities was isolated and chemically characterized.METHOD:Compounds in the whole fruit, bark, pulp and seed of L. breviflora were partitioned utilizing their various polarity in n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and ethanol. The fractions of the extract obtained were tested for their bioactivities. The fraction with the most consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities was further purified using accelerated gradient chromatography (AGC) and open column chromatography. Elution of compounds in this fraction was monitored through the different chromatography methods using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The pure compound isolated from the chromatography methods was taken for chemical characterization and elucidation of the structure.RESULTS:Ethyl acetate fraction of the whole fruit exhibited the most consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities out of the 16 fractions obtained. Purification of this fraction with AGC yielded 7 subfractions composing of eluents with similar Rf values on the TLC plate. One of the sub-fractions yielded a compound which was further purified using the open column chromatography method. Eluent obtained from this sub-fraction was renamed YO1.CONCLUSION:From the result of mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the compound, the structure of YO1 was determined as a cucurbitacin with 10á-cucurbit-5-ene skeleton (9â-methyl-19-norlanosta 5-ene) backbone structure, with six carbon atoms attached to double bonds and one hydroxyl group.

Mistletoe is collected wildly on various plants and Phragmanthera incana is noted to grow on different plant hosts. This study was designed to carry out the ethnobotanical survey, phytochemical and mineral analyses of Phragmanthera incana, a species of mistletoe growing on three plant hosts namely Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Kolanut (Cola nitida) and Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis). Mistletoe samples were identified at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Herbarium. Phragmanthera incana was screened for its phytochemical constituents and mineral cations along its hosts following standard methods and to confirm if the mistletoe species is host specific. The powdered samples of the mistletoe species (Phragmanthera incana) was used for both the phytochemical screening and the cation mineral analysis. The uses and the harvesting methods of mistletoe were also reviewed extensively in this paper.