Journal of Natural Remedies

S. Amos , L. Binda , M. Adamu , P. Akah , C. Wambebe , K. Gamaniel

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of the aqueous extract of Chrysanthellum indicum on cat blood pressure and isolated rat atria. Materials and methods: Cardiovascular activity was evaluated directly on anaesthetised cat, isolated rat atria and isolated rabbit jejunum. Safety assessments were carried out in mice and preliminary phytochemical screening was also carried out on the extract. Results: The aqueous extract of Chrysanthellum indicum (2 - 32 mg /kg i.v.) were found to cause a dose dependent decrease in blood pressure. The fall in blood pressure was attenuated by atropine. The extract also exhibited a concentration - dependent decrease in the force of contraction of the spontaneously beating atria. The extract evoked a concentration - dependent contraction of the isolated rabbit jejunum, which was abolished by atropine. The intraperitoneal LD⁵⁰ of the extract was found to be 282.2 ± 5.2 mg/kg and the extract gave positive reactions to flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and alkaloids. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of C. indicum may contain some biologically active principle(s), which may be relevant in the management of cardiovascular disorders, thereby agreeing with some aspects of the traditional use of this plant as a remedy for heart troubles.

Keywords

C. Indicum, Cardiovascular Activity, Blood Pressure, Rat Atria, Rabbit Jejunum

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B. Adzu , S. Amos , M. Adamu , K. Gamaniel

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of Annona senegalensis in mice and rats. Materials and Methods: The analgesic effects of the methanolic extract were studied using acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test and formalin test, while the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the egg-albumin induced hind paw oedema in rats. Results: The methanolic extract exhibited antinociceptive activity against the acetic acid writhing test, hot plate test and the late phase of formaline induced nociception and significant anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of the methanolic extract might be through peripheral mechanisms and thus justifying its folkloric use in the treatement of rheumatic pain.

Keywords

Annona senegalensis, Analgesia, Anti-inflammatory, Rheumatism

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B. Adzu , K. Gamaniel

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of Cassia singueana on the central nervous system in mice. Materials and methods: The effects of methanol extract of Cassia singueana on motor coordination, spontaneous motor activity, pentobarbital sleeping time and exploratory behaviour were evaluated in mice. Results: The extract failed to exhibit activity on motor coordination test, but significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity and exploratory behaviour, and prolonged barbital hypnosis. Conclusion: The extract contains potent neuropharmacological principle with sedative effect.

Keywords

Cassia singueana, Sedation

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