Abstract Background Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical impregnated into plastic bottles which has been linked to obesity and its associated health problems, was used to induce obesity in this study. The cost and reported limitations and side effects of orthodox medications employed for weight management, have necessitated a shift in attention to medicinal plants, given their comparative advantage and the common belief amongst locals that plants are free from negative side effects. One plant that has found application for weight loss amongst the local population in Nigeria is Alchornea cordifolia which commonly grows in Africa and has been confirmed to possess numerous medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, hepaprotective, antiviral, and anti-diabetic effects. Objective To evaluate the obesity attenuation effect of Alchornea cordifolia ethanol extract (ACEE) and other associated macrovascular health risks in BPA-induced obesity rat model. Methods Thirty (30) young male Wistar rats (80–100 g) divided into five groups of six rats each, were administered BPA (50 mg/kg), once a day, p.o. for four weeks in order to induce obesity. Afterwards, obesity was confirmed using anthropometric indicators, and the animals were treated for another four weeks as follows: Group 1 (Normal control) received drug/extract reconstitution solvent, olive oil, Group 2 (obese control) received 50 mg/kg of BPA, Group 3 received a conventional anti-obesity drug, Orlistat (30 mg/kg), Group 4 received ACEE (500 mg/kg), and Group 5 received ACEE (1000 mg/kg). At the end of study, anthropometric indicators and relevant serum biochemical indicators were determined using standard procedures. Results The results obtained showed that oral BPA administration caused obesity i.e. increased body weight, Lee’s Index and waist circumference, compared to the normal control (p < 0.05). Moreover, BPA treatment was found to alter measured serum biochemical indicators, (FBG, lipid profile, liver and kidney function indicators) and the lipid regulating enzymes (pancreatic lipase and HMG-CoA reductase activities), relative to the normal control (p < 0.05). However, upon 4-week ACEE oral treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w., there was observed significant attenuation of the anthropometric indices, serum biochemical indices and lipid metabolizing enzymes studied (p < 0.05). Conclusion Together, the results obtained from this study have scientifically validated the traditional use of Alchornea cordifolia leaves in body weight control, hence suggest that the leaves may possess natural products useful in the management of obesity and its related complications.

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This study investigated the effect of ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its associated metabolic abnormalities in rats. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (Six rats each)- Normal control, Obese control, Orlistat group, A.cordifolia groups (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight). Dietary intake, anthropometric indices, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, blood glucose, hepatic and cardiac function, HMG CoA reductase activity and antioxidative properties were investigated. Intake of HFD led to significant increases in bodyweight, BMI, Lee's index, waist-circumference, liver, adipose tissue, heart weight and lipids, T.cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic index, and LDL-c, while decreasing HDL-c. Additionally, HFD consumption increased fasting and serum blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, amylase, and lipase activity, while SOD, GPx, and GSH levels were reduced, and MDA increased. Moreover, HFD increased ALT, ALP, AST, LDH and creatine kinase levels. Furthermore, HMG-CoA reductase activity decreased, and histological analysis revealed inflammation, fat accumulation, and distortion in adipose tissue architecture in the liver and adipose tissue of obese rats. A.cordifolia supplementation effectively reversed HFD-induced alterations, demonstrating weight-reducing, anti-hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, A.cordifolia possesses anti-obesity potential and may be used as a possible therapeutic alternative for obesity and its associated pathologies.

Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts are nutrient-dense Nigerian snacks associated with weight regulation. This study explores the nuts' impact on adipose tissue gene expression associated with low-grade inflammation. Ethanol whole extract (EWE), ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) and the resulting residue (RES) were orally administered once daily to MSG-induced obese rats for 6 weeks (n = 6). Afterward, the RNA synthesis of inflammation-associated genes was measured, and GC-MS ligands in the extract and fractions were docked against their protein products in silico. The study found that in obese animals, PPAR-γ and Adiponectin expressions were down-regulated, while TNF-α was up-regulated, indicating an increased low-grade inflammatory process in adipose tissue. After 6-week oral treatments with EWE, EAF and RES, PPAR-γ and Adiponectin expressions increased significantly, while TNF-α expression decreased, suggesting the modulation of obesity-induced inflammation in adipose tissue. The in silico molecular docking analysis identified four lead compounds likely responsible for the observed effect, namely 6-Isopropenyl-4,8a-dimethyl-4a,5,67,8,8a-hexahydro-1H-naphthalen-2-one, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic methyl ester (Z,Z,Z), 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid and Hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl). Of these compounds, 6-Isopropenyl-4,8a-dimethyl-4a,5,67,8,8a-hexahydro-1H-naphthalen-2-one demonstrated the strongest affinity to the binding cavities of PPARγ (-7.3 kcal/mol), Leptin (-5.2 kcal/mol), Adiponectin (-7.1 kcal/mol) and TNF-α (-6.3 kcal/mol) and was better than the standard drug, Orlistat (-6.7, -4.4, -6.8 and - 4.5 kcal/mol, respectively). The study reveals that T. conophorum nuts possess bioactive compounds/drug candidates that can exert positive modulation, at the molecular level, the low-grade inflammatory process associated with obesity, which normally facilitates the outset of complications.

Background Alchornea cordifolia is a shrub or small tree common in tropical Africa as it serves as food and traditional medicine in many local communities. The current research was carried out to determine the nutritional, phytochemical, in vitro antioxidant as well as the in vivo anti-hyperlipidemic effects of the ethanolic extracts of A.cordifolia (EEAC) leaf on experimentally induced hyperlipidemia. Methodology A total number of 30 rats comprising experimental and control animals were used in this study. Wistar rats with poloxamer-47 induced hyperlipidemia as well as control were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each viz. Normal control group (I), induced rats with 500 mg/kg of P-407 receiving distilled water only group (II) induced rats with 500 mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with Atorvastatin (ATV) at 20mg/kg body weight/day (III). Induced rats with 500mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with A.cordifolia leaves extract (AC) at 500mg/kg body weight/day (IV), induced rats with 500 mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with A.cordifolia leaves extract (AC) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day (V). The administration of all treatments was through oral gavage and the duration was 21 days. Results The proximate, phytochemical, vitamins and minerals analysis showed that A. cordifolia leaf extract is rich in Carbohydrates, protein, crude fibre Vitamins A and B with a moderate amount of Vitamins B and C, sodium, calcium, and iron. The phytochemical analyses revealed that the leaf extract of A.cordifolia has a high amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and to a lesser extent phytosteroids, coumarins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides. in vitro antioxidant analysis showed A.cordifolia demonstrated dose-dependent percentages of Apx, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The animal studies showed that A.cordifolia extract significantly reversed the complications exerted by poloxamer-407 on Wistar rats. Extract characterization by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified cyanidin-3-galactoside-5-(6-p-coumarylglucoside) (RT=37,945), 2, 3-dihydroxystearic acid (RT=21,850) and 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal (RT=18,200) as the three most abundant bioactive compounds that could be responsible for the bioactivity of the plant. Conclusion In conclusion, the ACEE can be considered a promising alternative therapeutic option for the management of hyperlipidemia owing to its antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in hyperlipidemic rats.

Background Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in plastic bottles and has been linked to obesity and its associated health problems. Due to the cost and possible side effects that are associated with the orthodox medications employed for weight management, there is a shift in attention to local medicinal plants as they are readily available and are believed to be free from negative side effects. One plant that has found application for weight loss amongst the local population in Nigeria is Alchornea cordifolia which commonly grows in Africa and has been confirmed to possess numerous medicinal properties which include; anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, hepaprotective, antiviral, and anti-diabetic effects. Objective : To investigate the effects of Alchornea cordifolia ethanol extract (ACEA) against the harmful impacts caused by BPA-induced obesity in Wistar rats. Methods ACEA was prepared and tested on BPA-induced Wistar rats. Thirty (30) young male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with six rats per group where Group 1 (Normal control) received commercial feed and water only, Group 2 (BPA) received commercial feed and 50 mg/kg of BPA, Group 3 (BPA + Orlistat (30 mg/kg), Group 4 (BPA + A.cordifolia (500 mg/kg)) ethanol extract of A.cordifolia , Group 5 (BPA + A.cordifolia (1000 mg/kg) ethanol extract of A.cordifolia . The parameters studied after obesity was induced and after treatments are; Anthropometric parameters; body weight, waist circumference, lees index and biochemical and kidney function parameters; fasting blood glucose, serum glucose, total protein, relative weight of the kidneys, serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, concentrations of sodium, chloride, and potassium, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TAG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) lipase, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and HMG-CoA reductase activity. Results Results showed that Bisphenol-A caused obesity and related complications after 4 weeks of administration as evidenced by the elevation of the anthropometric, biochemical and kidney function parameters. However, treatment with low (500 mg/kg) and high dose (1000 mg/kg) of A.cordifolia reduced the elevated levels of the anthropometric, biochemical and kidney function parameters in the Wistar rats. Conclusion The results obtained from this study demonstrates the potential of ACEA in the management of obesity and its related complications

Aims: Legumes, (especially indigenous/ underutilized legumes), have been found to make substantial contributions to nutrient intakes of the populace especially in low resources environments. The African yam bean (AYB) is one of such indigenous legumes with utilization constraints such as hard-to-cook phenomenon, beany flavour, bitter taste and some anti- nutritional factors that limit its utilization. The aims of this study were to determine effect of citric acid treatment and fermentation on the chemical composition of African yam bean (Sphenostylisstenocarpa) and sensory evaluation of its gruel. Methodology: Cream coloured AYB seeds were purchased in Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria. Sorted AYB seeds were washed and fermented in citric acid medium (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) for 24 h 48 h and 72 h at room temperature (28°C) in a seed water ratio of 1:4 (w/v). The control seeds were fermented without citric acid for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. After fermentation, each batch of the fermented seeds was divided into two. The first half was dehulled and the other half was left as whole. The fermented seeds were separately dried and milled into flour for further use. Standard methods were used for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient analyses. Gruels were produced from all the flours and subjected to sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale. Data obtained were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compute the mean and standard deviations. Means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) and significance accepted at P<.05. Results: Chemical compositions of AYB flour fermented in 0.5% citric acid solution showed that protein contents increased by 50%, dietary fibre decreased by 0.02%. Raffinose, stachyose, lectins, trypsin inhibitors, tannins, oxalates, phytates and saponins were all significantly reduced to safe levels. Gruels made from raw and dehulled AYB seeds fermented for 24 h with 0.5% citric acid had higher scores for aroma (7.30 & 7.35, respectively) and general acceptability (7.32 & 7.22, respectively). Dehulled AYB fermented for 24 h in 1% citric acid had the highest score (7.99) for colour. Based on the sensory evaluation results, gruels made from the AYB seeds fermented in 0.5% citric acid compared with the gruels made from AYB seeds that were fermented in tap water. The results showed that gruels made from the AYB seeds that were fermented in 0.5% citric acid for 24 h had higher score for aroma (7.70), colour (7.10) and overall acceptability (7.52). Utilization of AYB in food formulation could be improved by fermenting in 0.5% citric acid solution for 24 h.

This study was aimed to determine the nutritive and preservative potential of enriching Zobo drink with Moringa leaf extract. Hot water extraction of Zobo drink produced with ginger and garlic gloves was separated into four different samples M0, M10, M20 and M30. To samples M10, M20 and M30 40 g, 80 g and 120 g of Moringa leaf powder respectively, were added. Samples analyzed in triplicate for their sensory characteristics, vitamins, minerals and microbial content. Sensory evaluation showed no significant difference in flavour, colour, tartness and sweetness amongst the samples. Overall acceptability was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sample M30 (6.90±2.36) probably due to high levels of tartness. Vitamin C was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sample M30 (4.50±0.10), compared to M0 (4.00 ±0.01), M10 (4.00 ±0.02) and M20 (4.20 ±0.01) samples. Vitamin A content (mg/100 mL) of M30 (0.13±0.300) was also significantly (p<0.05) higher than values obtained for M0 (0.1 0 ±0.20), M10 (0.12 ±0.30) and M20 (0.12 ±0.10) samples. pH differed significantly (p<0.05) amongst the different samples, i.e. M0 (2.70 ±0.00), M10 (2.80±0.00), M20 (3.00±0.00) and M30 (3.20±0.00). Microbial load result revealed the presence of coliform, total viable count, total aerobic, Salmonella typhi, Aspagillus niger and Strep. Spp. which was absent in sample M0 but were present in significantly (p<0.05) higher levels in sample M30 (867.00±0.20, 982.00±0.10, 982.00±0.10, 28.00±0.10, 7.00±0.10 and 93.00±0.10 respectively). Significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of iron (1.30 ±0.12 mg/100 mL) in M30 compared with M10 (0.34±0.02), M20 (0.83±0.02) and M30 (1.30 ±0.12) and magnesium was highest in M20 (0.05 ±0.03 mg/100 mL) compared with M0 (0.00 ±0.00), M10 (0.00±0.00) and M30 (0.02±0.31) samples, In conclusion, this study has revealed that Moringa improve the nutritive and overall sensory characteristics of Zobo drink but result in a limited shelf life.

Aim: This study was designed to assess phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of methanol (Met), aqueous (Aq), and methanol-aqueous (Met:Aq) extracts of Icacina senegalensis tuber. Methodology: Phytochemical screening of the various tuber extracts was performed using standard methods. Antimicrobial testing was performed on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Peudomonas aeroginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli using the well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the extracts were determined by the tube dilution method. Results: The following phytochemicals were detected: alkaloids, phenols (all extracts), phytate, oxalate (Met), saponin (Aq), steroids, and cardiac glycosides (Met:Aq). All three extracts displayed good antibacterial activities against the test organisms. Aq had the least MIC (1.41-11.25 μg/mL) and MBC (5.63-22.5 μg/mL) against the test organisms. Similar values for Met and Met:Aq were (3.125-6.25; 12.5-50 μg/mL) and (3.125-25; 25-50 μg/mL) respectively. Therefore the antibacterial potencies of the extracts seemed to be in the order of Aq ˃ Met˃ Met:Aq. Conclusion: The bioactive (phytochemical) components of the different polar solvents extracts of Icacina senegalensis tuber possess wide spectrum antibacterial potency. Thus, a combination of these extracts in antibacterial drug formulation is an attractive option for enhanced efficacy.

DOI: 10.21276/sjmps.2017.3.11.14 Abstract: This study was designed for comparative evaluation of phytochemical, proximate, vitamins and mineral nutrient composition of leaf, stem, and root of two medicinal plantsIpomea involucrata (IP) and Milletia aboensis (MA) used for the treatment of mental illness in Southern Nigeria. Result of phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, deoxy sugars and resins in all parts of both plants while flavonoids, anthraquinones tannins, terpenes and steroids were unevenly distributed. Organic matter content of all parts of IP and MA fell within a narrow range or 90-99 %. Crude fat was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in both stem and roots than leaves of IP, whereas in MA it was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in leaves than stem and root. Crude protein content of stem and root of IP were similar and about double (and significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05)) than that of the leaves whereas for MA, similar value for leaves was significantly higher than those for stem and root. Vitamins A and E, Fe, Mg, P, Na, K, and Ca, were found in appreciable amounts in all parts of IP and MA. The result of this study has provided both phytochemical and nutritional evidence for the pharmacological roles assigned for the plants and a guide for effective combination of respective plant parts in treatment. It recommends the use of the whole plant of IP for maximum benefit.

Abstract Background: The root of Icacina senegalensis is used for the treatment of malaria and related conditions in southeastern Nigeria. Methods: To establish its efficacy, the ethanolic root bark extract was investigated as antiplasmodial agent against Plasmodium berghei in mice. A 4-day suppressive test and the curative effect against established infection models of antiplasmodial studies were used. Results: The root bark extract of I. senegalensis (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent activity against the parasite based on suppressive and curative study. The antimalarial effect of I. senegalensis is compared with that of chloroquine (10 mg/kg), the standard drug. The ethanolic root bark extract also prolonged the survival time of infected mice. Conclusions: The results showed that the root bark extract possesses a potential antiplasmodial activity, which can be exploited for the possible development of new antimalarial agent.

Enhancement of camptothecin production in Camptotheca acuminata hairy roots by overexpressing ORCA3 geneXiaoning Ni, Shiqiu Wen, Wei Wang, Xiaoyun Wang, Hui Xu, Guoyin Kai

This paper seeks to determine the nutritional composition of the seed of Icacina senegalensis (false yam), a plant found in the Yunyoo community in the northern region of Ghana. The seed in both its unprocessed and processed forms were analyzed for their proximate and mineral compositions. This was done to determine the nutrient content and the effect of processing on the nutrient composition. The results showed a general decline in the mineral concentration from the unprocessed to the processed forms of the seed. However, for the proximate composition, there was an increment in the concentration of moisture, fibre and carbohydrate while the rest of the compositions (crude protein, fat, ash as well energy) decreased in the processed seeds. There was significant difference between the nutrient content of the unprocessed and processed seeds (P<0.05) and hence, it was concluded that the mode of processing had the effect of reducing the nutritional value of Icacina senegalensis seed.

Aim of study: Stachytarpheta indica is used as herbal remedy for pains in Nigeria. Methods: To validate this claim, the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the stem bark extract were examined in mice and rats by using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion, xylene and egg albumin-induced paw oedema. While yeast and amphetamine induced pyrexia were used to study antipyretic activity in rats. LD50 of the stem bark extract was carried out to determine its safety. Results: The methanol stem bark extract of Stachytarpheta indica showed significant (p<0.05) dose dependent effect in the parameters assayed. The activity of the extract was comparable to acetylsalicylic acid and morphine respectively. The acute toxicity test was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Conclusions: It may be possible that the methanol stem bark extract of Stachytarpheta indica contains biologically active substances with potential value for the treatment of painful and feverish conditions.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of methanol leaf extract of Icacina senegalensis. METHODS:The extract was investigated for activity against early and established malaria infections using Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei at dose levels of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Chloroquine (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control. RESULTS:A dose dependent chemo-suppression of the parasites was observed at different dose levels of the extract tested with a considerable mean survival time. CONCLUSIONS:The results support further investigation on components of traditional medicines as potential new antimalarial agents.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (G. senegalensis) on gastric mucosal damage using different ulcer models. Methods: Considering the above claims, the present study was undertaken to validate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant against ethanol, water immersion and Aspirin induced ulcer models. Results: The leaf extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the ulcer index in all assays used. Conclusions: The results obtained, provide strong evidence of antiulcer activity of the leaf extract of G. senegalensis and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of ulcer.

Objective: To investigate the antimalarial activity of ethanol extract of Aspilia africana (A. aft-learnt) leaf. Methods: The ethanol extract of A. africana leaf (100-400 mg/kg) was screened for blood schizonticidal effect against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) in mice both in early and established models of antimalarial studies. Results: The leaf extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) antiplasmodial activity in 4 day early infection and in established infection tests with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of standard drug, chloroquine (10 mg/kg). Conclusions: The findings show that ethanol extract of A. africana leaf possesses potent antiplasmodial activity which justify the use in ethnomedicine and can be developed in malaria therapy.

This study evaluated the effect of co-administration of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) and Azadirachta indica Linn.(AI) on haemapoietic and immunological indices of normal and diabetic rats. White blood cells which were non-significantly decreased (p>0.05) in diabetic control rats relative to the normal control, respectively increased and decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) upon administration of the combined extracts of VA and AI to diabetic and non-diabetic test rats. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin content and red cell count as well as its derived factors (mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration) of both diabetic and non-diabetic rats were not affected by the treatment, relative to their respective controls. As compared to insulin treatment, the combined extracts significantly increased (p<0.05) mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of diabetic rats. Platelets number which was non-significantly lower (p>0.05) in diabetic control rats as compared to non-diabetic control was further decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) upon administration of the combined extracts and insulin. Diabetes induction significantly increased CD4+ count (p<0.05) as compared to the normal control. This was however decreased significantly (p<0.05) upon treatment with the combined extracts and insulin. The combined extract similarly decreased CD4+ counts in normal test rats as compared to the normal control. Combined extracts of VA and AI is non-haematotoxic and may possess some anti-inflammatory properties when used as a management against diabetes mellitus.