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Nigerian Journal Of Natural Products And Medicine

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Volume 6, November 2002
Abstracts

ANTIVIRAL EFFECT OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS 1: EFFECT OF DIOSPYROS BATERI, DIOSPYROS MONBUTENSIS AND SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM ON POLIO VIRUSES

J. O. Moody, V. A. Roberts and J. A. Adeniji*

Department of Pharmacognosy and *Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, NIGERIA

KEY WORDS: Diospyrus bateri, Diospyros monbutensis, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, polio virus

ABSTRACT

Methanolic extracts of the different morphological parts of three medicinal plants, Diospyros bateri, Diospyros monbutensis and Sphenocentrum jollyanum were evaluated for their antiviral activities on polio virus Types 1, 2, and 3. The leaf and root extracts of S. jollyanum, the seed extracts of D. monbutensis as well as the leaf extract of D. bateri were active against polio virus Type 2 in both the ‘post-treatment assay’ and ‘pre-treatment assay’ protocols. The seed extract of D. bateri were active against polio virus Type 2 in ‘post-treatment assay only’. Toxicity level of each plant extract or indicator cell lines were also determined and found to range from Minimum Cytotoxic Dose (MCD50) of 3.9x10-3 mg ml-1 for crude methanol leaf extract of S. jollyanum on Hep-2 (Human Epithelia cell line) to MCD50 of 1.2x10-7 mg ml-1 for leaf methanol extract of D. bateri on Vero cell line (African Green Monkey Fibroblast). Phytochemical screening of the plants revealed that tannins and saponins were present in the three plants while only D. monbutensis contain both combined and free anthraquinones.

TOXICITY OF SOME PLANTS IMPLICATED AS POISONS IN NIGERIAN ETHNOMEDICINE TO RATS

Ajibesin, K. K., Bala, D, N., Ekpo, B. A. J. and *Adesanya, S. A.

Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Uyo and

*Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA

Keywords: Coula edulis, Olacaceae, Caladium bicolor, Araceae, Anchomanes difformis, Araceae, Telfairia occidentalis, Curcurbitaceae, Pterocarpus mildbraedii, Fabaceae, Stachytarpheta indica, Verbernaceae, Euphorbia kamerunica, Euphorbiaceae, Blighia sapinda, Sapindaceae, Toxicity.

ABSTRACT:

Different parts of eight plants implicated in Akwa Ibom ethnomedicinal literature as toxic were examined for toxicity in rats after oral and intraperitoneal administration. Only the ethanolic extract of S. indica leaves was toxic by both oral and intraperitoneal routes. The extract of C. edulis roots, E. kamerunica leaves, T. occidentalis root, P. mildbreadii root and B. sapinda leaves were only toxic at various dose levels through the intraperitoneal route.

GASTRIC AND DUODENAL ANTIULCER AND CYTOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS L. VARIAN II IN RATS.

Anoop Austin* and M. Jagdeesan**

*Deputy Manager/R & D Siddha, Pharm Products, Thanjavur – 613005;

**Department of Siddha Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Tamil University, Thanjavur – 613005, India.

*Correspondence: Phone (Residence): 91-4362-43979

e-mail: anoop [email protected] 

Keywords: Cissus quadrangularis, Vitaceae, antiulcer activities, cytoprotective, mucin production, seasonal changes

ABSTRACT:

Aqureous ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis L. variant II (Vitaceae) was found to possess antiulcer activities. It also has cytoprotective, mucin stimulation activities and selectively increased prostaglandin synthesis thereby decreasing the incidence of ulcer. Samples collected during the flowering period were effective than those at the vegetative period.

ALKALOID CONTENT OF THE LEAVES OF THREE NBIGERIAN DATURA SPECIES

Nuhu, H. and *Ghani, A.

Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

*Department of Pharmacy, Jahangir Nagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Keywords: Alkaloids, Datura innoxia, Datura metel, Datura stramonium, medicinal plants, hyoscyamine and hyoscine.

ABSTRACT:

The Datura species are sources of the tropane alkaloids employed as sedatives, antispasmodic and mydiatic agents. Three species of Datura grow naturally in Nigeria. These are D. innoxia Mill, D. metel L. and D. stramonium L. TLC analysis of the individual alkaloids in the leaves of these species indicated the presence of hyoscyamine and hyoscine. The other alkaloids were tropine, tigloidine and meteloidine. An unknown alkaloid was also detected in D. stramonium. Total alkaloid content was determined in the plants to be 1.75% +SD in D.innoxia, 1.22%+SD in D. metel and 1.29+SD in D. stramonium. The official drug (leaves) should contain 0.2-0.5% of total alkaloid to be considered as a standard drug. The results indicated that these Nigerian Datura species are good quality drugs that could be used as sources of these important alkaloids and D. innoxia should be included with the other two in the African pharmacopoeia.

THE EFFECTS OF SOME SYNTHESISED STILBENE ANALOGUES ON ARTEMIA SALINA NAUPALII AND GERMINATION OF SORGHUM BICOLOR SEEDS

D. A. Sogbaike, A. O. Ogundaini and 1S. A. Adesanya

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Keywords: Stilbene, bibenzylalcohol, dihyrobibenzyl, Artemia salina, Sorghum bicolor, toxicity

ABSTRACT:

Six stilbene and their corresponding bibenzyl alcohols with no substitution on one ring were synthesized via the Grignard route. Corresponding dihydrostilbenes were obtained by transfer hydrogenation of the stilbenes. Dihydropinosylvin, the major phytoalexin in Dioscorea species was obtainend by demethylation of 3,5 dimethoxybibenzyl. P-Hydroxystilbene (LC50 1.0mg/ml), m-hydroxy stilbene (LC501.48) and 4-methoxy stilbene (LC508.0) were the most toxic to A. salina nauplii followed by their respective dihyrostilbene. The highest inhibition of germination of S. bicolor seeds were exhibited by the dihyrostilbenes especially dihyropinosylvin and its methylated derivative.

THE SKIN TOLERANCE OF SHEA FAT EMPLOYED AS EXCIPIENT IN TOPICAL PREPARATIONS

A. O. Oyedele

Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria

Keywords: Shea fat, ointment base, natural product, raw material, skin tolerance commercial products survey.

ABSTRACT:

The skin tolerance of shea fat when used as excipient in topical products has been investigated. Skin irritation or sensitivity testing was carried out in a preliminary skin patch-application pilot study of graded extemporaneous formulations of the indigenous shea fat base with 25 volunteers. A field study by interview was also conducted among 500 users and traders of shea fat-based products, drawn from major city commercial centers across six middle belt and southern states of Nigeria in a bid to determine any side effects known to users that shea fat-based products had ever produced. The objective of this survey was to pool and analyze information on any subliminal or incidental skin irritation or sensitivity to the products gathered from both long-term and recent users of the products. High concentrations (45%, 75%) of Nigerian shea fat in preparations employed in the pilot study were neither irritant nor sensitizing to skin of all volunteers tested. Similarly, the survey revealed that the fat is harmless on skin in topical products. Up to 12 years’ continued use of these products had been unconnected with any adverse skin effect. Indigenous shea fat is therefore recommended as well tolerated and suitable for use in topical products.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES ON THE LEAVES OF PAVETTA CRASSIPES

U. A. Katsayal and E. M. Abdurahman

Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Key Words: Pavetta crassipes, macroscopy, chemomiscroscopy, pharmacognostic standards

ABSTRACT:

The plant Pavetta crassipes K. Schum (syn.P.barteri) is a shrub or small tree widespread in the tropical savannah. In Nigeria, the leaves of this plant are used medicinally in the management of respiratory infections and abdominal disorders. The leaves are also used in Tanzania in the treatment of gonorrhoea, while in Central Africa, the acid infusion of the leaves are taken as cough remedy. We report the macroscopy, microscopy and some pharmacognostic standards such as moisture content, ash and extractive values for the leaves of P.crassipes, which could be used to prepare a monograph for proper identification of the plant.

HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFECTS OF NIGERIAN ZINGIBER OFFICINALE RHIZOME ON EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC RATS

Kalejaiye, O. F., Iwalewa, E. O.1, Omobuwajo, O. R.2 and Oyedapo. O. O.3

Department of Pharmacology1, Pharmacognosy2, and Biochemistry3, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Key Words: Anti-diabetic effects, Zingiber officinale, Ginger, hypoglycaemic agent, STZ induced diabetic, Glucose-induced hyperglycaemia.

ABSTRACT:

The aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) rhizome was studied in Streptozotocin (STZ) and Glucose-induced diabetic rats to evaluate its hypoglycaemic activity. The aqueous extract was administered intraperitoneally at 2g/kg, 4g/kg and 8g/kg. The hypoglycaemic effect produced by the extract in STZ induced diabetic rates and glucose-induced hyperglycaemia were found to be shown 30 min after drug administration having high significant value as compared to diabetic control rats. However, there is no significant change with increase in dose between 4 and 8g/kg in STZ diabetic rats. When compared to chlopromide (45mg/kg), the aqueous extract if ginger at 2g/kg was of equal potency. Hypoglycaemic effect was also observed in glucose-induced hyperglycaemia when 4kg/kg of ginger extract was used under the same conditions. The results of this study indicate that the acute dose of aqueous extract of Nigerian cultivated Zingiber officinale rhizome exhibited hypoglycaemic activity.

THE ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES

O. O. Amole and *O. G. Yusuf

Lagos State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Key Words: Analgesic effect, Chenopodium, thermal hot plate, mice.

ABSTRACT:

Aqueous extract of the leaf of Chenopodium ambrosides, a Nigeria traditional medicinal plant, has been evaluated for its analgesic potential in mice. The analgesic potential of the plant extract was studied using the thermal (hot plate) test. The plant extract was found effective at the dose of 0.4g/kg and 0.8g/kg in elevating pain threshold test. Phytochemical screening of the plant reveals the presence of saponins, alkaloids and volatile oils. The LD50 was calculated to be 4.0g/kg. C. ambrosioides was found to protect mice from the sensation of pain due to thermal stimulus.

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ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF THE ROOT BARK OF ALSTONIA BOONEI

Osadebe, P. O.

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria

Key Words: Astonia boonei root bark, alcoholic extract, anti-inflammatory activity, egg white-induced oedema.

ABSTRACT:

The anti-inflammatory properties of the root bark of Alstonia boonei, De wild (Apocynaceae) was studied using egg white-induced rat hind paw oedema as a model of acute inflammation. The alcoholic extract showed a significant protection of the paw against the induced inflammation. The result justified its use in herbal medicine for the treatment of rheumatic and breast pains.

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY AND NUTRITIVE POTENTIAL OF AFROFRITOMIA SYLEVESTRIS LEAF

C. S. Iwuoha Odoemena, A. E. Sampson, *Bala Danladi and *K. K. Ajibesin

Department of Botany and *Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo

Key Words: Afrofritomia sylvestris, Phytochemistry, Nutritive values

ABSTRACT:

Afrofritomia sylvestris leaf contains alkaloids, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenes. The proximate composition and contents of the leaf showed 24.5% ash, 6.94% crude protein, 2.75% crude fibre and 8.5% carbohydrate while the mineral elements composition revealed high contents of Na+ (11990mg/100g), Ca++(95.8mg/100g), K+ (69.23mg/100g) and Mg++(71.00mg/100g). It also contains low levels of vitamins A and C. The anti-nutritive components of the leaf were very low and negligible except in total and soluble oxalates contents. The study has established A. sylvestris leaf as a good source of mineral elements. In the southeastern Nigeria, rural inhabitants supplement their leafy needs with the “hunters weed” which is often added to soup.

IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF RAUVOLFIA SERPENTINA AND ITS TISSUE CULTURE

Shahrear Ahmed1, M. N. Amin1, Adeeba Anjum2, M. E. Haque2 and

M. A. Mosaddik3*

1Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, 2Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshai-6205, Bangladesh,

3Centre for Phytochemistry, Southern Cross University NSW-2480, Australia.

Key Words: Antibacterial, Rauvolfia serpentina, tissue culture, callus, methanol extract, phytomedicine

ABSTRACT:

The in vitro antibacterial activity of the methanol extracts of leaf, root of Rauvolfia serpentina and its tissue culture callus, root, leaf were investigated. The extract showed a good antibacterial activity against gram negative organisms, which may be due to the presence of alkaloid in the extract.

ANTIFUNGAL PRINCIPLE FROM THE STEM BARK OF BERLINA GRANDIFLORA

Nkechi M. Enwerem, Joseph I. Okogun, Charles O. Wambebe and 1Domingo A. Okorie

National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development,

PMB 21, Abuja FCT, Nigeria

1Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Key Words: Berlina grandiflora, antifungal activity, lupeol and Cladosporium cucumerinium

ABSTRACT:

Lup-20(29)-en-3b-ol [lupeol] was isolated from the hexane fraction of the stem bark of Berlina grandiflora. The compound showed significant antifungal activity against Cladosporium cucumerinium.

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