Israel Okoro - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Israel Okoro

The Environmentalist, 2010

International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, May 31, 2012

A B S T R A C T Introduction: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been used extensively to evaluate t... more A B S T R A C T Introduction: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been used extensively to evaluate the probable mechanisms of toxicity in experimental animals. The CCl4 induced oxidative stress in rat brain has been established. This study aim to investigate the neuro-protective effect of Allium cepa extract administration to rats given a single dosage of CCl4 (1 ml/kg bw). Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (I- V) containing six rats each. The plant (aqueous extract of A. cepa ) was given at oral doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg day for 20 days after which CCl4 in olive oil vehicle (1 ml/kg bw) was administered to rats in groups II-V. Thereafter, the brains were harvested for biochemical assays: lipid peroxidation (LPO), GSH (Reduced), Glutathione Reductase (GR), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) activities. Results: Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (G...

Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2019

Background: The present study was performed to explore whether the aqueous extract of Senecio bia... more Background: The present study was performed to explore whether the aqueous extract of Senecio biafrae (S. biafrae) roots provide any in vivo protective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods: Rats (150-200 grams) were grouped into five groups (A-E) of six rats each and were treated orally for twelve days with 72 hourly administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) as follows: Group A received distilled water only (negative control), Group B was administered distilled water plus CCl4 (positive control), Group C was administered 400 mg/kg extract and CCl4, Group D received 200 mg/extract and CCl4, while Group E was administered standard drug (Silymarin 25mg/kg, PO). Results: Pre-treatment with the extract of S. biafrae (200 or 400mg/kg) or Silymarin (25mg/kg) caused significant restoration in the biomarkers as evaluated by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde, transaminases and elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and gl...

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014

Objective: An earlier anti-hyperglycemic study with crude extracts of Cleome rutidosperma indicat... more Objective: An earlier anti-hyperglycemic study with crude extracts of Cleome rutidosperma indicated aqueous extract as the most effective. The present study was undertaken to in part identify the potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the aqueous extract of the plant, using bioassay guided fractionation. Methods: Aqueous extract of C. rutidosperma were fractionated to obtain chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, methanol and aqueous fractions, which were tested for antidiabetic activity using acute Streptozotocin-Induced diabetic mice model. Further fractionation of the more active methanol fraction yielded 1 st sub-fractions I- IX. The more active of these 1 st sub-fractions were further re-fractionated to give 2 nd sub-fractions (2SFC1 and 2SFC2). The more active of the 2 nd sub-fractions (2SFC1) was purified further using preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the resultant fractions (TLCFIC and TLCFIIC) were tested in vivo . Results: The methanol fraction of C. rutidosp...

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of action of the act... more Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of action of the active sub fraction of C. rutidosperma . This was done by in vivo and in vitro method. Methods: Aqueous extract of C. rutidosperma was sequentially fractionated and re-fractionated to yield the active sub fraction (based on in vivo evaluation). In the in vivo study, the active sub fraction was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice at graded doses in different prandial states; while for the in vitro method, assessment of the possible effects of the active sub fraction of the plant on glucose absorption by excised ileum as well as its effect on α-glucosidase, α-amylase and glucose 6 phosphatase activities was evaluated. Results: There was significant reduction of blood glucose level by the active sub fraction at different prandial states. The active sub fraction produced comparable hypoglycemic effects as glibenclamide. Likewise, at the doses of 125 and 62.5 mg/kg b. w., it sig...

The effects of energy drink and alcohol on some clinical and oxidative stress parameters was inve... more The effects of energy drink and alcohol on some clinical and oxidative stress parameters was investigated using albino rats. Twenty eight rats were distributed into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 rats were fed with growers mash and water only (control); Groups 2 and 3 were fed with growers mash, water and were administered 3.5ml/kg body weight of redbull energy drink and 1.25g/kg body weight of ethanol respectively, while Group 4 were given growers mash and water, and were administered redbull (3.5ml/kg body weight) and ethanol (1.25g/kg body weight). The results showed that ethanol, redbull and their combination altered organ/body weight ratio when administered to rats. Administration of only redbull, ethanol and a combination of both had no effect on Plasma levels of total protein, albumin, Urea and creatinine in rats. However, redbull, ethanol and a combination of both, altered plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose. This study also reveals that redbull, ...

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011

Journal of Reports in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019

The phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of methanol and acetone ex... more The phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of methanol and acetone extracts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves were comparatively investigated using standard procedures. Fifty-four male Wistar rats (albino) were divided into nine groups of six rats each. Group 1 = negative control (normal untreated rats + normal saline); group 2 = positive control (rats + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen + normal saline), groups 3, 4, and 5 = 200 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw, and 50 mg/kg bw of methanol extract, respectively, + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen; groups 6, 7, and 8 = 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg bw, and 50 mg/kg bw of acetone extract, respectively, + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen; and group 9 = 100 mg/kg silymarin + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen. The phytochemical screening of the methanol and acetone leaves extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthocyanins, tannins, and triterpene, whereas, cardiac glycoside, steroids, and anthraquinone were absent in both extracts. Acetaminophen administration significantly elevated the levels of serum urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium with a corresponding decrease in the levels of total protein, albumin, and calcium in the group 2 rats compared with that in the group 1 rats. Similarly, the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase were significantly less in the acetaminophen-intoxicated group than that in the negative control group. However, pretreatment with either extracts, dose dependently prevented the acetaminophen-induced derangement of the aforementioned parameters. The extracts showed antioxidant activity similar to the reference drug (silymarin). Comparatively, the methanol extract gave higher in vivo antioxidant and nephroprotective effects than the acetone extract. The results suggest the extracts of cassava leaves have high nephroprotective potential and may be based on their phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity.

International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, May 31, 2012

African Journal of Food Science, 2012

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2010

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, 2012

Proximate and mineral analysis of five species of mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus, Volvariella vo... more Proximate and mineral analysis of five species of mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus, Volvariella volvacea, Coprinus micaceus, Lepiota procera, and Auricularia auricula were examined in this study to determine their nutritional value. These mushrooms were found to contain on the average, 3.24 to 8.70% of crude fibre; 4.12 to 11.12% of ash; 0.90 to 2.58% of fats and oil; 12.02 to 27.00% of protein; 13.01 to 92.02% of moisture and 21.11 to 68% of carbohydrate. The average mineral element content of the mushrooms was found to be 144 to 1321 mg/100 g of potassium; 122 to 364 mg/100 g of sodium; 164 to 549 mg/100 g of calcium; 26 to 53 mg/100 g of magnesium; 738 to 1537 mg/100 g of phosphorus and 120 to 432 mg/100 g of iron. The overall nutritional potential of the five mushroom species was quite good. These results show that these species of mushroom are highly nutritive. These findings were discussed in line with the importance and implications of the uses of edible mushrooms to man.

Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2020

Background: In Nigeria, the leaves of Manihot esculenta (Crantz) are eaten as vegetables. The lea... more Background: In Nigeria, the leaves of Manihot esculenta (Crantz) are eaten as vegetables. The leaves are rich in phytochemicals, valuable and natural sources of antioxidants, and are highly useful for human health and disease prevention. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of two extracts derived from the plant leaves on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the extracts were also assessed. Methods: The leaves of M. esculenta were processed and extracted with ethanol and acetone. The extracts were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Also, their total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined, using standard in vitro assays. Results: The ethanol extract exhibited a higher α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity than the acetone extract, which positively correlated with their total flavonoid and phenolic contents. In addition, the ethanol extract strongly inhibited the α-g...

The Environmentalist, 2010

International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, May 31, 2012

A B S T R A C T Introduction: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been used extensively to evaluate t... more A B S T R A C T Introduction: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been used extensively to evaluate the probable mechanisms of toxicity in experimental animals. The CCl4 induced oxidative stress in rat brain has been established. This study aim to investigate the neuro-protective effect of Allium cepa extract administration to rats given a single dosage of CCl4 (1 ml/kg bw). Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (I- V) containing six rats each. The plant (aqueous extract of A. cepa ) was given at oral doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg day for 20 days after which CCl4 in olive oil vehicle (1 ml/kg bw) was administered to rats in groups II-V. Thereafter, the brains were harvested for biochemical assays: lipid peroxidation (LPO), GSH (Reduced), Glutathione Reductase (GR), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) activities. Results: Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (G...

Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2019

Background: The present study was performed to explore whether the aqueous extract of Senecio bia... more Background: The present study was performed to explore whether the aqueous extract of Senecio biafrae (S. biafrae) roots provide any in vivo protective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods: Rats (150-200 grams) were grouped into five groups (A-E) of six rats each and were treated orally for twelve days with 72 hourly administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) as follows: Group A received distilled water only (negative control), Group B was administered distilled water plus CCl4 (positive control), Group C was administered 400 mg/kg extract and CCl4, Group D received 200 mg/extract and CCl4, while Group E was administered standard drug (Silymarin 25mg/kg, PO). Results: Pre-treatment with the extract of S. biafrae (200 or 400mg/kg) or Silymarin (25mg/kg) caused significant restoration in the biomarkers as evaluated by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde, transaminases and elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and gl...

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014

Objective: An earlier anti-hyperglycemic study with crude extracts of Cleome rutidosperma indicat... more Objective: An earlier anti-hyperglycemic study with crude extracts of Cleome rutidosperma indicated aqueous extract as the most effective. The present study was undertaken to in part identify the potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the aqueous extract of the plant, using bioassay guided fractionation. Methods: Aqueous extract of C. rutidosperma were fractionated to obtain chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, methanol and aqueous fractions, which were tested for antidiabetic activity using acute Streptozotocin-Induced diabetic mice model. Further fractionation of the more active methanol fraction yielded 1 st sub-fractions I- IX. The more active of these 1 st sub-fractions were further re-fractionated to give 2 nd sub-fractions (2SFC1 and 2SFC2). The more active of the 2 nd sub-fractions (2SFC1) was purified further using preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the resultant fractions (TLCFIC and TLCFIIC) were tested in vivo . Results: The methanol fraction of C. rutidosp...

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of action of the act... more Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of action of the active sub fraction of C. rutidosperma . This was done by in vivo and in vitro method. Methods: Aqueous extract of C. rutidosperma was sequentially fractionated and re-fractionated to yield the active sub fraction (based on in vivo evaluation). In the in vivo study, the active sub fraction was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice at graded doses in different prandial states; while for the in vitro method, assessment of the possible effects of the active sub fraction of the plant on glucose absorption by excised ileum as well as its effect on α-glucosidase, α-amylase and glucose 6 phosphatase activities was evaluated. Results: There was significant reduction of blood glucose level by the active sub fraction at different prandial states. The active sub fraction produced comparable hypoglycemic effects as glibenclamide. Likewise, at the doses of 125 and 62.5 mg/kg b. w., it sig...

The effects of energy drink and alcohol on some clinical and oxidative stress parameters was inve... more The effects of energy drink and alcohol on some clinical and oxidative stress parameters was investigated using albino rats. Twenty eight rats were distributed into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 rats were fed with growers mash and water only (control); Groups 2 and 3 were fed with growers mash, water and were administered 3.5ml/kg body weight of redbull energy drink and 1.25g/kg body weight of ethanol respectively, while Group 4 were given growers mash and water, and were administered redbull (3.5ml/kg body weight) and ethanol (1.25g/kg body weight). The results showed that ethanol, redbull and their combination altered organ/body weight ratio when administered to rats. Administration of only redbull, ethanol and a combination of both had no effect on Plasma levels of total protein, albumin, Urea and creatinine in rats. However, redbull, ethanol and a combination of both, altered plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose. This study also reveals that redbull, ...

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011

Journal of Reports in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019

The phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of methanol and acetone ex... more The phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of methanol and acetone extracts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves were comparatively investigated using standard procedures. Fifty-four male Wistar rats (albino) were divided into nine groups of six rats each. Group 1 = negative control (normal untreated rats + normal saline); group 2 = positive control (rats + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen + normal saline), groups 3, 4, and 5 = 200 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw, and 50 mg/kg bw of methanol extract, respectively, + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen; groups 6, 7, and 8 = 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg bw, and 50 mg/kg bw of acetone extract, respectively, + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen; and group 9 = 100 mg/kg silymarin + 2g/kg bw acetaminophen. The phytochemical screening of the methanol and acetone leaves extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthocyanins, tannins, and triterpene, whereas, cardiac glycoside, steroids, and anthraquinone were absent in both extracts. Acetaminophen administration significantly elevated the levels of serum urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium with a corresponding decrease in the levels of total protein, albumin, and calcium in the group 2 rats compared with that in the group 1 rats. Similarly, the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase were significantly less in the acetaminophen-intoxicated group than that in the negative control group. However, pretreatment with either extracts, dose dependently prevented the acetaminophen-induced derangement of the aforementioned parameters. The extracts showed antioxidant activity similar to the reference drug (silymarin). Comparatively, the methanol extract gave higher in vivo antioxidant and nephroprotective effects than the acetone extract. The results suggest the extracts of cassava leaves have high nephroprotective potential and may be based on their phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity.

International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, May 31, 2012

African Journal of Food Science, 2012

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2010

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, 2012

Proximate and mineral analysis of five species of mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus, Volvariella vo... more Proximate and mineral analysis of five species of mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus, Volvariella volvacea, Coprinus micaceus, Lepiota procera, and Auricularia auricula were examined in this study to determine their nutritional value. These mushrooms were found to contain on the average, 3.24 to 8.70% of crude fibre; 4.12 to 11.12% of ash; 0.90 to 2.58% of fats and oil; 12.02 to 27.00% of protein; 13.01 to 92.02% of moisture and 21.11 to 68% of carbohydrate. The average mineral element content of the mushrooms was found to be 144 to 1321 mg/100 g of potassium; 122 to 364 mg/100 g of sodium; 164 to 549 mg/100 g of calcium; 26 to 53 mg/100 g of magnesium; 738 to 1537 mg/100 g of phosphorus and 120 to 432 mg/100 g of iron. The overall nutritional potential of the five mushroom species was quite good. These results show that these species of mushroom are highly nutritive. These findings were discussed in line with the importance and implications of the uses of edible mushrooms to man.

Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2020

Background: In Nigeria, the leaves of Manihot esculenta (Crantz) are eaten as vegetables. The lea... more Background: In Nigeria, the leaves of Manihot esculenta (Crantz) are eaten as vegetables. The leaves are rich in phytochemicals, valuable and natural sources of antioxidants, and are highly useful for human health and disease prevention. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of two extracts derived from the plant leaves on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the extracts were also assessed. Methods: The leaves of M. esculenta were processed and extracted with ethanol and acetone. The extracts were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Also, their total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined, using standard in vitro assays. Results: The ethanol extract exhibited a higher α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity than the acetone extract, which positively correlated with their total flavonoid and phenolic contents. In addition, the ethanol extract strongly inhibited the α-g...