Cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides root barks against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells

Objectives:

Folkloric claims on the use of a mixture of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides root barks in tumor management exist without scientific evidence. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antiproliferative activity of these plants and their mixture.

Materials and Methods:

Phytochemical screening was carried out on the aqueous extracts after which various concentrations (0 to 1 000 μg/ml) were incubated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines for 3 and 24 hours.

Results:

The extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, phlobatannins, and terpenes. The separate extracts and their 1:1 mixture significantly (P<0.05) decreased the computed percentage viability of the cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

The antiproliferative activity may be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds in the extracts and has a potential in the management of tumor.

Aqueous extract of Securidaca longepedunculata root induce redox imbalance in male rat liver and kidney

The effect of aqueous extract of Securidaca longepedunculata root on redox homeostasis in male rat liver and kidney was investigated. Rats were grouped into four: A, B, C and D, where A (the control) received orally 1 mL of distilled water; B, C and D (test groups) received orally 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Extract administration significantly reduced (p < .05) alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver and kidney with corresponding increases in the serum. Acid phosphatase activity increased significantly (p < .05) in the liver and kidney, while there was no significant change (p > .05) in the serum acid phosphatase activity. There was also significant decrease (p < .05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the liver and kidney. Liver and kidney levels of GSH, vitamins C and E were also significantly reduced (p < .05). Serum malonidialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide increased significantly (p < .05) in all the extract-treated groups. The available data from this study revealed that aqueous extract of S. longepedunculata root exerted its toxicity in the animals by depleting the antioxidant systems. This may consequently expose the cells and cellular macromolecules to oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species generated either from the metabolism of the extract or other in vivo means.

Effects of 1:1 Mixture of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides Root Bark Extracts on Haematological Parameters, Liver and Kidney Function Indices of Male Rats

Background: This study evaluated the effects of 1:1 mixture of aqueous root bark extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC) Guill & Perr (Combretaceae) and Terminalia avicennioides Guill & Perr (Combretaceae) in male rats. Methods: Male rats were orally administered a 1:1 mixture of both extracts (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for seven days. Liver and kidney function indices, haematological parameters and the levels of malondialdehyde were evaluated in the animals at 7 days post-administration of the mixture of the extracts. Results: Administration of mixture of the extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of liver and kidney alkaline phosphatase and reduced the serum alkaline phosphatase, liver and serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase activities. The mixture also decreased the levels of serum chloride ions, liver and kidney malondialdehyde. Furthermore mixture significantly (p<0.05) increased the serum total protein concentrations whereas the levels of serum albumin, creatinine, urea, potassium, sodium and bicarbonate ions, red blood cells, white blood cells and their related indices were not significantly (p>0.05) altered. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the mixture caused functional toxicity of the liver and kidney of male rats without any evidence of haematotoxicity. The consumption of the 1:1 mixture of the plant extracts at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight has some toxic implications in male rats.

Safety Evaluation of Osun River Water Containing Heavy Metals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Rats

This study evaluated the pH, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Osun river water. It also evaluated its safety in rats. Heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while VOCs were determined by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Male and female rats were exposed to Osun river water for three weeks and then sacrificed. The abundance of heavy metals in Osun river followed the trend Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Cr > Cu while VOCs followed the trend benzene < ethylbenzene < toluene < xylene. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and benzene were higher than the permissible limits of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO) respectively. Rats exposed to Osun river water for three weeks had increased WBC, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum proteins and serum aminotransferases. There were also significant decreases in HCT, PLT, liver aminotransferases and liver glutathione compared to the control. These results show that the pollutants in Osun river water are capable of inducing hematological imbalance and liver cell injury. The toxicity induced in blood was sex-dependent affecting female rats more than male rats.