Anti-hyperprolactinemic activities of aqueous extract of Uvaria chamae (P. Beauv) roots and associated biochemical changes in chlorpromazine-induced hyperprolactinemic female Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARAMCOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The age-long folkloric use of Uvaria chamae roots in the management of nipple discharge that is not related to pregnancy, childbirth or nursing but as a result of excessive production of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) is yet to be substantiated with scientific data. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the anti-hyperprolactinemic activities of aqueous extract of Uvaria chamae roots (AEUCR) and associated biochemical changes in chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced hyperprolactinemic female Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty female rats (207.40 ± 2.69 g) were assigned into 6 groups: A-F. Animals in Group A received 0.5 ml of distilled water only whilst the 7 days CPZ-treated female rats (to induce hyperprolactinemia) in groups B, C, D, E, and F also received distilled water, 2.5 mg/kg body weight of bromocriptine (reference drug), 0.71, 1.41 2.83 mg/kg body weight of AEUCR for 28 days. RESULTS: AEUCR contained a total of 15 (75%) amino acids with seven (46.67%) being essential amino acids and eight (53.33%) as non-essential amino acids. Administration of CPZ increased (p < 0.05) the levels of prolactin and testosterone, and reduced (p < 0.05) the levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dopamine, triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyroxine (T4). Chlorpromazine also increased the levels of serum urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the animals. In contrast, AEUCR significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the CPZ-induced increases in the levels of prolactin and testosterone, and increased the levels of CPZ-induced reduction in the progesterone, estradiol, FSH, LH, dopamine, T3 and T4. The AEUCR also reversed (p < 0.05) the CPZ-induced related increases in the levels of urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, ALT, AST and ALP similar to the trends in the distilled water- and bromocriptine-treated controls. The CPZ-induced remarkable increase in the size of lactating alveolus and lactiferous duct distribution in the mammary gland were restored to normal tubule-alveolar female pattern mammary glands, composed of branching ducts and small alveoli budding off the ducts. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that aqueous extract of Uvaria chamae root exhibited anti-hyperprolactinemic activity by restoring prolactin and dopamine levels and tubule-alveolar female pattern in female rats. It also ameliorated CPZ-induced changes in the liver and kidney function indices. This study justifies the folkloric use of Uvaria chamae root in the management of abnormal discharge by the nipples that is unrelated to pregnancy, childbirth and nursing.

Fertility enhancing activity and toxicity profile of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens roots in male rats.

This study evaluated the fertility-enhancing activity and safety of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens root (AECDR) in male rats. In the fertility study, twenty, sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) body weight (BW)-treated male rats (171.02 ± 3.36 g), assigned into four groups (I-IV), received 1 ml of distilled water (DW), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AECDR for 60 days, whereas the control received DW. After 7 days of pairing with female rats (153.67 ± 2.24 g), spermatogenic, fertility, testicular function indices and enzymatic antioxidant activities were evaluated. The animal groupings in the toxicity study were similar to the fertility study except no administration of sodium arsenite. Sodium arsenite treatment-related decreases (p < .05) in the semen and sperm parameters, testicular function indices, antioxidant activities and female rat fertility indices were reversed/ameliorated by AECDR. AECDR significantly altered the function indices of the liver and kidney and the lipid profile and selectively altered the haematological parameters. There was no treatment-related histoarchitectural changes in the organs. Overall, the aqueous extract of C. dependens roots exhibited pro-spermatogenic, fertility enhancing, antioxidant and androgenic activities in male rats. It also exhibited functional toxicity. Therefore, the chronic use of AECDR may not be completely safe as oral remedy.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L. leaves in female albino rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mangifera indica L. leaves have a long history of indigenous use, as an antidiarrhoeal agent among others, without any scientific study that has substantiated or refuted this claim. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the secondary metabolites in the aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves and its acclaimed antidiarrhoeal activity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous leaf extract of Mangifera indica was screened for its constituent secondary plant metabolites. In each of the diarrhoeal models, female albino rats were assigned into 5 groups (A, B, C, D and E) containing five animals each such that rats in groups A and B were the positive and negative controls respectively while those in groups C, D and E received 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively in addition to specific requirements of the model. RESULTS: The extract contained alkaloids (4.20mg/g), flavonoids (13.60mg/g), phenolics (1.50mg/g) and saponins (3.10mg/g) while tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and steroids were not detected. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model, the onset time of diarrhoea was significantly prolonged by the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight whereas there was no episode in the 100mg/kg body weight treated animals. The extract (25 and 50mg/kg body weight) decreased the number, water content, fresh weight and total number of wet feaces and increased the inhibition of defecations. All the doses of the extract significantly increased the Na(+) -K(+) ATPase activity in the small intestine. The extract dose dependently decreased the masses and volume of intestinal fluid with corresponding increase in inhibition of intestinal fluid content in the castor oil-induced enteropooling model. The extract also reduced the distance travelled by charcoal meal in the 30min gastrointestinal transit model. All these changes were similar to the reference drugs with the 100mg/kg body weight of the extract exhibiting the most profound antidiarrhoeal activity. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves possess antidiarrhoeal activity in chemical induced diarrhoeal models and thus justifies its age long folkloric use in managing diarrhoea. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and enhancement of Na(+) -K(+) ATPase activity might play roles in the antidiarrhoeal activity of the plant extract.

Antimicrobial activity of the solvent fractions from Bulbine natalensis Tuber.

Bulbine natalensis Baker has been acclaimed to be used as an antimicrobial agent in the folklore medicine of South Africa without scientific evidence to substantiate or refute this claim. In view of this, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of solvent fractions (ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) from Bulbine natalensis Tuber against 4 Gram positive and 12 Gram negative bacteria as well as 3 fungal species were investigated using agar dilution. The ethanolic extract, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited 75, 87.5 and 100% respectively of the bacterial species in this study. The ethanolic, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions produced growth inhibition at MIC range of 1-10, 3-10 as well as 1 and 5 mg/ml respectively whereas the water fraction did not inhibit the growth of any of the bacterial species. Again, it was only the ethyl acetate fraction that inhibited the growth of Shigelli flexneri, Staphyloccus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ethanolic, ethyl acetate and n-butanolic fractions dose dependently inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger and A. flavus whereas the water fraction produced 100% growth inhibition of the Aspergillus species at all the doses investigated. In contrast, no growth inhibition was produced on Candida albicans. The growth inhibition produced by the solvent fractions of B. natalensis Tuber in this study thus justifies the acclaimed use of the plant as an antimicrobial agent. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most potent.

Garcinia kola seeds: is the aqueous extract a true aphrodisiac in male Wistar rats?

The age long acclaimed aphrodisiac potentials of Garcinia kola seeds in some parts of Western Nigeria has not been substantiated with scientific evidence. In this study, we have decided to evaluate the effect of aqueous seed extract of G. kola at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight on sexual behaviour of male rats. Male rats weighing 215.00 ± 18.58 g were randomized completely into four groups (A-D) of six animals each. Animals in group A received, orally, 0.5 ml of distilled water only while those in groups B, C and D received same volume containing 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the seed extract respectively. Frequencies of mount (MF), intromission (IF), genital toilet (GTF) and ejaculation (EF) as well as latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL) and ejaculation (EL) were evaluated following the pairing of male rats (1:1) with non-oestrous female rats. The parameters were monitored for the first (15-30 min), second (75-90 min) and third (180195 min) observatory periods. The levels of testosterone, luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) were also determined. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins (2.78%), cardiac glycosides (0.26%), cardenolides and dienolides (0.24%), flavonoids (1.28%) and steroids (1.14%). The 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight increased (P<0.05) the MF whereas the ML was decreased by all the doses of the extract. MF and ML were not altered during the second observatory period whereas the 50 mg/kg body weight increased these parameters during the third observatory period. Other sexual behaviour parameters as well as serum testosterone, FSH and LH were not significantly altered throughout the observatory periods. Overall, the results revealed that G. kola seeds did not have sex enhancing potential as claimed. Therefore, the acclaimed pro sexual effect of Garcinia kola seeds is scientifically untrue. This study has refuted the claim that one of the rationales for consuming the seeds by the aged population of Nigeria is to enhance sexual invigoration in males.

Pro-sexual effects of aqueous extracts of Massularia acuminata root in male Wistar rats.

Aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata root at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) body weight was investigated for its effect on sexual behaviour in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids and tannins in the extract. The increased (P < 0.05) frequencies of mount and intromission, computed male sexual behaviour parameters and significantly prolonged ejaculatory latency by the 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) body weight of the extract compared favourably (P > 0.05) with the reference drug, sildenafil citrate (Viagra). The extract also decreased the mount latency. The intromission latency at all the doses of the extract compared favourably with the distilled water-treated animals. The concentrations of serum testosterone, luteinising and follicle stimulating hormones increased at all the doses. All these are indications of prosexual effects of the extract, mediated by changes in the hormonal levels, brought about possibly by alkaloids, saponins and/or flavonoids. Overall, the present study supported the acclaimed use of M. acuminata root as an aphrodisiac in Yorubic medicine of Nigeria. Therefore, the aqueous extract of M. acuminata roots at 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) body weight may be explored in the management of disorders of desire, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Massularia acuminata Stem on Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats.

Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Massularia acuminata in which the stem has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. Documented experiments or clinical data are, however, lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the acclaimed aphrodisiac activity of M. acuminata stem. Sixty male rats were completely randomized into 4 groups (A-D) of 15 each. Rats in group A (control) were administered with 1 mL of distilled water (the vehicle) while those in groups B, C, and D were given same volume containing 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored in the male rats for day 1 (after a single dose), day 3 (after three doses, once daily), and day 5 (after five doses, once daily) by pairing with a receptive female (1 : 1). The male serum testosterone concentration was also determined. Cage side observation on the animals revealed proceptive behaviour (ear wiggling, darting, hopping, and lordosis) by the receptive female rats and precopulatory behaviour (chasing, anogenital sniffing and mounting) by the extract-treated male rats. The extract at 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < .05) increased the frequencies of mount and intromission. In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly prolonged (P < .05). The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly whereas ejaculation frequency increased. The extract also reduced the postejaculatory interval of the animals. Computed percentages of index of libido, mounted, intromitted, ejaculated and copulatory efficiency were higher in the extract treated animals compared to the distilled water-administered control whereas the intercopulatory interval decreased significantly. The extract also significantly (P < .05) increased the serum testosterone content of the animals except in those administered with 250 mg/kg body weight on days 1 and 3. Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Massularia acuminata stem may be attributed, at least in part, to the alkaloids, saponins, and/or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing, and antioxidant properties.

Effect of aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchonii rhizome on some kidney and liver functional indicies of albino rats.

Aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchonii Hook. Ef. x Planch rhizome was investigated for its toxic effects in albino rats using some liver and kidney functional indices as 'markers'. Thirty six albino rats weighing 200.08 ± 10.21 were randomly assinged into six groups (A-F) of six animals each. Animals in groups A-E were orally administered on daily basis with 1 ml of the extract corresponding to 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract for 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 days while those in the control group received orally 1 ml of distilled water. Rats in all the groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the completion of their respective doses. The extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in the liver leading to 80.95% loss by the end of the experimental period. While there was no consistent pattern in the kidney ALP activity and serum bilirubin level, the serum enzyme compared well (P>0.05) with the control value. There was no effect (P>0.05) on the acid phosphatase activity of the tissues and serum of the animals. The extract also reduced the urea, albumin and creatinine content in the serum of the animals. The alterations in the biochemical parameters by the aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchoni may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the liver and kidney of the animals. Therefore, the 50 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchoni rhizome may not be completley safe as an oral remedy.

Antidiarrheal activity of aqueous extract of Hermannia incana Cav. leaves in Wistar rats.

Hermannia incana Cav. is a prostrate herb used to treat diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, by the people of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The phytochemical screening as well as the antidiarrheal activity of H. incana leaf extract at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive agents such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, cardenolides and dienolides. The extract significantly prolonged the time of induction of diarrhea, reduced the frequency of diarrheal episodes and water content of the feces, and inhibited castor oil-induced enteropooling. The extract also suppressed intestinal propulsive movement of a charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract. These results demonstrate the antidiarrheal properties of the extract, thereby supporting the folkloric use of the plant as an antidiarrheal agent in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Effect of aqueous extract of Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br. leaves in male Wistar rats.

The aqueous extract of the leaves of Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br. at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight was investigated for toxicity in male rats following administration on daily basis for 21 days. The extract did not significantly (p > .05) alter the levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, basophils, total protein, phosphorus, calcium and chloride ions of the animals. Whereas the levels of lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, albumin as well as alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase activity were decreased by the extract, those of neutrophil, magnesium, total and conjugated bilirubin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase as well as liver and kidney body weight ratios increased. There was decrease in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and cholesterol only at the 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract, whereas the large unstained cells, sodium ions, white blood cells and uric acid increased only at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. The urea, creatinine and potassium increased only at 125 mg/kg body weight of the extract while the globulin content was elevated only at 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The doses did not produce any definite pattern of effect on the red blood cells and platelets. These alterations by the aqueous extract of L. leonurus leaves on the haematological together with the liver and kidney functional indices suggests parameter and dose-selective effects of the extract and will have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the blood system, kidney and liver of the animals. The extract is also unlikely to predispose the animals to cardiovascular risk when repeatedly consumed on daily basis at the doses investigated for 21 days. Therefore, the aqueous extract of L. leonurus leaves may not be 'safe' as oral remedy in male rats.

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.

Toxicological evaluation of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut oil-based diet in rats.

The effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut oil-based diet on the growth performance and some biochemical constituents of rat tissues was investigated following a feeding period of 6 weeks. The results revealed that the volume of water taken, the amount of feed consumed and the weight gained by the animals maintained on the nut oil-based diet were not significantly (P>0.05) different from those fed on soybean oil-based diet. The reduction in the activities of ALP, GOT and GPT in the liver and heart of animals fed on the nut oil-based diet was accompanied by increase in the serum enzymes. The nut oil-based diet significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum concentrations of total cholesterol and HDL-C whereas triglycerides and atherogenic index increased. The serum LDL-C level of the nut oil-based diet fed animals compared well with those of soybean oil-based diet. These alterations suggested that adverse effects have occurred, possibly by altered membrane permeability of the hepatocytes and cardiac cells. Similar alterations in the serum lipids of animals maintained on nut oil-based diet also portends cardiovascular risk. Although, T. conophorum nut oil did not adversely affect growth performance and the feeding appetite of the animals, it is not completely 'safe' for consumption.

Physicochemical properties of the oil from the fruit of Blighia sapida and toxicological evaluation of the oil-based diet in Wistar rats.

The physicochemical properties of the oil from the fruit of Blighia sapida and the toxicological effect of the oil-based diet on some biochemical parameters of selected rat tissues and serum were studied. The smoke, flash, and fire points as well as peroxide, iodine, and acid values of the fruit oil were significantly lower (P < .05), whereas the specific gravity, relative density, saponification, and ester values compared well with soybean oil. The fruit oil yield was 20.02%. The oil consisted of 22.22% saturated, 56.43% monounsaturated, and 21.35% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is richer than soybean oil in behenic, palmitoleic, oleic, gadoleic, erucic, and 9,12-eicosanoic acids by 15.70%, 0.89%, 7.22%, 12.05%, 8.27%, and 21.35%, respectively. The liver- and kidney-body weight ratios as well as the serum concentrations of cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of the rats maintained on diet formulated with the oil from the fruit of B. sapida increased significantly (P < .05), but the triglyceride and atherogenic index decreased (P < .05). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and the heart-body weight ratio of the rats fed with the fruit oil diet compared well (P > .05) with those on soybean oil-based diet. Animals fed with the fruit oil-based diet had their activities of liver glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase as well as alkaline phosphatase activities of the liver and kidney decreased with corresponding increase in the serum enzymes. These results suggest that oil from B. sapida fruit could be edible and may be explored as raw materials in the paint, margarine, and soap industries. The oil is also unlikely to predispose the animals to cardiovascular risk, but may labilize the plasma membrane of the hepatocytes and nephrons. It may also have a negative effect on the metabolism and regulation of amino acid in the animals. Therefore, the oil from B. sapida fruit may not be completely safe for consumption.

Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract on the functional indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats.

The effects of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of body weight for 14 days on the functional indices of liver and kidney as well as the histology of the rat organs were evaluated. The extract did not significantly (P < .05) alter the total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, uric acid, and creatinine levels in the serum of rats. However, the 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight doses reduced the liver- and kidney-body weight ratios by the end of the experimental period. While the extract increased the activities of liver gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST, respectively), and total bilirubin, globulin, and urea, the levels of albumin, conjugated bilirubin, inorganic phosphorus, and kidney ALP and GGT decreased. The activities of serum ALP, GGT, ALT, and AST also increased throughout the experimental period. The extract produced higher effects on the liver functional indices (39%) than the kidney parameters (21%). Histological examination revealed slight distortions in the architecture of the liver lobules as well as proximal and convoluted tubules of the kidney. The alterations produced in some of the functional indices as well as in the hepatorenal architecture may adversely affect the normal hepatic and renal functions. The parameter-specific effect of the extract suggests selective toxicity. This is an indication that the extract is not completely "safe" as an oral remedy.

Mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male rat liver and kidney.

The mode of cellular toxicity of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem in male rats 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 18, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of hydroxyl (OH) and primary amine (CONH). Clinical toxicity symptoms such as respiratory distress, epistasis, salivation, hypo- and hyperactivity were not observed at any period of the experiment. No mortality was also recorded. Extract administration significantly reduced (p < .05) the activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase in the liver and kidney with corresponding increases in the serum. Serum malondialdehyde also increased significantly in all the extract-treated groups. The liver and kidney body weight ratios of the extract-treated animals compared well (P > .05) with their controls throughout the experimental period. The extract did not cause any swelling, atrophy or hypertrophy of the organs. The other evidence in this study suggests disruption of the ordered lipid bilayer of the plasma membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons. This might have resulted from peroxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids on the membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons made possible by the functional groups or the product of metabolism of the extract. This may be responsible for the compromise of the integrity of the plasma membranes of the hepatocytes and nephrons.

Toxicological implications of aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves in pregnant Dutch rabbits.

Aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris L. leaves at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight was investigated for toxic effects in pregnant rabbits. Apparently healthy, female rabbits (Dutch) weighing between 1.62 and 1.70 kg as previously used in our abortifacient study were paired overnight with male rabbits in ratio 2:1 and those that became pregnant were completely randomized into three groups (A-C). Group A (the control), received orally 1.85 mL/kg body weight (3 mL) of distilled water thrice daily on days 1-9 of pregnancy while groups B and C were treated orally with the same volume corresponding to 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Clinical signs of toxicity were not observed in all the animals during the study. The extract did not significantly alter (p > .05) the serum follicle stimulating hormone and total protein content of the pregnant rabbits throughout the exposure period whereas, the concentrations of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, albumin, globulin, urea and calcium decreased in the serum of the rabbits. At 250 mg/kg body weight, the extract increased kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity whereas at 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract, the ALP level was similar to the control group. Liver ALP at all doses, as well as the activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 500 mg/kg body weight was reduced. This reduction was accompanied by an increase in serum ALP and GGT at these doses. At 250 mg/kg, the extract increased kidney GGT. Conversely, at 500 mg/ kg, kidney GGT activity decreased. Liver and serum GGT were not altered by the 250 mg/kg. The extract also increased the serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium and bicarbonate ions as well as total and conjugated bilirubin. In the hepatocytes of extract-treated animals, there was no evidence of necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis and degenerative changes in the central vein and radiating hepatic cords, while the glomerulus and the tubules of the nephrons also remained intact. The alterations in biochemical parameters by the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves suggests adverse effect on the synthetic, secretory, reabsorptive and excretory functions of liver and kidney of the animals. Therefore, the absence of histopathological lesions in the hepatocytes and nephrons implies that histopathological changes are not a sensitive assay for the assessment of tissue damage by the extract.

Toxicological evaluation of the essential oil from Mentha longifolia L. subsp. capensis leaves in rats.

The effects of the essential oil from the leaves of Mentha longifolia L. subsp. capensis on some biochemical parameters of Wistar rats were studied. The oil at 125, 250, 375, and 500 microL/kg of body weight reduced (P < .05) the red blood cells and lymphocytes with no definite pattern on the white blood cells and mean cell volume. The doses significantly increased the neutrophils, monocytes, large unstained cells, liver-body weight ratio, and serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and inorganic phosphate but had no effect on the heart body weight ratio and serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Na(+), Ca(2+), Cl(-), K(+), creatinine, and uric acid. The oil at 500 microL/kg of body weight also increased the kidney-body weight ratio. In contrast, the oil reduced the serum urea and atherogenic index. The total and conjugated bilirubin, together with the total protein and albumin, in the serum increased only with oil at 125 microL/kg of body weight. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity also increased with no significant change in those of gamma-glutamyl transferase and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. The results indicate dose- and parameter-specific effect of the essential oil. Although the essential oil from M. longifolia leaves may not predispose to atherosclerosis, it may increase the functional activity of the rat liver at the lowest dose investigated. Therefore, the essential oil from M. longifolia may not be completely "safe" at the doses investigated.

Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats.

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg body weight on the reproductive function of Wistar rats were evaluated. The indices of mating and fertility success as well as quantal frequency increased after 7 days of treatment in all the dose groups except the 100mg/kg body weight group. The number of litters was not statistically different (P>0.05) from the control. Whereas the absolute weights of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were not affected, that of the testes was significantly increased. The epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, and viscosity were not different from the control after 7 days of treatment. The male rat serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone significantly increased in the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight groups, whereas the estradiol concentration decreased significantly at all the doses. The extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight decreased the serum testosterone and progesterone levels in male rats. The prolactin concentration was not affected by all the doses. All the indices of reproduction, maternal, embryo/fetotoxic, teratogenic, and reproductive hormones in the female rats were not statistically different from that of their control except the resorption index, which increased at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histologic examination of the cross section of rat testes that received the extract at all the doses investigated revealed well-preserved seminiferous tubules with normal amount of stroma, normal population of spermatogenic and supporting cells, as well as normal spermatocytes within the lumen. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight enhanced the success rate of mating and fertility due to increased libido as well as the levels of reproductive hormones in male rats. The absence of alterations in the reproductive parameters of female rats at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of Bulbine natalensis stem extract suggest that the extract is "safe" for use at these doses by females during the organogenic period of pregnancy, whereas the extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight portends a negative effect on some reproductive functions of male and female rats.

Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem on haematological and serum lipid profile of male Wistar rats.

Bulbine natalensis stem extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 14 days) did not significantly alter the red blood cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width in male Wistar rats. In contrast, the white blood cell count increased by the end of the experimental period. While the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils decreased after the administration of single dose of the extract (day 1), those of the platelets and monocytes increased. The extract also reduced the levels of basophils and large unstained cells after the seven daily doses. All the doses increased the serum concentrations of cholesterol and triacylglycerols. Whereas the serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein was unaffected throughout the experimental period, the decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was accompanied by increase in the atherogenic index. The results showed that aqueous extract of B. natalensis stem exhibited localized systemic toxicity mainly on the white blood cell count and related indices. The alterations in the serum lipid profile may predispose the animals to atherosclerosis especially when consumed repeatedly for two weeks.

Effect of administration of aqueous extract of hippobromus pauciflorus leaves in male Wistar rats.

The effect of administration of aqueous extract of Hippobromus pauciflorus (L.f.) Radlk (Sapindaceae) leaves at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days on some biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats was investigated. The extract at all the doses tested did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and large unstained cells. While the levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and basophils increased significantly (P<0.05) at specific doses, the mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and eosinophils decreased significantly (P<0.05). Again, the extract did not significantly (P<0.05) alter the computed liver- and kidney-body weight ratios, sodium, chloride and total protein, though, the levels of potassium, inorganic phosphorus, globulin, urea, total and conjugated bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) at certain doses. In contrast, the levels of albumin and creatinine also decreased significantly (P<0.05) at specific doses. While the activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase remained significantly (P<0.05) unaltered in the serum, aspartate aminotransferase activity increased only at 200 mg/kg body weight. The atherogenic index as well as the concentrations of cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum of the animals were not significantly (P>0.05) altered. However, the extract significantly (P<0.05) increased the concentration of triacylglycerol. The results suggest that the extract has mild and dose specific haemato-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects and may not be completely safe as oral remedy at the doses investigated.