Sub-Acute Evaluation of Extract of Syzygium malaccense in Albino Rats

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and in vitro antioxidant, antiglycant and anti-neuroinflammatory actions of Syzygium malaccense

Syzygium malaccense is popularly used to treat inflammation and pain-related ailments. The species was assessed regarding its antioxidant, antiglycant, anti-inflammatory, including anti-neuroinflammatory, and antinociceptive activities. Different models were employed to measure S. malaccense extract (ESM) antioxidant activity. The antiglycant activity was determined using the glucose-induced protein glycation model. LPS-induced neuroinflammation on murine BV-2 microglial cell line was used for anti-neuroinflammatory activity evaluation. The croton oil-induced ear edema test was accomplished to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Acetic acid-induced writhing together with formalin-induced paw licking assays were performed to evaluate the antinociceptive potential. Finally, the chemical characterization was accomplished by a UHPLC-MS analysis. ESM presented relevant antioxidant and antiglycant activity. NO production by BV-2 cells was reduced, indicating the relevant neuroprotective activity. ESM significantly decreased the mice ear edema induced by croton oil and the nociceptive stimulus induced by acetic acid and formalin by central and peripheral mechanisms. The flavonoids myricitrin, myricetin and quercetin were identified and, as far as we know, the alkaloid reserpine was reported in the species for the first time. The antioxidant and antiglycant potential of ESM, may be related to the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and to the in vitro neuroinflammation inhibition.

Biochemical and toxicological effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus africanus Lam in Sprague-Dawley rats

Asparagus africanus Lam. is a plant used traditionally to treat different ailments. Currently, scanty information is available on its safety. The aim of this study is to determine the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract on vital organs and its associated biochemical parameters. Fifteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as normal control, groups II, III, IV, and V were orally administered single dose of crude extract dissolved in distilled water at 5 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW, 300 mg/kg BW and 2,000 mg/kg BW. Rats were observed for 14 days and body weights were recorded. On day 15, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological analyses, while the liver and kidneys were sampled for histopathological examination. Body weight and haematology parameters results showed significance difference (p < 0.05) among means of HGB, RDW, RBC, and MCHC; likewise, (p < 0.001) for WBC and platelet among treated groups. Histopathology result showed that kidneys appeared normal while livers were congested with mildly swollen hepatocytes and occasional binucleation. Focal lobular hepatitis was observed in all treated animals. However, hepatic enzymes were not significantly affected and no histopathological harmful effects were observed in kidney. In conclusion, methanolic extracts of A. africanus are safe up to 2,000 mg/kg BW. The obtained results could be used as a justification for the traditional application of the plant for treatment of various ailments.

Sub-acute and chronic toxicity profiles of Markhamia tomentosa ethanolic leaf extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum Ex Engl. (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, oedema, pain and malaria. The leaf extract was reported to show no visible sign of toxicity on acute exposure. This present study investigates the sub-acute and chronic toxicity effects of Markhamia tomentosa in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals (n=6/group) were treated daily with the extract at doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg orally for 28 and 90 days. Control rats received distilled water and all animals were weighed at 7 days interval. The haematological, biochemical and histological parameters were determined.

RESULTS

The extract showed non-significant changes in body weight gain of treated compared to control rats in both studies. Extract significantly decreased red blood cell (RBC), mean cell haemoglobin concentration and increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) parameters after the 28 day study. In the 90 day study, a significant increase in white blood cell, RBC, platelets and decrease in MCV and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) parameters were observed. Biochemical parameters were significantly changed in both studies; triglycerides, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and albumin showed significant increase while creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels showed significant decrease. Significant increase in liver weight with no treatment-related histological changes was observed in all harvested vital organs.

CONCLUSION

Markhamia tomentosa extract elicited non-toxic effect in the liver and kidney function parameters in rats. Thus, the extract is safe when administered orally.