Histological Effects of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Cadaba farinosa on the Gastrointestinal Tract of Adult Wistar Rats (Published)
In a global context and developing countries Nigeria inclusive, herbal medicines are major source of healt:hcare. Among plants widely used as therapeutic agents for treating various forms of cancer is Cadaba farinosa. However, there are limited published reports about the possible therapeutic effects of this plant especially on the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa on the gastrointestinal tract of adult Wistar rats.Thirty adult rats of both sexes were used and divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control. Aqueous extracts were administered to study groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) at different doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg respectively. Haematological parameters such as RBC count and RBC indices (Hgb, MCV, MCH and MCHC) determined after 28 days (sub-chronic) using standard techniques. Histology of gastrointestinal tract was examined at highest dose of 400mg/kg. This study showed that acute oral administration of aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa is relatively safe up to 5000mg/kg body weight/day. Histological findings showed normal sections of gastrointestinal tract among study groups. However, there are increased goblet cells proliferations and secretions in animals treated with various doses of extract. The haematological parameters were within normal limits.Aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa in animal models ameliorates gastrointestinal mucosal damage resulting from reduced mucosal barrier from mucus secretion (anti peptic ulcer).
Keywords: Cadaba farinosa, Gastrointestinal tract, Wistar rats, ulcer
Histomorphological Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract Of Phyllanthus Amarus Shum and Thonn on the Testis of Adult Wistar Rats (Published)
The study was conducted for twelve weeks to investigate the effects of 250 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic leaf-extract of Phyllanthus amarus on the morphology and sperm parameters of the testis. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats were categorized into two groups of ten rats each (n=10) with A (control), B (to assess the effects of the extract on testicular morphology and sperm parameters). The body and organ weight of the experimental animals were noted before and at the end of the experiment and the significance of data was analyzed using student t- test (p<0.05). The results revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the body and organ weight between the experimental groups and the control. There were significant difference (p<0.05) in the total sperm count, sperm motility and viability in the treatment group compared to control with obvious decrease in all the parameters. The rats treated with ethanolic extract of P.amarus showed various degrees of testicular degeneration compared to the control demonstrating seminiferous tubular lumen with scanty spermatozoa, distorted seminiferous epithelium and arrested differentiation and progression of germ cells into the lumen. The epididymis also showed scanty and moderate clusters of spermatozoa in the lumen with thickened epithelial lining. The findings are consistent with anti-fertility remarks on the effects of P. amarus on testicular morphology and functions.
Keywords: Morphology, P.amarus, Sperm Parameters, Wistar rats, testis