Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources

Isolation of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside from the leaves of Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) growing on Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae)

Suleiman Danladi, Aisha M. Alhassan — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Globimetula braunii is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical countries and is used in the treatment of various diseases. The plant was reported to contain several secondary metabolites that are responsible for its therapeutic activities. This study aimed to isolate more flavonoid compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of the plant. The n-butanol fraction of an ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel, and repeated gel filtration with Sephadex LH-20 eluted with methanol led to the isolation of a compound identified as the flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data.

In vitro studies on the antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf

Ukorebi U. Asuquo, Bob I. Mgbeje, Kayode Dasofunjo, Kelvin U. Elot — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Silver nanoparticles having applications in the field of medicine and biology are shown to have tremendous health benefits. Diabetes is still on rampage and antibacterial resistance is currently a global health challenge. This study focuses on the in-vitro antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf. An aliquot (5 mL) of extract sample was added to 50 mL of 1 mM aqueous AgNO₃. Reaction mixtures were heated and maintained at 70⁰C for 10 minutes. Colour change to dark brown solution and a UV-vis spectrum peak at 400 nm confirmed silver nanoparticle synthesis. The antidiabetic activity of the nanoparticle was studied using an in vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay. Acarbose was used as antidiabetic control drug. Disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial susceptibility testing on Mueller-Hinton agar medium with ampiclox as control antibiotic. Results of the analysis showed significant inhibition of alpha amylase that resembled the activity of acarbose. The highest percentage inhibition of alpha amylase by AgNPs was observed at 65.625% while that of acarbose was 90.357%. Antibacterial inhibition assay revealed that 100% biosynthesized silver nanoparticles had significant (p<0.05) inhibitory effects on Eschericia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Correlation between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease: A retrospective assessment of diabetics attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Periodontal disease is a common oral infection that affects the tissues that surrounds and support the teeth. The aim of the research was to study the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. The data was collected at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano where a thorough review of patients’ record (files) who visited or were admitted at the facility within the period of January 2022-May 2023. Correlation coefficients showed the existence of a strong relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. Out of 80 patients with diabetes mellitus; 52(65%) had periodontal disease, 36(45%) were males and the disease was severe within the age range of 55-74; 16 (20%) were females with the disease being severe within the age range of 75 and above while 28 (35%) had no periodontal disease. Twenty percent of the patients had gingivitis, 15% have mild periodontitis, 20% have moderate periodontitis, 10% have severe periodontitis and 35% had no periodontitis. There exists strong relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease, the poorer the glycaemic control, and the longer the duration of diabetes mellitus; the greater will be the increased risk and severity of periodontitis.

Comparative study of heavy metal content of Manihot esculenta tubers and soil in Rivers State, Nigeria: Effect on histology of kidney and liver of Wistar rats

Olusayo Aderonke Shorinwa, Jephtha Chukwuemeka — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

There is a concern that Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae) grown in Rivers State, Nigeria may be contaminated with heavy metals due to industrial activities with likely risk to human health. This study determined the heavy metal contents in the soil and tubers of M. esculenta and potential health risks in Wistar rats. Tubers harvested from different farms in Rumuji, Omoku and Gokhana areas of the state with their corresponding soil samples were combined and analyzed for heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, As and Ni. The control group rats received normal feed while test groups were fed with 30g of blended tubers from the locations respectively for 28 days. The liver and the kidneys were harvested for histopathological examination. Nickel, Pb, and Cr were present in the three locations while Cd and As were not found in Rumuji and Omoku but were present in Gokhana with a concentration of (0.01 ± 0.00 and 0.01±0.00 mg/kg) respectively. Bioconcentration factor was >1 for Pb and Cr in Rumuji. Liver histopathology showed fatty degeneration while the kidney tissues exhibited occluded Bowman’s capsule space. Heavy metals concentrations were within permissible limits although histological findings indicated some degree of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Bio-efficacy of essential oils of Eryngium foetidum L. and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng against Anopheles gambiae Giles

Peace M. E. Ubulom, Paul S. Thomas, Akaninyene U. Akpan, Edidiong J. Udofa — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria and lymphatic filariasis transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes remain health challenges in tropical Africa. Resistance by vectors to synthetic insecticides limits control efforts. This study evaluated efficacy of essential oils of Eryngium foetidum and Plectranthus amboinicus against Anopheles gambiae. Test oils were obtained by hydro-distillation using Clevenger apparatus. From 1 mL stock solution, 31.25, 62.50, 125 and 250 and 500 μL/mL concentrations of E. foetidum and P. amboinicus oils were prepared using serial-dilution with tween 80 as diluent. Each concentration had eighty adult mosquitoes exposed. Results of knockdown and insecticidal tests after 30 and 60 minutes respectively revealed higher susceptibility of An. gambiae to E. foetidum. Eryngium foetidum (250μL/mL) elicited 100% knockdown after 20 minutes. In the insecticidal test, the same concentration resulted in 100% mortality at 40 minutes. Same effect was observed for 500 μL/mL of P. amboinicus oil at 25 and 60 minutes. From Probit analysis, KD₅₀ values were 66.793 and 251.350 μL/mL for E. foetidum and P. amboinicus respectively. Values for LC₅₀ were 85.818 and 428.663 μL/mL for E. foetidum and P. amboinicus respectively. Results demonstrate that E. foetidum oil holds promise as control agent against An. gambiae. Plectranthus amboinicus oil did not demonstrate appreciable efficacy.