Effects on hematological and biochemical parameters in albino mice fed Ipomoea batatas leaf aqueous extract

The leaf aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas was investigated for hematological and biochemical effects in mice. The acute toxicity test recorded no death, even at the highest dose of 1,600 mg/kg. The animals were divided into two groups. The first group was given 800 mg of the extract for 28 days while the second group that served as the control received water for the same period. No significant changes in hematological parameters such as packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and the red blood cell count. The erythrocytic indices such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration did not change significantly. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of WBC in the group that received the extract. The activities of the serum enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase also did not change significantly. The pentobarbitone sleeping time showed significant (p < 0.001) increase in the mean sleeping time when the group that received the extract was compared with the control.     

Acute and chronic toxicity studies of Erythrina senegalensis DC stem bark extract in mice

The toxicity of chloroform stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis DC, a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory activity, was studied in vivo and in vitro. The LD₅₀ i.p. of the extract was 526 mg/kg after an acute toxicity test (24 h). A brine shrimp lethality test with the extract gave LC₅₀ of 60.86 ppm. The chronic studies revealed alterations in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic and cardiac damage. The alterations were, however, not significant except in the group fed the highest inclusion of the extract (1.0 g extract/kg feed) where significant (p < 0.05) increases in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were observed. Hematological assessments of mice in this group showed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the red blood cell count and the packed cell volume. Increases in the relative weights of the liver and heart were also significant (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation product levels assayed as malondialdehyde was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in the groups fed 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of feed at day 84. Significant histopathological changes like myocardial hemorrhages and degeneration of hepatocytes were observed in the heart and liver respectively.     

Effects of caffeine extract from kola nut on body weight, hematology, sperm reserve and serum enzyme activities in albino rats

This study investigated the effects of caffeine extract from kola nut on body weight, hematological indices, serum enzyme activities, and testicular morphology and function in male albino rats. Ten rats from a total of 58 rats used for this study were used for the assessment of baseline body weight, hematological indices, serum enzyme, and sperm reserve values. Later, three groups of 12 rats (groups A, B, and C) received 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight dose levels of caffeine extract daily, respectively, via the intraperitoneal route for 30 days. The group D rats (n = 12) served as the control and received no caffeine extract treatment. Administration of caffeine extract from kola nut in rats led to significant (P < 0.05) reduction in mean body weight, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin concentration. Mean total leukocyte count did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in the three treatment groups relative to the control. Increasing the dose levels of the caffeine extract (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P < 0.05) elevated the mean aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase values. Exposing rats to graded dose levels of caffeine extract led to a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in both gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves. Liver sections of rats that received 30 mg/kg body weight of caffeine extract revealed enlarged portal ducts with cellular proliferation around the portal duct. The results of this study have not only shown the adverse effects of caffeine extract from kola nut in rats but have also provided additional knowledge and information to the existing pathophysiological implication of caffeine intake.     

The effects of Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae) leaf chloroform extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters in mice

Psidium guajava Linn. leaf extract is used in Nigerian ethnomedicine to treat many disorders such as diarrhea, cough, gastroenteritis, gastric pain, and inflammatory disorders. The effects of the chlorofrom extract of the leaves on some hematological and biochemical parameters were investigated in mice. The animals were divided into three groups of eight animals per group. The first group served as the control, while the second and the third groups were given orally 24.3 and 45.9 mg/ml of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. The parameters investigated in the study include packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HBC), total white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total and conjutate bilirubin and creatinine. Significant (p < 0.05) differences existed between the experimental groups and the controls with respect to the lymphocyte counts, mean corpuscular volume, ALT, AST, and ALP. No significant difference existed in the levels of PCV, RBC, HBC, WBC count, neutrophil count, MCH, MCHC, and total and conjugated bilirubin and creatinine. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of tannins and flavonoids.     

Antiplasmodial activity of Xanthium strumarium against Plasmodium berghei-infected BALB/c mice

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic leaves extract of traditional medicinal plant Xanthium strumarium in Plasmodium berghei-infected BALB/c mice along with phytochemical screening and acute toxicity test to support its traditional medicinal use as a malaria remedy. The ethanolic leaves extract of X. strumarium (ELEXS) 150, 250, 350 and 500 mg/kg/day demonstrated dose-dependent chemosuppression during early and established infection long with significant (p < 0.001) repository activity. The oral administration of 500 mg/kg/day concentration showed a maximum of 88.6% chemosuppression during early infection, which was more than that of the standard drug chloroquine (5 mg/kg/day) with 88.3% chemosuppression. However, 60% mortality has been found in this group. The LD₅₀ of ELEXS was found to be 1.5 g/kg/mouse. The administration of 350 mg/kg/day concentration of extract have been found to exert 90.40% chemosuppression during repository infection, which was well comparable to standard drug pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg/day) exerting 92.91% chemosuppression. The extract has been found to enhance mean survival time of mice from 21 to 26 days with 250 and 350 mg/kg/day concentrations, while 150 mg/kg/day concentration has been found to sustain all the mice up to 29 days which was similar to the employed standard drug chloroquine (5 mg/kg/day). All these findings support the ethanopharmacological use of X. strumarium as malarial remedy and indicate the potential of plant for active antiplasmodial components.     

Investigation into the short-term effect of ingestion of different concentrations of saccharin sodium on some hematological and biochemical profile of rats

Saccharin is a crystalline, non-caloric artificial sweetener that is normally added in foods and pharmaceutical products. Its use as an artificial sweetener has generated so much controversy with respect to toxicity. This work investigated the short-term effects of this sweetener on some hematological and biochemical profile of rats. The rats weighing between 150–180 g were divided into groups A, B, C, and D of five animals each. Group A received water and served as the control. Groups B, C, and D received per os 10%, 15%, and 20% of saccharin in water. The treatment lasted for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses before dissection of internal organs. The relative weights of liver, spleen, lungs, heart, and kidney were determined. No significant difference was found in the mean levels of the packed cell volume, red blood cell count, differential leukocyte counts, and hemoglobin concentration in comparison with the controls that received equal volume of distilled water. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease was found in the level of total white blood cell count in the group that received 20% saccharin in comparison with the control. The decrease is still within the normal range found in rats. There was also no significant difference between the activities of the serum enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The mean relative weights did not change significantly in all the organs studied. The level of creatinine did not also differ significantly. Based on the findings in this work, exposure to saccharin may not pose any serious risk to humans.     

Therapeutic potential of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumorigenesis in female rats: effect on antioxidant system, lipid peroxidation, and hepatic marker enzymes

In this study, the therapeutic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh (Loranthaceae; HEDF) on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma was investigated in Wistar female rats at 55 days of age. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups with six animals in each group: control, DMBA (25 mg in 0.5 ml olive oil by air pouch technique), and DMBA + HEDF (250, 475, and 950 mg/kg). After 90 days of induction, HEDF were administered for 28 days, by gastric intubations. The levels of lipid peroxides and activities of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants were measured in serum, liver, kidney, and breast of both control and experimental groups. In addition to this, liver marker enzymes were also assessed. Rats treated with DMBA showed an increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by high malondialdehyde levels along with lowered activities of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymic antioxidants (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol). A significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase with a sharp increase in alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and 5′-nucleotidase was observed in the liver of mammary cancer-bearing animals. HEDF treatment caused the activity of these liver marker enzymes’ return to almost normal control levels. Furthermore, the breast tumor weight decreased significantly in the DMBA + HEDF-treated groups. This result suggests that HEDF shows antioxidant activity and play a protective role against DMBA-induced breast carcinogenesis.     

Anthelmintic effect of a methanol extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombax malabaricum</Emphasis> leaves on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paramphistomum explanatum</Emphasis>

Bombax malabaricum (family Bombacaceae) is used as anthelmintic in traditional system of medicine in Southern Punjab of Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the methanol extract of B. malabaricum leaves (MEBM). Live parasites (trematode: Paramphistomum explanatum) were collected from buffalo in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline. It was incubated in Petri dishes at 37 ± 1°C in media containing either no extract (control) or MEBM, the test drug at 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml dose level or albendazole, the standard drug at 10 mg/ml. The efficacy of the extract or albendazole was measured on the basis of the loss of spontaneous movement and/or death of the trematodes. Paralysis was considered when there is no movement unless shaken vigorously. Death was confirmed when the trematodes completely lost their motility, even when vigorously shaken or dipped in warm water (50°C), followed by fading away of their body color. The trematodes, both drug treated and others, were further processed for SEM study using the standard method. All trematodes died with all the above-mentioned doses of MEBM within a short period of time (less than 45 min) which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). MEBM at 100 mg/ml showed maximum efficacy. It paralyzed and killed trematodes in 18.50 ± 0.62 and 22.17 ± 0.48 min, respectively. SEM study showed that MEBM-treated trematodes were stretched. The study established the anthelmintic activity of MEBM.     

Effects of artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin administered orally at multiple doses or combination in treatment of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum

Artemether and artesunate, derivatives of the antimalarial artemisinin, as well as their main metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, all exhibit antischistosomal activities. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin administered orally at multiple doses or combination in treatment of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. We carried out experiments with mice, infected with 40 cercariae of S. japonicum, and treated with artemether, aretesunate and dihydroartemisinin (all at a single dose of 300 mg/kg, and the dose of the mixed three drugs is also 300 mg/kg) at multiple doses or combination therapy on days 6–8 or 34–36 post-infection. Administration with artemether, artesunate or dihydroartemisinin for 3 successive days reduced total worm burdens by 79.5−86% (30.86 ± 4.98 of mean total worm burden in control), female worm burdens by 79.4−86.7% (11.29 ± 2.63 of mean female worm burden in control) (all P values <0.01 vs. control), depending on different treatment protocols given on days 6–8 post-infection. However, no differences were seen between each treatment group (all P > 0.05). While the same treatment was given on days 34–36 post-infection, total worm burden reductions of 73.8−75.8% were achieved (29.44 ± 3.36 of mean total worm burden in control), which were significant when compared with the untreated control group (all P values <0.01). In all different treatment groups, female worm reductions (ranging from 88.7% to 93.1%, while the mean female worm burden in control is 10.33 ± 1.80) were consistently higher than the total worm reductions, resulting always in significantly lower female worm burdens when compared to the corresponding control (all P values < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences found between each treatment group (all P values >0.05). It is concluded that artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin can be used to control schistosomiasis japonica, as a strategy to prevent S. japonicum infection. Administration with artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin at multiple doses or in combined treatment damages both juvenile and adult S. japonicum, without statistically significant differences among the three drugs at the same dose.     

Clinicopathologic findings in goats exposed to drinking water experimentally contaminated with varied low percentages of NPK 15�C15�C15 fertilizer

This study investigated the clinicopathology of goats exposed to drinking water experimentally contaminated with varied low percentages of NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer. Twenty West African dwarf (WAD) goats of between 4 and 8 months of age were used for the study. They were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) and were given drinking water contaminated with NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer at the level of 3%, 1%, 0.2%, and 0% (uncontaminated control), respectively, as the only source of drinking water for the 12-week period of the study. Data on the hematology, serum biochemistry profile, body weight, and water consumption of the WAD goats were collected at the beginning of the study and also at specific intervals during the study period. At the end of the study period, the goats were humanely sacrificed, and the internal organs were examined grossly and sections of the liver, kidney, heart muscle, lung, and spleen were prepared and examined for histopathological lesions using a light microscope. Results showed that, from the fourth week to the end of the study, the groups given water contaminated with 3% and 1% fertilizer had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and hemoglobin concentration (HbC) when compared to the controls. The platelet counts of the groups given water contaminated with NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the controls at week 12 only. The serum cholesterol levels of the goats given water contaminated with 3% fertilizer was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the controls on weeks 4 and 8 of the study. There was significant (p < 0.05) weight loss and reduction in daily water consumption in all goat groups given contaminated water and significant (p < 0.05) weight gain in the control group. Administration of the fertilizer-contaminated waters did not lead to any significant effects on the mean corpuscular values, total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and all the clinical biochemistry parameters (except serum cholesterol). There were also no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the organ weight percentages of all the groups, and no lesions were observed on the examined tissue sections of the goats in all the groups. It was concluded that contamination of drinking water of WAD goats with NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer as used in this study led to significant reduction in PCV, HbC, RBC counts, elevated serum cholesterol, and weight loss.     

Laboratory evaluation of traditionally used plant-based insect repellent against the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae)

A laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the repellent efficacy of a methanol-leaf extract of Ethiopian traditionally used insect repellent plant viz., Lomi sar [vernacular name (local native language, Amharic); Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. (Poaceae)] against Anopheles arabiensis at four different concentrations viz., 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg/cm². The percentage protection in relation to the dose method was performed. C. citratus extract has shown various degrees of repellency impact against A. arabiensis. It provided the maximum total percentage protection of 78.83% at 2.5 mg/cm² and followed 68.06% at 2.0 mg/cm² for 12 h. All four tested concentrations of C. citratus extract offered significant protection and Student's t test results shows statistically significant (p value = 0.001) [1.0 mg/cm² (t = 22.89; df = 4); 1.5 mg/cm² (t = 24.03; df = 4); 2.0 mg/cm² (t = 36.92; df = 4); 2.5 mg/cm² (t = 22.31; df = 4)] difference between treated and control groups. The result suggests that it could serve as a potent insect repellent against vectors of disease. Globally, C. citratus is renowned for its therapeutic values. Above and beyond, due to its user- as well as environmental-friendly nature, it should be promoted among the marginalized populations in order to reduce man-vector contact. In addition, this appropriate strategy affords the opportunity to minimize chemical repellent usage and the risks associated with adverse side effects. At the end of the day, traditionally used plant-based insect repellents could be viable safer alternative sources for chemical insect repellents.     

The antiplasmodial activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anogeissus leiocarpus</Emphasis> and its effect on oxidative stress and lipid profile in mice infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plasmodium bergheii</Emphasis>

Methanolic extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus has been considered locally to have the same antimalarial activities as artemisinin derivatives. This work studied the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extracts of A. leiocarpus and its effect on oxidative stress and lipid profile in mice infected with Plasmodium bergheii. Mice used for this study were divided into five groups; four of the groups were infected with P. bergheii. The first group was not infected with the parasite. The second group was infected with parasite but not treated with antimalarial drugs (negative control). The third group was infected and treated with artesunat at 5 mg/kg body weight (positive control), while the fourth and fifth groups were infected and treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of extract of stem bark of A. leiocarpus, respectively. The rate of parasite clearance was higher in the group treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of extract of A. leiocarpus when compared with the groups treated with artesunat. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the serum of negative control as compared with other groups which have received treatment. MDA level was moderately higher in the liver homogenates of infected mice treated with artesunat than in other groups. There were significant increases (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum and liver superoxide dismutase of infected mice treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of A. leiocarpus when compared with other groups. Serum low density lipoprotein, total triglyceride, and total cholesterol were moderately higher in the group treated with artesunat than other groups, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was higher in the two groups treated with A. leiocarpus as compared with the group treated with artesunat. This study shows that the methanolic extract of A. leiocarpus has high antimalarial activities, high antioxidant property, and capable of boosting HDL level in malaria-infected organisms.     

Antimalarial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (black cumin) in mice infected with Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis

The antimalarial and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (MENS) were investigated against established malaria infection in vivo using Swiss albino mice. The antimalarial activity of the extract against Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis (P. yoelli) was assessed using the Rane test procedure. Chloroquine (CQ)-treated group served as positive control. The extract, at a dose of 1.25 g/kg body weight significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed P. yoelli infection in the mice by 94%, while CQ, the reference drug, produced 86% suppression when compared to the untreated group after the fifth day of treatment. P. yoelli infection caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of red cell and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the mice. Serum and hepatic LPO levels were increased by 71% and 113%, respectively, in the untreated infected mice. Furthermore, P. yoelli infection caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and the level of reduced glutathione in tissues of the mice. Treatment with MENS significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the serum and hepatic MDA levels in P. yoelli-infected mice. In addition, MENS restored the activities of red cell antioxidant enzymes in the infected mice to near normal. Moreover, MENS was found to be more effective than CQ in parasite clearance and, in the restoration of altered biochemical indices by P. yoelli infection. These results suggest that N. sativa seeds have strong antioxidant property and, may be a good phytotherapeutic agent against Plasmodium infection in malaria.     

Screening of antiplasmodial efficacy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ajuga bracteosa</Emphasis> Wall ex. Benth

The rising problem of Plasmodium resistance to the classical antimalarial drugs stresses the need to look for newer antiplasmodial components with effective and new mode of action. In the present study, the traditional medicinal plant Ajuga bracteosa has been screened for its antiplasmodial efficacy. The extract was found to possess significant in vitro antiplasmodial efficacy with an IC₅₀ of 10.0 μg/ml. Thus, the extract was further evaluated for its in vivo schizontocidal activity and efficacy in terms of survival time in Plasmodium berghei infected BALB/c mice. The extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg/day exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) blood schizontocidal activity during established infection with enhanced mean survival time comparable to that of standard drug chloroquine, 5 mg/kg/day. The significant schizontocidal activity and enhanced mean survival time of mice stress the need to identify and characterize active antiplasmodial principle from this plant.     

Haematological and clinical chemistry findings associated with sub-acute contamination of drinking water with varied low percentages of used engine oil

This study evaluated the haematology and clinical chemistry profile of rats given drinking water contaminated with varied low percentages of used engine oil (UEO) for a period of 21 days. Fifty female albino rats of 6–7 weeks of age were used for the study. They were divided into five groups (A–E) and given water contaminated with 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0% vol/vol. of UEO respectively as the only source of drinking water for 21 days. The group E given uncontaminated water (0% contamination) served as the control. The haematological parameters and clinical chemistry profile of the rats was comprehensively evaluated after the 21 days of administration of the group-specific waters. Results showed that contamination of water with up to 5% UEO led to no significant effects (p > 0.05) on all the haematological indices and on the levels of serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, albumin, creatinine and calcium, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood glucose level, feed consumption and body weight. However, the rat group given water contaminated with 5% UEO had a significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased serum total protein and globulin (p < 0.01), and water consumption (p < 0.05). The rat group given water contaminated with 1% UEO had a significantly increased serum AP (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased water consumption (p < 0.05), while the rat group given water contaminated with 0.1% UEO had a significantly elevated (p < 0.01) serum AP. It was concluded that sub-acute contamination of drinking water of rats with up to 5% UEO led to hepato-biliary disorders and adverse effects on hepatic secretion and excretion, including diminution of serum protein and globulin levels and elevation of serum cholesterol levels, but did not lead to any significant effects on haematology, hepatocellular integrity, kidney/renal function, pancreatic function and body weight.     

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of ferrochloroquine, a ferrocenyl analogue of chloroquine against chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites

Previous studies have shown that ferrochloroquine (FQ) exhibited an antimalarial activity against Plasmodium spp. The present work confirmed this activity, described the curative effect on P. vinckei and investigated the FQ toxicity in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro and in vivo growth inhibition of P. falciparum and P. berghei N, respectively, showed that FQ antimalarial activity was 1.5–10 times more potent than chloroquine. FQ completely inhibited the in vivo development of both chloroquine-susceptible and resistant P. vinckei strains and protected mice from lethal infection at a dose of 8.4 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ given for 4 days subcutaneously or orally. This curative effect was 5–20 times more potent than chloroquine, according to the strains' resistance to chloroquine. At this curative dose, no clinical changes were observed in mice up to 14 days after the last administration. Nevertheless, the acute toxicity and lethality of ferrochloroquine seemed to be dependent on gastric surfeit. The FQ security index determined in vitro confirmed that it might be a promising compound. Received: 12 August 2000 / Accepted: 16 August 2000     

In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity of native plants from the Yucatan Peninsula

Ethanol extracts of Senna villosa, Serjania yucatanensis, Byrsonima bucidaefolia, and Bourreria pulchra were evaluated for their in vitro activity against epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Results showed that the leaf extracts of S. yucatanensis and B. pulchra were the most active against epimastigotes (IC₁₀₀ = 100 μg/mL) and trypomastigotes of T. cruzi (95% or more reduction in the number of parasites at 100 and 50 μg/mL). However, only the leaf extract of S. yucatanensis showed significant trypanocidal activity when tested in vivo, reducing 75% of the parasitemia in infected mice at 100 mg/kg. This same extract inhibited the egress of trypomastigotes from infected cells and proved not to be cytotoxic (IC₅₀ = 318.8 ± 2.3 μg/mL).     

Therapeutic effect of cimetidine on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic drug that may cause hepatic toxicity in humans and experimental animals. Cimetidine is an H₂ blocker used for suppression of gastric acid secretion. One of the side effects of cimetidine is blockade of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system which results in increased half-life of some drug. In this study, 120 female rabbits, randomized into 12 groups (three control and nine test groups), were used. Acetaminophen, 3.24 g/kg, in suspension form as the LD₅₀, was administered orally to induce liver necrosis. Cimetidine (40 mg/kg) was administered intravenously at 0, 2, and 4 h after administration of acetaminophen. Some treatment groups received cimetidine in two equal divided doses—20 mg/kg cimetidine was administered at 2 and 12 h, 2 and 24 h, 4 and 12 h, and 4 and 24 h after administration of acetaminophen. Blood samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after induction of acetaminophen toxicity. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and arginase were measured in all groups and were found to be increased in acetaminophen control group and some treatment groups (p < 0.05). Results showed that the best treatment effect of cimetidine could be obtained with whole dose of cimetidine administration and 2 h after acetaminophen intake.     

In vivo validation of Aloe ferox (Mill). Elephantorrhiza elephantina Bruch. Skeels. and Leonotis leonurus (L) R. BR as potential anthelminthics and antiprotozoals against mixed infections of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats

Aloe ferox (Mill)., Elephantorrhiza elephantina Bruch. Skeels. and Leonotis leonurus (L) R. BR. are some of the plants used by farmers in the Eastern Cape Province to control worms in goats, but information on their efficacy is lacking. The study was conducted to determine efficacy of these plants on gastrointestinal nematodes in natural mixed infections in goats. Forty-eight male goats aged 8–12 months were divided into eight groups (Treatments A–H) of six animals each, balanced in terms of liveweight and worm egg count. Treatments A to F received plant extracts, three animals in each group receiving doses of 250 mg/kg and the other three receiving 500 mg/kg at concentration of 100 mg/ml, while those in G and H received Valbazen? (11.36% albendazole) at 10 mg/kg, and 0.5 ml/kg distilled water, respectively per os. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, 6 and 9 for faecal egg counts (FEC), and body weights recorded on days 1 and 9. Results showed significant reductions (P < 0.05) in strongyle eggs by A. ferox extract at dose levels of 500 mg/kg on days 3, 6 and 9, while reductions in Eimeria spp. oocysts were observed on days 3, 6 and 9 for animals that received 500 mg/kg doses. E. elephantina caused significant reduction (P < 0.05) of Trichuris spp. eggs on days 3 and 6, respectively at 250 mg/kg dose level, whereas L. leonurus also caused significant reduction (P < 0.05) in FEC of Trichuris spp. and Eimeria spp. oocysts at 250 mg/kg dose level on day 9. Albendazole caused reductions (P < 0.05) in strongyle eggs on days 3 and 6, Trichuris spp. on days 3, 6 and 9, and on coccidia, it caused a reduction (P > 0.05) on day 1, whereas on days 6 and 9, there was an increase. On total mixed infections, highest FECR% were observed with the extract of A. ferox on days 3 (53%), 6 (54%) and 9 (58%) at 500 mg/kg,whereas albendazole had efficacy levels of 39%, 44% and 29% on days 3, 6 and 9, respectively. Body weight of goats from days 1 to 9 were not significant different from the control. The study revealed efficacy of A. ferox, E. elephantina and L. leonurus against gastrointestinal parasites at high doses (500 mg/kg), showing that the plants have the potential to be used as anthelminthics.     

Serine Protease Activity of Cur l 1 from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Curvularia lunata</Emphasis> Augments Th2 Response in Mice

Rationale  Studies with mite allergens demonstrated that proteolytic activity augments allergic airway inflammation. This knowledge is limited to few enzyme allergens. Objective  The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of serine protease Cur l 1 from Curvularia lunata in airway inflammation/hyper-responsiveness. Methods  Cur l 1 was purified and inactivated using a serine protease inhibitor. Balb/c mice were sensitized with enzymatically active Cur l 1 or C. lunata extract. Sensitized mice were given booster dose on day 14 with active or inactivated Cur l 1. Intranasal challenge was given on day 28, 29, and 30. Airway hyper-responsiveness was measured by plethysmography. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), spleen, and lungs from mice were analyzed for cellular infiltration, immunoglobulins, and cytokine levels. Results  Mice challenged with enzymatically active Cur l 1 demonstrated significantly higher airway inflammation than inactive Cur l 1 group mice (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference in serum IgE and IgG1 levels among mice immunized with active Cur l 1 and inactive Cur l 1 (p < 0.01). IL-4 and IL-5 were higher in BALF and splenocyte culture supernatant of active Cur l 1 than inactive Cur l 1 mice. Lung histology revealed increased eosinophil infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion in active group. Conclusion  Proteolytic activity of Cur l 1 plays an important role in airway inflammation and the inactivated Cur l 1 has potential to be explored for immunotherapy.