Vernonia amygdalina possesses several bioactive compounds and is used in traditional medicines of southwestern Uganda, along with other regions. Its analgesic potential has not been investigated thus far. The present study examines the antinociceptive potential of the aqueous leaf extract (50–200 mg/kg) using three models of nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin test, and tail-flick test), antiplasmodial activity, and toxicology of the extract. The results show the extract significantly inhibits acetic acid-induced writhing and the formalin test in mice but did not give a potent effect in the tail-flick test, suggesting that the extract may have peripheral and central analgesic properties. The extract also exhibited significant antiplasmodial activity in mice against Plasmodium berghei with 73% inhibition in the group that received a dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. daily for 4 days. Toxicology results show no clinical signs of toxicity or adverse toxicological effects in the treated groups, except for a significant decrease in red blood cell count and a dose-dependent increase in serum bilirubin. These changes were within control values based on historical reference ranges at doses of 500–2,000 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days as compared to the control. This study supports the traditional use of V. amygdalina as an alternative therapy for malaria and the symptomatic relief of pain usually associated with malaria.

This study investigated the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Peristrophe Bicalyculata (MEPb) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated cognitive decline in Wistar rats.

Glucocorticoids have therapeutic benefits in the management of several inflammatory and immunological disorders. Despite these medicinal effects, they have the drawback of causing metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance etc., which is known to be a key indicator of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a major predisposing factor to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiomyopathy. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the effects of saxagliptin, metformin and intranasal insulin (when used singly or in combination) on dexamethasone induced insulin resistance. Fifty-six female rats were randomly assigned into eight groups. Group 1 represented the control; Group 2 was administered with dexamethasone (1mg/kg) (untreated); Group 3 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin (2IU); Group 4 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 5; received dexamethasone + intranasal + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 6 received dexamethasone + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 7 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 8 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin(8mg/kg) + metformin(40mg/kg). Treatments were given for one week. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and pancreas excised for histological examination. Dexamethasone (1mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and disrupted the structural integrity of the pancreas. Treatment with saxagliptin, metformin and their combination significantly decreased blood glucose level, decreased LDL Level and improved glucose tolerance. The selected hypoglycemic agents used in present study ameliorate the dexamethasone induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance of which the combination of metformin with saxagliptin showed greater efficacy.

Background and Purpose: A Nigerian-formulated polyherbal supplement (PHS) is consumed for its folkloric claims of boosting the immune system. The aim of this study was to toxicologically evaluate a 30-day administration of PHS. Methods: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was carried out on the ethanol extract of PHS. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups. One group served as control while the other three groups were administered 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of PHS for 30 consecutive days. The animals were anesthetized, and cardiac puncture was used to obtain whole blood for hematology and serum biochemistry. In vivo, antioxidant assays were also carried out on the liver homogenates. The liver, kidneys, and heart were examined histologically. Results: The most abundant compounds identified were eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, and phytol. There were no adverse hematological effects. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and catalase were reduced significantly (P<0.05). At 1000 mg/kg/day, there was a significant increase in creatinine, sodium ion, and glutathione peroxidase concentration. The histological examination of the heart, kidneys, and liver revealed that PHS did not cause any major tissue lesions at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day. Tissue lesions and pathologies were obvious at 1000 mg/kg/day. Conclusion: The polyherbal supplement seems to be relatively safe if used at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day. Higher doses may cause renal and hepatic lesions.