Nweje-Anyalowu, Paul C. | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (original) (raw)
Papers by Nweje-Anyalowu, Paul C.
Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology, Sep 30, 2020
Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2017
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 2017
Fatty acid composition of plant food (oil) is important for its economic and nutritional value. A... more Fatty acid composition of plant food (oil) is important for its economic and nutritional value. Assessment of fatty acid contents of two Nigerian masticatories cum traditional snacks: African walnut kernel (AW) and African elemi pulp (AE) were carried out. Samples were subjected to graded wet heat contact time based on their traditional methods of processing and their oil extract evaluated for fatty acid (FA) contents using chromatographic method. The processing methods had no statistically significant effect on both the oil and FA contents of the samples. Both samples contain nutritionally relevant levels of fat ranging respectively from 49.8±1.08 to 52.8±2.70g/100g sample and 41.93±6.03 to 42.8±4.61g/100g sample in AW and AE. A total of six fatty acids including two essential ones namely omega-6 (C18:2) and omega-3 (C18:3), were identified and quantified in the two plant foods. The predominant FAs in the plant foods were oleic acid (16.12±1.86 17.11±1.31g/100g fat), linoleic acid ...
Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2017
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2020
Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019
Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-i... more Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats. Methods: Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg b.wt.). The constipated rats were orally treated daily either with 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight per day of the extract or 0.21 mg/kg bisacodyl (reference drug) for 7 days while the normal and constipated control groups received distilled water. The feeding characteristics, body weight, faecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored throughout the study period. Results: There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) between normal and constipated rats in the number of faecal pellets and water content of faecal pellets while there was no significant changes in the feed/ water intake and body weight of rats .Administration of the graded doses of the extract to the constipated rats significantly and dose- dependently normalized (p < 0.05) the number of ...
International Journal of Pharmacology, 2019
Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stre... more Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stress, causing nephrotoxicity. The present study ascertained the effect of the aqueous extracts of Datura stramonium seeds and leaves on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. All groups, except group 1, were induced with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150 mg kg–1 b.wt. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 (positive control) was left untreated, group 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the seed extract respectively, while group 5 and 6 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the leaf extract respectively, after cyclophosphamide induction. Results: Administration of the extracts caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, malondialdehyde and urea concentrations compared to group 2. The extract also led to significant (p<0.05) increases in albumin, globulin, total protein, vitamins C and E concentrations compared to group 2. However, there was no significant difference in vitamin A concentration after extract administration. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of Datura stramonium in restoring oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide, though not all indices considered were significantly reversed.
Journal of Applied Sciences, 2019
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2019
In this study the antidiabetic effect of a polyherbal formulation- ZPC was investigated in Wistar... more In this study the antidiabetic effect of a polyherbal formulation- ZPC was investigated in Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Rats having Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hrs were considered diabetic and used for the studies. Five rats served as non- diabetic control (Group 1) while twenty diabetic rats were randomized into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The four groups (Groups 2,3,4 and 5) received 1ml (diabetic control), 250 mg/kg chlorpropamide and ZPC at doses of 250 and 500mg/kg respectively for 28 days. During the treatment period, the FBS and bodyweight of rats were monitored weekly and on day 28, the rats were euthanized and blood samples collected for serum lipid profile analysis. Results obtained indicated that following administration of streptozotocin, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the FBS, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentration with a corresponding si...
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2018
Aim: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida l... more Aim: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves in rat model of gentamicin induced renal damage. Materials and Methods: Twenty- four (24) Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 150- 200g were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each; Group I served as the control and received normal saline, Group II- IV received gentamicin (40 mg/kg, i.p), Groups III and IV also received 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves respectively for 15 days. Body weight measurement, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes analyses and histopathological examination of kidney were carried out. Results: Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in Serum urea, creatinine, decreased sodium and chloride ions, elevated serum level of potassium ion and pathological signs such as congestion, focal areas of inflammation, tubular necrosis, and glomerular atrophy. Administration of the extract...
International Blood Research & Reviews, 2019
Objective: This study was undertaken to validate the haematinic potentials of the aqueous leaf ex... more Objective: This study was undertaken to validate the haematinic potentials of the aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata (FEAE) and Telfeira occidentalis (TOAE) administered separately and to establish a possible synergistic interaction when administered concurrently to chloramphenicol- induced anaemic rats. Materials and Methods: Anaemia was induced by oral administration of chloramphenicol (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Five (5) non- anaemic rats and Twenty (20) anaemic rats were used in this study. The non – anaemic rats served as non- anaemic control and received 1ml dist. H2O. The 25 anaemic rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each (groups 2- 6). Group 2 served as anaemic control and received 1 ml dist. H2O, group 3 served as positive control (reference drug) and received ferrous gluconate (900 mg/kg) while groups 4- 6 received FEAE (200 mg/kg), TOAE (200 mg/kg) and FEAE (100 mg/kg) + TOAE (100 mg/kg) respectively. Treatment was carried out once daily for 7 days after which...
Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
Objective: The anti-diarrhoea activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of C. aurantifolia... more Objective: The anti-diarrhoea activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of C. aurantifolia was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity evaluation of the aqueous extract of C. aurantifolia stem bark was carried out using rats according to Lorke's method. Experimental diarrhoea was induced in rats with castor oil, and the effect of the extract on castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility and enteropooling was consequently investigated. Results: In the acute toxicity study, the extract produced no signs of toxicity or mortality in rats up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The oral LD 50 of the aqueous stem bark extract of C. aurantifolia was therefore taken to be >5000 mg /kg. The extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the frequency of defecation as well as in the number of unformed faeces produced by castor oil-induced diarrhoea in a dose-dependent manner. The extract also decreased the distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract of treated rats when compared to control rats. Results of castor oil-induced enteropooling revealed slight reduction in the weight of intestinal contents of treated rats compared to control rats. Conclusion: This study shows that Citrus aurantifolia stem bark possesses significant anti-antidiarrhoeal potential and could be useful in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Asian Journal of Biochemistry, 2016
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2019
Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated... more Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated using rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia. Methods and Results: Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were analysed as indices of anaemia. Following phenylhydrazine administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 days, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the haematological parameters was observed indicating anaemia. However, treatment with graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the RBC count, Hb concentration and PCV time- and dose- dependently. Conclusion: It was concluded that Lophira lanceolata leaves possess haematinic activity, making it useful in the management of anaemia.
International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research , 2020
This study was undertaken to investigate the possible mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the aqueo... more This study was undertaken to investigate the possible mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ACAE) in male albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study were carried out on the extract using standard methods. A total of thirty (30) rats were assessed for both basal and maximal (histamine-induced) gastric acid secretion and the effect of ACAE (200 mg/kg) on the acid secretion. Gastric acid output was measured by the continuous perfusion of rat's stomach under anesthesia with normal saline at the rate of 1 ml/min. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenes and tannins. Acute toxicity studies showed there were no deaths within 24 h after the administration of the extract up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg B.W (p.o). A significant (P<0.05) decrease in basal and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion was produced by the extract. It was concluded that inhibition of gastric acid secretion therefore, might be a probable mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the extract.
CARPATHIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY , 2020
Fish constitute a major part of human diet. It a good source of proteins, lipids and minerals. Fi... more Fish constitute a major part of human diet. It a good source of proteins, lipids and minerals. Fishes are processed before they are consumed, to offer palatability and preservation. The study investigated the effects of processing on the nutritional properties, in vitro antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile of oil. Processing methods used were sun drying and smoking methods. On milled fish samples, nutritional analysis such as minerals and proximate analysis were performed using standard protocols. After processing, oil from Scomber scombrus as extracted using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. In vitro antioxidant assay, fatty acid profile and physiochemical parameters of the oil performed. Result showed protein, fat, sodium and fibre were significantly (P<0.05) higher in sundried sample compared to smoked. Saponification value, peroxide value and iodine value were significantly (P<0.05) higher in oil obtained from smoked fish when compared to sundried. Fatty acid profile showed the presence of four fatty acids. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that smoking affected the nutritional properties of the fishes, especially the oil chemistry.
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2020
Background: The ability of a protein to accomplish distinct metabolic actions depends on its bala... more Background: The ability of a protein to accomplish distinct metabolic actions depends on its balance of amino acids, the digestibility to release the amino acids for absorption, and the availability of the absorbed amino acids for protein synthesis. In this study, this mark of protein quality was evaluated in vivo for macerated African elemi pulp eaten as masticatory in eastern Nigeria by assessing the effect of its inclusion in diets relative to reference diets on protein quality indices of growing albino rats sustained on the diets. Method: Samples obtained from Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, were portioned into four, processed by subjecting them to 0, 15, 30, and 45 min heat contact times in water (55°C), and labeled AE 0 , AE 15 , AE 30 , and AE 45 respectively. Diets formulated using the samples, giving approximately 10% protein, together with reference (Nutrend®) and basal diets were offered ad libitum to weaning albino rats for a 28-day feeding period. The growth performance parameters and in vivo protein quality indices of the rats were assessed using standard procedures. Results: Processing improved feed utilization (FU), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and, except at AE 30 , net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value (BV) of the rats. The PER was above 2.0 in all the rats sustained on test sample diets given the range 2.03 ± 0.23 to 2.28 ± 0.35. The fecal nitrogen (FN), carcass weight (CW), true digestibility (TD), and BV were statistically similar (p˃0.05) in rats fed both samples and reference diets with BV being above 70%. Relative to FN, TD, and BV, this statistical parity between animals on test and reference diets could suggest adequacy of the digestibility of the proteins of the sample diets and the similarities in their qualities. Conclusion: The plant food, African elemi drupe pulp, could therefore be metabolically adjudged rich in high-quality protein that is capable of supporting human growth and tissue maintenance.
International Journal of Pharmacology Research, 2019
Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stre... more Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stress, causing nephrotoxicity. The present study ascertained the effect of the aqueous extracts of Datura stramonium seeds and leaves on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. All groups, except group 1, were induced with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150 mg kg–1 b.wt. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 (positive control) was left untreated, group 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the seed extract respectively, while group 5 and 6 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the leaf extract respectively, after cyclophosphamide induction. Results: Administration of the extracts caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, malondialdehyde and urea concentrations compared to group 2. The extract also led to significant (p<0.05) increases in albumin, globulin, total protein, vitamins C and E concentrations compared to group 2. However, there was no significant difference in vitamin A concentration after extract administration. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of Datura stramonium in restoring oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide, though not all indices considered were significantly reversed.
Journal of Applied Sciences, 2019
Background and Objective: Plant based oils play critical roles in human and animal nutrition, the... more Background and Objective: Plant based oils play critical roles in human and animal nutrition, therefore making the search of plant oils with nutritional potentials unending. The study compared the chemical properties of two coconut species and characterized the fatty acid present in their oils. Materials and Methods: Oil extraction from dried coconut copra was obtained using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis of copra and physiochemical analysis of oil and all assays were carried out using standard protocol. The fatty acid composition of the oil was evaluated using gas chromatographic techniques. Results: Results showed that the copra of both species is rich in fat, carbohydrate and has high energy value. Phytochemical screening showed that phenols and saponins are more in tall, while alkaloids more in the short. Saponification value and free fatty acids values were high in the short. Fatty acid profiling showed the presence of caprylic (7.51, 6.17), capric (4.97, 4.71), lauric (50.37, 52.63), myristic (17.94, 19.65), palmitic (5.87, 8.96) and stearic (3.41, 7.82) acid in both oils (tall and short), respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the coconut oil has nutritional potential and contains medium chain fatty acids, although more fatty acids were present in the tall specie.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, 2019
A common complication of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance in the male reproductive system whi... more A common complication of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance in the male reproductive system which often leads to impotence. In this study, we investigated the effect of co-administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Lophira lanceolata (LLAE) and Cyperus esculentus (CEAE) on the Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), sexual behaviour, sperm count and sperm motility of alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Twenty (25) adult male diabetic wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received 5ml/kg of 0.9% Normal saline, Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received metformin (150mg/kg), LLAE (200mg/kg), CEAE (200mg/kg) and LLAE (200mg/kg)+CEAE (200mg/kg) respectively. Treatment was done orally for 28 days during which FBS was monitored weekly. On the 24th day of the treatment each male rat in each group was put in a cage with two estrous female rats in order to observe mounting and mating frequencies. At the end of the 28-day treatment, the rats were anaesthetized under chloroform and the epididymis was collected for semen analysis. The extracts and the co-administration produced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in FBS and significant (P < 0.05) increases in the mounting/ mating frequency, mean sperm count, sperm motility, epididymal weight and normal spermatozoa compared to the diabetic control group. The effects of the co-administration were observed to be significantly higher than that of metformin or either of the extracts administered alone. It was concluded that co-administration of the extracts of Lophira lanceolata and Cyperus esculentus through possible additive interaction possess pro-fertility effects. Hence, could be useful in the management of diabetes-associated sexual dysfunction in men.
Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology, Sep 30, 2020
Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2017
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 2017
Fatty acid composition of plant food (oil) is important for its economic and nutritional value. A... more Fatty acid composition of plant food (oil) is important for its economic and nutritional value. Assessment of fatty acid contents of two Nigerian masticatories cum traditional snacks: African walnut kernel (AW) and African elemi pulp (AE) were carried out. Samples were subjected to graded wet heat contact time based on their traditional methods of processing and their oil extract evaluated for fatty acid (FA) contents using chromatographic method. The processing methods had no statistically significant effect on both the oil and FA contents of the samples. Both samples contain nutritionally relevant levels of fat ranging respectively from 49.8±1.08 to 52.8±2.70g/100g sample and 41.93±6.03 to 42.8±4.61g/100g sample in AW and AE. A total of six fatty acids including two essential ones namely omega-6 (C18:2) and omega-3 (C18:3), were identified and quantified in the two plant foods. The predominant FAs in the plant foods were oleic acid (16.12±1.86 17.11±1.31g/100g fat), linoleic acid ...
Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2017
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2020
Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019
Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-i... more Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats. Methods: Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg b.wt.). The constipated rats were orally treated daily either with 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight per day of the extract or 0.21 mg/kg bisacodyl (reference drug) for 7 days while the normal and constipated control groups received distilled water. The feeding characteristics, body weight, faecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored throughout the study period. Results: There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) between normal and constipated rats in the number of faecal pellets and water content of faecal pellets while there was no significant changes in the feed/ water intake and body weight of rats .Administration of the graded doses of the extract to the constipated rats significantly and dose- dependently normalized (p < 0.05) the number of ...
International Journal of Pharmacology, 2019
Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stre... more Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stress, causing nephrotoxicity. The present study ascertained the effect of the aqueous extracts of Datura stramonium seeds and leaves on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. All groups, except group 1, were induced with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150 mg kg–1 b.wt. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 (positive control) was left untreated, group 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the seed extract respectively, while group 5 and 6 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the leaf extract respectively, after cyclophosphamide induction. Results: Administration of the extracts caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, malondialdehyde and urea concentrations compared to group 2. The extract also led to significant (p<0.05) increases in albumin, globulin, total protein, vitamins C and E concentrations compared to group 2. However, there was no significant difference in vitamin A concentration after extract administration. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of Datura stramonium in restoring oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide, though not all indices considered were significantly reversed.
Journal of Applied Sciences, 2019
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2019
In this study the antidiabetic effect of a polyherbal formulation- ZPC was investigated in Wistar... more In this study the antidiabetic effect of a polyherbal formulation- ZPC was investigated in Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Rats having Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hrs were considered diabetic and used for the studies. Five rats served as non- diabetic control (Group 1) while twenty diabetic rats were randomized into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The four groups (Groups 2,3,4 and 5) received 1ml (diabetic control), 250 mg/kg chlorpropamide and ZPC at doses of 250 and 500mg/kg respectively for 28 days. During the treatment period, the FBS and bodyweight of rats were monitored weekly and on day 28, the rats were euthanized and blood samples collected for serum lipid profile analysis. Results obtained indicated that following administration of streptozotocin, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the FBS, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentration with a corresponding si...
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2018
Aim: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida l... more Aim: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves in rat model of gentamicin induced renal damage. Materials and Methods: Twenty- four (24) Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 150- 200g were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each; Group I served as the control and received normal saline, Group II- IV received gentamicin (40 mg/kg, i.p), Groups III and IV also received 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves respectively for 15 days. Body weight measurement, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes analyses and histopathological examination of kidney were carried out. Results: Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in Serum urea, creatinine, decreased sodium and chloride ions, elevated serum level of potassium ion and pathological signs such as congestion, focal areas of inflammation, tubular necrosis, and glomerular atrophy. Administration of the extract...
International Blood Research & Reviews, 2019
Objective: This study was undertaken to validate the haematinic potentials of the aqueous leaf ex... more Objective: This study was undertaken to validate the haematinic potentials of the aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata (FEAE) and Telfeira occidentalis (TOAE) administered separately and to establish a possible synergistic interaction when administered concurrently to chloramphenicol- induced anaemic rats. Materials and Methods: Anaemia was induced by oral administration of chloramphenicol (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Five (5) non- anaemic rats and Twenty (20) anaemic rats were used in this study. The non – anaemic rats served as non- anaemic control and received 1ml dist. H2O. The 25 anaemic rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each (groups 2- 6). Group 2 served as anaemic control and received 1 ml dist. H2O, group 3 served as positive control (reference drug) and received ferrous gluconate (900 mg/kg) while groups 4- 6 received FEAE (200 mg/kg), TOAE (200 mg/kg) and FEAE (100 mg/kg) + TOAE (100 mg/kg) respectively. Treatment was carried out once daily for 7 days after which...
Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
Objective: The anti-diarrhoea activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of C. aurantifolia... more Objective: The anti-diarrhoea activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of C. aurantifolia was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity evaluation of the aqueous extract of C. aurantifolia stem bark was carried out using rats according to Lorke's method. Experimental diarrhoea was induced in rats with castor oil, and the effect of the extract on castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility and enteropooling was consequently investigated. Results: In the acute toxicity study, the extract produced no signs of toxicity or mortality in rats up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The oral LD 50 of the aqueous stem bark extract of C. aurantifolia was therefore taken to be >5000 mg /kg. The extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the frequency of defecation as well as in the number of unformed faeces produced by castor oil-induced diarrhoea in a dose-dependent manner. The extract also decreased the distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract of treated rats when compared to control rats. Results of castor oil-induced enteropooling revealed slight reduction in the weight of intestinal contents of treated rats compared to control rats. Conclusion: This study shows that Citrus aurantifolia stem bark possesses significant anti-antidiarrhoeal potential and could be useful in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Asian Journal of Biochemistry, 2016
Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 2019
Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated... more Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated using rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia. Methods and Results: Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were analysed as indices of anaemia. Following phenylhydrazine administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 days, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the haematological parameters was observed indicating anaemia. However, treatment with graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the RBC count, Hb concentration and PCV time- and dose- dependently. Conclusion: It was concluded that Lophira lanceolata leaves possess haematinic activity, making it useful in the management of anaemia.
International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research , 2020
This study was undertaken to investigate the possible mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the aqueo... more This study was undertaken to investigate the possible mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ACAE) in male albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study were carried out on the extract using standard methods. A total of thirty (30) rats were assessed for both basal and maximal (histamine-induced) gastric acid secretion and the effect of ACAE (200 mg/kg) on the acid secretion. Gastric acid output was measured by the continuous perfusion of rat's stomach under anesthesia with normal saline at the rate of 1 ml/min. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenes and tannins. Acute toxicity studies showed there were no deaths within 24 h after the administration of the extract up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg B.W (p.o). A significant (P<0.05) decrease in basal and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion was produced by the extract. It was concluded that inhibition of gastric acid secretion therefore, might be a probable mechanism of anti-ulcer action of the extract.
CARPATHIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY , 2020
Fish constitute a major part of human diet. It a good source of proteins, lipids and minerals. Fi... more Fish constitute a major part of human diet. It a good source of proteins, lipids and minerals. Fishes are processed before they are consumed, to offer palatability and preservation. The study investigated the effects of processing on the nutritional properties, in vitro antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile of oil. Processing methods used were sun drying and smoking methods. On milled fish samples, nutritional analysis such as minerals and proximate analysis were performed using standard protocols. After processing, oil from Scomber scombrus as extracted using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. In vitro antioxidant assay, fatty acid profile and physiochemical parameters of the oil performed. Result showed protein, fat, sodium and fibre were significantly (P<0.05) higher in sundried sample compared to smoked. Saponification value, peroxide value and iodine value were significantly (P<0.05) higher in oil obtained from smoked fish when compared to sundried. Fatty acid profile showed the presence of four fatty acids. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that smoking affected the nutritional properties of the fishes, especially the oil chemistry.
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2020
Background: The ability of a protein to accomplish distinct metabolic actions depends on its bala... more Background: The ability of a protein to accomplish distinct metabolic actions depends on its balance of amino acids, the digestibility to release the amino acids for absorption, and the availability of the absorbed amino acids for protein synthesis. In this study, this mark of protein quality was evaluated in vivo for macerated African elemi pulp eaten as masticatory in eastern Nigeria by assessing the effect of its inclusion in diets relative to reference diets on protein quality indices of growing albino rats sustained on the diets. Method: Samples obtained from Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, were portioned into four, processed by subjecting them to 0, 15, 30, and 45 min heat contact times in water (55°C), and labeled AE 0 , AE 15 , AE 30 , and AE 45 respectively. Diets formulated using the samples, giving approximately 10% protein, together with reference (Nutrend®) and basal diets were offered ad libitum to weaning albino rats for a 28-day feeding period. The growth performance parameters and in vivo protein quality indices of the rats were assessed using standard procedures. Results: Processing improved feed utilization (FU), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and, except at AE 30 , net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value (BV) of the rats. The PER was above 2.0 in all the rats sustained on test sample diets given the range 2.03 ± 0.23 to 2.28 ± 0.35. The fecal nitrogen (FN), carcass weight (CW), true digestibility (TD), and BV were statistically similar (p˃0.05) in rats fed both samples and reference diets with BV being above 70%. Relative to FN, TD, and BV, this statistical parity between animals on test and reference diets could suggest adequacy of the digestibility of the proteins of the sample diets and the similarities in their qualities. Conclusion: The plant food, African elemi drupe pulp, could therefore be metabolically adjudged rich in high-quality protein that is capable of supporting human growth and tissue maintenance.
International Journal of Pharmacology Research, 2019
Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stre... more Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent, whose activation induces oxidative stress, causing nephrotoxicity. The present study ascertained the effect of the aqueous extracts of Datura stramonium seeds and leaves on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. All groups, except group 1, were induced with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150 mg kg–1 b.wt. Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 (positive control) was left untreated, group 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the seed extract respectively, while group 5 and 6 were administered 200 and 400 mg kg–1 b.wt., of the leaf extract respectively, after cyclophosphamide induction. Results: Administration of the extracts caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, malondialdehyde and urea concentrations compared to group 2. The extract also led to significant (p<0.05) increases in albumin, globulin, total protein, vitamins C and E concentrations compared to group 2. However, there was no significant difference in vitamin A concentration after extract administration. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of Datura stramonium in restoring oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide, though not all indices considered were significantly reversed.
Journal of Applied Sciences, 2019
Background and Objective: Plant based oils play critical roles in human and animal nutrition, the... more Background and Objective: Plant based oils play critical roles in human and animal nutrition, therefore making the search of plant oils with nutritional potentials unending. The study compared the chemical properties of two coconut species and characterized the fatty acid present in their oils. Materials and Methods: Oil extraction from dried coconut copra was obtained using soxhlet extractor and n-hexane as solvent. Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis of copra and physiochemical analysis of oil and all assays were carried out using standard protocol. The fatty acid composition of the oil was evaluated using gas chromatographic techniques. Results: Results showed that the copra of both species is rich in fat, carbohydrate and has high energy value. Phytochemical screening showed that phenols and saponins are more in tall, while alkaloids more in the short. Saponification value and free fatty acids values were high in the short. Fatty acid profiling showed the presence of caprylic (7.51, 6.17), capric (4.97, 4.71), lauric (50.37, 52.63), myristic (17.94, 19.65), palmitic (5.87, 8.96) and stearic (3.41, 7.82) acid in both oils (tall and short), respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the coconut oil has nutritional potential and contains medium chain fatty acids, although more fatty acids were present in the tall specie.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, 2019
A common complication of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance in the male reproductive system whi... more A common complication of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance in the male reproductive system which often leads to impotence. In this study, we investigated the effect of co-administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Lophira lanceolata (LLAE) and Cyperus esculentus (CEAE) on the Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), sexual behaviour, sperm count and sperm motility of alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Twenty (25) adult male diabetic wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received 5ml/kg of 0.9% Normal saline, Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received metformin (150mg/kg), LLAE (200mg/kg), CEAE (200mg/kg) and LLAE (200mg/kg)+CEAE (200mg/kg) respectively. Treatment was done orally for 28 days during which FBS was monitored weekly. On the 24th day of the treatment each male rat in each group was put in a cage with two estrous female rats in order to observe mounting and mating frequencies. At the end of the 28-day treatment, the rats were anaesthetized under chloroform and the epididymis was collected for semen analysis. The extracts and the co-administration produced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in FBS and significant (P < 0.05) increases in the mounting/ mating frequency, mean sperm count, sperm motility, epididymal weight and normal spermatozoa compared to the diabetic control group. The effects of the co-administration were observed to be significantly higher than that of metformin or either of the extracts administered alone. It was concluded that co-administration of the extracts of Lophira lanceolata and Cyperus esculentus through possible additive interaction possess pro-fertility effects. Hence, could be useful in the management of diabetes-associated sexual dysfunction in men.