Recent researches suggests magnesium as an adjuvant medication for COVID 19 patients. Magnesium relaxes skeletal muscles, an effect when prolonged in intestinal smooth muscles can cause severe discomfort such as bloating, vomiting, constipation and nausea. The objectives of this study was to ascertain if magnesium will cause relaxation of the intestinal (ileum) smooth muscles as it does in skeletal muscles. Also, this research seeks to find out the receptor pathway through which magnesium will alter motility in the gut using acetylcholine, atropine and propranolol. Ten male albino wistar rats (100-150 g) were randomly assigned into two groups (control and magnesium treated) (n = 5). Animals were acclimatized for two weeks before treatment which lasted for 6 weeks. Magnesium treated animals received oral magnesium glycinate (1600 mg/70 kg) daily while control group receive normal saline of equal volume. All animals had free access to food and water ad libitum. Results were analyzed at statistical level of P < 0.05. Body weight changes, food and water intake were not statistically significant. Basal contractions of ileum in magnesium treated group were significantly lower compared to control group. Propranolol significantly increased the percentage relaxation in magnesium treated group compared to the control. Atropine significantly decrease the percentage relaxation in magnesium treated group compared to the control. Higher doses of acetylcholine (10-5 and 10-4) increased the contractions in magnesium treated group. Conclusively, magnesium decreases motility of the intestine through beta adrenergic receptor pathway. Intake of magnesium for long period should be closely monitored to avoid the discomforting symptoms earlier stated.

The illicit use of Cannabis in Nigeria is on the increase within the last 10 years and has been implicated as one of the causes of fertility disorder among young men in Nigeria. Hence, this study aimed to ascertain the reproductive impact of n-hexane extract of Cannabis sativa on male Wistar rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were assigned into three groups of five animals each. The first group served as control, second (low dose), and third (high dose) were fed with n-hexane extract of C. Sativa at doses of 0.75 mg/100 g and 1.5 mg/100 g body weight respectively for 28 days. The administration was done via orogastric. The results revealed the mean serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) concentration in LD and HD was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in control. LH was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in both LD and HD compared to control. There was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in LD and HD compared to control. Testosterone was significantly elevated in HD (p < 0.05) compared to control. Testicular reduced glutathione and Superoxide dismutase were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in fed rats compared to control. Testicular catalase and Malondialdehyde were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in HD compared to control. Non-motile sperm count showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in fed rats compared to control. Total sperm count was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in fed rats than in control. There were significant (p < 0.001) increased spermatozoa with abnormal morphology in treated groups compared to control. HDL cholesterol was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in HD compared to control. The atherogenic index was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the group fed with 1.5 mg/kg compared to the control. Furthermore, total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL-c, and LDL-c did not reveal any significant difference statistically. Histological examination of testes and epididymis of fed rats showed an empty cavity with a reduction in spermatogenesis. This study suggests that n-hexane extract of C. Sativa had more effects on the gonads compared to the higher centres and its ingestion in whatever form could impair male reproductive function.

There have been conflicting reports on the impact of Cannabis sativa impact on reproductive function. Hence this study was aimed to ascertain the impact of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) binding affinity on human androgen receptor (AR) via computational molecular dynamic simulation. The human AR coordinate in this study is derived from human AR in complex with the ligand metribolone (R18) (PBD ID: 1E3G) template using (MODELER version. 9.15). CBD (PubChem CID: 644019), and THC (PubChem CID: 16078) 2D structures were retrieved from PubChem and docked (Autodock-Vina inbuilt in PyMol into the active site of human AR using the coordinates of the co-crystalized ligand (R18). All atomic representations in this study were created using visual molecular dynamics (VMD) tools. The result revealed that neither CBD nor THC bear significant 2D similarity with R18. Despite the diversity within the chemical space, both CBD and THC poses bond flexibility required to bind avidly to AR with the docking scores comparable to R18. In fully bound state, the three compounds engage the AR pocket hydrophobic residues such as L701, L704, and L707, and aromatic residues such as F764. Polar contacts with T877 observed in R18 bound state is avoided in the THC and CBD bound states. Moreso, the results revealed that CBD has lesser binding energy compared to THC and R18 compound which serves as standard. This study hypothesized that CBD and THC binds complimentarily to the pocket AR, indicating a likely inhibition of reproductive function and prostate cancer progression.

Abstract Context Deleterious effects of diabetes on seminal quality, serum metals and antioxidants have been confirmed. Objective This study evaluated the effect of combined calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and E supplementation on seminal parameters, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), calcium and magnesium in fructose-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Thirty rats were grouped into non-diabetic controls, diabetic controls, diabetic rats given vitamin E + C, calcium + magnesium and vitamin E + C + calcium + magnesium. The analytes were evaluated using standard methods. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results The diabetic controls had significantly higher MDA (p = .036) but lower (p = .0001) TAC, calcium, magnesium, sperm count, and %motility than the non-diabetic controls. The Vitamin C + E group showed the greatest improvement as they had the highest values of seminal parameters compared to other supplemented groups. Conclusion Combined Vitamin C + E supplementation may provide better ameliorative benefits than a combination of Vitamin C, E, calcium and magnesium in diabetics.

The study was aimed at investigating the effect of kolaviron on thromboxane-A2 activity, lipid peroxidation and Haematological parameters in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Twenty male Wistar rats were selected into four groups of five animals each. Group 1 was control fed on standard rat chow. Group 2 received a single dose of 60mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin intrperitoneally. Group 3, injected with STZ and treated with 100mg/kg body weight of Kolaviron. Group 4 received 100mg/kg body weight of Kolaviron.Treatment lasted for four weeks.Results obtained showed that blood glucose level was significantly (p<0.01) reduced in the diabetic treated. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase level in the diabetics untreated was significantly (p<0.01)reduced, Lactate dehydrogenase was tremendously (p<0,01) raised in the diabetics but decreased in the kolaviron treated.COX-1 and thromboxane A2 expression was significantly (p<0.05) increased in diabetics untreated, lowered in KV treatment. Malondialdehyde level was significantly(p<0.01)high in Dm, reduced in Kv treatment, SOD and catalase were increased in treatment groups but reduced upon treatment. Red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin were not different in all the groups, HCT was higher in the diabetic treated when compared with control. WBC and lymphocytes were significantly (p<0.01) reduced in the diabetic group, but elevated in the KV treated goups.platelets count and neutrophils were Significantly(p<0.01) increased in the diabetics when compare to control but decreased upon treatment.

The effect of aqueous extract of S pondias mombin leaves extract on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in alloxan induced diabetes was studied. Forty male albino Wistar rats (100-150 g body weight) were used. The rats were randomly selected into four groups containing 10 rats each. Group 1 was the control group and it was placed on normal rat chow. Group 2 was the S pondias mombin (spm) group placed on normal rat chow and given 250 mg/kg extract orally. Group 3 was the alloxan-induced diabetic (150 mg/kg) group (DM) and Group 4 was the diabetic group treated with 250 mg/kg extracts (Dm+spm). At the end of 30 days blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and used for biochemical analysis. Results obtained revealed that blood glucose level in group 3 (Dm) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than control but the administration of Spondias mombin leaves extract significantly reduced the blood glucose level (p<0.05). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly raised in the diabetic group while High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Treatment with extract decreased TC, TG, LDL but significantly increased the HDL level (p<0.05). Lipid peroxidation was increased in the diabetic group and treatment with extract significantly reduced (p<0.05) the level of lipid peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased significantly in the diabetic group. Administration of extracts increased the antioxidant enzymes activities. The result suggests that aqueous extracts of Spondias mombin leaves possess hypoglycemic effects and improve lipid profile of diabetic rats. This effect may be secondary to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Diabetes, SOD, CAT, Lipid peroxidation, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, Spondias mombin

The effect of aqueous extract of Spondias mombin leaves extract on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in alloxan induced diabetes was studied. Forty male albino Wistar rats (100-150 g body weight) were used. The rats were randomly selected into four groups containing 10 rats each. Group 1 was the control group and it was placed on normal rat chow. Group 2 was the Spondias mombin (spm) group placed on normal rat chow and given 250 mg/kg extract orally. Group 3 was the alloxan-induced diabetic (150 mg/kg) group (DM) and Group 4 was the diabetic group treated with 250 mg/kg extracts (Dm+spm). At the end of 30 days blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and used for biochemical analysis. Results obtained revealed that blood glucose level in group 3 (Dm) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than control but the administration of Spondias mombin leaves extract significantly reduced the blood glucose level (p<0.05). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly raised in the diabetic group while High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Treatment with extract decreased TC, TG, LDL but significantly increased the HDL level (p<0.05). Lipid peroxidation was increased in the diabetic group and treatment with extract significantly reduced (p<0.05) the level of lipid peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased significantly in the diabetic group. Administration of extracts increased the antioxidant enzymes activities. The result suggests that aqueous extracts of Spondias mombin leaves possess hypoglycemic effects and improve lipid profile of diabetic rats. This effect may be secondary to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Diabetes, SOD, CAT, Lipid peroxidation, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, Spondias mombin

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease condition characterised by hyperglycemia; free radical and abnormalhaematological indices. Vitamin C can reduce free radical generation and ameliorate adverse conditions of diabetes mellitus.The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of vitamin C on platelet aggregation and electrolyte levels in Type 1DM. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely control, DM, DM +Vitamin C and Vitamin C groups. Rats weremade diabetic with a single dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Vitamin C was administered orally todiabetic and normal rats at 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological parameters,platelet aggregation, and serum electrolyte levels. Blood glucose in DM+ Vitamin C group (9.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L) wassignificantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to DM group (32.2 ± 2.1 mmol/L) and significantly higher (p<0.05) than control(4.4 ± 0.8 mmol/L). Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in DM group (12 ± 0.1 g/dL) was significantly reduced (p<0.01) whencompared with control groups (14 ± 0.24 g/dL) and significantly increased (p<0.05) in the DM+vitamin C group (13.5 ± 0.5g/dL) compared with the diabetic group. The mean corpuscular volume values in DM (68.66 ± 0.5 fL) and DM+vitamin Cgroups (68.11 ± 0.4 fL) were significantly higher (p<0.01) than the control (59.49 ± 0.5fL). Platelet count in DM group (523± 8.5 x109/L) was significantly raised (p<0.01) when compared to control (356 ± 6.2 x109/L) and significantly reduced(p<0.01) in DM+ vitamin C-treated group (385 ± 7.8 x109/L) compared with DM group. Platelet aggregation and serumsodium/potassium ratios was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in DM+vitamin C compared with DM group. These resultssuggest that oral vitamin C administration increases haemoglobin, reduced plasma glucose level, platelet count, serumsodium/potassium ion ratio and inhibits platelet aggregation in streptozotocin-induced DM in rats.

The effect of aqueous fruit pulp of Dalium guineense on gastric acid secretion and pepsin activity was investigated. Thirty male albino Wistar rats weighing between 170-200g were used. The rats were randomly selected into three groups containing 10 rats each. Group 1 was the control group fed on normal rat chow. Group 2 received 300mg/kg extract orally. Group 3 received 500mg/kg extract orally. At the end of 6 weeks, gastric acid output was measured using the continuous perfusion method of rat stomach. Animals were placed under anesthesia at the rate of 1ml/min. Gastric acid secretion and pepsin activity were determined according to standard procedures. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in gastric acid secretion and pepsin activity in the treated groups. The results suggest that Dalium guineense can protect against gastric acid secretion and decreases pepsin activity in the rat.

The present study is aimed at ascertaining the effect of oral feeding of Cannabis sativa on blood parameters and immunity in rats. Administration of Cannabis sativa was done by orogastric feeding. All the groups had free access to water and food. The experiment lasted for 28 days. At the end of the 28 days of feeding, we observed that the mean red blood cell count was 5.68±0.09 x 10 6 /mm 3 , 5.90± 0.04 x 10 6 mm 3 and 6 .38 ±0.22 x 10 6 mm 3 for control, low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) respectively. The red blood cells count in high dose was significantly higher (P<0.05) than low dose and control (P<0.01) respectively. However there was no significant difference between c ontrol and low dose. The total white blood cell count for control, LD and HD groups was 2.26±0.13 x 10 3 /mm 3 , 1.69± 0.04 x 10 3 mm 3

The effect of chronic consumption of fresh and thermally oxidized palm oil on faecal composition and moisture of rats was studied. The animals were divided into 3 groups of five rats each. The first group control was fed on normal rat chow only. The second (FPO) and third group (TPO) were fed diet containing either fresh or thermoxidized palm oil (15% wt/wt) for 14 weeks. The rats in the entire group were allowed free access to food and water. At the end of the feeding period, faecal protein, glucose, moisture and electrolyte were determined. The results show that there was no significant difference in faecal weight among the groups. The faecal protein in control, FPO and TPO was 27.50±33.42g/100ml, 31.50±3.67 and 51.68±0.005g/100ml respectively. The faecal protein in TPO was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in control or FPO group. Faecal glucose was significantly lower (P<0.05) in TPO than control or FPO. There was however no significant difference in faecal Na + and K + among the groups. The total moisture loss and total faecal lipids were significantly raised (P<0.05) in TPO than in control or FPO group. In conclusion, chronic consumption of thermally oxidized oil may lead to loss of proteins, lipids and water in faeces. This may be dangerous to health and so thermally oxidized oil should be used with caution.

Following the wide spread consumption of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica in Nigeria, this study seeks to examine the effects of the fruit on gastric ulcer. Twelve male albino wistar rats weighting 150 - 200 g were randomly assigned one of two groups (n = 6). After 7 days of acclimatization, the test group was administered methanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica at a daily oral dose of 10 mg/100g body weight for 14 days. All animals had access to food and water ad libitum. Animals were sacrificed and gastric acid secretion, ulcer score and adherent mucus was determined using standard methods. Histamine, an acid secretagogue and cimetidine, a blocker were used to aggravate and reduce acid secretion respectively. The mean basal gastric acid output was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the test group compared with control. After administration of histamine, the mean gastric acid output was significantly (P<0.001) lower in the test group compared with control. There was no significant difference in gastric acid output in the different groups after cimetidine administration. The mean ulcer score was significantly (P<0.001) lower in the test group compared with control. The mean gastric mucus output was significantly (P<0.01) lower in the test group compared with control. Fruit extract of xylopia aethiopica may be beneficial in treating gastric ulcers, since it reduces gastric acid secretion and increases gastric mucous output.

BACKGROUND:Dennettia tripetala is a tropical plant with some ethno-medicinal uses; it enhances uterine contraction/involution in pregnant and post-partum women, it is also a mild laxative, with anti-bacteria, antifungal properties etc..AIMS:This study sought to elucidate the impact of D. tripetala fruit extract intake on biliary flow rate and bile composition in rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 18 albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of 6 rats each and fed on normal rat chow + drinking water and/or 85 mg/kg, 170 mg/kg body weight of D. tripetala extract for 14 days.RESULTS:The rate of bile secretion in the control, low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) D. tripetala extract treated rats was 4.40 ± 0.24 ml/h, 3.20 ± 0.20 ml/h and 4.60 ± 0.25 ml/h respectively. Showing a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in LD and an increase in HD. Na+ concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the LD extract recipients, but was reduced in the HD. LD of the extract increased K+ significantly (P < 0.001) while HD decreased it (P < 0.05). Both low and HD of the extract reduced Cl(-) concentration significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). HCO3(-) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HD extract recipients. However, total cholesterol, total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations were not significantly altered by D. tripetala fruit extracts.CONCLUSION:In conclusion, this study showed that LD of D. tripetala may reduce bile flow rate while HD may increase it without altering the saturation of cholesterol and bilirubin.

Spondias mombin is relied on for various herbal remedies for numerous conditions. This study is to evaluate the acute toxic effect of mombin in adult male Wistar rats. Acute toxicity test was carried out with modified Lorke’s method. Twenty-five male rats weighing between 120-180g were used for the sub-chronic study. The rats were divided into five groups A- E (n=5). Group A served as control. Group B and C received respectively 250mgkg -1 and 500mgkg -1 body weight doses of aqueous leaf extract, groups D and E received 250mgkg -1 and 500mgkg -1 body weight doses of ethanolic extract. Treatments lasted for twenty eight days. Acute toxicity test carried out showed that leaf extracts of Spondias mombin did not produce mortality in rats. Significant (p<0.05) reduction in brain and kidney weights was observed in group E treated with 500mgkg-1 of ethanolic extract. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) reduction was observed in spleen weights in groups C and E that were treated with 500mgkg- 1 of both extracts. The levels of LDL (p<0.001) and ALP (p<0.05) were significantly reduced. Alterations in the histology of the liver and kidney of extracts treated groups were observed. Conclusion: This result suggests that although the use of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin is relatively safe, hepatic and renal toxicity may occur with prolonged use. Keywords : Adverse effects, Mortality, Methods, Complication, Utilization

OBJECTIVES:Gongronema latifolium leaves have been used in folklore medicine to manage diabetes mellitus and alleviate dyspepsia. This study aimed to provide a pharmacological basis to the medicinal use ofGongronema latifolium as an antidiabetic and antiulcerogenic agent in diabetes mellitus.METHODS:Ethanol extract from the leaf (200 mg/kg bodyweight) of Gongronema latifolium was administered to both streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control groups orally for 14 days. Gastric acid secretion was measured and ulcer was induced using ethanol and four-hour pyloric ligation.RESULTS:The mean bodyweight was significantly lower (p < 0.01), while the mean weight of the stomach, liver and small intestine to bodyweight ratio was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the two diabetic groups compared to control. Extract significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the blood glucose level similar to the non-diabetic control. Basal and stimulated acid secretion in diabetic control rats was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased when compared to control. Extract administration increased the stimulated gastric acid secretion to a level significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control while reduction in gastric secretion by ranitidine was similar compared with control. Gongronema latifolium treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced ulcer scores in both ulcer models and increased mucus weight in the diabetic group.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that Gongronema latifolium antiulcerative activity is due to its prevention of chemical-induced stomach injury.

This study on the effect of ethanolic root extract of Gonglonema latifolium on gastric acid output and ulceration was undertaken due to paucity in scientific reports on the medicinal properties of the root extract especially on gastrointestinal functions. Eighteen (18) albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 6 rats each. The control group was fed on normal rat chow + drinking water while the test groups in addition received extract treatment (p.o) at a dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively. The feeding regimens lasted for 14 days. Gastric acid secretion and ulcer studies were done using standard procedures. Results obtained from this study shows that the mean basal gastric acid output (MBGAO) was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the high dose (4.00 ± 0.12mmol/L/hr) and lower in low dose (2.50 ± 0.06mmol/L/hr) extract treated groups compared with control (3.65 ± 0.05mmol/L/hr). The high dose group also showed significant (P<0.05) potentiating effect on histamine induced gastric secretion compared to other groups. The effect of carbachol and atropine on MBGAO was not significantly different among the groups. Mean ulcer scores were also significantly higher in the low dose (P<0.01) and high dose (P<0.001) groups compared with controls. We therefore conclude that ethanolic root extract of Gonglonema latifolium contains phytochemical agents that increase gastric secretion at high doses probably via H2-histaminergic receptors, suppressing gastric acid production at low doses. The extract also has an ulcerogenic effect on gastric mucosa. Hence the use of crude root extract of Gonglonema latifolium should be taken with caution.

Gongronema latifolium is a climbing perennial plant that belongs to the family of asclepidaceae. The medicinal uses of the leaves and stem bark extract of Gongronema latifolium has been reported in many scientific literatures to include anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-ulcerative etc. There is paucity in scientific reports on the medicinal properties of the root extract. This study was therefore designed to elucidate the phytochemical constituents and effect of ethanolic root extract of Gongronema latifolium on some hematological parameters. Eighteen (18) albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 [control] was fed on normal rat chow, the test groups [group 2 and 3] in addition received extract treatment [p.o] at a dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively. The feeding regimens lasted for 14 days and all animals had access to tap water. Results show that the extract contains polyphenols, glycosides, reducing sugars and alkaloids. The mean RBC count for control was 4.44+/-0.15x10(6)cells/mm3, this did not differ significantly from the test groups. The total WBC counts were 3.79+/-0.15x10(3) cells/mm3, 3.37+/-0.19x10(3)cells/mm3 and 5.54+/-0.39x10(3)cells/mm3 for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. WBC was significantly [P<0.01] higher in the high dose [group 3] compared with control. Mean PCV [%] were 33.60+/-0.81, 37.20+/-0.80 and 34.80+/-1.35 for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The PCV was significantly [P<0.05) higher in low dose extract recipients [group 2] than in control. Hb content, MCV and MCH did not differ significantly among the groups, but MCHC was significantly lower in the test groups compared with control group. Neutrophils were significantly [P<0.001] reduced in the test groups, while the eosinophils and monocytes count were significantly increased in the test groups than in controls. In conclusion, the extract has little or no effect on RBC count, PCV, MCV and MCH. But low doses of the extract significantly increased the Hb count while high doses significantly increased WBC count, probably due to increase in eosinophil and monocyte counts. MCHC was dose-dependently reduced. The extract was also observed to contain polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides and reducing sugars.