A great number of modern medicines derived from plants are considered as important sources of medicinal agents to treat different diseases. J. tanjorensis belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, which is known for various medicinal uses. The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae and maintenance of electrolytes balance in aspirin-induced hepatotoxic condition in Wistar rats was studied. 20 Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between (180–200 g) were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. normal rat (group 1); J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae (200 mg/kg group 2); aspirin (250 mg/kg group 3); aspirin (250 mg/kg) + J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae (200 mg/kg group 4). Serum levels of the enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl−, and HCO3−) was assessed at the end of treatment which lasted twelve (12) weeks. When compared to control, J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae - treated, and aspirin+ J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae - treated groups, blood electrolyte results in aspirin-treated group indicated a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels, respectively. Treatment with J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae leaves extract resulted in normal levels of serum electrolytes (Na+, Cl−, and HCO3−). When compared to J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae, control, and aspirin + J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae -treated groups, the serum liver enzyme level was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the aspirin-treated group. When compared to the aspirin treated group, serum liver enzymes level in the J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae treated group was significantly lower (p<0.05). The relative liver weight and mean body weight in the aspirin-treated group was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae, control, and aspirin + J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae - treated groups respectively. The results suggest ethanolic leaves extract of J. tanjorensis Euphorbiaceae offered hepato-protective effect in aspirin-induced hepatotoxic condition on tissues, ameliorated both hyponatriemia and hyperkalemia effects, and maintained normal electrolytes concentration in animal models.

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 (EC 50 = 15.4 µg/mL). The leaf extract (170–510 mg/kg, p.o., LD 50 = 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 .

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.

Dysfunctional pancreatic beta cell and impaired glucose metabolism in the liver has been implicated in streptozotocin (STZ)-type 2 diabetes mellitus and this has been linked with increased oxidative stress. Whether methanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata (MEDd), a flavonoid-rich plant can ameliorate STZ- type 2 diabetes liver damage remains an issue. Hence, this study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata on STZ- type 2 diabetes mellitus in male Wistar rat. Animals were randomly selected into five groups (n=5) and were treated as follows; group 1 received distilled water (10ml/kg), Group 2 received only STZ (60mg/kg), Group 3 and 4 received STZ then 400 and 800mg/kg of MEDd respectively while Group 5 received STZ then pioglitazone (10mg/kg). Following 14 days of treatment, animals were euthanized and blood as well as spleen, liver, pancreas and kidney tissues were collected for further studies. Our results revealed that MEDd significantly reduced STZ-induced hyperglycaemia in Diabetic rats. Markers of oxidative injury (MDA, NO and GSH) were also significantly ameliorated in the pancreas and liver of the diabetic rats following treatment with MEDd. However, liver injury markers (ALT, AST and ALP) were significantly attenuated with marked decreased in organ weight in the diabetic rats after treatment with MEDd. We found that methanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata demonstrated anti-diabetogenic and hepato-protective potential by enhancing in vivo hepato-pancreatic antioxidant defence system.

Setaria megaphylla (Steud) Dur & Schinz (Poaceae), a perennial grass used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as malaria was, investigated for antioxidative stress activity in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The leaf extract (200-600 mg/kg) and fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol; 400 mg/kg) of S. megaphylla were investigated for antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective activities in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using a modified suppressive test model. Antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective potentials were assessed by determining oxidative stress markers levels, liver function indices and histopathology of liver. The extract/fractions progressively reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine-sensitive P. berghei infection with the methanol fraction exerting the highest activity. The leaf extract and fractions caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) increases in the levels of oxidative stress markers enzymes and molecules (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) and also reduced MDA level significantly (p<0.05) in the livers of the treated-infected mice. The extract/fractions treatment caused reduction in liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin. Histology of livers revealed absence or significant reductions in pathological features in the treated infected mice compared to untreated infected mice. The leaf of S. megaphylla may possess antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective effects which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.

Combination therapy is fast replacing monotherapy in the treatment of infectious diseases and Plasmodium resistance to artemisinin–based combination therapies (ACTs) is an emerging challenge. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining Artemether-Lumefantrine with crude root bark extract of Hippocratea africana, on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Forty-five albino mice which weighed 30 - 38g were grouped into five with seven mice in each. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Plasmodium berghei and kept for seven days for the parasitaemia to develop. A daily single dose of 200mg/Kg body weight of extract of H. africana was administered orally for ten days, while therapeutic dose of Artemether-lumefantrine was administered as daily single dose to the relevant groups on the last six days of treatment. A non-parasitized and parasitize untreated groups served as controls. The weights of the animals were recorded before and after treatment. The animals were sacrificed and blood obtained for determination of percentage parasitaemia and the erythrocytes count of the parasitized mice using standard methods. The results showed the mean body weight and percentage body weight changes of parasitized mice treated with combination of ACT plus H. africana not statistically different from those of non-parasitized untreated mice. Parasitized mice treated with ACT plus Extract had a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced percentage parasitaemia when compared with those treated with ACT only. Treatment with ACT plus Extract also showed a significant increase in parasite clearance (100%) when compared to mice treated with either ACT only (93.10%) or Extract only (82.15%). We concluded that combining artemether, lumefantrine and H. africana root bark extract exhibited a good therapeutic efficacy as demonstrated by body weight recovery, parasite clearance and reversion of clinical signs induced by Plasmodium berghei parasitaemia. The triple regimen was more efficacious than ACT alone, and therefore, may be a useful regimen in addressing the emerging problem of resistance of plasmodium species to standards ACTs.

Combination therapy is fast replacing monotherapy in the treatment of infectious diseases and Plasmodium resistance to artemisinin–based combination therapies (ACTs) is an emerging challenge. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining Artemether-Lumefantrine with crude root bark extract of Hippocratea africana, on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Forty-five albino mice which weighed 30 - 38g were grouped into five with seven mice in each. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Plasmodium berghei and kept for seven days for the parasitaemia to develop. A daily single dose of 200mg/Kg body weight of extract of H. africana was administered orally for ten days, while therapeutic dose of Artemether-lumefantrine was administered as daily single dose to the relevant groups on the last six days of treatment. A non-parasitized and parasitize untreated groups served as controls. The weights of the animals were recorded before and after treatment. The animals were sacrificed and blood obtained for determination of percentage parasitaemia and the erythrocytes count of the parasitized mice using standard methods. The results showed the mean body weight and percentage body weight changes of parasitized mice treated with combination of ACT plus H. africana not statistically different from those of non-parasitized untreated mice. Parasitized mice treated with ACT plus Extract had a significantly (p \u003c 0.05) reduced percentage parasitaemia when compared with those treated with ACT only. Treatment with ACT plus Extract also showed a significant increase in parasite clearance (100%) when compared to mice treated with either ACT only (93.10%) or Extract only (82.15%). We concluded that combining artemether, lumefantrine and H. africana root bark extract exhibited a good therapeutic efficacy as demonstrated by body weight recovery, parasite clearance and reversion of clinical signs induced by Plasmodium berghei parasitaemia. The triple regimen was more efficacious than ACT alone, and therefore, may be a useful regimen in addressing the emerging problem of resistance of plasmodium species to standards ACTs.

Background: Heinsia crinata(Afzel). G. Tayl. (Rubiaceae), is used in Ibibio ethnomedicine for the treatment of various diseases such as CNS disorders. The anticonvulsant activity of the leaf extract was studied. Method: The ethanol leaf extract of H. crinata (450-1350 mg/kg) was investigated for anticonvulsant activity in mice against pentylenetetrazol, aminophylline and isoniazid-induced convulsion models to assess anticonvulsant activity. Results: The extract was found to significantly (p<0.005-0.01) and dose-dependently offered protection against PTZ-, aminophylline and isoniazid-induced convulsions in mice. Conclusion: The leaf extract of H. crinata possess anticonvulsant activity and this supports its use in ethnomedicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders.

a peer-reviewed, open access online international journal which publishes original research papers. The journal welcomes submission from scholars and experts for possible publication from all over the world. The scope of the journal includes: Pharmaceutical research, chemistry and biochemistry of naturally occurring compounds, biological evaluation of crude extracts, ethnomedicine, traditional and complementary medicine, ethnopharmacology, biomedical research, Biotechnology, Evaluation of natural substances of land and sea and of plants, microbes and animals, pharmacognosy, bioavailability, clinical, pharmacological, toxicological studies and pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals, Isolation and characterization of compounds, structure elucidation, synthesis and experimental biosynthesis of natural Product as well as developments of methods in these areas are welcomed in the journal.

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.

The dried leaves of Uapaca staudtii Pax were extracted with 70% ethanol. The ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and partitioned to obtain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions. The extract and the various solvent fractions were evaluated for anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities using ethanol, indomethacin and reserpine- induced ulcer models for anti-ulcer evaluation while DPPH assay and determination of total flavonoid content were used to study the antioxidant effects. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and terpenes. Result also showed that the extracts possessed significant antiulcer and antioxidant activities compared to prototype drugs. These observed activities may be attributed to chemical compounds present in them and the study therefore justifies it use in traditional medicine.

Objective: To evaluate various antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities of Setaria megaphylla to authenticate its potential in traditional medicine.Methods: The crude ethanol extract was divided into two portions.Partitioning of one portion into n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions was carried out.The suppressive, prophylactic and curative effects of 150, 300, 450 mg/kg of the remaining extract portion were evaluated, while suppressive and curative activities were evaluated at 300 mg/kg of each of the above mentioned fractions.Artesunate and pyrimethamine at doses of 5 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg respectively were the standard drugs.Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to perform a qualitative analysis of dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions which had the highest antiplasmodial activity.Antipyretic effect of Setaria megaphylla extract was investigated using the D-amphetamine, 2,4-dinitrophenol and yeastinduced pyrexia models with ASA (100 mg/kg) as standard drug. Results:The results on the antiplasmodial and antipyretic activities revealed significant (P < 0.05-0.001)and dose-dependent effects when compared to control.It was observed that the antipyretic activity was quite comparable to the standard drug while the antiplasmodial activity was not.It was also seen that a greater proportion of the components in the fractions subjected to GC-MS were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.Conclusions: This research work on S. megaphylla extract and fractions revealed the presence of phytochemical constituents that also accounted for its observed antiplasmodial and antipyretic effects.This result justifies its usage by the Ibibio Tribe in traditional medicine to treat malaria, pains and diverse fevers.

Male adult albino rats (150 – 180g) were used for the experiment. They were randomized into six (6) groups of six (6) animals each. Food was withdrawn 24 hr and water 2 hr before the commencement of the experiment. Three models were used for this experiment (indomethacin induced ulcer, ethanol and reserpine induced ulcer). Groups 2-4 were pretreated with the extract at doses of 32.40mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg. Cimetidine was used as the standard drug. There was a progressive decline in ulcer index of the rats pre-treated with the extract. The decline was dose-dependent and statistically significant (p

Background and aim of study: Enantia chlorantha is a medicinal plant that is used all over Nigeria for treatment of malaria and other febrile illnesses. Anti-plasmodial effects of the extract and its different fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous) were tested at doses of 32.40 mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg in Chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei infected mice. The antipyretic effects were evaluated also. Experimental: Parasitized blood donor of Swiss albino mice with at least 1.0 x 107 parasitized red blood cells was used. Suppressive, prophylactic and curative models were investigated. The mean survival time was observed. Evaluation of anti-plasmodial activity of the fractions using the 4-day test was done. The effect of extract on 2, 4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)-Induced pyrexia in adult albino rats (150-180 g) was also evaluated. Results: Statistically significant dose-dependent reduction in parasitaemia was noted in all three models (p<0.001) when compared to control. The mean survival times were increased in a dosedependent manner which was statistically significant (p<0.001). N-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions exerted varying degrees of anti-plasmodial activity with methanol being the highest. The extract treated groups showed dose-dependent reduction in temperature that was statistically significant (p<0.05 – 0.001). Conclusion: The above results provide support for the traditional use of Enantia chlorantha stem bark in treating febrile illnesses such as malaria in Akwa Ibom state. This extract shows a lot of promise and is a good candidate for evaluation as a potential new drug for malaria and other febrile and inflammatory conditions.

Background: Setaria megaphylla (Steud) T. Dur and Schinz (Poaceae), is a medicinal plant used in South-South Nigeria to treat malaria, hemorrhoids, urethritis, inflammation, diabetes, fevers and various pains. [1] While some researches have been carried out to authenticate the uses of the leaves of the plant, very little research has been done on the root and no publication has been found on its root fractions. Objectives: This work is therefore designed to authenticate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the roots of Setaria megaphylla to ascertain folkloric claims of its medicinal usefulness. Methodology: The ethanol extract was also partitioned in n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol in the order listed above to obtain fractions. Qualitative data of dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions were determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The root extract (150, 300, 450 mg/kg) was investigated for analgesic activity against chemical and heat induced pains and anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan, fresh egg albumin and xylene induced edema. Results: Significant (p < 0.05 – 0.001) dose-dependent effects were observed against carrageenan, egg albumin and xylene -induced inflammation and acetic acid -induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and hot plate-induced pain in mice. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the ethanol root extract of S. megaphylla World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research SJIF Imp ct Factor 6.805 Volume 5, Issue 11, 13-33. Research Article ISSN 2277– 7105 *Corresponding Author John A. Udobang Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. Article Received on 25 Aug. 2016, Revised on 15 Sept. 2016, Accepted on 05 Oct. 2016 DOI: 10.20959/wjpr201611-7128

Enantia chlorantha is a well-known medicinal plant that is used all over Nigeria. The Ibibios of South-South Nigeria use the stem bark of this plant for the treatment of malaria, stomach upset, toothache and convulsions. Other pharmacological investigations such as anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and anti-ulcer were also carried out. The extract was evaluated at doses of 32.40 mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg. The LD50 value of 324 mg/kg showed that the extract has moderate toxicity. Saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, terpenes and alkaloids were present on phytochemical screening. The free radical scavenging ability of the extract against 1,1-Diphenyl-2 Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was assessed. Results of this study corroborate the use of the extract in febrile illnesses other inflammatory conditions. Subchronic histopathogical results of vital organs showed that the extract elicited mild cellular reaction at the doses employed.

The Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria have a great wealth of knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of wounds, skin infections and various ailments. Eleucine indica is widely used in various disease states, especially in feverish conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimicrobial potentials of whole-plant extracts of Eleucine indica. Four typed cultures of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and one clinical strain of fungi, Candida albicans, were assessed using agar well diffusion method. The extracts that exhibited antimicrobial activity were then tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for each bacterial or fungal sample. The ethyl acetate extract showed the widest zone of inhibition (25.0 mm), followed by chloroform when tested against Staphilococcus aureus. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited broadspectrum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and B. subtilis. None of the extracts showed any inhibitory effect against the fungal strain of Candida albicans. Both chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited similar potencies having MIC of 50 mg/ml against E. coli and P. aeruginosa respectively. The antibacterial activities of this plant may be ascribed, at least in part, to the presence of phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins in the extracts.

Bombax buonopozense is used in traditional medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of pains and feverish conditions. This study was orally carried out to establish the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of an aqueous stem bark extract of Bombax buonopozense in experimental animals. The analgesic activity was measured using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and water tail imgmersion tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assayed using the xylene and carrageenan-induced oedema tests, while the antipyretic activity was measured using the brewer’s yeast and 2, 4 dinitrophenol-induced pyrexia. The stem bark extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) at all doses used, was found to have significant (P<0.05) analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities. Data shows that aqueous stem bark extract of B. buonopozense possesses constituents with therapeutic potential against pains and feverish conditions, thus supporting the use of the stem bark of this plant for similar ailments in traditional medicine. Key words: Bombax buonopozense, stem bark, aqueous extract, pain, inflammation, fever.

Anticonvulsant potentials of ethanolic extract of Eleusine indica Ette Okon Ettebong, Edidiong Etukakpan, Augustine Bassey Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2016; 4(12): 965-968