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.

Background: Obesity is characterized by increased body fat and involves an imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of lipids. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effect of African walnuts (Tetracarpidium conophorum) on lipids storage and the regulatory enzymes of hepatic lipid metabolism in obese rats. Methods: Nuts were extracted in ethanol (WE) and further separated to obtain the ethyl-acetate fraction (ET) and the residue (RES). These were administered orally to 3 groups of monosodium glutamate- obese rats (n = 6), respectively, for 6 weeks. Other groups in the study were: normal (NC), obese control (OC) and standard control (SC) which received orlistat. Hepatic total lipids, total phospholipids, triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TCHOL), 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and paraoxonase were studied. Results: Total lipids, TG and TCHOL which increased in OC compared to NC group, decreased. HMG-CoA reductase activity decreased in the 3 study groups relative to OC. Paraoxonase activity which decreased in OC was up-regulated, while the magnitude of hepatic cholesterol decreased from 94.32 % in OC to 52.19, 65.43 and 47.04 % with WE, ET and RES, respectively. Flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and saponins were detected in the nut. GC-MS analysis revealed 16, 18 and 10 volatile components in WE, ET and RES, respectively. Unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acids: 33.33, 47.95 and 50.93 %, and α-linolenic acids: 25, 19.66 and 26.63 %) in WE, ET and RES, respectively, are the most abundant, and likely to be responsible for the observed activity. Conclusion: African walnuts can prevent hepatic lipid accumulation through reciprocal actions on HMG-CoA reductase and paraoxonase in obesity.

Aims: African walnuts were previously shown to modulate hepatic lipid bio-accumulation in obesity. Herein, we investigated the impact of the nuts on fat accumulation in adipose and ectopic regions, and associated oxidatiive stress status in obese rats. Materials and methods: Whole ethanol extract (WE) of the nuts, and its liquid-liquid fractions-ethyl acetate (ET) and residue (RES) were separately administered to obese rats for 6 weeks. The normal (NC) and obese (OC) controls received normal saline and the standard control (SC), orlistat (5.14 mg/kg b.w.), during the same period. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized and the adipose, brain, kidneys and heart tissues were studied. Results: The change in body weight to naso-anal length which increased by 63.52 % in OC compared to NC (p < 0.05), decreased by 57.88, 85.80 and 70.20 % in WE, ET and RES-treated groups, respectively, relative to the OC (p < 0.05). Also, adipose tissue weights were lowered upon treatment with the extracts and fractions versus OC (p < 0.05). Total lipids, phospholipids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations in the studied tissues which were higher in OC (p < 0.05) were lowered (p < 0.05) and compared favorably with SC. Further, malondialdehyde levels in the tissues were lowered upon treatment, compared to the OC (p < 0.05). Glutathione level and activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase which were decreased (p < 0.05) in OC, were restored upon treatment with the extracts, relative to the obese control (p < 0.05). Significance: African walnuts assuaged lipogenesis, oxidative stress and peroxidation in extra-hepatic tissues of obese rats, hence, may attenuate ectopic fat accumulation and its associated pathogenesis.

1. Abstract This study determined some female serum sex hormones, litter size, birth weight and tail lengths of offspring’s delivered by rats orally exposed to crude oil and concomitantly administered vitamins E and C, respectively; using o ne hundred and two (102) albino Wistar rats (24 males and 78 females), weighing 160 to l80g. The rats were respectively distributed into six groups, with seventeen rats (four males and thirteen females) in each group. Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 animals were given distilled water, 600 IU/kg of vitamin C only, 400 IU/kg of vitamin E only, 60mg/kg bow of crude oil only, 60mg/kg bow of crude oil with concomitant administration of 400 IU/kg of vitamin E, and 60mg/kg bow of crude oil with concomitant administration of 600 IU/kg of vitamin C orally for 30 days, respectively. After 30 days, five female rats from each group were sacrificed and blood serum collected for sex hormonal assay. The remaining rats were mated (one male to two females) until pregnancy was observed, after which they were withdrawn from experimental treatments. On delivery, the litter size for each group was recorded, total body weight and tail length of each litter were measured at birth and at weekly intervals for six weeks. The results of this study showed that crude oil produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum estradiol and progesterone levels in female rats, compared to control; and that vitamins C and E attenuated this effect by producing a significant increase in the hormonal levels of rats exposed to crude oil. Also, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in litter size was recorded for rats given crude oil only, compared to the control. The mean total body weight of the litters delivered by rats treated with crude oil, at birth was insignificantly lower, compared to those in control. However, the weekly mean total body weight of the litters from the group treated with crude oil, for six weeks, was significantly (p<0.05) lower, compared to the litters from rats in the control group. Also, the mean tail length of the litters delivered by rats treated with crude oil, at birth and weekly for six weeks were insignificantly (p>0.05) lower, compared respectively, to the control group at corresponding intervals. The results also indicated that administration of vitamins C and E, respectively, to rats exposed to crude oil produced a significant reversal of the crude oil-induced decrease in litter size, birth weight and litter tail lengths in rats. It may therefore be concluded that vitamins C and E may be used to ameliorate crude oil-induced reproductive toxicity (decreased serum estradiol and progesterone, litter size, birth weights and tail length) in rats. 2. Keywords : Crude Oil; Litter Size; Litter Weight, Litter Tail Length, Serum Sex Hormones.

This study investigated the anti-diabetic effect of ethanolic bark extract of Khaya senegalensis in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino Wistar rats. Sixty (60) female albino rats were randomly placed into six (6) study groups of ten (10) animals designated as; non-diabetic control (NDC), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic extract treated groups (DSB1, DSB2, and DSB3) receiving varying extract concentration of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg body weight respectively. Animals were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment and blood was obtained for biochemical analysis. Body weight indices obtained from this study revealed a decrease (p<0.05) in body weight in the extract treated group when compared with non-diabetic control with an attendant increase (p<0.05) when compared with diabetic control. Phytochemical screening detected biologically important metabolites including phenolics and steroids while haematological parameters such as packed cell volume and haemoglobin decreased in the extract treated group when compared with the non-diabetic control but significantly increased (p<0.05) when compared with diabetic control. Lipid profile showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the extract treated group with an attendant increase when compared to the diabetic control and non-diabetic control respectively. Serum liver enzymes; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were increased in the extract treated group when compared to the non-diabetic control but a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in comparison with the diabetic control. In conclusion, data generated from this study show that ethanolic bark extract of Khaya senegalensis possesses antihyperglycaemic activities in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Background and Objective: Crude oil has been reported to cause various toxic effects in the body.And vitamins C and E are among the antioxidants known to play important role in attenuating chemical toxicants-induced toxicities in the biological systems.This study aimed at assessing the protective effect of vitamin C against crude oil induced atherosclerosis in rats.Materials and Methods: Twenty four male albino Wistar rats, weighing 150-180 g, used in this study were distributed into four groups (1, 2, 3 and 4), with 6 rats each.Group 3 animals were orally administered 60 mg of NBLCO kgG 1 b.wt., while group 4 animals were orally administered 60 mg NBLCO kgG 1 b.wt.and co-administered 200.0 mg of vitamin C kgG 1 b.wt., of the rats daily for 30 days.The animals in groups 1 and 2 served as the controls receiving only distilled water and vitamin C, respectively.At end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected through cardiac puncture for plasma lipid profile analyses.Total plasma cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and atherogenic indices were determined in rats orally exposed to Nigerian Bonny light crude oil (NBLCO) and co-administered vitamin C. Results: The results of the study showed that exposure to crude oil is a risk factor for atherosclerosis by producing a significant (p<0.05)increase in plasma TC, TG, LDL and VLDL levels and the evaluated atherogenic indices (Group 3), compared to the control (Group 1).The plasma TC, TG, LDL, VLDL levels and the atherogenic indices recorded for rats exposed to NBLCO and co-administered vitamin C (Group 4) were significantly (p<0.05)lower, compared to the rats exposed to NBLCO only (Group 3).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that vitamin C is capable of providing protection against crude oil induced atherosclerotic conditions by regulating serum lipids profiles and atherogenic indices in rats.It may be concluded that vitamin C is potent in preventing cardiovascular disorders associated with crude oil induced atherosclerotic conditions.

This study assessed the erythropoietic effect of Eremomastax polysperma leaf extracts in female albino Wistar rats. Method: Twenty eight (28) female rats were divided into two major groups based on their weight and age. The duration of administration of E. polysperma extracts lasted for twenty one (21) days. This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry University of Calabar, between February and March 2013. A significant increase (P< 0.05) in red blood cell count (RBC) (8.17 +/- 0.48, 6.46 +/- 0.37) and Haemoglobin (Hb) count (15.13 +/- 1.03, 13.27 +/- 0.7) was observed in the prepubertal group compared to the control, while packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly increased (P< 0.05) in the pubertal group compared to the control (55.40 +/- 4.40, 48.63 +/- 2.33 respectively). This suggests that E. polysperma leaf extract can be used as a haematinic and a therapy for anaemic conditions.

In this study, the anti-lipidemic effects of combined extracts of Moringa oleifera and Peristrophe bicalyculata in allxoan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Fifty four (54) adult male albino Wistar rats weighing between 140-180 g were shared into 5 parallel groups consisting of diabetic (DC) and non-diabetic (NC) groups. Each group consisted of 6 rats. Groups 2-5 were made diabetic using alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w in distil H2O). Except for groups 1 and 2, animals were gavaged at doses of 500 mg/kg b.w for the single dose of extract and 250 mg/kg for the combine extract treatment. Insulin served as a standard drug and was administered at 5IU/kg b.w. The control animal groups (NC, DC) received 0.2 ml of normal saline (placebo) for fourteen (14) consecutive days. Groups treated with extracts showed a significant (p 0.05) change was observed in HDL-C level in treated groups when compared to the normal control, diabetic control and insulin groups, suggesting a potential protection against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by these plants. No reduction in body weight was observed within the experimental period of 14 days. The results obtained in this study are in agreement with several other research results with these plants and claims by ethno-medical practitioners on the use of Moringa oleifera and Peristrophe bicalyculata in the treatment of hypertension and related CVDs.

Aim of the work: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium (G.L) and Nauclea latifolia (N.L) antioxidant enzymes activity and hormonal status in diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty six (36) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150–250g were divided into 6 parallel groups of 6 rats each and treated viz: Groups 1 and 2 served as controls (Normal and diabetic) and received placebo, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 200mg/kg b.w of G.L,N.L and 100mg/kg b.w each of G.L and N.L respectively while the group 6 received 5 iu/kg b.w of insulin subcutaneously daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was determined using glucometer at the start of the experiment, and thereafter at 72 hours interval and at the end of experimental period. The animals were sacrificed using choloroform vapours and whole blood collected for sera preparation that were used to assay antioxidant enzymes and some hormones using standard kit methods of Agape diagnostics, Switzerland. Results: A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed from initial concentration by 66.34%, 18.12% and 67.73% respectively in fasting blood glucose upon treatment with extracts compared to diabetic control and N.L. Also a significant decrease (P<0.05) in insulin and T3 levels was observed in all treated groups compared to NC with an increase (P<0.05) when compared to diabetic group. Whereas a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in insulin and T3 level compared to DC. However, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC.A significant decrease (P<0.05) in antioxidant concentrations viz SOD and CAT were observed in all treated groups compared to normal control Conclusion: The result indicates that beside the antioxidant properties of these plants, they can also help in ameliorating the hormonal status of the diabetic rats.

The effects of various concentrations of ethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) stem and root on some biochemical indices of liver function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and non-diabetic rats treated with 200mg/kg b.w and 400mg/kg b.w was determined. LD50 value of 1000 mg/kg was established. The oral administration of the extracts lasted for 28 days. The rats were divided into five parallel groups of non-diabetic and diabetic rats, with six rats in each group. Group 1 received Dimethy sulfoxide(DMSO) and served as the negative control. Group 2 received 200mg/kg b.w Vernonia amygdalina (stem), group 3 received 400mg/kg b.w Vernonia amygdalina (stem). Group 4 received 200mg/kg b.w Vernonia amygdalina (root). Group 5 was given 400mg/kg b.w Vernonia amygdalina (root). Both stem and root extracts (200 and 400) mg/kg b.w significantly improved body weight and reduced whole blood glucose levels to normal but not up to hypoglycaemic level in diabetic treated rats. Total protein and albumin in serum were increased in diabetic rats treated with stem (200 and 400) mg/kg b.w respectively. The findings suggest that V. amygdalina ethanolic stem and root extracts is hepatoprotective in diabetic rats and may be of nutritional/ clinical relevance amongst African populations for treatment of different ailments.

In this study, the phytochemical constituents of Ereromastax speciosa and ereromatax polysperma leaves was investigated. These leaves are commonly used amongst traditional birth attendants in the rural regions of calabar cross river state and akwa ibom state, Nigeria. In this study, experienced traditional birth attendants from the local regions in cross river and akwaibom were orally interviewed about the use of these herbs in enhancing fertility. Claims have been made by these traditional birth attendants on the efficacy of these plants for the treatment of internal heat, arresting of post partum bleeding, other reproductive complications like retention of placenta, enhancing of fertility in infertile females. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of these leaves were determined using the methods described by Harborne [1], including the method of Swain[2] for the determination of tannins , Spectrophotometric method of Brunner [3] for the determination of saponnins, Folin–Ciocalteau reagent method[4], for the determination of polyphenols, has revealed the presence of bioactive components in varying quantities. Results on phytochemical analysis on Ereromastax polysperma and Ereromastax speciosa respectively showed the presence of Tannins(15.00±0.00 and 45.00±0.00), phenols(55.00±0.00 and 10.50±1.50), flavonoids(977.50±27.50 and 1247.50±2.50), alkaloids(652.50±2.50 and 202±2.50), saponins (975.00±0.00 and 75.00±0.00), terpenes(1075.00±25.00 and 80.00±5.00). The findings from this study show the therapeutic values of these leaves and its use in the management of female infertility.

Ereromastax speciosa is a medicinal plant that has been in use by some traditionalists in the region of calabar, cross river state and Akwa Ibom states of Nigeria in the treatment of reproductive issues in women. Claims have been made by the traditionalists on the efficacy of these leaves from the plant in the enhancing fertility in women of reproductive age, also its use in the treatment of internal heat. In this study, the effect of Ereromastax speciosa leaf extract on the serum levels of Lutenizing hormone(LH), Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), Progesterone and Estradiol in two groups of female pubertal rats was carried out.. 0.6mls of normal saline was administered to the female rats in group 1 which served as the control, while 0.6mls of the ethanolic extract of E. Speciosa was administered to female rats in group 2 by orogastric intubation for an experimental period of twenty one days. At the end of the experimental period, the serum of the sacrificed animals treated with extracts of E. speciosa and the controls were assayed for hormonal concentrations of LH,FSH, progesterone and estradiol. The results showed no significant difference in the serum levels of LH, FSH , Progesterone and Estradiol between the experimental groups and the control at P<0.05. This results suggests however that there is no toxic effect in the use of this herb on the female hormonal system, as well as its safety as a drug in the management of female infertility.

Ethnopharmacological relevance:A decoction from a combination of herbs is commonly used in Traditional African Medicine for the management of chronic ailments. In Nigeria, the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (AI) are used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes mellitus for which empirical evidence attests to its efficacy.Aim of the study: To evaluate the synergistic antidiabetic action of VA and AI, the biochemical effects and possible mechanism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat (SDR) models.Materials and methods: Ethanolic extracts of VA and AI were co-administered (200 mg/kg, 50:50) to nondiabetic rats (NDRs) and SDRs for 28 days. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored during this period, and at end of treatment, serum glucose, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and a-amylase activity were studied. Glucose and activities of antioxidant enzymes, e.g., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated in hepatocytes, along with the impact on the histology of the liver and pancreas. Medium acting insulin, HU (5 IU/kg, s.c.) was used as a positive control.Results: The study reveals that compared with single extracts, the combined extract (VA/AI) promptly lowered blood glucose and maintained a relatively steady level over the study period, in tandem with HU. During this period, body weight gain successively increased. In SDRs, fasting blood glucose at days 0 and 28 was raised by 4.33 and 3.16 fold, respectively, and the serum glucose was raised by 7.70 fold vs. normal control (P < 0.05). The discrepancies in the individual effects of VA and AI on hepatic glucose and alpha-amylase activity were also restored. In NDRs, VA/AI lowered blood and serum glucose (1.14 and 1.94 fold, respectively), although to a lesser extent when compared with HU. Furthermore, VA/AI was found to lower serum insulin, T3 and T4 by 1.66, 1.57 and 2.16 fold, respectively, in SDR (P < 0.05). This was similar to HU, which demonstrated 1.79 and 1.68 fold reduction of insulin and T3, respectively (P < 0.05), but had no effect on T4. Conversely, in NDRs, VA/AI caused 1.32, 4.93 and 1.04 fold increase in insulin, T3 and T4, respectively, reciprocal to its effect on blood and serum glucose. Oxidative stress in SDR, characterised by decreased GPx and CAT activities, was ameliorated, as the activities of the enzymes and SOD increased following a 28-day treatment with VA/AI (P < 0.05). The features of diabetic pathology, indicated in the histology of the liver and pancreas, were reversed. However, the extent of recovery was partial with VA, better with AI, and distinct and total with VA/AI, compared with a null effect by HU.Conclusion: Taken together, our results contribute towards validation of enhanced antidiabetic efficacy of VA and AI when combined. This synergy may be exerted by oxidative stress attenuation, insulin mimetic action and beta-cell regeneration. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium (G.L) and Nauclea latifolia (N.L) antioxidant enzymes activity and hormonal status in diabetic rats. Thirty six (36) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150–250g were divided into 6 parallel groups of 6 rats each and treated viz: Groups 1 and 2 served as controls (Normal and diabetic) and received placebo, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 200mg/kg b.w of G.L,N.L and 100mg/kg b.w each of G.L and N.L respectively while the group 6 received 5 iu/kg b.w of insulin subcutaneously daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was determined using glucometer at the start of the experiment, and thereafter at 72 hours interval and at the end of experimental period. The animals were sacrificed using choloroform vapours and whole blood collected for sera preparation that were used to assay antioxidant enzymes and some hormones using standard kit methods of Agape diagnostics, Switzerland. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed from initial concentration by 66.34%, 18.12% and 67.73% respectively in fasting blood glucose upon treatment with extracts compared to diabetic control and N.L. Also a significant decrease (P<0.05) in insulin and T3 levels was observed in all treated groups compared to NC with an increase (P<0.05) when compared to diabetic group. Whereas a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in insulin and T3 level compared to DC. However, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC.A significant decrease (P<0.05) in antioxidant concentrations viz SOD and CAT were observed in all treated groups compared to normal control. The result indicates that beside the antioxidant properties of these plants, they can also help in ameliorating the hormonal status of the diabetic rats.