Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 3 Documents
Search

Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Peperomia pellucida on Anxiety in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epileptic Seizure in Mice Esu Ukpai Enene; Ashiya Ango; Obia Ukwula Ajah; Ante Iniobong Ating; Imoh Emmanuel Ukoh
African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajstm.v2i2.5815

Abstract

Although Peperomia pellucida has been traditionally used to manage central nervous system disorders, its anxiolytic properties remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety potential of ethanolic extract of Peperomia pellucida in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic mouse model. Forty male Swiss albino mice (21–35 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): Group A (control), Group B (PTZ 35 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Group C (PTZ 35 mg/kg + P. pellucida 2 mg/kg, orally), and Group D (PTZ 35 mg/kg + Diazepam 0.001 mL/kg, orally). Epilepsy was induced via PTZ, confirmed by characteristic jerky movements progressing to generalized convulsions. Treatment was administered for 14 days prior to behavioral assessments. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and light/dark transition test. Behavioral data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20, with significance set at p < 0.001. Mice treated with P. pellucida exhibited significant reductions in anxiety-like behavior compared to the PTZ-only group, demonstrating increased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and in the light compartment of the light/dark box. These effects were comparable to those observed in the Diazepam-treated group. The findings suggest that ethanolic extract of Peperomia pellucida possesses notable anti-anxiety activity in PTZ-induced epileptic mice, supporting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for anxiety-related conditions.
Evaluation of Body Weight, Serum Glucose Level, and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Administered Insulin and Alkaloid Leaf Extract of Jatropha tanjorensis Idongesit Bassey Umoh; Imoh Emmanuel Ukoh
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i3.6813

Abstract

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of alkaloid leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (ALEJT) in managing diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly its effects on body weight, serum glucose, and oxidative stress parameters, in comparison to insulin. DM is associated with weight loss and elevated oxidative stress, prompting the need for alternative therapies. Forty female albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control, while diabetes was induced in Groups 2–4 via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 80 mg/kg). Rats with fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after 72 hours were considered diabetic. Group 2 served as the diabetic control; Group 3 received ALEJT (500 mg/kg orally), and Group 4 received insulin (2 IU/kg/day i.p) for 21 days. Body weight and serum glucose were monitored, and serum antioxidant markers—glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated using standard methods. Results showed no significant weight gain in diabetic rats treated with ALEJT, while all diabetic groups had reduced percentage growth rates. Serum glucose levels were significantly elevated in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Diabetic controls showed a marked decrease in GSH, SOD, GPx, and TAC, with a corresponding increase in MDA (p < 0.001). Treatment with ALEJT or insulin improved oxidative stress parameters, with ALEJT demonstrating superior efficacy in restoring GSH and GPx levels (p < 0.001) compared to insulin. The findings suggest that ALEJT offers protective effects against oxidative stress and may serve as a natural, safe alternative in DM management, with greater antioxidant benefits than insulin.
Evaluation of Body Weight, Serum Glucose Level and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Administered Insulin and Alkaloid Leaf Extract of Jatropha tanjorensis Idongesit Bassey Umoh; Imoh Emmanuel Ukoh
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8315

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to reduce body weight and induce oxidative stress. Hence, this study evaluates the effects of alkaloid leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (ALEJT) on body weight, serum glucose, and oxidative stress parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rats to delineate its possibility as a better therapeutic agent compared to insulin in the treatment of DM. Forty female albino rats (150–200 g) were grouped into four (n = 6). Group 1 served as normal control. Diabetes was induced in Groups 2, 3, and 4 rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a single dose of STZ (80 mg/kg) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) to overnight-fasted rats. After 72 hours of injection, rats with fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL were deemed diabetic. Group 2 served as diabetic control; Group 3 diabetic rats were treated with ALEJT (500 mg/kg orally), while Group 4 was treated with insulin (2 IU/kg/day, i.p.) for 21 days. Changes in body weight and serum glucose levels were assayed within 21 days, after which the rats were sedated with 60 mg/kg of ketamine-hydrochloride, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture; serum was used for antioxidant (glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], catalase [CAT], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) assays using standard methods. There was no variation in the weight of diabetic rats treated with ALEJT. Percentage growth rate was significantly reduced in the untreated and treated diabetic rats. Glucose levels increased (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared with the control. Diabetic control showed a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, TAC, and GPx, while MDA levels increased (p < 0.001) compared with the control. The levels of SOD, GPx, and TAC increased, while MDA decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the treated groups compared with the diabetic control. GSH increased in insulin (p < 0.01) and ALEJT (p < 0.001) treated rats compared with the diabetic control. GSH and GPx increased significantly in ALEJT-treated rats (p < 0.001) compared with insulin-treated rats. ALEJT was more effective in protecting against weight loss and reversed the levels of GPx and GSH better than insulin. ALEJT could serve as a potential natural and safe remedy for the management of DM.