Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of kidney disease of all forms while dietary factors have been consistently found to regulate inflammation. The incidence of kidney disease has been on the rise in Ghana in recent years and some hypothesis have emerged suggesting the influence of dietary transition from the typical Ghanaian diet which is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains (anti-inflammatory diet) to a more westernized diet high in saturated fats and simple sugars (pro-inflammatory diet) could be implicated in this public health trend. This study highlights the association between dietary inflammatory potential and chronic kidney disease among patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. The study utilized a retrospective case-control method involving 100 participants with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the case group and 100 participants in the control (non-CKD), determined using the Cochrane formula between August 2022 and October 2022. A structured WHO/FAO food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was adopted and employed to collect data on the dietary patterns of the study participants. The construction of the dietary inflammatory index scores was employed using methods described in other studies. Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score was calculated using 29 dietary parameters derived from the FFQ and total scores were classified into five quintiles. The results of this study revealed that 20% of all the participants had DII score in the 5th quintile (Highly pro-inflammatory diet). A significantly higher number of participants with CKD (31%) had 5th Quintile scores of DII compared to 9% of the control (non-CKD). The study also revealed that the odds of CKD in participants increased with increasing DII quintiles; odds of the 3rd Quintile (1.23 to 2.82) was [OR = 2.98(1.14-7.79)], 4th Quintile (2.83 to 4.45) [OR = 5.17(1.95, 13.70)] and 5th Quintile (4.46 to 6.12) [OR = 6.54(13.16, 32.40]. This study concluded that the DII score of the diet of participants had a significant relationship with the odds or association with CKD.

Lannea velutina and Lannea welwitschii are used in Ghanaian traditional medicine to treat wounds and diabetes among other uses, yet their bioactive profiles and safety remain poorly understood. Methanol and hydroethanol root and stem bark extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, quantitative determination of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content, antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Heavy metal content, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic profiles were also investigated. The extracts exhibited high levels of flavonoids (52.45 ± 5.05 mg/g QE), phenolics (260.22 ± 1.45 mg/g GAE), and tannins (21.97 ± 0.53 mg/g), particularly in the methanolic stem bark. Strong antioxidant activity was demonstrated by DPPH (EC50 = 0.63 ± 0.01 mg/mL), FRAP (2.37 ± 0.06 AU), and TAC (860.34 ± 1.22 mg GAE/g extract), confirming the extracts’ strong reducing power and antioxidant capacity. All analysed heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb) were below detection limits in all extracts, suggesting an acceptable safety profile for the sampled material. L. velutina and L. welwitschii extracts are rich in natural antioxidants and were free of hazardous heavy metals in the samples analysed, providing preliminary scientific evidence that may support their ethnomedicinal relevance and warranting further pharmacological and toxicological investigation.

Background Lannea velutina and Lannea welwitschii are used for the treatment of wounds and diabetes, respectively, in Ghanaian traditional medicine, besides other uses, yet their bioactive profiles and safety remain poorly understood. Methods This study analyzed root and stem bark extracts (methanol and hydroethanol) for phytoconstituents, antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, TAC assays), heavy metal concentration, and FTIR spectroscopic markers. Results The extracts exhibited high levels of flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, particularly in the methanolic stem bark. Strong antioxidant activity was evident, with DPPH EC 50 values as low as 0.63 mg/mL and FRAP and TAC results confirming reducing power and capacity. All analyzed heavy metals were below detection limits, confirming safety. Conclusion Lannea velutina and Lannea welwitschii extracts are rich in natural antioxidants and were free of hazardous heavy metals in the samples analyzed, supporting their traditional therapeutic use and potential for further product development.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), commonly diagnosed through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), is a widespread pregnancy complication. This study addresses the gap in research on micronutrients and haemato-biochemical factors in GDM in Ghana, exploring these parameters as predictors among pregnant women. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, 180 pregnant women, comprising 130 with gestational diabetes and 50 without (controls), were investigated at Tamale and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. Socio-demographics, anthropometrics, and nutrition data were gathered through a questionnaire; blood samples were analysed for hemato-biochemical parameters and micronutrients. Statistical analysis employed SPSS version 26.0 and R with P < 0.05. Results: This study found ‘dawadawa’ intake (aOR = 7.41, 95% CI: (2.40-22.89); p = 0.001), Zinc intake (aOR = 3.57, 95% CI: (1.95-6.53); p < 0.0001) and increasing platelet count (aOR = 1.12, 95%, p = 0.009) independently predict GDM. However, late gestational age of 36-41 weeks, intake of only iron (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: (0.00-0.15); p < 0.0001) and liver intake (aOR = 0.23, 95% CI: (0.09-0.60); p = 0.001) independently decreased the chances of GDM by 80%, 98% and 77% respectively. In addition, chromium supplementation independently decreased GDM. A significant positive weak correlation was observed between red blood cell count (r = 0.196, p = 0.025) and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: The current findings emphasize the need for effective strategies with a call for midwives to provide education and advocate dietary and behavioural adjustments for pregnant women.

Medicinal plants have become the option for management of liver diseases because of their availability, cost effectiveness and lesser side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs. Various parts of plants including roots, leaves, stem, bark and seed have been reportedly used to treat liver diseases including jaundice, hepatitis, hepatosteatosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatobillary disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma. Phytochemicals exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of acidic polyhydroxyl groups in the phenols. These hydroxyl groups quench free radicals from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur reactive species thereby inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrogenic processes. The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity properties of medicinal plants for the purpose of selecting more efficacious raw materials for herbal products. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts of 13 medicinal plants were test for level of total phenols, flavonoids, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reducing potential, ferric reducing (FRAP), total antioxidant binding capacity (ABTS), red cell antihemolysis assay and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity. Except for DPPH scavenging activity, there was significance of difference between the methanolic and ethanolic extracts, total phenols (p = 0.03), flavonoids (p = 0.024), FRAP (p = 0.02), ABTS (p = 0.00) and red cell hemolysis (p = 0.010). There was correlation between phytochemicals, phenols and flavonoids and antioxidant markers, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and red cell hemolysis (p < 0.05). Syzygium aromaticum, Curcuma longa, Taraxacum officinalis and Moringa oleifera exhibited the highest inhibitory anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The study indicates that, phytochemical, antioxidant and inflammatory properties varied with the kind of plant, concentration of extract, extractant and polyphenol content. These properties should be evaluated in selecting materials for drug formulation.

Introduction: Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot), belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, ranks among the top ten vegetables with the highest antioxidant content. It has unique phytochemicals that provide numerous therapeutic advantages. This study utilised freeze-dried beetroot leaves, stalks and bulbs powder, intending to comparatively assess their proximate and mineral content, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and heavy metal content. Method: Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test and Student's t-test at 95 % confidence level. The Coefficient of variation (CV%) was also calculated. All data was presented as meanfstandard deviation. Results: freeze-dried beetroot leaves powder had the highest protein (27.33 f 0.02 %), total phenol 10.058 f 0.037 mg/g FW,: CV = 0.37 %), total carotenoid (13.642 f 0.144 mu g/mL: CV= 1.05 %), beta-carotenoids (4.593 f 0.161 mu g/ml: CV= 3.51 %), vitamin C (40.41 f 0.34 mgAAE/100 g), calcium (15,364 f 80 mg/kg) and magnesium 3744 f 48 mg/kg, while the stalk showed the greatest moisture (7.19 f 0.09 %), fibre (18.54 f 0.15 %), iron (54.9 f 3.1) and potassium (76,362.7 f 283.9 mg/kg). The bulb powder was rich in carbohydrates (66.56 f 0.12 %), total flavonoids (0.042 f 0.000 mg/g FW: CV 0.00 %), phosphorus (5710 f 65.4 mg/kg) and sodium (88.8 f 3.2 mg/kg). Phytochemicals such as flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were present in all the parts. Freeze-dried beetroot leaves, stalk and bulb powders had varied nutritional and phytochemical contents with undetectable lead, cadmium, and mercury levels. Conclusion: This study's results indicate that beetroots should be consumed whole to maximize their nutritional benefits for optimal health. The findings underscore the need for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products that utilize the whole beetroot plant to enhance nutritional value and economic potential.

Background: Kidney diseases remain a significant global health challenge, prompting researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for treating various ailments, including renal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides leaves (ESE) on kidney damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in a rat model. Methods: Haematological and biochemical indicators were used to evaluate the nephroprotective efficacy. Rat kidney homogenates were used to assess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. The histological data was used to evaluate the amount of kidney injury. Results: Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression increases brought on by CCl4 insult were dramatically and dose-dependently inhibited by ESE treatment. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation of kidney tissue brought the concentration of defensive antioxidant enzymes to near-normal levels. The beneficial activities of ESE on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity damage were validated by histopathological analysis of the kidney; the maximum percentage of liver protection was observed when ESE was induced at a dosage of 500 mg/kg b.wt. Conclusion: According to the findings, ESE protects the kidneys against CCl4-induced toxicity through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. This response possibly may be due to the presence of phytochemicals.

The incidence of hepatic diseases is on the increase worldwide despite recent advances in modern medicine and search for alternative therapy. This work evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of Duranta erecta leaves (DRL) and ripe fruit (DRR) extracts on subacute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental animal models. Liver injury was induced in experimental animals by administering CCl4 (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks) after pretreatment with 250 mg/kg DRL, DRR, and 120 mg/kg silymarin orally (daily for 8 weeks). The effect of treatment on haematological parameters, biochemical markers, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), liver oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-17, IL-23, nuclear factor kappa beta [NF-kB], and cycloxygenase-2 [COX-2]), as well as liver histology were evaluated. CCl4 administration resulted in significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, TBil, and AFP compared with normal. Pretreatment with the extracts, particularly, ripe fruits of D. erecta restored these to normal levels comparable to silymarin. Histopathological findings of the liver were also found to be lessened. Similarly, DRR treatment reduced the expression of NF-kB indicating its anti-inflammatory activity. The results of this study suggest that hydroethanolic D. erecta ripe fruit extract possesses subacute protective effect by suppressing the activation of NF-kB pathway.

Iron deficiency anaemia is a significant public health issue among adolescent girls in developing countries, including Ghana, largely due to their consumption of monotonous plant‐based diets that have low bioavailable iron. Yet, nutrition interventions for iron deficiency anaemia prevention and control focus less on adolescent girls. This study is therefore aimed at developing and assessing the nutritional composition and acceptability of pearl millet instant beverage powder enriched with vitamin C–rich baobab pulp as a food‐to‐food fortification strategy to enhance the bioavailability of iron to adolescent girls in Ghana. The pearl millet beverage powder was mixed with baobab pulp in the ratios of 100:0, 100:10, 100:15, and 100:20 ( w / w ) and subjected to sensory evaluation by adolescent girls. The proximate, mineral, and phytochemical contents, as well as the microbiological quality of the most preferred formulation, which had a 100:15 ratio of pearl millet powder and baobab pulp, were evaluated using standard methods. The fortified powder was found to be rich in protein (13.90 g/100 g), iron (18.91 mg/100 g), vitamin C (27.70 mg/100 g), and other essential nutrients. A 350 mL serving of beverage made from 69 g of the most preferred fortified powder, which contains 13% of baobab pulp, can provide up to 23%, 96%, and 30.4% of the average recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein, iron, and vitamin C for adolescent girls, respectively. In conclusion, the fortified powder with a 100:15 ratio of pearl millet beverage powder and baobab pulp is highly preferred and could serve as a potential source of bioavailable iron for adolescent girls.

The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the hydroethanolic (HSE) and methanolic extracts (MSE) of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The stem bark of P. laxiflora was extracted with 50% ethanol and methanol. Hepatoprotective activities were assessed using the CCl4 model and tested against extracts at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg bwt. Biochemical, antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines in liver homogenate were assayed. Treatment with HSE and MSE resulted in a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels in livers of CCl4 treated rats. There was also restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines to near-normal levels. The present investigation suggests P. laxiflora extracts possess good hepatoprotective properties. This could be attributed in part to the inhibitory effect of the extracts on oxidative stress and the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Herbal teas are ingested for various purposes and by diverse populations across the globe. There is a growing recognition among individuals of the advantages associated with the use of this beverage, leading to a heightened demand for the manufacture of herbal tea derived from therapeutic plants. Spices on the other hand add flavour to food but could pose harm if it is high in phytates and oxalates. The objective of this study was to develop natural spices and herbal tea with health beneficial properties using Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum berries. Herbal tea samples from S. nigrum were prepared by sorting berries, maceration, divided into two (fermenting at 18 °C and non-fermenting) and dried at 60 °C for 12 h in a hot oven. Spices from S. torvum and S. nigrum were prepared by removing the berries from the stalk, freeze-drying and smooth milling into fine powder. In addition, antinutrient, phytochemical and sensory evaluation studies were conducted on these spices and herbal teas. A nine-point hedonic scale was utilized for the purpose of conducting a consumer acceptability sensory evaluation test using 101 untrained panelists. Data was then analyzed by t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the level of significance (p < 0.05) was assessed using Tukey's and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. The panellists expressed a favourable perception towards Solanum nigrum unripe unfermented green herbal tea (6.65 ± 2.08) as compared to the other formulated teas due to the components working together in a way that produces a nice tea sample. Both Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum spices contained various levels of catechins, saponins, flavonoids, oxalates, phytates and tannins comparable to literature. The herbal tea samples exhibited a range of catechin content, varying from 0.255 to 0.756 mg/g. The antioxidant activity of the various herbal tea samples ranged from 66.37 ± 0.24 to 78.53 ± 0.18 µg/mL GAE as determined by the DPPH free radical assay Fermented black herbal teas recorded higher total phenols (2.80 ± 0.09), total flavonoids (21.84 ± 1.84) and showed greater antioxidant activity (78.53 ± 0.18) as compared to the unfermented green herbal teas. The process of fermentation resulted in a decrease in pH from 7.22 to 6.53 within a period of 12 h. The Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) grew as the fermentation period progressed, whereas the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) decreased. Phytates were the least antinutrients among the two Solanum species accounting for 0.02 mg/100 g and 0.03 mg/100 g in S. torvum berries (STBs) and (S. nigrum berries) SNBs respectively.

ABSTRACTBackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains a global public health problem, which affects the well‐being of mothers and their children in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies conducted in different geographical areas provide varied results on its prevalence and predictors. Understanding the extent and predictors of GDM in SSA is important for developing effective interventions and policies. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the prevalence of GDM and its predictive factors in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWe followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) standards in this review. An extensive search of the PubMed, Web of Sciences and EMBASE databases was carried out covering papers from 2012 to 2022 to assess the prevalence and predictors of GDM. Microsoft Excel 2019 was utilised for study management. GraphPad Prism Version 8.0 and the MedCalc statistical software were employed for data analysis. The findings were analysed using textual descriptions, tables, forest plots and heat maps.ResultsUsing 30 studies with 23,760 participants that satisfied the inclusion criteria, the review found the overall prevalence of GDM in SSA to be 3.05% (1.85%–4.54%). History of preterm delivery, alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, history of stillbirths, history of macrosomia, overweight or obesity and advanced mother age were all significant predictors of gestational diabetes. Additionally, various biomarkers such as haemoglobin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, vitamin D, triglycerides and dietary intake type were identified as significant predictors of GDM.ConclusionIn sub‐Saharan Africa, there is a high pooled prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus. In the light of the predictors of GDM identified in this review, it is strongly recommended to implement early screening for women at risk of developing gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. This proactive approach is essential for enhancing the overall well‐being of both mothers and children.

The research focused on analyzing the antioxidant and nutritional properties of Solanum torvum leaves (STL) and berries (STF), as well as Solanum nigrum leaves (SNL) and berries (SNF). The study examined the basic nutritional composition, mineral content, metal presence, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capabilities of both plant species. Wild-harvested leaves and unripe berries of S. torvum and S. nigrum were cooked and ground for testing. Statistical analysis included the Student's T-test and calculations of mean ± SEM. Findings revealed that both species of Solanum are sources of dietary fibre, protein, and fats, along with essential minerals like sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in different amounts. Notably, the leaves had higher iron content than the berries, indicating their potential superiority in addressing Iron Deficiency Anaemia. Antioxidant activity was highest in STF (61.34±1.05 mg/mL) for water-based extracts and SNL (42.86±1.49 mg/mL) for alcohol-based extracts, highlighting the impact of solvent choice on antioxidant measurement. STL exhibited the greatest phenolic concentration in water extracts, while STF had the highest in alcohol extracts (15.88±0.87 mg/g GAE). Additionally, palmitic acid was identified in SNL and STL, oleic acid (97.03 %, retention time: 10.00 min) in SNB, and Sitosterol (94.93 %, retention time: 26.82 min), a type of phytosterol, in STB. Considering the role of antioxidants in preventing lipid oxidation in food and their contribution to combating degenerative diseases, the study advocates for the potential use of these Solanum species as natural food additives to protect against oxidative damage.

Background and Objective: Hepatic disorders are conditions that affect the structure or function of the human liver.Causes include microbes and their toxins, ionizing radiations and abuse of drugs.Medicinal plant products have been an alternative for the management of these diseases due to the expensive, unavailability and harmful side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.The aim of this study was to determine whether plant species used in preparing herbal medicinal products for treatment of liver diseases have reported hepatoprotective activity.Materials and Methods: A field survey was conducted using information from television, radio and market vans to identify the medicines and purchase them from the herbal shops.The plant species and parts used in manufacturing were extracted from the product insert and the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council logbook.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) instrument was adopted in conducting the review.A search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed and Elsevier databases on hepatoprotection activity of the plant species.Results: In all, 175 articles met the criteria for the quantitative synthesis and were used for the review.For the plants, 56 species were used by 20 manufacturing companies in producing 25 herbal medicinal products.Khaya senegalensis was the most predominant plant species (9/25, 36.0%products).In terms of parts, leaves (40/56,71.4% of plant species) were the most prevalent part used.On databases, 41/56 (73.2%) plant species had hepatoprotective activity while 15 (26.8%) had no data for hepatoprotective activity.Crataegus oxyacantha was the plant species with the most parts reported parts (7 different parts).Moringa oleifera was most extracted (7 different solvents) and most tested against hepatotoxicity induced with 20 different toxicants.Conclusion: There is sufficient scientific data on the hepatotoxicity activity of plant species used for herbal formulations against liver disorders.Practitioners and Researchers should focus on isolation and testing of the active phytochemicals.

Kidney injury is a health problem that results in organ failure, subsequent dysregulation of body’s electrolytes and volume, and abnormal retention of nitrogenous waste. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective activity of Dialium guineense aqueous extract against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Damage in Rats. Kidney damage was induced in animals through intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg per day, (i.p.), on the 3rd day while oral administration of aqueous extract of Dialium guineense fruit pulp (ADF) at 100 mg/kg b.wt., 250 mg/kg b.wt, and 500 mg/kg b.wt. and Silymarin (at 100 mg/kg) was for seven consecutive days (Day 1 to Day 7). The nephroprotective potential was determined by measuring organ weight changes, serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea), body electrolytes (Na, K, and Cl), and histopathological observations. The extracts had alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. Rats treated with cisplatin showed significant increases in relative organ weights, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea levels. However, no significant difference was observed in body electrolytes after cisplatin induction or co-treatment with extract. Co-treatment with ADF at all doses, especially 100 mg/kg b.wt., significantly reversed these biomarkers to near-normal levels. Histopathological examination of the kidney confirmed the protective effects of ADF against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity damage, with ADF at 100 mg/kg b.wt showing the highest percentage nephroprotection. The results indicate that the aqueous extract of Dialium guineense fruit pulp has nephroprotective properties against cisplatin, which may be partly due to the phytochemicals present in the extract.

Background and Objective: Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are both tropical medicinal plants used for the treatment and management of numerous ailments including diabetes.This study sought to evaluate the antidiabetic potential and efficacy, antioxidant and safety profile of the plants and combined extracts of the Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides.Materials and Methods: The combined (Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) and separate plant parts were extracted with different solvents.Phytochemical analysis, radical scavenging activity and heavy metal content assessments were conducted.The antidiabetic potential of the extracts was further evaluated in vivo by employing the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in 21 Wistar rats.The safety profile of the extracts was evaluated by assessing the effect of the extracts on the percentage change in body weights, hematological parameters and biochemical parameters as well.One-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test was used at p<0.05.Results: Alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and tannins were present in aqueous extracts.The combined aqueous extract showed better radical scavenging activity.In a glucose tolerance test on rats, the combined extract demonstrated the most effective glucose reduction (from 6.83-4.60 mmol LG 1 ).Combined extract also had better antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects compared to individual extracts.Conclusion: All extracts were safe concerning hematological and biochemical parameters.Combined extracts showed better therapeutic potential compared to the individual extracts.

Pericopsis laxiflora is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous, especially in the tropical and savannah regions. It can be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, skin diseases, and jaundice. The present study investigated the protective effect of 50% hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark in lead-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The development of liver injury has become a global issue and their treatment and management mostly result in more economic problems, especially in the African population.The stem bark of P. laxiflora was processed and 50 % hydroethanolic extract (HSE) was prepared. HSE was subjected to sequential fractionation with organic solvents: chloroform (CFHSE), ethyl acetate (EFHSE), and methanol (MFHSE), to obtain respective fractions. The residue was designated as aqueous fraction (AFHSE). Hepatoprotective activities of HSE and fractions (at 250 mg/kg) and Silymarin were assessed using the lead (as lead acetate; 50 mg/kg, i.p.). Body and organ weight changes, biochemical, hematological profile, oxidative stress parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) in liver homogenate were measured. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed. Treatment with HSE and fractions resulted in a significant increase in relative organ weights, GSH, CAT, SOD, and levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels against Pb, as well as the restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) to near-normal levels. Biochemical data were corroborated by histological observations, with MFHSE recording the highest percentage of liver protection. The present investigation suggests that HSE possesses remarkable hepatoprotective properties and this can be attributed to the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Introduction : Liver and kidney disorders are of substantial concern in global health, posing significant challenges due to the unwanted side effects often associated with conventional treatment drugs. The exploration of natural antioxidants for their management has garnered attention due to the potential for fewer side effects. This study focuses on the protective effects of Amaranthus cruentus hydroethanolic leaf extract (HE) against lead -induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats, aiming to provide a safer alternative in managing these conditions. Methods : The study embarked on a comprehensive assessment involving phytochemistry, heavy metal analysis, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract. Lead -induced hepatorenal toxicity was established in rats through intraperitoneal injection at 25mg/kg body weight. Following this, oral treatments were administered at varied dosages of 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg, and 500mg/kg body weight respectively. Evaluations were made using hematological, biochemical, inflammatory indices, and histological assessments to determine the extract's protective efficacy. Results : The phytochemical analysis revealed a rich presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. Also detected were heavy metals including Fe, Cd, Pb, and Ni. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the DPPH percentage inhibition was noted at 72.4 +/- 0.002. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified at 1832.88 +/- 11.96 mg GAE/100g and 196.47 +/- 1.23 mg QE/g, respectively. The HRBC membrane stabilization exhibited a range between 64.4 - 74.7%, compared to the standard drug, diclofenac sodium, which ranged between 63.9 - 84.02%. Significant restoration was observed in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, urea, and creatinine. Furthermore, the NLR and PLR levels were significantly reduced. Histopathological examinations also disclosed significant alleviation in liver and kidney damage. Conclusion : The investigation highlights the considerable potential of using natural antioxidants from food crops like Amaranthus cruentus in managing liver and kidney disorders. The study demonstrated that the hydroethanolic leaf extract could significantly mitigate lead -induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats, showcasing an effective restoration of biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters. This suggests that the extract offers a promising alternative with minimal to no side effects, meriting further exploration for clinical application in liver and kidney disease

Background: Heavy metals such as lead are considered a toxicant that can cause multiple organ complications including cancer, liver disease, renal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive diseases. In pursuit of a low-cost and easily accessible antidote, this research examined the role of Pericopsis laxiflora extract in acute lead poisoning in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Liver damage was caused in animal studies by inducing lead acetate (50 mg/kg daily, intraperitoneally (i.p.), 7 days following treatment of rats with hydroethanolic stem bark extract (HSE) and methanolic stem bark extract (MSE) and Silymarin orally for one week. The study assessed the liver protective effects of extracts containing alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins by evaluating changes in body and organ weights, serum biochemical markers, antioxidative and oxidative stress biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological findings. Results: Rats exposed to Pb(Ac)2 exhibited significant alterations in various parameters, and co-treatment with HSE or MSE effectively normalized these biomarkers. Histopathological analysis confirmed the protective impact of HSE and MSE against Pb(Ac)2-induced liver damage, with HSE demonstrating the highest level of liver protection. Conclusion: These findings indicate that hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties against Pb(Ac)2-induced toxicity and may be explored as potential agents for drug-induced liver diseases. Keywords: Antioxidant; Hepatotoxicity; Histopathology; Inflammation; Pericopsis laxiflora