Vitex doniana seed activated carbon for methylene blue adsorption: equilibrium and kinetics.

This study evaluated the characteristics of zinc chloride modified vitex doniana seed activated carbon (VDZnCl2) for the removal of methylene blue. VDZnCl2 was characterized for textural properties, surface morphology and surface chemistry. Batch adsorption of methylene blue by VDZnCl2 was evaluated for the effects of concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and solution pH. The surface area increased from 14 to 933 m2/g with porous texture to facilitate adsorption. The SEM micrograph showed varieties of pores with widened cavities. The FTIR spectra showed the characteristics of O-H and C=C groups commonly found in carbonaceous materials. The maximum methylene blue adsorption was recorded as 238 mg/g at concentration range of 1-800 mg/L and VDZnCl2 dosage of 50 mg. Sips isotherm fitted well with the equilibrium data, suggesting that the adsorption by VDZnCl2 was a physical process onto its heterogeneous surface, while the applicability of pseudo-first-order kinetics implies that external diffusion was the rate controlling mechanism. The performance put up by VDZnCl2 suggested that it is a potential adsorbent substitute for dye wastewater treatment.

Vitex doniana commonly known as black plum is a deciduous flowering tree that grows around West Africa. Over 80% of the fruit is seed, and often discarded. To date, this seed has received marginal recognition as activated carbon feedstock for the removal of dyes and organic pollutants. However, there is no known study on the synthesis of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) modified activated carbon from vitex doniana seed and its adsorption of methylene blue from wastewater. Therefore, this study was a first-time attempt of the synthesis of ZnCl₂ modified activated carbon adsorbent from vitex doniana and its removal of methylene blue from wastewater. This work systematically encouraged indigenous adsorbent synthesis for wastewater treatment and contribution to sustainable development goals.

Isolation, crystal structure and DFT study of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidinium nitrate isolated from the stembark of Vitex doniana (Lamiaceae).

We present the results of the analysis of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidinium nitrate isolated from the stem bark of Vitex doniana, a tree growing in Nigeria. The low-temperature molecular structure comprises one 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidinium cation and one nitrate anion as one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n. A portion of the nitrate anion exhibits positional disorder with the main disorder component present 66.253(2) % of the time and the minor disorder component present 33.279(2) % of the time. In comparison with the previously reported room-temperature structure of C9H18N2O4 . The low-temperature structure shows similarity with the piperidinium ring adopting a slightly deformed chair conformation while the nitrate anion is disordered. DFT method was used to complement the experimental study.

Toxicological profile, phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory properties of leaves of Vitex doniana Sweet. (Verbenaceae).

Background: Natural herbal compounds are a source and alternative for new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, in-depth studies should be carried out to assess their safety and efficacy in order to avoid or prevent toxicological risks of these natural plant-based substances. V. doniana is a species of food plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to estimate the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of V. doniana. Methods: To do this, acute toxicity was first evaluated on the animal model. Biological activities (carrageenan test, formalin and xylene induced oedemas) were used to assess the anti-inflammatory power. Results: Regarding the dietary toxicology of the extracts, visual and clinical signs showed that the extracts are not at the end of the 15-day (acute toxicity) and 45-day (subacute toxicity) tests. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, it was observed that the bioactive fraction (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg.b.w) had effective neurogenic anti-inflammatory properties. All of these effects observed were all dose-dependent. Conclusion: The results of this present research have proven that V. donania extracts can be used as anti-inflammatories.

Fruits of Vitex doniana sweet: toxicity profile, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and quantification of one of its bioactive constituents oleanolic acid.

BACKGROUND: Vitex doniana Sweet fruit, an under-utilised crop specie of Ghana, has not been validated for its ethnomedical use in managing inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the study sought to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as isolate and quantify one of its active constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol fruit extract was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced oedema model in chicks. The in-vitro antioxidant property was also investigated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The acute and subacute toxicity studies of the fruit extract were evaluated in rodent models. RESULTS: No signs of autonomic and central nervous system stimulation/depression were recorded. The LD50 by oral route, was estimated to be beyond 3000 mg/kg. Subacute studies revealed an increase in red blood cell and lymphocyte counts. Liver enzymes, serum proteins and bilirubin levels did not significantly increase. The crude extracts at doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg inhibited paw oedema considerably. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 99.35 ± 0.77 µg/mL). Oleanolic acid, isolated from the ethyl acetate extract, showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method for the detection and estimation of oleanolic acid, as a biomarker compound for V. doniana fruit, was developed and validated for quality assurance purposes. CONCLUSION: The extract of V. doniana fruits possesses considerable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and was non-toxic under laboratory conditions.

Identification of the aroma compounds in Vitex doniana sweet: free and bound odorants.

BACKGROUND: Most often, the glycosidically-bound aroma compounds are released during industrial processing or pre-treatment of fruits. This usually introduces modification to the aroma notes of such fruits. Therefore, there is the need to understand the contribution of these bound aroma compounds to the overall aroma of a given fruit. In recent years research studies have reported on the free- and bound volatile compounds of several fruits. However, there is no report yet on Vitex doniana sweet. RESULTS: Results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) of free and glycosidically-bound aroma-active compounds from Vitex doniana sweet revealed a total of 35 compounds in the free fraction, and 28 compounds were in the bound fraction respectively. Whilst the major group of compounds in the free fraction were terpenes, alcohols, and esters, the bound fraction consisted of ketones, alcohols, terpenes and norisoprenoids. CONCLUSION: A comparative analysis of the aroma potencies of the free and bound volatile fractions revealed that; free fraction exhibited strong potency for the fruity and floral notes, and the bound fraction produced more of the flowery, caramel-like and cherry-like notes. In addition results of odour activity values showed that ethylbutanoate, ß-damascenone, ethyl-2-methyl propionate, linalool, hexyl acetate and (Z)-rose oxide contributed highly to the sweet prune-like aroma of the fruit.

Croton megalobotrys Müll Arg. and Vitex doniana (Sweet): Traditional medicinal plants in a three-step treatment regimen that inhibit in vitro replication of HIV-1.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) strains resistant to licensed anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) continue to emerge. On the African continent, uneven access to ARVs combined with occurrence of side-effects after prolonged ARV therapy have led to searches for traditional medicines as alternative or complementary remedies to conventional HIV/AIDS management. AIM OF THE STUDY: Here we characterize a specific three-step traditional HIV/AIDS treatment regimen consisting of Cassia sieberiana root, Vitex doniana root, and Croton megalobotrys bark by combining qualitative interviews of traditional medical knowledge users in Botswana with in vitro HIV replication studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crude extracts from a total of seven medicinal plants were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity and inhibition of wild-type (NL4.3) and ARV-resistant HIV-1 replication in an immortalized GFP-reporter CD4+ T-cell line. RESULTS: C. sieberiana root, V. doniana root, and C. megalobotrys bark extracts inhibited HIV-1NL4.3 replication with dose-dependence and without concomitant cytotoxicity. C. sieberiana and V. doniana extracts inhibited HIV-1 replication by 50% at 84.8µg/mL and at 25µg/mL, respectively, while C. megalobotrys extracts inhibited HIV-1 replication by a maximum of 45% at concentrations as low as 0.05µg/mL. Extracts did not interfere with antiviral activities of licensed ARVs when applied in combination and exhibited comparable efficacies against viruses harboring major resistance mutations to licensed protease, reverse-transcriptase, or integrase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time a three-step traditional HIV/AIDS regimen, used alone or in combination with standard ARV regimens, where each step exhibited more potent ability to inhibit HIV replication in vitro. Our observations support the "reverse pharmacology" model where documented clinical experiences are used to identify natural products of therapeutic value.

Protective effects of Vitex doniana (Black plum) against ischemic testes torsion injury: Histological and morphometric features.

We evaluated the effects of Vitex doniana leaves on testes histology and morphometry in Wistar rats following testicular torsion. Thirty male Wistar rats (120-160g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n=5). Surgical procedures were performed under ketamine anaesthesia (5mg/kg i.m). Sham surgery was performed on group A rats and given distilled water for 7 days. Animals in other groups had their left testes twisted at 720° for one hour, sutured, and treated for 7 days. Group B rats were left untreated, groups C, D and E received 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of extract respectively while group F received 100mg/kg of vitamin C. Animals were sacrificed using ketamine (100mg/kg), testes excised, fixed in Bouin's fluid and processed for histology and histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Student Newman- Keuls post- hoc test for multiple comparisons. Seminiferous tubule diameter reduced significantly in group B when compared with control group while the luminal size increased significantly in group B when compared with control group and the treated groups. Group B also showed significant reduction of germinal epithelium when compared with groups A, E and F. Histology and histochemical results revealed atrophic seminiferous tubules, widened interstitial spaces and accumulation of glycogen in the basement membrane in the testes of untreated rats. The study concluded that aqueous extract of Vitex doniana leaves had ameliorative effect on testicular morphology and histology in the torsioned rat model.

Standardized extract of Vitex doniana Sweet stalls protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmention in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Vitex doniana fruits are locally used in Nigeria as a remedy in the treatment of jaundice and liver related disease. The effect of methanolic extract of Vitex doniana fruits on acetaminophen induced protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation was investigated in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activity of the extract (0.2-1.0mg/mL) was investigated in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and ferric ion reducing system. Vitex doniana extract at 1.0mg/mL scavenged DPPH, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical by 86%, 78%, 80% and 72% respectively, it also reduced ferric ion significantly. Hepatoprotective effect of Vitex doniana fruits was monitored in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. RESULTS: Acetaminophen-mediated alterations in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and total bilirubin levels in mice were significantly (P<0.05) attenuated by the extract. Similarly, acetaminophen-mediated decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated in the liver of mice. Increased levels of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and fragmented DNA were significantly (P<0.05) lowered by methanolic extract of Vitex doniana fruits. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of this study show that Vitex doniana fruits possess antioxidant properties and halted acetaminophen-mediated oxidative rout on cellular proteins, lipids and DNA, made possible by ß-sitosterol, platycodin D, apigenin, saikosaponin, chrysin and ellagitanin in the extract.

Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats.

OBJECTIVE: To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d. METHODS: A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug. RESULTS: The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of ß-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of ß-cells along with ß-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the serum activities of marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in diabetes treated rats, whereas an insignificant increase (P>0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P<0.05) in total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin compared with treated groups while non-diabetic treated groups showed no significant increase (P>0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control. CONCLUSION: This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.

Hepatocurative potential of Vitex doniana root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats. METHODS: A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (1 mL/kg body weight) as a 1:1(v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weight per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl4 was done once a week for a period of 3 weeks. RESULTS: There was significant (P<0.05) increase in concentration of all liver marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline aminotransferase (ALT, AST and ALP) and significant (P<0.05) decrease in albumin in the CCl4 induced liver damage control when compared to the normal control. The extracts caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the serum activities of liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) and a significant (P<0.05) increase in albumin of all the induced treated groups. Only stem bark extract and vitamin E significantly (P<0.05) increased total protein. All the extracts significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum creatinine whereas only root bark extract significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum level of urea in the rats with CCl4 induced liver damage. CONCLUSION: Hepatocurative study shows that all the plant parts (root bark, stem bark and leaves) possess significant hepatocurative properties among other therapeutic values justifying their use in folklore medicine.

Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

Objective: To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves ofVitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d. Methods: A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.Results:The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.Conclusion:This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.

Hepatocurative potential of Vitex doniana root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

Objective: To evaluate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves ofVitex doniana in carbon tetrachloride (CCl albino rats.Methods:4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (1 mL/kg body weight) as a 1:1(v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weight per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl4 was done once a week for a period of 3 weeks.Results:There was significant (P<0.05) increase in concentration of all liver marker enzymes, A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline aminotransferase (ALT, AST and ALP) and significant (P<0.05) decrease in albumin in the CCl4 induced liver damage control when compared to the normal control. The extracts caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the serum activities of liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) and a significant (P<0.05) increase in albumin of all the induced treated groups. Only stem bark extract and vitamin E significantly (P<0.05) increased total protein. All the extracts significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum creatinine whereas only root bark extract significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum level of urea in the rats with CCl4 induced liver damage.Conclusion:Hepatocurative study shows that all the plant parts (root bark, stem bark and leaves) possess significant hepatocurative properties among other therapeutic values justifying their use in folklore medicine.

Hepatocurative potential of Vitex doniana root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts against CCl

Objective: To evaluate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana in carbon tetrachloride (CCl

Hepatocurative potential of Vitex doniana root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the hepatocurative effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (1 mL/kg body weight) as a 1:1(v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weight per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl4 was done once a week for a period of 3 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was significant (P<0.05) increase in concentration of all liver marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline aminotransferase (ALT, AST and ALP) and significant (P<0.05) decrease in albumin in the CCl4 induced liver damage control when compared to the normal control. The extracts caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the serum activities of liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) and a significant (P<0.05) increase in albumin of all the induced treated groups. Only stem bark extract and vitamin E significantly (P<0.05) increased total protein. All the extracts significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum creatinine whereas only root bark extract significantly (P<0.05) lowered serum level of urea in the rats with CCl4 induced liver damage.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hepatocurative study shows that all the plant parts (root bark, stem bark and leaves) possess significant hepatocurative properties among other therapeutic values justifying their use in folklore medicine.</p>

Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the serum activities of marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in diabetes treated rats, whereas an insignificant increase (P>0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P<0.05) in total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin compared with treated groups while non-diabetic treated groups showed no significant increase (P>0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.</p>

In vivo antioxidant effect of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana in CCl4 induced liver damage rats.

OBJECTIVE: The antioxidant effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana (V. doniana) were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats. METHODS: A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (148 mg·ml(-1)·kg(-1) body weight) as a 1:1 (v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of V. doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weighy per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl4 was done once a week for a period of three weeks. RESULTS: The liver of CCl4 induced not treated group showed that the induction with CCl4, significantly (P<0.05) increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and significantly (P<0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between TBARS, SOD and CAT in the liver of the induced treated groups and normal control group. In the kidney, TBARS showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the normal and the induced groups, SOD was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the CCl4 group compared to standard drug and normal control groups, CAT was significantly (P<0.05) increased in root and vitamin E groups when compared to induced not treated group. The studies also showed that when the extracts were administered to normal animals, there was no significant (P>0.05) change in the liver and kidney level of TBARS, SOD and CAT compared with the normal control except in the kidney of animals treated with stem extract where TBARS was significantly (P<0.05) lowered compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The result of the present study suggests that application of V. doniana plant would play an important role in increasing the antioxidant effect and reducing the oxidative damage that formed both in liver and in kidney tissues. However stem bark has potential to improve renal function in normal rats.

Effect of processing methods on the chemical composition of Vitex doniana leaf and leaf products.

Fresh leaves of Vitex doniana were subjected to different food processing methods such as drying, blanching and drying, fermentation of the leaf extract as well as blanching and fermentation of the leaf extract. The proximate composition, mineral and vitamin contents of the fresh and processed leaves were subsequently determined, using standard methods. The results shows that V. doniana leaf and products had the following ranges of proximate parameters: 0.07-17.29% protein, 1.85-6.33% fiber, 0.47-6.55% ash, 10.86-95.67% moisture, 0.05-1.29% fat, and 3.61-58.08% carbohydrate. The level of micronutrients detected were generally high and ranged as follows: minerals - Ca (13.38-59.50 mg/100 g), Fe (3.0-18.00 mg/100 g), Na (0.37-1.29 mg/100 g), and vitamins C (1.5-32.98 mg/100 g), A (54.6-3583.26 IU), E (3.11-53.36 mg/100 g), and B2 (0.01-9.63 mg/100 g). However, the various processing methods used led to significant (P < 0.05) decrease of micronutrients in the extracts, while it caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in the protein, fat, and ash content of the oven-dried sample.

In vivo antioxidant effect of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana in CCl4 induced liver damage rats

Objective: The antioxidant effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana (V. doniana) were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats. Methods: A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (148 mg·ml-1·kg-1 body weight) as a 1:1 (v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of V. doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weighy per showed that the induction with CCl4, significantly (P0.05) difference between TBARS, SOD and CAT in the liver of the induced treated groups and normal control group. In the kidney, TBARS showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the normal and the induced groups, SOD was significantly CAT compared with the normal control except in the kidney of animals treated with stem extract animals, there was no significant (P>0.05) change in the liver and kidney level of TBARS, SOD and not treated group. The studies also showed that when the extracts were administered to normal was significantly (P<0.05) increased in root and vitamin E groups when compared to induced (P<0.05) reduced in the CCl4 group compared to standard drug and normal control groups, CAT where TBARS was significantly (P<0.05) lowered compared to control group. Conclusion: The result of the present study suggests that application of V. doniana plant would play an important role in increasing the antioxidant effect and reducing the oxidative damage that formed both in liver and in kidney tissues. However stem bark has potential to improve renal function in normal rats.

In vivo antioxidant effect of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana in CCl4 induced liver damage rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The antioxidant effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana (V. doniana) were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl4 (148 mg·ml(-1)·kg(-1) body weight) as a 1:1 (v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of V. doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weighy per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl4 was done once a week for a period of three weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The liver of CCl4 induced not treated group showed that the induction with CCl4, significantly (P<0.05) increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and significantly (P<0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between TBARS, SOD and CAT in the liver of the induced treated groups and normal control group. In the kidney, TBARS showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the normal and the induced groups, SOD was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the CCl4 group compared to standard drug and normal control groups, CAT was significantly (P<0.05) increased in root and vitamin E groups when compared to induced not treated group. The studies also showed that when the extracts were administered to normal animals, there was no significant (P>0.05) change in the liver and kidney level of TBARS, SOD and CAT compared with the normal control except in the kidney of animals treated with stem extract where TBARS was significantly (P<0.05) lowered compared to control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The result of the present study suggests that application of V. doniana plant would play an important role in increasing the antioxidant effect and reducing the oxidative damage that formed both in liver and in kidney tissues. However stem bark has potential to improve renal function in normal rats.</p>

Preliminary evaluation of the wound healing effect of Vitex doniana sweet (Verbenaceae) in mice.

Vitex doniana is traditionally used in Togo to treat various diseases including wounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of Vitex doniana on cutaneous wound healing. Wounds were induced in ICR mice divided into four groups as following: Group I received carbopol 974P NF empty gel, Groups II and III were treated topically with carbopol gel containing 2.5% and 5% of Vitex doniana extract. Group IV received Betadine® 10% as standard drug. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis. We secondary used the gel containing Vitex doniana at 2.5% and the pure extract at 10 mg/ml on the model of ear edema induced by xylene. Skin toxicity test was performed with the gel containing Vitex doniana at 5% and the pure extract at 30 mg/ml. Vitex doniana at 5% and 2.5% provided better wound contraction (91.14% and 86.38%) at day 12 post-excision when compared to control (51.15%). The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model. Moreover Vitex doniana inhibited significantly edema induced by xylene when compared to control (p< 0.05). In skin toxicity test, no abnormal symptoms were developed over 14 day-time period. Vitex doniana inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair.