Dr. TAKEM L A P A H PIERRE | University of Calabar (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. TAKEM L A P A H PIERRE

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology, 2014

Aqueous root extract of Salacia lehmbachii (ARESL) has been implicated in preterm usage by herbal... more Aqueous root extract of Salacia lehmbachii (ARESL) has been implicated in preterm usage by herbalists in South Eastern Nigeria. Consequently, the extract, thought used in other ailment like malaria fever, is prohibited in normal pregnancy situation. The present study was aimed at investigating effects of ARESL on activities of uterine muscle strips isolated from non-gravid, oestrogen-primed Wistar rats. Uterine muscle strips were prepared and mounted in an organ bath with aerated De-Jalon's solution maintained at 36 ± 1 C. Dose-response relationships for oxytocin (OT) and acetylcholine (ACh) constituting uterotonic (contractile) agents were studied isometrically in the presence and absence of fixed concentrations of ARESL (0 25 × 10 −2 and 0 5 × 10 −2 mg/ml). Similarly, salbutamol (SBL) and verapamil (VER) controls were investigated in the presence of uterotonic agents and the effects compared with those of the extract. Effects of extract on amplitude and frequency and on maximum achievable response (E max and concentration which inhibited 50% of maximum response (IC 50 were also assessed. Data was computed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test as post hoc. ARESL at a concentration of 0 5×10 −2 mg/ml significantly (P < 0 01) reduced E max of OT from 1 22±0 20 to 0 30±0 02 g and that of ACh from 1 45 ± 0 43 to 0 28 ± 0 11. Frequency of contractions was equally reduced. Hence, ARESL is a nonspecific uterine smooth muscle contractile antagonist with very high affinity for receptors with no efficacy. This, undoubtedly, explains why folkloric medicine uses the extract in situations of threatened abortion.

British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014

ABSTRACT Aim: Salacia lehmbachii is used in South Eastern Nigeria folk medicine to treat abdomina... more ABSTRACT Aim: Salacia lehmbachii is used in South Eastern Nigeria folk medicine to treat abdominal pain, inflammatory disorders and malaria symptom without scientific documentation. The aim of this study was therefore, to assess possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous root extract of Salacia lehmbachii (ARESL) in albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in World Bank Step B Anti-Malaria Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar-Nigeria, between November 2013 and January 2014. Methodology: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ARESL were assessed in Wistar rats at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. To assess analgesic activity, acetic acidinduced writhing and formalin tests were used. To assess anti-inflammatory property, carrageenan and dextran-induced hind paw edema were used. Differences between group means were compared statistically by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test as post hoc. Results: In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract, at a dose of 400 mg/kg, showed a maximum inhibition (P=.05) of 71.66% of writhing while the standard drug Aspirin inhibited 81.05% of writhing compared to untreated control group. In formalin test, ARESL showed a maximum inhibition (P =.05) of 71.77% at a dose of 400 mg/kg while standard drug Pethidine showed 76.11%. For carrageenan-induced paw edema test, ARESL at a dose of 400 mg/kg showed maximum 85.90% inhibition (P =.05) of inflammatory activity while dextran-induced showed 87.9%. Conclusion: ARESL possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities which corroborate the aqueous extract being used in folk medicine.

British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014

Malaria has been a major threat to the life of patients living within Port Harcourt and its envir... more Malaria has been a major threat to the life of patients living within Port Harcourt and its environs despite adoption of different preventive strategies to combat it even with a constant mass distribution of long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, increased community awareness programmes, increased availability of Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), biolarviciding and increased advertisements of the dangers of malaria by both government and drug producers. This study investigated the causes of constant visits of patients for malaria treatment in UPTH-Nigeria, measures adopted by the patients for prevention and reduction of malaria and possible preventive measures. 500 willing patients was used for this study using both structured questionnaires and oral interview to obtain information regarding their demographic malaria preventive strategies adopted, drugs used for malaria treatment and prevention as goals for reduction of associated morbidity and mortality. This study revealed that patients are making efforts to curb malaria by the use of ACTs 376 (75.2%) but improper use of adequate malaria drugs in form of non-ACTs 279 (55.8%) resulted in an inadequate cure as many visited patent medicine dealers for initial treatment, inability to get the proper drugs prescribed to them by medical practitioners due to poverty, improper protection of houses with nets in doors and windows 252 (50.4%), stagnant drainage systems 462 (92.4%), inability to cut bushes around their homes 363 (72.6%) and poor use of insecticides 265 (53%) has been a major pitfall to their having a proper and long lasting treatment for malaria.

BACKGROUND: Quality and safety have become bedrocks for efficient and successful medical interven... more BACKGROUND: Quality and safety have become bedrocks for efficient and successful medical intervention throughout the whole world.
OBJECTIVE: To assess for quality screening practice in paediatric radiography; compliance with European Commission guide lines for diagnostic paediatric radiography in Southern Nigeria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: University Teaching Hospitals and private health centres in Southern Nigeria were screened through questionnaires and on-site observation of paediatric radiography practices. The questionnaires contained the recommended parameters of EC in respect of skull, chest and abdominal radiography imaging.
RESULTS: They revealed that radiography device (RD) usage had good scores in all medical institutions. Nominal focal spot value (NFSV), tube filtration (TF), Film-focus distance (FFD) had good score had good scores only in private health centres. Quality assurance was good for public hospitals. Most of X-ray machines were manufactured 31 years ago and installed about 37 years ago.
CONCLUSION: University Teaching Hospitals had fair compliance to EC recommendations than private health centres. The poor compliance was probably due to lack of proficient radiography technologists, lack of adequate information necessary in carrying out paediatric radiography, use of obsolete equipment or lack of incentives.s only in public hospitals. Automatic exposure control (AEC)

Aims: Garcinia kola is used in West African countries for the treatment of various ailments such ... more Aims: Garcinia kola is used in West African countries for the treatment of various ailments such as
cough, tooth decay, asthma and menstrual cramps. The inhibitory effect of Garcinia kola seed
extract (GKE) on drug-induced contractions was studied on iliac smooth muscle preparations of
guinea pig to ascertain the validity of the use of Garcinia kola in traditional medicine and to
elucidate its possible mechanism of action.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in Post Graduate Laboratory, Department of
Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar-Nigeria, between
November 2013 and April 2014.
Methodology: The antispasmodic influence of GKE (0.02 – 1 mg/ml) on acetylcholine, histamine
and potassium chloride -induced contractions were carried out. The effect of GKE in a Ca2+-free
Tyrode medium and in the presence of adrenergic antagonists was also investigated.
Results: The results revealed that GKE inhibited or attenuated the spasmogenic effects of histamine and potassium chloride in a dose-dependent manner and shifted their log. doseresponse
curves to the right, with pA2 values of 2.09±0.06 and 3.25±0.07 respectively. Preadministration
of propranolol, prazosin or labetalol had no attenuating influence on the
antispasmodic effect of GKE. Iliac smooth muscle responses to cumulative increased [Ca2+] in a
depolarizing bathing medium and in a Ca2+- free Tyrode solution were also blocked. Comparative
antispasmodic potencies indicated that papaverine and aminophylline were more potent than the
extract.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Garcinia kola seed extract acts neither via cholinergic
nor adrenergic receptor mediation, but may involve interference with Ca2+ mobilization, thus
sharing with papaverine and/or aminophylline similar mechanism(s) of action.

Salacia lehmbachii, Urine, Electrolytes, Renal function Purpose: To assess the possible role of a... more Salacia lehmbachii, Urine, Electrolytes, Renal function Purpose: To assess the possible role of aqueous root extract of Salacia lehmbachii (ARESL) in renal function of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy rats were randomized into 5 groups of 6 animals and administered with 25 ml/kg saline. Group I (control) received saline (10 ml/kg), Group II (standard) received urea (1 g/kg), Groups III and V (tests) received ARESL (1 and 2 g/kg) respectively and Group V received urea plus ARESL (1:2 g/kg) by oral gavage. Urine pH, volume, conductivity and electrolyte (Na + , K + and Cl-) concentrations were evaluated using modified Lipschitzs method. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and anthraquinones in varied considerable quantities. Administration of the ARESLled to increase in Na + and K + level without altering Na + / K + and Cl-/ Na + + K + ratio and non-significantly increased the pH. Renal toxicity or any adverse effect was not observed in the course of the study. Conclusion: The present study reveals that extract of S. lehmbachii conserves significantly fluid in tested rat model and supports the pharmacological credence to the folkloric medical usage.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of some facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacteria isolated from p... more Antimicrobial susceptibility of some facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacteria isolated from
postoperative wound infections in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) was investigated.
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern using disc diffusion technique was employ. A total of 100 samples were
analyzed, 75(75%) were obtained from abdominal wound infections, 14(14%) were obtained from chest
wound infections, and 11(11%) were obtained from traumatic wound infections. The percent bacteria
isolated was Escherichia coli 60.2%, Proteus spp 30.1% and Klebsiella spp 9.7%. All the isolates were
sensitive to Gentamicin 100(100%); Streptomycin: E. coli 58(96.6%), Proteus spp 28(93.3%), and
Kebsiella spp 9(90.0%). Distribution of resistant phenotype showed the most prevalent resistant to be
Amp+/Tet+ for E. coli 40(66.0%) and Proteus spp 20(66.6%). Klebsiella spp 7(70.0%) was shown by
Amp+. Infectious microbes were site dependent, with E. coli being most rampant. Gentamicin was drug
of choice followed by streptomycin.

Phragmanthera capitata, Haematological parameters, Lorantheceae Phragmanthera capitata is a mistl... more Phragmanthera capitata, Haematological parameters, Lorantheceae Phragmanthera capitata is a mistletoe plant implicated in Cameroon folkloric medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of aqueous extract of whole plant in haematological parameters of Wistar rats. Healthy rats of either sex were randomized into 4 groups of 7 rats each. Group I (control) received 10 ml/kg saline; Groups II-IV (tests) received 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) respectively per oral for 26 days. Weights of liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and heart were measured. Blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture under mild chloroform anaesthesia and complete blood count was performed. Data collected were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Newman-Keule test as post hoc at probability level of 0.05. There was no significant change (P >0.05) in mean weights of visceral organs. In haemoglobin count, significant increase (P <0.05) was observed in the group treated with 100 mg/kg extract which led to corresponding increase in packed cell volume (PCV) as compared to control. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) showed significant (P <0.05) increased in group treated with 300 mg/kg extract. Consequently, aqueous extract of P. capitata has potentiating activities in haemopoietic function.

Aim: To evaluate the exploratory and anxiety potentials of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capit... more Aim: To evaluate the exploratory and anxiety potentials of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) in Wistar rats using hole-board paradigm. Materials and Methods: Healthy rats were randomized into 5 groups. Group I (control) received 10 ml/kg saline, Group II (standard) received 0.2 mg/kg Diazepam, Groups III-V (tests) received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC respectively. Changes in the emotional state of rats were assessed through changes in exploratory activities. Hole exploration consisted of point-sniff, circular-sniff and central sniff while inside hole exploration consisted of static-dip, rapid-dip and active-dip. Latency of the first head-dipping, number and duration of rearing, number of crossing from one compartment to another were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the test used as post hoc. Results: In head dipping, there was a significant increase for 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC as compared to control. In sniffing, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC also showed significant increase in point sniffing and central sniffing respectively. Rearing, duration and mean number of crossing were significantly decreased by 400 mg/kg AEPC. Latency of the first head-dipping was significantly decreased by 400 mg/kg AEPC. Conclusion: The results suggest that Phragmanthera capitata has bioactive molecules that act in the central nervous system to lower anxiety.

This study was carried out to investigate steroidogenetic and spermatogenetic activities of aqueo... more This study was carried out to investigate steroidogenetic and spermatogenetic activities of aqueous extract of
Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) in male Wistar rats. Healthy adult male Wistar rats of proven fertility
weighing 150-200 g were randomized into three groups with body weights measured weekly. Group I (control)
received 10 ml/kg saline, Groups II and III (tests) received 150 and 300 mg/kg AEPC respectively per oral per
day for 60 days. Mating test was assessed from day 55 with cohabitation with coeval females for 5 days with the
resulting sired litters counted and pup weights measured. The males were sacrificed; testes, epididymis, seminal
vesicles and ventral prostrate were excised and weighed. Epididymal sperm motility (EPM), epididymal sperm
reserve (ESR), daily sperm production (DSP), blood testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were measured.
Mean weekly body weight as well as weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate
revealed no significant change as compared to control. Similarly, no significant changes in EPM, ESR and DSP
in test groups were observed. However, cholesterol and testosterone levels were significantly (P <0.05)
increased while mating test showed a corresponding significant (P <0.05) increase in pup weight of 28.85±0.76
for 300 mg/kg AEPC as compared to 20.53±0.52 for control. Therefore, AEPC enhances steroidogenetic and
spermatogenetic activities in male Wistar rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress-protective potential of aqueous extract of Phrag... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress-protective potential of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) in Wistar rats. AEPC was evaluated for stabilization of stress induced by gravitational and swimming endurance tests. In both models, test groups were administered per oral at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg following acute toxicity test. Standard group received Diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) while control group received saline (10 ml/kg). Weights of organs and biochemical markers' levels were investigated in gravitational stress model while swimming survival time was assessed in swimming endurance stress model. Results: In test groups, AEPC caused a decrease in weights of liver, kidney and adrenal gland while weight of spleen was increased, though, not in a statistically significant manner as compared to control group. Swimming endurance time showed similar non-significant increase in mean swimming survival time while serum glucose, cholesterol, trigyceride and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels revealed corresponding non-significant decrease as compared to control group. Conclusion: AEPC did not significantly protect Wistar rats from stress induced by gravitational and swimming endurance stress models.

Aim: To investigate diarrhoeagenic activities of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC)... more Aim: To investigate diarrhoeagenic activities of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera
capitata (AEPC) in albino rats.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of
Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar,
Nigeria, between October 2013 and January 2014.
Methodology: Diarrhoeagenic activities were assessed using three models;
enteropooling, gastrointestinal transit and faecal discharge. In each of these models, all
rats were overnight fasted with access to drinking water until the start of the experiment.
The rats were randomized into 5 groups of 7 rats. Group I (control) received saline (10
ml/kg), Group II (standard) and Groups III-V (test) received AEPC (100, 200, 300 mg/kg
respectively) by oral gavage. To assess enteropooling activity, castor oil (1 ml) and
magnesium sulfate (10 ml/kg in saline) were used to induce enteropooling in two separate
experiments. Group II in both experiments received loperamide (3 mg/kg). Intestinal
contents were weighed before and after discharging the contents and recorded. To
investigate gastrointestinal transit, 0.25 ml of charcoal meal was administered to the ratswith standard group receiving atropine (5 mg/kg i.p.). Distance traveled by charcoal meal
was measured and recorded. To assess the rate of faecal discharge, castor oil (1 ml) was
used to induce diarrhoea and faeces were collected, weighed and recorded. One way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed followed by Tukey test as post hoc. Results: The results revealed significant (P =.05) reduction in faecal discharge, weight of intestinal contents and distance traveled by charcoal meal. Conclusion: AEPC possesses anti-secretory, anti-electrolyte permeability and hence anti-diarrhoeagenic properties.

Phragmanthera capitata is parasitic plant (mistletoe) that colonizes many plants including avocad... more Phragmanthera capitata is parasitic plant (mistletoe) that colonizes many plants including avocado trees. The whole plant infusion/decoction is used in Cameroon folk medicine to relief fever and abdominal pain. This study was aimed at assessing anti-pyretic and analgesic potentials of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) in Wistar rats at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. To assess anti-pyretic potential; 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and turpentine were used to induce pyrexia with standard drug being diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg). To assess peripheral analgesic effect, acetic acid-induced writhing test was used. To assess central analgesic potential, formalin-induced licking test was used with standard drug being pethidine (5 mg/kg). Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey test used as post hoc. In DNP-induced pyrexia, results revealed that AEPC at 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly (P <0.05 and P <0.01) reduced rat body temperature by 0.80±0.02 and 1.20±0.10 O C respectively as compared to 0.90±0.05 O C for standard drug. In turpentine induced pyrexia, same inhibition trend was shown as in DNP induced pyrexia. In peripheral analgesic activity, AEPC (300 mg/kg) maximally inhibited (P <0.05) number of writhes to 4.25±0.10 as compared to 9.27±0.51 for standard drug and 31.50±2.32 for control. In central analgesic activity, the number of licks was reduced to 4.99±0.13 as compared to 4.21±0.09 for standard drug and 39.25±3.13 for control. Therefore, AEPC possesses enormous anti-pyretic and analgesic properties in a dose-dependent manner. These properties corroborate the extract being used in Cameroon folk medicine to relief fever and abdominal pain.

Phragmanthera capitata is mistletoe (parasitic plant) that grows on other plants including avocad... more Phragmanthera capitata is mistletoe (parasitic plant) that grows on other plants including avocado trees. Leaves infusion or decoction is claimed to treat amongst other ailments abdominal pains by herbalists in Cameroon. Our goal was to evaluate possible secretory, gastro and ulcer activities of aqueous extract of P. capitata (AEPC) in indomathacin induced gastric ulcer and pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer (PLIGU) in albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical and toxicity assays were performed following standard procedures. To evaluate indomethacin induced gastric ulcer, control group received 10 ml/kg normal saline, standard group received 100 mg/kg cimetidine, test groups received AEPC (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg). To evaluate PLIGU, treatment was same as indomethacin induced ulcer. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey test used as post hoc. In preliminary phytochemical assays AEPC revealed the presence of terpenoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, anthraquinones, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols. In acute oral toxicity assay, AEPC was safe up to a concentration of 3000 mg/kg in mice. In anti-ulcer evaluation AEPC decreased significantly (P <0.05) the number of ulcers, ulcer scores and ulcer index in both indomathacin and PLIGU. PLIGU rats also showed significant (P <0.05) decrease in gastric volume, total acidity, free acid and an increase in pH of gastric fluid. These results, undoubtedly, suggest that AEPC possesses significant anti-secretory, gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities in a dose-dependent manner. These findings thus corroborate the use of the extract in folkloric practice.

Diabetes arises from a deficient production of insulin by the β-cells of the pancreaticislets of ... more Diabetes arises from a deficient production of insulin by the β-cells of the pancreaticislets of Langerhans or improper utilization of insulin by target cells. Many traditionalist has recommended the use of Tetracarpidiumconophorum nuts in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but the mechanism is not properly defined. This study was carried out to compare the antidiabetic effects of Tetracarpidiumconophorum with glibenclamide and metformin-standard oral antidiabetic agents-in order to ascertain its possible mode of action. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5). Group1 was normal control, group 2 diabetic control, group3 diabetic rats treated with root extract, group 4 diabetic rats treated with leaf extract, Group 5 diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide, group 6 diabetic rats treated with metformin. The results of this experiment indicated that extracts of the leaf and root of Tetracarpidiumconophorum significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level of alloxan-induced diabetic rats and significantly (P>0.05) attenuated diabetic associated weight loss. The results also indicated that extracts from the root and leaf of Tetracarpidiumconophorum were more potent in lowering blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats when compared with oral agents. It is concluded that Tetracarpidiumconophorum leaf and roots possess significant antidiabetic activity. It is therefore highly encouraged to pursue investigations towards isolation of phytomedicine from this plant which could be used as available and affordable alternative therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Medicinal plants have unique therapeutic properties and are therefore used in rural and urban are... more Medicinal plants have unique therapeutic properties and are therefore used in rural and urban areas for the treatment of various disease conditions and ailments. The phytochemistry, proximate and elemental compositions of methanolic, aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the leaves of Rothmannia longiflora and Rothmannia hispida were carried out using standard procedures. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, reducing compounds and polyphenols in both species and in all the extracts. Hydroxymethyl anthraquinones were detected in methanolic and aqueous extracts while flavonoids were detected only in ethanolic extract. Proximate analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in the contents of Rothmannia longiflora and Rothmannia hispida. The proximate contents (in %) were moisture: 58.7 ± 0.07 and 84.47 ± 0.02, protein: 9.19 ± 0.01 and 3.20 ± 0.01, fat: 15.43 ± 0.11 and 0.80 ± 0.11, ash: 11.30 ± 0.07 and 2.32 ± 0.02, crude fiber: 1.73 ± 0.15 and 1.42 ± 0.02, carbohydrate: 3.65 ± 0.29 and 7.79 ± 0.01 for Rothmannia longiflora and Rothmannia hispida respectively. Elemental composition results showed that Rothmannia longiflora contained (in ppm) sodium (Na) 16.37 ± 0.11, calcium (Ca) 10.02 ± 0.02, magnesium (Mg) 68.53 ± 0.11 and manganese (Mn) 0.02 ± 0.01. The results unraveled the pharmacological basis of the therapeutic applications of Rothmannia longiflora and Rothmannia hispida in traditional medical practice and as potential sources of useful drugs.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology, 2014

British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014