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Abstract

Aims: Comparative protective effect of ethanol extracts of Gongronema latifolium and Piper guineense on ethanol-induced toxicity were investigated in male Wistar rats.

Methology: The acute toxicity test of the extracts was evaluated. The rats were exposed with 70 % ethanol for 7 days to induce liver damage and later treated with ethanol extracts for 21 days. The levels of scavenging enzymes: glutathione peroxidise, superoxide dismutase, catalase; malondialdehyde and cytochrome p4502e1 were monitored in order to evaluate the protective effects of the plant extracts. Hepatic malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were determined for the antioxidant status.

Results: Acute toxicity results showed that Gongronema latifolium were safe at doses investigated whereas Piper guineense LD ₅₀ were 1500mg/kg. Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a  significant (p< 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione ,superoxide dismutase,catalase and increased malondialdehyde and cytochrome p4502e1.These were dramatically reversed to normal by the treatment of the plant extract in a dose dependent fashion. Treatment of the plant extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced cytochrome p4502e1 and malondialdehyde, restored the reduced glutathione, enhanced the superoxide dismutase and catalase level. These results highlight the ability of Gongronema latifolium at high doses and Piper guineense at lower doses to ameliorate oxidative damage in the liver and the observed effects are associated with its antioxidant activities.

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Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of Spondias mombin leaves for photochemical, vitamins and minerals constituents.
Methods: phytochemical analysis was carried out by method of Sofowora(1993),quantitative identification of tannins Bungard(1998),test for saponins by method of scott(2000),cyanogenic glycoside by alkaline colourimeter method.
Results:Phytochemical screening and subsequent quantification using standard methods revealed the presence of bioactive compounds saponins (4.80%), alkaloids (18.32%), flavonoids (12.84%), tannins (1.24mg/100ml) and phenol (0.53mg/100ml), Vitamin results showed the plant leaves contained ascorbic acid 18.75mg100-1g; Niacin 2.75mg100-1g. Riboflavin 0.35 mg100-1g and Thiamine 0.06 mg100-1g. Mineral analysis revealed in the plant leaves, K 2.66%, Mg 0.455%, Na 0.100%, Ca, 1.410% and
P, 0.300%. in leaves and the fruit showed the presence saponins (4.80%), alkaloids (9.0%), flavonoids (2.84%), tannins (1.24mg/100ml) and phenol (0.08mg/100ml). The results showed that the leaves and fruits are rich in nutrients, especially carbohydrate.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that S. mombin leaves are a potential source of highly nutritious feed stuff and useful drug formulation. They are of nutritional, clinical and veterinary relevance considering the diverse ethno pharmacological uses of the plant in different parts of the world.

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