Determination of some micronutrient and antioxidant components of Ipomaea digitata

No Abstract. Bio-Research Vol. 5 (2) 2007: pp. 254-25

Evaluation of microcrystalline cellulose modifed from alpha-cellulose obtained from Costus afer

Alpha cellulose was obtained from Costus afer and part of it was modified to microcrystalline cellulose (CAMCC). The physicochemical properties of the microcrystalline cellulose were determined and compared with those of commercial microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel 101). The swelling capacity, hydration capacity, loss on drying, true, bulk and tapped densities were  36.0 %, 5.47 %, 1.00 %, 1.198 g/ml, 0.271 g/ml, and 0.342 g/ml for CAMCC and 25.0 %, 5.10 %, 0.80 %, 1.21 g/ml, 0.291 g/ml and 0.387 g/ml respectively for Avicel 101. The CAMCC had no  organic impurities, starch, and dextrins and was soluble in tetramine copper dihydroxide. It is an odourless, white, tasteless powder which conformed to the standard specification for microcrystalline cellulose. From the physicochemical properties CAMCC can act as a good disintegrant in tablet and granule formulations. Costus afer can be a good source of alpha-cellulose for pharmaceutical applicationsKeywords: Costus afer, alpha-cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, physicochemical properties, phytochemical analysisJournal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 7 No. 5 (2010

Studies on wound healing properties of Crateva religiosa leaf extract

Dried leaves of Crateva religiosa were extracted with methanol using a soxhlet extractor. The classes of phytocompounds present in the extract were determined and the LD50  estimated in mice intraperitoneally. The extraction gave a yield of 14.6%. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, resins, proteins, oils, steroids and terpenoids were present. The extract had wound healing activity that was superior to that of penicillin. The faces of wound treated with the extract dried faster indicating that the extract had extrawound healing mechanism when compared to that of penicillin.Keywords: Creteva religiosa, wound healing, phytochemisty, LD50Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 7 No. 4 (2010

Phytochemical And Antidiabetic Studies On Methanolic Extract Of Corn Silk

Dried powder of corn silk was exhaustively extracted with methanol and the residue weighed. The chemical classes of constituents present in the extract were confirmed to be saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, pseudo-tannins, alkaloids, volatile oils and glycosides. The LD50 of the extract was determined intraperitoneally in mice to be 3464.10 mg/kg. The blood sugar lowering effect of the extract was investigated in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide treated animals were used as a positive control. The extract reduced the blood sugar levels of normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The reduction was more in alloxan induced diabetic rats than in normal rats. The reduction of the blood sugar level by the extract was comparable to that of glibenclamide. Reduction of the blood sugar levels by the extract in the alloxan induced diabetic rats lasted for 9 hours, the extract can be dosed twice a day. The extract is safe and even exhibited a comparable activity with that of glibenclamide; there is need for further work on corn silk for proper standardizations. Keywords: Corn silk, Acute toxicity, Phytocompounds, Antidiabetic, Methanolic extractPlant Product Research Journal Vol. 11 2007: pp. 16-1

Blood sugar lowering effect of gum extract of Mucuna sloanei Fawc. & Rendle (Fam.: Papilionaceae) seed

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 49-5

Preliminary Phytochemical and Hypoglycemic Studies on Phyllanthus Niruri (Euphorbiaceae) Leaf Extract

The hypoglycemic effect of the methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) was evaluated on normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats using alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally). Normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats were administered with two different doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of the extract of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri), 10 mg/kg of Glibenclamide (Positive control) and 2 ml /kg of 3 % Tween 20 (Negative control). The blood sugar level was determined using a Glucometer. The classes of chemical components and the acute toxicity of P. niruri were also investigated. The leaf extract produced a dose dependent reduction (P<0.05) in blood sugar levels of both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats. When doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract were administered intraperitoneally to alloxan induced diabetic rats, significant decrease in blood sugar level occurred (25.49 and 52.91 % respectively) comparable to the sugar lowering effect of glibenclamide (60.71 %). In normal rats, the extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant reduction of the blood sugar level of 17.28 % and 36.84 % respectively while glibenclamide caused a 42.80 % reduction. Phytochemical tests on P. niruri showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, resins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Acute toxicity test carried out in mice using Lorke’s methods showed that the extract was safe, since no death was recorded at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. The study shows that the extract of P. niruri possessed a significant and dose dependent hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and comparable to glibenclamide, the standard drug. This also supports its use in folklore management of diabetes.Keywords: diabetes, hyperglycemic activity, Phyllanthus niruri, Euphorbiaceae, toxicityNigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 8 No 1 pp. 78 - 83 (September 2010

Studies on some Physicochemical properties and anti-microbial activities of Luffa cylindrica (Cucurbitaceae) seed oil

The physical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of Luffa cyclindrica seed oil used in the traditional treatment of microbial infection were investigated. The seed oil was extracted  by steam distillation. The percentage yield, toxicological profile as well as the physical and chemical properties of the oil was determined by standard methods. The anti-microbial properties were investigated and compared to those of a standard anti-microbial agent-afloxacin. The extraction gave a yield of 4.38 % v/w oil, which had saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, acid value, ester value of 148.50, 8.32, 3.72 and 28.64 mg/g respectively. The oil also had a peroxide value of 5.43 mmol/kg, iodine value and free fatty acid value of 82.56 and 2.18 g/100 g respectively. Physical properties of the oil obtained were, specific gravity (0.732), viscosity (1.045 Centipoise) and refractive index (1.474) at 27 °C. The boiling point of the oil was between 203 – 207 °C while the congealing point was 12.50 ° C. The oil contains Vitamins A and E, which are known for their anti-oxidant activities. The oil exhibited significant (