AL-HIKMAH JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES (AJOHS)
Al-Hikmah Journal of Health Sciences (AJOHS) is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that is published biannually by The Faculty of Health Sciences, Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Nigeria. Manuscripts Submission Electronic submission of manuscripts is strongly encouraged. The text, tables, and figures should be included in a single Microsoft Word file (preferably in Times Roman font).
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ficus Exasperata (Sandpaper Leaf) onHaematological and Some Inflammatory Markers in Wistar RatsInduced Hypertension
Hypertension is a global health concern associated with cardiovascular diseases. Ficus exasperata has gained popularity as an alternative therapy to manage hypertension due to its perceived safety and availability. This study evaluated some haematological and inflammatory markers of Ficus exasperata leaf extract in salt-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Twenty Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, salt-induced + Nifedipine, salt-induced + Ficus exasperata leaf extract (200 mg/kg), saltinduced + Ficus exasperata leaf extract (400 mg/kg), and Ficus exasperate leaf extract (600 mg/kg). Hematological parameters were analyzed using a Hematological autoanalyzer (SYSMEX 1000), Albumin was analyzed using Bromocresogreen (BCG), and C-reactive protein was analyzed using the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RBC (Red Blood Cell), PCV (Packed Cell Volume), and Hb (Hemoglobin) significantly increased upon treatment with 200 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt compared to control at p<0.05. However, the red cell parameters significantly decreased after administering 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata at p < 0.05. Albumin increased after treatment with 200 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt and 600 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract compared to control at p<0.05 but decreased after administering 400 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt compared to control at p < 0.05. There was no significant difference in WBC (White Blood Cell) and CRP (C-reactive protein) among the groups p > 0.05. Conclusively, Ficus exasperata leaf extract, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, holds potential as a natural therapy for mitigating salt-induced hypertension and its associated complications.
Gbadebo Maroof Oyeniyi , Ibrahim Munirudeen , Mustapha Abdulrazaq , Tolulope Joseph Ogunniyi , Iqmat Abimbola Abdulsalam
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Tetracarpidium Conophorum (African Walnut): A Review ofPharmaceutical Evidence on Cardiac Toxicity
Objectives: Tetracarpidium conophorum, also known as African walnut, is a versatile climbing shrub with medicinal properties. In recent times, it has gained attention for its potential health benefits. This fruit not only promotes overall well-being but also aligns with certain lifestyle factors supported by scientific research. Its positive effects on heart health have been well-documented. Study Approach: A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted, encompassing studies published from 2017 to 2023. The review specifically investigated the influence of Tetracarpidium conophorum on the cardiovascular system, with a particular emphasis on its potential implications for cardiac toxicity. Findings: Four reports were identified as the most pertinent sources regarding the pharmaceutical evidence of Tetracarpidium conophorum on the cardiovascular system. These reports suggest that Tetracarpidium conophorum has a significant therapeutic effect on cardiac toxicity. Conclusion: Based on the four identified reports, it can be inferred that Tetracarpidium conophorum has the potential to be a valuable ingredient in pharmaceuticals aimed at mitigating cardiac toxicity.
Effect of Chronic Administration of Caffeine on Plasma TestosteroneLevel and Body Mass Index in Male Wistar Rats
Objectives: Caffeine is one of the most frequently ingested pharmacological agents contained in several beverages and food items. With some positive biological effects on the body system, little knowledge is known of its effect on reproductive parameters. This present study therefore aimed to determine the effect of aqueous solution of caffeine on serum testosterone level and body mass index (BMI) in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-one (21) male Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g ± 20g were obtained for this study and randomly grouped into three (3) of seven (7) rats each. Group A, served as the control and received 0.5ml of normal saline while groups B and C served as test groups and received orally 0.38 mg/kg (low dose) and 1.14mg/kg (high dose) of caffeine respectively, once daily for 14 days. Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in body weight, BMI, and plasma testosterone levels of high dose (HD) and low dose (LD) compared to the control, while there was no significant (p>0.05) change in length of the animals compared to the control. Conclusion: Long-time consumption of caffeine has the potential to stimulate the production of testosterone to possibly increase sex drive perhaps via the hypothalamicpituitary-testicular axis, and also increase BMI.
Soliu Ismail , Moyinoluwa Oluwakemi John , Lekan Sheriff Ojulari , Maryam Tayo Ayinla , Adeleke Alade Faramade , Aliu Olayinka Raji , Luqman Aribidesi Olayaki
Ethnomedicinal and Mechanism of Phytochemicals Activities ofPsidium Guajava Linn (Guava) Extracts
Objective: The review focuses on the comprehensive analysis of the medicinal uses of guava (Psidium guajava Linn) and relates it with different scientific investigations into phytochemical constituents present in the plant. Methods: Using search engines such as Wiley, NCBI, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Intechopen; scientific papers on the plant were searched, by searching for the relevant keywords. Results: Publications reviewed reported that extracts of the Guava plant (Psidium guajava L.) contained phytochemicals that show antioxidant / hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, antidiarrhea, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory activities in pharmacological studies, justifying its ethnomedicinal uses. Conclusion: Psidium guajava possesses essential active organic compounds that are viable in biomedical research for therapeutic studies. There should be increasing interest in discovering new bioactive compounds from the plant through more research to harness its potential for the treatment of diseases and serve as the basis for developing new drugs
In-Vitro Variations in Erythrocyte Ageing Among Different Categoriesof Blood Donors Due to Donor-Related Factors
Blood storage lesion is a rapidly growing area of biomedical research which leaves several questions unanswered. This study assessed blood donation frequency, as it affects hematological and biochemical parameters among different categories of blood donors longitudinally over a period of 35 days at 2-6 0C. Ethically approved cross-sectional research involving family (n=30), remunerated donors: mild (n=30), moderate (n=30) and high frequency (n=30). One hundred milliliters (100 mL) of well-mixed blood was transferred into the satellite bag from 450mls of blood from different categories of blood donors. Haemogram, plasma Ferritin, Erythropoietin (EPO), 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate, Sodium (Na+ ) and Potassium (K+ ) assessed at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of storage were analyzed. This study revealed acceptable normal high values in Haemogram, erythropoietin and ferritin in family donors while Remunerated donors had mild to moderate anemia, high total WBC count, higher platelet count, a very low ferritin content, low red cell indices, high EPO, hypernatremia, hyperkalaemia and high 2, 3. Diphosphoglycerate (2, 3, DPG). Significant iron deficiency anemia and electrolyte imbalance among moderate to high frequent blood donors.
Abiola Samuel Babatunde, Fatai Dayo, Ameenah Ayodeji AbdulRaheem , Rasheed Oladimeji Lambelalere ,
Tajudeen Kolawole Ogunwale , Sulaeman Eleha Ibrahim
The Socioeconomic Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients withEnd-Stage Renal Disease in A Tertiary Hospital in North West,Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study
Kidney diseases constitute one of the non-communicable diseases with significant global burden. Each year, about 1.7 million people die of kidney-related diseases. Chronic kidney diseases present a significant socio-economic and psychological burden for family members, especially the family caregivers. This study examined the social and economic burdens of family caregivers of patients with end-stage renal diseases, to bring to limelight the burden experienced by caregivers for possible interventions and the needed support. A mixed research method was adopted for the study. Data was collected using the modified Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and in-depth interviews from all 21 consecutive family caregivers. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS 23.0 for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the IDIs. Results show that respondents suffer a huge socio-economic burden ranging from loss of social life (85.7%) to financial hardship (85.7%). Overall, respondents rate their burden as between moderate to severe range in caring for their sick ones. It is concluded that that caregivers of patients with end-stage renal disease experience a variety of socio-economic burdens in their caring roles, that require support (socially and economically). It is recommended that caregivers be better prepared psychosocially to enable them to cope effectively with the caring role. Health insurance coverage should be made available to cover more cost of managing people with end-stage renal disease to relieve the burden on the caregivers.
Haemopoietic Potentials of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of VernoniaAmygdalina on Haematological Parameters in PhenylhydrazineInduced Anaemic Wistar Rats
Anaemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder in the world; it is defined as a condition by which the haemoglobin content of blood is lower than normal as a result of deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. Objective: This study examined haemopoietic potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on haematological parameters in phenylhydrazine induced albino wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) wistar rats were grouped into five (5) groups of six (6) rats per group. The phenylhydrazine was used to induce anaemia intraperitonially and aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina was administered orally for 14 days at different concentrations of 100 mg/ kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg with Normal and Negative controls). A volume of 5mls of blood sample was collected and analysed for haematological parameters using Haematology Autoanalyzer. Results: The mean and standard deviation of HGB g/dl, PCV %, RBC x 1012/L and WBC x 109 /L of the treated groups were expressed as (8.45 ± 0.54 to 13.20 ± 0.32), (23.50 ± 2.38 to 40.50 ± 4.65), (4.09 ± 0.26 to 7.33 ± 0.76) and (24.90 ± 8.08 to 12.43 ± 1.63) respectively in relation with the control groups which showed significant difference (p<0.05) in their profile when compared with the control groups. Conclusion: It was revealed that the plant possesses erythropoietic properties according to the results of some haematological parameters.
Influence of Socio-Demographic Variables on the Knowledge ofHealth Consequences of HIV/AIDS Among Tertiary School Studentsin Minna, Nigeria
Introduction: Among countries with the highest number of People Living with HIV globally, Nigeria is ranked in the third position. Adequate information about the knowledge of HIV/AIDS is therefore important. This study investigated the influence of socio-demographic variables on the knowledge of health consequences of HIV/AIDS among tertiary school students in Minna. Method: A multi-stage random, sampling technique was used to select 350 students of the College of Education, Minna. Socio-demographic data and knowledge on HIV/AIDS were obtained using self-structured questionnaires, and were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: 46.3% of students were within the age range of 21-25 years. There was a significant difference in knowledge about the health consequences of HIV/AIDS between male and female students of the College of Education. Conclusion: The students had significant knowledge of the health consequences of HIV/AIDS.
Evaluation of Analytical Performance of Point-of-Care Glucose Monitoring Devices in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
Introduction: Point of care Glucose Monitoring devices (POCGMDs) provide rapid monitoring of glycaemic control in an acceptable range for diabetic patients in both the hospital and outpatient environments. Poorly calibrated and validated POCGMDs are unreliable and potentially dangerous and usage should be regulated. This study evaluated the analytical performance of POCGMDs at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria where POCGMDs are commonly used. Materials and Methods: The accuracy and precision of the POCGMDs glucose readings utilized in the specialty clinics with the reference method employed by the Abbott C4000 at the Central Laboratory of the Hospital were compared using the ISO 15197:2003 and ISO 15197:2013 standards. Results: Our results showed that Accu-Check active demonstrated an acceptable precision at all levels for repeatability (CV <5%) and reproducibility precision at higher glucose concentrations (i.e. Level 3) whereas Fine Test Auto-coding demonstrated an acceptable precision (CV < 5%) for both repeatability and reproducibility at level 2 and 3 concentrations and failed both at level 1 compared to the reference method. The Mean glucose value for Accu-Chek showed no statistical difference whereas the Fine test auto-coding device showed a statistically significant increase at P < 0.005 compared with the reference method. The linear regression revealed that the two POCGMDs statistically at p < 0.05 overestimated the glucose concentrations compared to the reference method. Conclusion: This study showed that the two POCGMDs had low precision in comparison to ISO 15197: 2003 and 2013's minimal accuracy requirements, which suggests that their glucose measurement was imprecise. As a result, this study advised employing ISO and ADA criteria for optimal glycaemic control in POCGMDs evaluation and validation to enhance health status.
Domestic Violence Against Women (Case Study: Health Centers inKhartoum)
Violence against women is a global issue that persist in all countries of the world, and the perpetrators of the that the violence are often well known to their victims, up till date government and policy makers see violence against women; or as less priority problem of individual rather than a national problem, this is a case study. This study employed a qualitative approach to data collection. The population of this study consist basically of two folds, purposive selected married women from Khartoum state irrespective of their age, race, ethnicity, race tribe and religion basically to ensure there is no bias in selecting the women who faced violence and to gain access to most of the married women, and randomly selected health centers. Objectives of the study investigated the domestic violence against women, investigate to impact of Domestic violence on women, investigate the skills and knowledge of the health workers in identifying physically violated women, and to identify the factor contributing to violence against women and to evaluate the response of Women to violence against them. The questionnaire was developed by adapting the questionnaire used in the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against woman. The findings from the study underscored the immerse difficulties that women suffering domestic violence face in seeking and obtaining help. The study found that a substantial proportion of in violent relationships do not tell other about the violence they are facing or seek help. Indeed, for many women interviewed, the study was the first instance in which they had told anyone about their partner’s violence towards them. The findings and conclusion from this study showed that, women still lack considered as personal issues and never intend to seek help from appropriate channels.
Evaluation of Food Handling Practices Before, During and AfterPreparation Among Food Vendors in Ilorin Kwara State
Food is an important basic necessity that provides nutrient and energy for growth and development of humans. Food handlers play a crucial role in ensuring food hygiene as well as the transmission of food poisoning. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge, practices of food handling and identify the associated factors for safe food handling among selected food handlers in GRA Ilorin. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out on 191 food handlers that met the inclusion criteria. Data was collected using a pre tested questionnaires with the aid of research assistants and analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. The majority of food handlers were aged 25 to 35 years. 85% of food handlers had acceptable knowledge about food hygiene but good practice was practiced by very few handlers. 50.3% did not keep the work surface clean and disinfected, 25.7% dried dishes with their aprons, 47.1% cooked meat for 45 minutes, 39.8% did not wash vegetables before cooking, 48.7% had long nails and 40.3% continue to work even though they had an infectious disease like flue. The knowledge and attitude about food hygiene was good amongst food handlers but the practice of food hygiene was only fair. Direct observation of hygiene practices observation amongst these handlers revealed that most of them dried their hands with their aprons after washing them. The responsible authority should therefore continuously inspect these restaurants and set up safety precautions to protect the public.
Determinant Factors for Preference of Catfish as Better ProteinSource for Middle Aged Nigerian Residents in Ilorin, Kwara State
Nourishment is a physiological peculiarity that plays a huge part in giving the energy expected to proceeded with metabolic working in the body. This study assessed the sources, reasons and preference of catfish as better protein source of catfish for consumption among middle aged Nigerian residents of Ilorin, Kwara State. The instrument was a self-structured questionnaire with a co-effective of 0.89 utilizing a test re-test technique. All theories were tried at 0.05 alpha level. The study reveals that the utilization of catfish among moderately aged Nigerian occupants of Ilorin, Kwara State was high; the level of the explanations behind consuming catfish among moderately aged Nigerian inhabitants of Ilorin, Kwara State was high; the degree of inclination of catfish as better protein source among moderately aged Nigerian inhabitants of Ilorin, Kwara State was high the information on catfish as better protein source affect the inclination of the moderately aged Nigerian occupants of Ilorin, Kwara State. Based on the above, it is hereby recommended that seminars should be given to elderly people in the society on the importance of catfish as better protein source in Ilorin and market women should also encourage wives to buy and cook catfish meals for their families and most especially, their husbands if he is within 35years and 55years.
Unmet Needs for Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ogbomoso Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria
Background: An estimated 17% of married women in the developing world have an unmet need for contraception. Understanding the magnitude of unmet contraceptive need and the underlying reasons of this phenomenon will help to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies as well as reducing the menace of increase maternal mortality rate worldwide, most especially in the developing world, Objective: To assess the extent of unmet need for family planning among women in the reproductive age group (i.e., 15-49 years) within Ogbomoso Metropolis and to explore the common reasons for unmet need for family planning. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ogbomoso Metropolis. The study subjects consisted of all married women in the age group of 15-49 years. Women who were divorced, widows, those who refused to participate were excluded from the study. Result: It was observed that out of 400 respondents, 373(93.2%) had knowledge of contraceptive method and it was obtained mainly from health workers (93.8%). Less than half 169 (42.2%) were currently using contraceptives out of which most of them are using injectables (41.5%) followed by IUCD (28.0%). Unmet need for family planning was present in 41.7% among all women under study; 25.7% women revealed unmet need for spacing and 16.0% women unmet need for limiting. A statistically significant association was found between religion, literacy and discussion with spouse about contraception (P<0.05). Husband's approval of contraception had a statistically significant protective association with unmet need (p=0.003), and discussion about family planning within the couple had a highly statistically significant protective association with unmet need (p=0.001). The major reason for non-use of contraception among women with unmet need was the fear of side effects. Conclusion: The prevalence of unmet need of family planning among women in Ogbomoso is high. Husband's approval of contraception and couples' discussion about family planning are two major factors to be considered when planning interventions to reduce unmet need for family planning.
Impact of Gestational Age and Ethnic Origin on the Full Blood Countof Pregnant Women in Sagamu
Pregnancy is a period in which the woman's physiology undergoes rapid changes as the baby develops into maturity and grows in size. Among the changes experienced is the haemodynamics in the pregnant mother since blood circulates and influences the development of the foetus. In this study, we investigated the blood haematological parameters of pregnant women in different stages of pregnancy progression from the first to the third trimester. Study participants included one hundred pregnant subjects that fulfilled both the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study while forty non-pregnant women were enlisted as control. Blood sample (5 mL) was withdrawn from each participant with minimal stasis and dispensed into tubes containing Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as the anticoagulant. Blood samples were then analyzed with a Coulter Analyzer. The data were presented as Mean ± SD, and statistical analysis was carried out using the student’s paired t-test and ANOVA as appropriate. The result showed a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in the mean values recorded for the packed cell volume (PCV) as it decreased from 34.60±2.61 % in the first trimester to 30.83±3.27 % at the third trimester. A similar significant reduction in values were recorded for haemoglobin, MCV and MCH. There was a significant increment in the values recorded for mean MCHC across the trimesters. Our study has confirmed that pregnancy influences the decrease of many of the maternal red blood cell parameters negatively as the foetus advances in age. As a result, we suggest continuous supplementation of pregnant women with haematinics, especially as the pregnancy approaches term.
A Correlate of Awareness and Prevalence of Sickle Cell DisorderPhenotypes and Carrier Status of Undergraduate Students ofAchievers University Owo
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common single-gene blood disorder in the world, representing a significant public health problem. More than a thousand variants of haemoglobin exist but fortunately, only a few are considered significant clinically. The study was a cross sectional prevalence study aimed at evaluating the level of awareness and prevalence of sickle cell disorder among undergraduate students of Achievers University, Owo. A simple randomly selected 100 students made up of both gender who consented to the study were recruited. Blood samples were collected from the participants into Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) and analysed by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis method. The results of the study show a prevalence of 8% sickle cell disease and 30% carrier. More females (66) participated in the study than males (34) and had a significantly higher prevalence of HbSS, HbAC and HbSC than the male’s counterpart (p > 0.05). However, males had more HbAS than the females. Muslim participants had more sickle cell disorder than the Christians. In the same vain, participants from Yorubas. Yorubas had more HbAS, and HbSC while the Igbo had more HbSS and HbAC. The association between religion or ethnicity and prevalence of SCD was statistically not significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, understanding knowledge about sickle cell inheritance, its health and reproductive health implications as well as behaviour towards individual with SCD particularly is important regarding limiting the spread of the diseases. The study recommends continuous enlighten on the possibility of eradicating this disorder and incorporation of genetic counselling in premarital counselling.
Nauclea Latifolia (African Peach) Attenuates Gastric Acid Secretionin Rats with Ethanol-Induced Ulceration
Objective: The ethanolic leaf extract of N. latifolia (EENL) was investigated for its gastric acid antisecretory effects on ethanol-induced gastric ulcerated rats using an in vivo assay. Methods: Gastric mucosal ulceration was induced experimentally in Groups 2 to 5 rats using ethanol. Five groups of rats were orally pretreated with 3% Tween-80 only as vehicle group, 3% Tween-80 as ulcer group, 20 mg/kg of omeprazole as positive group, 250 and 500 mg/kg of EENL as the test groups, respectively before ulcer induction. Gastric acid secretion parameters and ulcerated areas were evaluated. Results: Pretreatment with EENL showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in gastric volume, total acidity and ulcer index while the pH of gastric content increased significantly (P < 0.05) in rats with ethanol-induced ulcer. Ulcer group exhibited significantly severe mucosal injury and EENL or omeprazole offered significant (P < 0.05) protection against gastric mucosal injuries. Conclusion: The study suggests that EENL attenuates gastric acid secretion and ulceration induced by ethanol in Wistar rat. The observed pharmacological activities might be mediated via antisecretory and cytoprotective mechanisms.
Ethanolic Extract of Nauclea latifolia (African Peach) Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats
Objective: Nauclea latifolia is widely used in folk medicine in Nigeria and some West African countries. In vivo study was conducted to investigate the gastroprotective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of N. latifolia (EENL) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcerated rats. Methods: Gastric mucosal ulceration was induced experimentally in Groups 2 to 5 rats using ethanol. Five groups of rats were orally pretreated with 3% Tween-80 only as vehicle group, 3% Tween-80 as ulcer group, 20 mg/kg of omeprazole as positive group, 250 and 500 mg/kg of EENL as the test groups, respectively before ulcer induction. Gastric secretion parameters and ulcerated areas were assessed. Results: Pretreatment with EENL showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in gastric volume and ulcer index while the pH of gastric content increased significantly (P < 0.05) in rats with ethanol-induced ulcer. Ulcer group exhibited significantly severe mucosal injury and EENL or omeprazole offered significant (P < 0.05) protection against gastric mucosal ulceration. Conclusion: The study suggests that EENL has a protective action against gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in Wistar rats. The protective effect might be mediated via antisecretory and cytoprotective mechanisms
Haemopoietic Multi-Potent Stem Cells Differentiation-Enhancing Effects of Parquetina nigrescens, Camellia sinensis and Telfairiaoccidentalis Leaves Extracts
Objective: This study investigated the probable haemopoietic multi-stem cells differentiation enhancing effects of Parquetina nigrescens, Camellia sinensis and Telfairia occidentalis leaves extracts. Materials and Methods: Haemopoietic bone marrow stem cells from irradiated guinea pigs were harvested on day 13th post-irradiation, cultured and treated with varying concentrations (0.313-100%) of aqueous leaf extracts of each of the plant extracts. The degree of differentiation was determined by MTT assay. Results: The degree of differentiation was highest in Telfairia occidentalis, followed by Camellia sinensis and Parquetina nigrescens respectively. Combination of the three plants showed a synergistic stimulatory effect on cell differentiation. Also, strong positive correlation between the concentrations of each of the extract of the three plants and the degree of differentiation. Conclusion: Camellia sinensis, Telfairia occidentalis and Parquetina nigrescens leaves extracts have positive differentiation enhancing effects on haemopoietic multipotent stem cells individually and when combined.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf)On Hepatic Profile of Male Wistar Rats
Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) is an herbaceous plant commonly found in tropical Asia and in the coastal areas of Nigeria, where it is used for the treatment of ailments such as diarrhea, urinary infections, fever, and dysentery. This study thus evaluated the effect of oral administration of O. gratissimum on the hepatic profile of male Wistar rats. Ten (10) healthy rats weighing between 140-160 g were randomly distributed into control and test groups comprising 5 animals each. After acclimatization for two weeks, the test group was administered with 400mg/Kg crude extract of O. gratissimum for two weeks. The animals were euthanized through cervical dislocation at the end of the experiment and blood sample was collected via heart puncture into plain bottles for serum biochemical hepatic profile assay while the liver was excised for histological examination. The serum liver enzymes activities, bilirubin, albumin, and total protein were assayed colorimetrically while the histological examination followed the hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) of the liver tissue. The results of the liver enzyme activities, total protein, total and direct bilirubin levels showed a significant at p < 0.05 increase in the test group when compared with the controls while the observed increase in serum albumin level of the test group was not statistically significant at p > 0.05 compared to the controls. The histological analysis also revealed a mild lymphocytic infiltration of the liver tissue in the test group compared to controls. The observed alteration in the hepatic profile is suggestive that the toxicological effect of plant is dose dependent
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) onRenal Profile of Male Wistar Rats
Humans have given the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) a great deal of attention due to their vast medical usefulness, culinary application, and pharmacological effects. As a result, the study evaluated the effect of O. gratissimum on renal profile of male Wistar rats. Ten healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into test and control groups comprising of 5 animals each. The test group received 400mg/Kg O. gratissimum leaf extract whereas the control group was fed with normal rat diet and water. The rats were euthanized through cervical dislocation at the end of the experiment and blood sample was collected through heart puncture for serum assessment renal profile while the kidney was excised for histological examination. The Results showed a non-significant at p>0.05 increase in serum electrolytes and urea while significant at p<0.05 decrease in the mean serum creatinine level was observed in the test group compared to the control group. Also, the histological examination of the kidney tissue revealed a mild lymphocytic infiltration in the test group compared to the control group. Conclusively, the study suggested a dose-dependent toxicological effect of O. gratissimum on renal profile.
Evaluation of Serum Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activities in Hypertensive Patients Attending General Hospital Ilorin,Kwara State, Nigeria
The main factor contributing to morbidity and mortality is hypertension. Although blood pressure is a complicated feature, studies have shown that the activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-generating enzymes like creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a major predictor of hypertension. As a result, this study evaluated the activities of CK and LDH activities in hypertensive patients attending the General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State. One hundred and sixty-one (161) hypertensive patients and thirty-nine (39) normotensive subjects were recruited into a case-control study of 200 participants. Body mass index (BMI) was estimated from each participant's measured weight and height, while the blood pressure was determined from the measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) using conventional mercury sphygmomanometer. A 5 mls sample of blood was taken from each subject, and the extracted serum was analyzed using an enzymatic-kinetic method to quantify the CK and LDH activities. Results showed that hypertensive patients had significantly at p <0.05 higher serum CK and LDH activities in hypertensive compared to apparently healthy normotensives. Thus, this study observed significantly increase CK and LDH activities in hypertensive patients.
Haemopoietic Multi-Potent Stem Cells Differentiation-Enhancing Effects of Parquetina nigrescens, Camellia sinensis and Telfairia occidentalis Leaves Extracts
Objective: This study investigated the probable haemopoietic multi-stem cells differentiation enhancing effects of Parquetina nigrescens, Camellia sinensis and Telfairia occidentalis leaves extracts. Materials and Methods: Haemopoietic bone marrow stem cells from irradiated guinea pigs were harvested on day 13th post-irradiation, cultured and treated with varying concentrations (0.313-100%) of aqueous leaf extracts of each of the plant extracts. The degree of differentiation was determined by MTT assay. Results: The degree of differentiation was highest in Telfairia occidentalis, followed by Camellia sinensis and Parquetina nigrescens respectively. Combination of the three plants showed a synergistic stimulatory effect on cell differentiation. Also, strong positive correlation between the concentrations of each of the extract of the three plants and the degree of differentiation. Conclusion: Camellia sinensis, Telfairia occidentalis and Parquetina nigrescens leaves extracts have positive differentiation enhancing effects on haemopoietic multi-potent stem cells individually and when combined.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratisimum (Scent Leaf) On Hepatic Profile of Male Wistar Rats
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) on Renal Profile of Male Wistar Rats
Evaluation of Serum Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activities in Hypertensive Patients Attending General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria