: The seeds of Moringa oleifera were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to cold extraction with methanol. The methanol extract was screened phytochemically for its chemical components and used for acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides but the absence of anthraquinones. Although signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 4,000 mg kg ^{− 1} in the acute toxicity test, and mortality was recorded at 5,000 mg kg ^{− 1} , no adverse effect was observed at concentrations lower than 3,000 mg kg ^{− 1} . The median lethal dose of the extract in rat was 3,873 mg kg ^{− 1} . Sub-acute administration of the seed extract caused significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of alanine and aspartate transferases (ALT and AST), and significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight of experimental rats, at 1,600 mg kg ^{− 1} . The study concludes that the extract of seeds of M. oleifera is safe both for medicinal and nutritional uses.

Alchornea cordifolia leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of venereal diseases and for the enhancement of fertility throughout its area of distribution in Africa. The effect of oral administration of the methanol extract of the leaf was evaluated on some reproductive and haematological parameters of male rats at 0 (control group), 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600mgkg(-1). The toxicity study revealed nonsignificant alterations (P>0.05) in the values of total and differential white blood cell count, but the erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and haematometric indices were significantly decreased (P<0.05) at 1600mgkg(-1) dose. Markers of hepatic damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and renal damage (urea and creatinine) were significantly elevated (P<0.05) at 800 and 1600mgkg(-1). The bioactivity (reproductive) study revealed significant increases (P<0.05) in testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone levels, at the 200 and 400mgkg(-1). The study concludes that the extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves has toxic potential at 800mgkg(-1) and 1600mgkg(-1) doses, but is safe and has beneficial effects on male reproduction when used at doses equal to or lower than 400mgkg(-1).

Azadirachta indica (AI) is a medicinal plant with reported antioxidant and cardio-protective properties. The use of plant-based polyphenols has become greatly increased in the last one decade. The present study investigated the protective effect of the polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) of the methanol-extract of Azadirachta indica against N^ω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension and cardiorenal dysfunction in rats. Fifty (50) Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups. Group A, the control, was administered potable water. Groups B-E received orally, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME only, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 100 mg/kg of AI extract, 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 200 mg/kg of AI extract, and 40 mg/kg of L-NAME and 25 mg/kg of captopril, respectively for 21 days. The results of the present study revealed that L-NAME administration led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde,protein carbonyl) increased significantly while there was reduction in reduced glutathione level, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase as well nitric oxide bioavailability. Immunohistochemistry revealed higher expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) and kidney injury molecule 1(Kim-1) and lower expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in hypertensive rats. Our results indicated that with PRF of AI restored high blood pressure, reduced markers of oxidative stress, normalized serum NO bioavailability and increased the expressions of Nrf2. Hence, PRF of Azadirachta indica could be used for the treatment of hypertension.

Anacardium occidentale commonly known as Cashew is a plant that is widely used in Africa traditional medicine. It is endowed with phytochemical constituents that are responsible for its medicinal p...