PMID: 

Niger J Physiol Sci. 2019 Jun 30 ;34(1):11-16. Epub 2019 Jun 30. PMID: 31449266

Abstract Title: 

Coconut Water Prevents Renal and Hepatic Changes in Offspring of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Wistar Rat Dams.

Abstract: 

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely-consumed taste enhancer which has been implicated in the aetiology of renal and hepatic dysfunction in adults and their offspring. There is increasing evidence on the therapeutic properties of Coconut Water (CW) in kidney and liver disorders. This study investigated the effects of CW on renal and hepatic functions in offspring of MSG-fed dams. Twelve female Wistar rats (120 – 140 g) were grouped into four as follows; Control (10 ml/Kg distilled water), MSG (0.08 mg/Kg), CW (10 ml/Kg) and MSG+CW. Treatments were given orally daily commencing two weeks prior to mating, throughout mating and gestation until parturition. All dams received standard rodent diet and drinking water ad libitum throughout the study. After weaning on Post-Natal Day (PND) 28, serum was obtained from offspring for assay of liver and renal function. Histological analysis of the livers and kidneys were performed on both dams and offspring. There was no significant difference in liver enzymes, urea, creatinine and albumin levels amongst the offspring on PND 28. However, liver and kidney sections from MSG dams and their offspring showed early degenerative changes which were not evident in renal and hepatic tissues from CW and MSG+CW dams and offspring. These observations suggest that coconut water protects against monosodium glutamate-induced renal and hepatic dysfunction in dams and offspring.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Jul 9 ;24(13). Epub 2019 Jul 9. PMID: 31323932

Abstract Title: 

Anti-Multiple Myeloma Potential of Secondary Metabolites from.

Abstract: 

Multiple myeloma (MM) belongs to hematological cancers and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Despite recent advances in its therapy, MM still causes many deaths every year. In fact, current therapies sometimes fail and are associated with severe adverse effects, including neurotoxicity. As a part of our ongoing efforts to discover new potential therapies against MM, we preparedextracts obtained by a microwave-assisted solvent extraction and investigate their activity by in vitro assays on the RPMI-8226 cell line. The bioguided fractionation of the crude ethanolic extract allowed the identification of HsFC as the most effective extract. We assessed cell viability (MTT and Tripan blue test), cell migration (Boyden chamber assay), and neurotoxicity (DRG neurotoxicity assay). The promising results prompted us to further fractionate HsFC and we obtained two molecules effective against RPMI-8226 cells without neurotoxic effects at their active concentrations. Moreover, both compounds are able to significantly reduce cell migration.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:9694212. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31379972

Abstract Title: 

Effects ofCalyces Aqueous Extract on the Antihypertensive Potency of Captopril in the Two-Kidney-One-Clip Rat Hypertension Model.

Abstract: 

aqueous extract (HS) is often used as complementary therapy for hypertension. However, some studies have shown that coadministration with a conventional antihypertensive drug can affect drug potency. We compared the effects of HS plus captopril (CAP) coadministration to HS and CAP administration alone on blood pressure and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) biomarkers in the rat two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C) model of hypertension. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6/group), a normal control (SHAM) group, and six 2K1C groups. In 2K1C animals, hypertension was induced using a stainless microclip (inner diameter of 0.20 mm). Four weeks after 2K1C surgery, blood pressure was significantly higher than in the SHAM group. Then, model rats were randomly divided into negative control (2K1C, no treatment), positive control (4.5 mg captopril/200 g body weight [BW] orally [p.o.]), HS alone (30 mg/200 g BW; p.o.), and 3 co-treatment groups receiving HS (15, 30, or 60 mg/200 g BW; p.o.) plus 4.5 mg/200 g BW captopril. The treatments were performed for two weeks. Blood pressure was significantly reduced by all the drug treatments to near the level of SHAM controls. Plasma renin level, serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and plasma angiotensin II level were also significantly elevated in the 2K1C group compared to the SHAM group. Both serum ACE activity and plasma angiotensin II level were significantly reduced to near SHAM group levels by all the drug treatments.aqueous extract alone can reduce blood pressure. This extract appears could be used as a supplement with captopril but may not provide any additional benefit.

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PMID: 

Toxicol Rep. 2015 ;2:968-975. Epub 2015 Jun 18. PMID: 28962436

Abstract Title: 

Histomorphometric studies of the effects ofon alcohol-induced gonado-toxicity in male rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Available evidence suggests that 50% of couples with infertility are male related. Over 40% of these males consume alcohol which has been reported to be a reproductive toxicant causing depletions in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules hence reducing sperm counts and sperm morphology.OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of aqueous leaf extract ofon alcohol-induced cyto-architectural changes in the testis.METHODS: Aqueous leaf extract of() was administered by gastric gavage at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight daily, while 2 g/kg body weight of ethanol at 30% v/v was administered daily to mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. The experiment was in 2 phases. Phase 1 had groups A-Fand lasted for 4 weeks while phase 2 had groups A-Fand lasted 8 weeks. Parameters tested include: testicular histology, relative volume density, sperm parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione.RESULTS: In both phases, there were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality and increased MDA and SOD in animals that received alcohol only compared to control. Likewise, a significant increase of seminiferous epithelium of animals that received respective doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg ofonly compared to control. Animals that receivedand alcohol simultaneously had a significant increase in seminiferous epithelium and sperm quality with decreased MDA level.CONCLUSION: attenuated the deleterious effects of alcohol to the cyto-architecture of the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, reduced oxidative stress and promoted spermatogenesis.

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PMID: 

J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 1 ;28(1):11-17. PMID: 27658143

Abstract Title: 

The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) on gentamycin-induced renal damage.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects of Telfaria occidentalis (TO), it is yet to be established that its aqueous extract is safe in the condition of renal impairment. Thus, the study investigated the effects of TO aqueous leaves extract on gentamycin-induced renal damage.METHODS: The animals were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21 days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500 mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were analysed by standard methods.RESULTS: The administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant reduction (p

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PMID: 

Anc Sci Life. 2016 Oct-Dec;36(2):98-103. PMID: 28446831

Abstract Title: 

Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanolic Extract ofSeeds.

Abstract: 

CONTEXT: The seeds ofhave been known to possess different biological properties and are used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia to treat many ailments. The plant is particularly noted traditionally for its healing properties and is usually consumed in the form of herbal decoctions/concoctions as a blood tonic, to treat sudden attacks of convulsions, pain, malaria and anaemia.AIMS: In the present study, various phytochemical and pharmacological studies were done on the methanolic extract of the seeds ofto evaluate its antioxidant and antinociceptive properties to substantiate its traditional use.METHODS: Phytochemical screening of the extract was done according to standard procedures. Antioxidant potential was ascertained using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content assays. Analgesic activity was analyzed using formalin induced paw licking test in albino rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg extract per kg body weight.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All results extrapolated from the experiments were expressed as mean± SEM. Data obtained was analyzed statistically using ANOVA (one-way) followed by Dennett's posthoc test.RESULTS: Phytochemicals present in the extract were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroid and anthraquinones. The extract significantly inhibited DPPH scavenging activity with percentage inhibition of 147.3%. The methanolic seed extract ofsignificantly reduced (

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PMID: 

Nat Prod Res. 2018 Feb ;32(4):444-447. Epub 2017 Mar 31. PMID: 28361553

Abstract Title: 

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae).

Abstract: 

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant activities of the methanol extract, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis were evaluated. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The dichloromethane fraction exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power and total antioxidant activities. Two pure compounds which were identified by FTIR, H-and 2D NMR and Mass spectroscopy as 9-octadecenoic acid (TOS B) and 10-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (TOS C) and four oily isolates, TOS A, TOS D, TOS E and TOS F were obtained from the dichloromethane fraction. TOS E had the highest DPPH radical scavening activity comparable to that of ascorbic acid. GC-MS analysis revealed the major compounds in TOS E as 4-(2,2-Dimethyl-6-methylene cyclohexylidene)-2-butanol; 3-(3-hydroxybutyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid disooctyl ester. Thus, the seed of T. occidentalis can be consumed for its antioxidant property.

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PMID: 

J Integr Med. 2019 Jan ;17(1):46-56. Epub 2018 Dec 1. PMID: 30555014

Abstract Title: 

Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) pulp extract mitigates rifampicin-isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in an in vivo rat model of oxidative stress.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Drug-induced liver injury complicates antituberculosis drug treatment and is a leading cause of death worldwide. The aim of this study is to establish the ethnomedicinal claim of hepatoprotective effects of fruit pulp extract of Telfairia occidentalis against rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH)-induced oxidative stress in rats.METHODS: T. occidentalis pulp extract (TOPE) (125-500 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg) were evaluated in an induced hepatotoxicity model of oxidative stress in Wistar rats by intoxication with RIF and INH (100 mg/kg each) orally for 60 d. Markers indicating oxidative stress and hepatic damage such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed. Biomarkers of antioxidant status, including catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and marker of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), were assayed using standard procedures. The hematological profile, lipid profile, serum markers for kidney function and histopathological examination were also assessed.RESULTS: Intoxication with RIF and INH markedly reduced the hematological indices and elevated the biochemical enzyme markers (AST, ALT and ALP, P 

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PMID: 

Niger J Physiol Sci. 2018 Dec 30 ;33(2):169-175. Epub 2018 Dec 30. PMID: 30837771

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Telfairia Occidentalis Leaf Extract on Plasma Lactate and Liver Glycogen in Rats.

Abstract: 

Telfairia occidentalis is a green vegetable popularly consumed among the native of Africa and it is generallybelieved to be of medicinal and nutritional value. Studies have reported its hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic effects inrats. In addition to these conflicting reports, the mechanisms for its effects on blood glucose remain inconclusive. Theobjective of this study was to investigate the mechanism involved in the increased blood glucose following treatment withT. occidentalis. Twenty five (25) male albino rats (200-250g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=5/group). Rats in thecontrol group received normal saline while rats in other groups were orally treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight ofthe extract for either 1 or 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were collectedfor the estimation of some biochemical parameters. The results showed significant decreases in plasma glucose after 1 weekof treatment with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. However, after 2 weeks of treatment with both doses, plasma glucose levelsincreased significantly and were higher than those of the control and the rats treated for 1 week with both doses. There werealso dose- and duration-dependent decreases in glycogen concentration in the treated rats, especially those treated for twoweeks. Glucose-6-phosphatase activity and liver glycogen concentration were lower in rats treated for 2 weeks whencompared with those treated for 1 week with both doses. Moreover, plasma lactate concentration was lower in the treatedgroups when compared with control. The results suggest that Telfairia occidentalis-induced lowering of plasma glucose afterone week of treatment probably favoured lactate oxidation/gluconeogenesis and elicited breakdown of liver glycogen whichresulted in increased plasma glucose after two weeks of treatment.

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Sep 9:e13037. Epub 2019 Sep 9. PMID: 31502274

Abstract Title: 

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seed modulates some markers of erectile function in isolated rat's corpus cavernosum: Influence of polyphenol and amino acid constituents.

Abstract: 

Pumpkin seeds are often used in traditional medicine in the management of erectile dysfunction. However, there is insufficient information about the possible biochemical rationale behind this practice. Hence, this study investigated the influence of fluted pumpkin seed on critical enzymes involved in erectile function in isolated rats' corpus cavernosum in vitro. The phenolics and amino acid contents of fluted pumpkin seed were determined using HPLC-DAD and GC-PFPD analyses respectively. The aqueous extract of the fluted pumpkin seed significantly (p 

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