Paul Nwafor - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Paul Nwafor

Triumfetta cordifolia fruit is said to have many ethnobotanical uses, among them is their use in ... more Triumfetta cordifolia fruit is said to have many ethnobotanical uses, among them is their use in gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the work is to investigate the antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic properties of the fruit fractions in rats. The crude ethanol extract was dissolved in distilled water and partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and nbutanol. 50 mg/kg of each of the fractions was investigated for antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects in rats. Yohimbine, cimetidine and propranolol were used as positive controls. The fractions of the fruit, showed varying significant (p<0.001), degrees of antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects. It was observed that n-butanol and aqueous fractions had more effects on experimentally-induced ulcers and diarrhoea than chloroform and n-hexane fractions. The results on experimentally -induced ulcer and diarrhoeal models showed that the fractions possess these properties. These effects may in part be due to their actions on cholinergic and adrenergic mechanisms as well as their secondary metabolites. .

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010

The ethanolic root extract of C. zambesicus (27-81mg/kg) was evaluated for antiiflammatory, analg... more The ethanolic root extract of C. zambesicus (27-81mg/kg) was evaluated for antiiflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties in mice. The extract (27-81mg/kg) demonstrated a weak antiinflammatory activity. However, a significant (P<0.01-0.001) analgesic and antipyretic activities were observed in all the experimental models tested. The extract may be exerting its effects through central mechanisms. These findings confirms its ethnomedical use in the treatment of malarial-associated symptoms.

Gastroprotective effects of leaf extracts of Carpolobia

Objective: Some age-long plants are currently used as aphrodisiacs. Allium cepa, Allium sativum, ... more Objective: Some age-long plants are currently used as aphrodisiacs. Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Garcinia cola and Cola acuminata, used ethnomedicinally in Nigeria for enhancement of libido and erectile dysfunction, were evaluated. Methods: Aqueous-ethanol extracts (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) were subcutaneously administered to six groups of male rats. Normal saline (5 mL/kg, ip) and testosterone (1 mg/kg, sc) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Another group received testosterone (1 mg/kg, sc) and 10 min later, the extract (100 mg/kg, sc). Eight hours thereafter, the male rats were introduced to females with pre-determined oestrous cycle and Mount (MF), Erection (EF) and Intromission (IF) frequencies, Mount (ML), Intromission (IL) and Ejaculatory (EL) Latencies, Post Ejaculatory Interval (PEI) and Lordosis were recorded. Results: Testosterone induced increased sexual frequencies that were comparable (p>0.05) to those of G. cola but significantly (p<0.05) higher than t...

The African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2013

Background: The root of Lonchocarpus cyanescens is one common remedy of the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom ... more Background: The root of Lonchocarpus cyanescens is one common remedy of the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom State , Nigeria for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders. Objective: To study and validate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of the ethanol extract and fractions of L. cyanescens root in mice. Methodology: The ethanol extract and the partitioned fractions were tested using carrageenan-induced inflammation, xylene–induced ear oedema models as well as on pains induced chemically and thermally in mice. Results: L. cyanescens root extract and fractions demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in all the models, suppressed acute oedema as well as exhibited dose and time dependent analgesic properties with butanol fraction showing the highest effects. Discussion: Since the extract and its fractions significantly affected oedema and pain in the various models of this study, it therefore justify the use of the root traditionally in the treatment of pain and inflammatory di...

International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2017

Male adult albino rats (150 – 180g) were used for the experiment. They were randomized into six (... more Male adult albino rats (150 – 180g) were used for the experiment. They were randomized into six (6) groups of six (6) animals each. Food was withdrawn 24 hr and water 2 hr before the commencement of the experiment. Three models were used for this experiment (indomethacin induced ulcer, ethanol and reserpine induced ulcer). Groups 2-4 were pretreated with the extract at doses of 32.40mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg. Cimetidine was used as the standard drug. There was a progressive decline in ulcer index of the rats pre-treated with the extract. The decline was dose-dependent and statistically significant (p

The African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2013

Background: Smilax kraussiana root has an age-long historical use for family planning among the U... more Background: Smilax kraussiana root has an age-long historical use for family planning among the Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Traditionally, a decoction of the root is made either with boiling water or local gin and administered. Objective: To investigate its contraceptive potential with a view of ascertaining the scientific basis for its use in family planning, and establish if any, its mechanism for action. Method : The pulverized root was macerated in methanol for 72h and filtered with Whatman filter paper No.4. It was stored – 4 0 C until when required. Randomized female rats having regular estrus cycle were divided into groups and were administered with various doses of extract. They were observed for estrus, ovulation and contraception as well as progestational and sexual behaviour. Result : The result showed that it has anticonceptive effect, altered estrus, and ovulation cycle and possessed estrogenic effect which resulted in contraception. It also...

Carpolobia lutea (CL) (Polygalaceae) leaf is widely reported to be effective for the treatment of... more Carpolobia lutea (CL) (Polygalaceae) leaf is widely reported to be effective for the treatment of diarrheal diseases. The subchronic oral toxicological investigation is yet to be executed with both the crude ethyl acetate extract (CEAE) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) to verify suitability of plant for the management of diarrhea diseases. The pathological alteration following oral administration of CEAE and EAF of C. lutea leaf were explored in rodents over a period of 60 days adopting Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. Thirty adult male and female wistar rats were randomized to four treatment groups of 6 rats /sex/group and were administered orally with three doses of CEAE, 192.5, 385.0, 770 mg / kg and one dose of EAF 770.0 mg/kg; while 10ml/kg of 20% Tween 80 was used for the control test. Weekly relative body weight and vital signs were assessed. Blood samples were collected weekly for hematological assessment. At autopsy, the major organs were cautiously excised and we...

The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015

Eleucine indica is a medicinal plant used by the Ibibios of southern Nigeria in the treatment of ... more Eleucine indica is a medicinal plant used by the Ibibios of southern Nigeria in the treatment of malaria fever and also as a tonic. This study was to evaluate the antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract and the antioxidant activities of the extract, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of the whole plant. Basal rectal temperatures of adult albino rats of both sexes were recorded and the animals fasted for 24 h but allowed access to water ad libitum. They were then treated with DNP (10 mg/kg) and amphetamine (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Within 30 min following the administration of amphetamine, animals with increased temperature of 1◦C were selected and randomized into five groups of six animals each. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg of distilled water orally. Group’s 2 - 4 animals were administered 200 – 600 mg/kg of the extract intraperitoneally respectively. Group 5 animals received 100 mg/kg of acetyl salicylic acid orally. Yeast-induced pyrexia was a...

Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources, 2018

The root of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Afzel) is known for its anti-hypertensive, psychoactive propert... more The root of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Afzel) is known for its anti-hypertensive, psychoactive properties and aphrodisiac potentials. This research work was aimed at studying the phytochemical constituents and aphrodisiac activities of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions. The root material was macerated for 72 h and the dried ethanol extract (EE) partitioned successively to obtain dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (BuOH) and aqueous (AQ) fractions. The LD 50 was determined using Miller and Tainter method. The aphrodisiac potential of the crude extract and these factions were evaluated using adult albino mature male rats. The crude ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening. The median lethal dose (LD 50 ) was determined to be 250±15.15mg/kg body weight. The result of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids. The extract and the fractions decreased mount latency, intromission latency, post ejaculation interval and increased ejaculation latency, mount frequency, erection frequency and penile erection. These effects were statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) relative to control (normal saline). These findings authenticate the use of the root of Rauwolfia vomitoria as aphrodisiac agent. Keywords: Rauwolfia vomitoria ; Aphrodisiac; Sexual dysfunction; Intromission; Mount latency

The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity agai... more The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity against some typed and pure cultures of bacterial and fungal species. These were carried out by the Plate -hole diffusion method on Mueller - Hinton agar (MHA) for bacteria and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for the fungi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of test samples found to

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, Nov 10, 2014

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2009

Journal of Coastal Life Medicine, 2016

The Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria have a great wealth of knowledge of medicinal plants used i... more The Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria have a great wealth of knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of wounds, skin infections and various ailments. Eleucine indica is widely used in various disease states, especially in feverish conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimicrobial potentials of whole-plant extracts of Eleucine indica. Four typed cultures of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and one clinical strain of fungi, Candida albicans, were assessed using agar well diffusion method. The extracts that exhibited antimicrobial activity were then tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for each bacterial or fungal sample. The ethyl acetate extract showed the widest zone of inhibition (25.0 mm), followed by chloroform when tested against Staphilococcus aureus. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited broadspectrum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and B. subtilis. None of the extracts showed any inhibitory effect against the fungal strain of Candida albicans. Both chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited similar potencies having MIC of 50 mg/ml against E. coli and P. aeruginosa respectively. The antibacterial activities of this plant may be ascribed, at least in part, to the presence of phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins in the extracts.

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oct 1, 2009

The ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus was investigated for its potential to protect gas... more The ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus was investigated for its potential to protect gastric mucosa against ulcers induced by indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The anticonvulsant activity of the root extract against pentylene tetrazol (PTZ)- and picrotoxin-induced convulsion in mice was also studied. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.005-0.001) dose-dependent effects against the ulcerogenic effect of different agents used; indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The effect of the extract was lower than that of the standard drug, cimetidine (100 mg/kg) in the indomethacin and reserpine-induced ulcer models and higher than that of propranolol (40 mg/kg) in ethanol-induced ulcer model. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) could not protect mice from convulsion in both PTZ--and picrotoxin-induced convulsion. The root extract significantly (P<0.01-0.001) delayed the onset and latency of convulsion caused by PTZ and picrotoxin. The root extract possesses antiulcer and anticonvulsant properties.

The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity agai... more The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity against some typed and pure cultures of bacterial and fungal species. These were carried out by the Plate -hole diffusion method on Mueller - Hinton agar (MHA) for bacteria and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for the fungi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of test samples found to

Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2015

The effect of ethanolic extract of Smilax krausiana (Smilaceae) leaf was investigated for its ana... more The effect of ethanolic extract of Smilax krausiana (Smilaceae) leaf was investigated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. The extract significantly (p<0.01-0.001) inhibited in a dose – dependent fashion algesia (nociception) induced by acetic acid, formalin and hot plate. It also reduced in dose-related manner inflammation induced by fresh egg albumin, carrageenin and capsaicin. These inhibitions were statistically significant (p<0.01 – 0.001). Though the mechanism of action of the extract is not fully elucidated, it may in part involve suppression of capillary permeability through neurogenic and non-neurogenic pathways as well as its narcotic potential. The extract’s inhibition of all the models investigated in a non-specific manner supports the folkloric use of the plant.

Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2009

Several plants are used in folk medicine to treat infections. Carpolobia lutea, G.Don (Polygalace... more Several plants are used in folk medicine to treat infections. Carpolobia lutea, G.Don (Polygalaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used by herbalists in Southern Nigeria against dental and genitourinary infections. The study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Carpolobia lutea root. Four typed cultures of bacteria namely, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and two clinical strains of fungi, namely Candida albicans and Tinea capitis were analyzed using agar well diffusion method. The extracts that showed antimicrobial activity were then tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for each bacterial or fungal sample.The ethyl acetate extract gave the widest zone of inhibition (21.0 mm) followed by chloroform when tested on E. coli. No inhibition was observed with E.Coli. None of the extracts showed any inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeru...

Triumfetta cordifolia fruit is said to have many ethnobotanical uses, among them is their use in ... more Triumfetta cordifolia fruit is said to have many ethnobotanical uses, among them is their use in gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the work is to investigate the antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic properties of the fruit fractions in rats. The crude ethanol extract was dissolved in distilled water and partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and nbutanol. 50 mg/kg of each of the fractions was investigated for antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects in rats. Yohimbine, cimetidine and propranolol were used as positive controls. The fractions of the fruit, showed varying significant (p<0.001), degrees of antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects. It was observed that n-butanol and aqueous fractions had more effects on experimentally-induced ulcers and diarrhoea than chloroform and n-hexane fractions. The results on experimentally -induced ulcer and diarrhoeal models showed that the fractions possess these properties. These effects may in part be due to their actions on cholinergic and adrenergic mechanisms as well as their secondary metabolites. .

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010

The ethanolic root extract of C. zambesicus (27-81mg/kg) was evaluated for antiiflammatory, analg... more The ethanolic root extract of C. zambesicus (27-81mg/kg) was evaluated for antiiflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties in mice. The extract (27-81mg/kg) demonstrated a weak antiinflammatory activity. However, a significant (P<0.01-0.001) analgesic and antipyretic activities were observed in all the experimental models tested. The extract may be exerting its effects through central mechanisms. These findings confirms its ethnomedical use in the treatment of malarial-associated symptoms.

Gastroprotective effects of leaf extracts of Carpolobia

Objective: Some age-long plants are currently used as aphrodisiacs. Allium cepa, Allium sativum, ... more Objective: Some age-long plants are currently used as aphrodisiacs. Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Garcinia cola and Cola acuminata, used ethnomedicinally in Nigeria for enhancement of libido and erectile dysfunction, were evaluated. Methods: Aqueous-ethanol extracts (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) were subcutaneously administered to six groups of male rats. Normal saline (5 mL/kg, ip) and testosterone (1 mg/kg, sc) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Another group received testosterone (1 mg/kg, sc) and 10 min later, the extract (100 mg/kg, sc). Eight hours thereafter, the male rats were introduced to females with pre-determined oestrous cycle and Mount (MF), Erection (EF) and Intromission (IF) frequencies, Mount (ML), Intromission (IL) and Ejaculatory (EL) Latencies, Post Ejaculatory Interval (PEI) and Lordosis were recorded. Results: Testosterone induced increased sexual frequencies that were comparable (p>0.05) to those of G. cola but significantly (p<0.05) higher than t...

The African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2013

Background: The root of Lonchocarpus cyanescens is one common remedy of the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom ... more Background: The root of Lonchocarpus cyanescens is one common remedy of the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom State , Nigeria for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders. Objective: To study and validate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of the ethanol extract and fractions of L. cyanescens root in mice. Methodology: The ethanol extract and the partitioned fractions were tested using carrageenan-induced inflammation, xylene–induced ear oedema models as well as on pains induced chemically and thermally in mice. Results: L. cyanescens root extract and fractions demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in all the models, suppressed acute oedema as well as exhibited dose and time dependent analgesic properties with butanol fraction showing the highest effects. Discussion: Since the extract and its fractions significantly affected oedema and pain in the various models of this study, it therefore justify the use of the root traditionally in the treatment of pain and inflammatory di...

International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2017

Male adult albino rats (150 – 180g) were used for the experiment. They were randomized into six (... more Male adult albino rats (150 – 180g) were used for the experiment. They were randomized into six (6) groups of six (6) animals each. Food was withdrawn 24 hr and water 2 hr before the commencement of the experiment. Three models were used for this experiment (indomethacin induced ulcer, ethanol and reserpine induced ulcer). Groups 2-4 were pretreated with the extract at doses of 32.40mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg. Cimetidine was used as the standard drug. There was a progressive decline in ulcer index of the rats pre-treated with the extract. The decline was dose-dependent and statistically significant (p

The African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2013

Background: Smilax kraussiana root has an age-long historical use for family planning among the U... more Background: Smilax kraussiana root has an age-long historical use for family planning among the Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Traditionally, a decoction of the root is made either with boiling water or local gin and administered. Objective: To investigate its contraceptive potential with a view of ascertaining the scientific basis for its use in family planning, and establish if any, its mechanism for action. Method : The pulverized root was macerated in methanol for 72h and filtered with Whatman filter paper No.4. It was stored – 4 0 C until when required. Randomized female rats having regular estrus cycle were divided into groups and were administered with various doses of extract. They were observed for estrus, ovulation and contraception as well as progestational and sexual behaviour. Result : The result showed that it has anticonceptive effect, altered estrus, and ovulation cycle and possessed estrogenic effect which resulted in contraception. It also...

Carpolobia lutea (CL) (Polygalaceae) leaf is widely reported to be effective for the treatment of... more Carpolobia lutea (CL) (Polygalaceae) leaf is widely reported to be effective for the treatment of diarrheal diseases. The subchronic oral toxicological investigation is yet to be executed with both the crude ethyl acetate extract (CEAE) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) to verify suitability of plant for the management of diarrhea diseases. The pathological alteration following oral administration of CEAE and EAF of C. lutea leaf were explored in rodents over a period of 60 days adopting Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. Thirty adult male and female wistar rats were randomized to four treatment groups of 6 rats /sex/group and were administered orally with three doses of CEAE, 192.5, 385.0, 770 mg / kg and one dose of EAF 770.0 mg/kg; while 10ml/kg of 20% Tween 80 was used for the control test. Weekly relative body weight and vital signs were assessed. Blood samples were collected weekly for hematological assessment. At autopsy, the major organs were cautiously excised and we...

The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015

Eleucine indica is a medicinal plant used by the Ibibios of southern Nigeria in the treatment of ... more Eleucine indica is a medicinal plant used by the Ibibios of southern Nigeria in the treatment of malaria fever and also as a tonic. This study was to evaluate the antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract and the antioxidant activities of the extract, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of the whole plant. Basal rectal temperatures of adult albino rats of both sexes were recorded and the animals fasted for 24 h but allowed access to water ad libitum. They were then treated with DNP (10 mg/kg) and amphetamine (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Within 30 min following the administration of amphetamine, animals with increased temperature of 1◦C were selected and randomized into five groups of six animals each. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg of distilled water orally. Group’s 2 - 4 animals were administered 200 – 600 mg/kg of the extract intraperitoneally respectively. Group 5 animals received 100 mg/kg of acetyl salicylic acid orally. Yeast-induced pyrexia was a...

Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources, 2018

The root of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Afzel) is known for its anti-hypertensive, psychoactive propert... more The root of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Afzel) is known for its anti-hypertensive, psychoactive properties and aphrodisiac potentials. This research work was aimed at studying the phytochemical constituents and aphrodisiac activities of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions. The root material was macerated for 72 h and the dried ethanol extract (EE) partitioned successively to obtain dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (BuOH) and aqueous (AQ) fractions. The LD 50 was determined using Miller and Tainter method. The aphrodisiac potential of the crude extract and these factions were evaluated using adult albino mature male rats. The crude ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening. The median lethal dose (LD 50 ) was determined to be 250±15.15mg/kg body weight. The result of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids. The extract and the fractions decreased mount latency, intromission latency, post ejaculation interval and increased ejaculation latency, mount frequency, erection frequency and penile erection. These effects were statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) relative to control (normal saline). These findings authenticate the use of the root of Rauwolfia vomitoria as aphrodisiac agent. Keywords: Rauwolfia vomitoria ; Aphrodisiac; Sexual dysfunction; Intromission; Mount latency

The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity agai... more The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity against some typed and pure cultures of bacterial and fungal species. These were carried out by the Plate -hole diffusion method on Mueller - Hinton agar (MHA) for bacteria and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for the fungi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of test samples found to

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, Nov 10, 2014

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2009

Journal of Coastal Life Medicine, 2016

The Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria have a great wealth of knowledge of medicinal plants used i... more The Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria have a great wealth of knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of wounds, skin infections and various ailments. Eleucine indica is widely used in various disease states, especially in feverish conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimicrobial potentials of whole-plant extracts of Eleucine indica. Four typed cultures of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and one clinical strain of fungi, Candida albicans, were assessed using agar well diffusion method. The extracts that exhibited antimicrobial activity were then tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for each bacterial or fungal sample. The ethyl acetate extract showed the widest zone of inhibition (25.0 mm), followed by chloroform when tested against Staphilococcus aureus. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited broadspectrum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and B. subtilis. None of the extracts showed any inhibitory effect against the fungal strain of Candida albicans. Both chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited similar potencies having MIC of 50 mg/ml against E. coli and P. aeruginosa respectively. The antibacterial activities of this plant may be ascribed, at least in part, to the presence of phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins in the extracts.

Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oct 1, 2009

The ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus was investigated for its potential to protect gas... more The ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus was investigated for its potential to protect gastric mucosa against ulcers induced by indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The anticonvulsant activity of the root extract against pentylene tetrazol (PTZ)- and picrotoxin-induced convulsion in mice was also studied. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.005-0.001) dose-dependent effects against the ulcerogenic effect of different agents used; indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The effect of the extract was lower than that of the standard drug, cimetidine (100 mg/kg) in the indomethacin and reserpine-induced ulcer models and higher than that of propranolol (40 mg/kg) in ethanol-induced ulcer model. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) could not protect mice from convulsion in both PTZ--and picrotoxin-induced convulsion. The root extract significantly (P<0.01-0.001) delayed the onset and latency of convulsion caused by PTZ and picrotoxin. The root extract possesses antiulcer and anticonvulsant properties.

The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity agai... more The root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were screened for antimicrobial activity against some typed and pure cultures of bacterial and fungal species. These were carried out by the Plate -hole diffusion method on Mueller - Hinton agar (MHA) for bacteria and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for the fungi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of test samples found to

Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2015

The effect of ethanolic extract of Smilax krausiana (Smilaceae) leaf was investigated for its ana... more The effect of ethanolic extract of Smilax krausiana (Smilaceae) leaf was investigated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. The extract significantly (p<0.01-0.001) inhibited in a dose – dependent fashion algesia (nociception) induced by acetic acid, formalin and hot plate. It also reduced in dose-related manner inflammation induced by fresh egg albumin, carrageenin and capsaicin. These inhibitions were statistically significant (p<0.01 – 0.001). Though the mechanism of action of the extract is not fully elucidated, it may in part involve suppression of capillary permeability through neurogenic and non-neurogenic pathways as well as its narcotic potential. The extract’s inhibition of all the models investigated in a non-specific manner supports the folkloric use of the plant.

Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2009

Several plants are used in folk medicine to treat infections. Carpolobia lutea, G.Don (Polygalace... more Several plants are used in folk medicine to treat infections. Carpolobia lutea, G.Don (Polygalaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used by herbalists in Southern Nigeria against dental and genitourinary infections. The study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Carpolobia lutea root. Four typed cultures of bacteria namely, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and two clinical strains of fungi, namely Candida albicans and Tinea capitis were analyzed using agar well diffusion method. The extracts that showed antimicrobial activity were then tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for each bacterial or fungal sample.The ethyl acetate extract gave the widest zone of inhibition (21.0 mm) followed by chloroform when tested on E. coli. No inhibition was observed with E.Coli. None of the extracts showed any inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeru...