Research Journal of Science and Technology

C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹, C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, O. Ifeanacho Mercy ¹, M. Igboh Ngozi ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, P.M.B. 2000, Uturu, NG

Abstract

The rhizomes of Sansevierialiberica is used in southern Nigeria for the management of hypertension, yet not much is known about the basis of this action. Thus, this study reports the ability of an aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Sansevierialiberica to moderate blood pressures indices and pulse rates in normal and salt-loaded rats. The normal control and treatment control groups received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the test control, reference treatment and test treatment groups received an 8% salt-loaded diet. The extract was orally administered daily at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight; while the moduretics was administered at 1 mg/kg body weight. The test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. Compared to test control and corresponding values on day 0, the extract dose dependently lowered the systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial pressures of the treated rats. This result implies that the extract modulates all the blood pressure indices, to a varying extent; and in addition, supports the use of the leaves in traditional health care, for the management hypertension.

Keywords

Blood Pressure Indices, Sansevierialiberica, Pulse Rates, Salt-Loading.

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C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹, C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, N. Onyeike Eugene ¹, O. Ayalogu Edward ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, 5323, Choba, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of Sansevieria liberica on plasma marker enzymes, plasma chemistry and hematological profiles of salt-loaded rats were studied. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the four test groups received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed all through, except for the reference treatment group that had its salt-loading discontinued after six weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 200 and 250mg/kg body weight; while the test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. The extract had no negative effects on the liver and kidney functions, produced significantly (P<0.05) higher plasma calcium and potassium levels, red cell and white cell counts, and significantly (P<0.05) lower plasma sodium and chloride levels in the test animals compared to test control. These results support the use of the plant in the management of hypertension, while suggesting that the extract may be a potassium sparing diuretic whose antihypertensive action may be mediated by alteration of plasma sodium and potassium balances or calcium induced alteration in muscle tone.

Keywords

Hematological Profile, Plasma Chemistry, Plasma Electrolyte, Sansevieria liberica.

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C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹, C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, O. Ayalogu Edward ¹, N. Onyeike Eugene ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, NG

Abstract

The alkaloid, allicin, glycoside and saponin levels of the leaves of Sansevieria senegambica were determined by gas liquid chromatography. The leaves are rich in alkaloids (93.76mg/kg wet weight and 293.91 mg/kg dry weight), with low allicin (1.2115 mg/kg wet weight and 3.7979 mg/kg dry weight) and saponin (0.94978 mg/kg wet weight and 2.97737 mg/kg dry weight), and very low glycoside (0.02547 mg/kg wet weight and 0.07985 mg/kg dry weight) contents. Twelve alkaloids were detected, consisting mainly of ambelline (about 24.39%), 6-hydoxybuphanidrine (18.10%) and crinamidine (17.73%). Of the three allicins detected, diallylthiosulphinate (about 52.70%) was the most abundant, while the most abundant saponin was avenacins B-1 (about 37.75%). These results show that the leaves are rich in alkaloids, lending credence to their use for medicinal purposes.

Keywords

Alkaloids, Allicins, Glycosides, Medicinal Plants, Phytochemical, Sansevieria senegambica, Saponins.

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C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, 5323, Choba, NG

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on the mean daily weight gain, lipid profile and atherogenic indices of rats fed egg yolk supplemented diets was investigated. The control group was given normal feed while other three groups received 50g egg yolk/kg feed. The extract was orally administered daily at 200 and 250mg/kg body weight; while the test control and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. The mean daily weight gain of the test groups were each significantly lower than the control, but not significantly different from the test control. The plasma total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels of the test groups were each significantly less than the control and test control. The cardiac risk ratio and atherogenic coefficient of the test groups were each significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of the test control, but not different from the control. These results indicate a hypocholesterolaemic effect of the extract, thus suggesting a likely protective role of the extract against the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

Acalypha wilkesiana, Atherogenic Indices, Lipid Profile, Weight Control.

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