DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

Cissus populnea has been reported to have high antioxidant content which is beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects aqueous extract of Cissus pulpolnae on the liver of Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks under standard laboratory conditions (temperature 24-28°C and 12 hour light-dark cycle) before commencement of the experiment. The rats in each group were allowed access to standard rat chow and water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The rats were randomly assigned into a control group and three treatment groups (5) rats each. The rats in Group A served as control and received feed and water ad libitum only. The treatment groups B received intraperitoneal injection of 30% CCl4 only; group C received 500 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Cissus populnea only; group D received 500 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Cissus populnea and intraperitoneal injection of 30% CCl4. The experimental period lasted for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Blood samples were collected, in plain bottles, from the Inferior vena cava of each rat for biochemical assay. The liver was excised and fixed in 10% buffered formalsaline for routine histological processing. The data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. Significant difference in the means of all parameters was determined using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA; 95% confidence interval). The result obtained showed that CCL4 induced some pathologies on the liver tissue ranging from formation of lipid vacuoles (steatosis) to degeneration of the hepatocyte and obliteration of the sinusoids. Cissus populnea ameliorated the pathologies induced by CCL4 on the liver tissue. It is concluded however that Cissus populnea possess hepatoprotective potential against CCL4 insult.

Arsenic trioxide, widely used in industry and medicine, poses significant risks of cardiotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to cardiac tissue. Azanza garkeana, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential cardioprotective effects by mitigating oxidative damage and preserving cardiac function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Azanza garckeana on arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group A served as the control group and receive 1 ml of distilled water. Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide only. Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide + 500 mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana. Group D received 100mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide + 1000mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana. Group E and Group F received 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana only, respectively. Rats received oral administration for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed afterwards and heart tissues were harvested and processed for routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results showed some histological alterations: hypertrophic cardiomypathy, vascular dilatation and congestion, perivascular infiltrates of inflammatory cells, evidence of myocarditis in rats treated with arsenic trioxide only. However, there were significant improvements in the rats treated with arsenic trioxide and Azanza garckeana evidenced by normal histological features: branching and anastomosing myocardial fibres with centrally-located nuclei. In conclusion, findings from this study showed that Azanza garckeana protects against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Cardiac damage induced by environmental toxins such as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂Cl₂) poses a major public health concern. Cadmium chloride accumulates in tissues, exerting harmful effects through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and hematological parameters. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract such damage. This study evaluated the protective effects of S. jollyanum aqueous leaf extract on cadmium -induced cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Thirty- six Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): Group A control (1ml of distilled water), Group B (10 mg/kg CdCl₂Cl₂), Groups C (150mg/kg extract) and D (300 mg/kg extract), and Groups E (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 150 mg/kg) and F (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 300 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Parameters assessed included body and heart weights, hematological indices (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets), and cardiac histology and histochemistry analysis for Masson’s Trichrome. Group B showed significant reductions in body weight, RBCs, hemoglobin, platelets, and exhibited myocardial degeneration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. Co-treatment with S. jollyanum, especially at 300 mg/kg (Group F), significantly reversed these effects, restoring hematological values, preserving myocardial architecture, and maintaining ECM integrity. Histological sections from Group F showed well-aligned cardiomyocytes, normal collagendistribution, and reduced inflammation

Azanza garckeana , a plant native to Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as parts of West Africa, is traditionally renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its role in enhancing male reproductive health. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Azanza garckeana (AGE) against lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. This specific objectives evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity of Azanza garckeana , as well as its effects on various physiological and
biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The objectives also included assessing changes in body and organ weights, oxidative stress markers, and male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone) across experimental groups. Additionally, sperm analysis was conducted, and the impact of A. garckeana aqueous extract on the histology of testes in lead acetateinduced rats was examined. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Group A served as the control, receiving only feed and water. Group B was exposed to 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate. Group C received 400 mg/kg BW of AGE only, while Group D was administered 800 mg/kg BW of AGE. Group E received a combination of 400 mg/kg BW of AGE and 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate, and Group F received 800 mg/kg BW of AGE alongside 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate.

Arsenic trioxide is a highly toxic form of arsenic used in both medical treatments and as an environmental pollutant, particularly affecting organs like the spleen. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering the blood, storing red blood cells, and supporting the immune system. Thus, exposure of the spleen to heavy metal toxicity (particulary arsenic) results in a range of adverse effects, including, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and cellular damage. Persea americana seed are rich source of lipid, proteins, vitamins, minerals and health related bioactive properties such as such as anti-hyperglycaemic, anticancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti- neurogenerative effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective potential of aqueous Persea americana seed extract on arsenic trioxide induced spleen damage in Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly placed in SIX (6). Group A served as the Control group; group B was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and was sacrifice, in order to be sure arsenic trioxide has an effect on the organ; group C was given 140mg/kg body weight of Silymarin + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group D was given 125mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group E was given 250mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group F was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and allowed to recover. The administration lasted for 28 days after which they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and the spleen was harvested for biochemical and histological assessments. Results showed that arsenic trioxide significantly decreased (p<0.05) body weight, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity while significantly increasing (p<0.05) malondialdehyde concentration. Histological assessment also showed severely increased red cell sequestration and follicular hypertrophy in rats, given arsenic trioxide only. However, rats given arsenic trioxide and graded dose of persea Americana seed extract as well as standard drugs still showed follicular atrophy and marked red cell sequestration. Also the one given arsenic for 7 days and left to recover for the rest 21 days, showed no sign of recovery. Pearse americana seed does not have a protective effect against arsenic trioxide induced damage in the spleen. In conclusion, this study provides histological evidence demonstrating that persea americana seed extract could not alleviate the effect of the damage caused by arsenic trioxide on
the spleen

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Its neuroprotective properties have garnered attention in recent studies, particularly concerning neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Exposure to AlCl3 has been linked to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative changes in the brain, making it a significant concern in neurobiology. Research has demonstrated that Vitamin E administration can mitigate the adverse effects of AlCl3 by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This research aims to explore the activity of Vitamin E in the cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with aluminum chloride. A total of twenty-eight (28) adult Wistar rats with an average weight of 180g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with each group consisting of Seven rats. Group A served as control, Group B was administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride, Group C was
administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride + Vitamin E and Group E was administered Vitamin E only. Administration lasted for 28 days and was done via oral route. Neurobehavioural activity was assessed after administration on the 28th day. The rats
were ;sacrificed after the neurobehavioural activity was assessed. The key findings of this study suggest that Vitamin E administration mitigated the adverse effects of aluminum chloride exposure on the cerebellum of Wistar rats by reducing oxidative stress, improving antioxidant enzyme activity, and preventing neurodegeneration in the Purkinje cell layer. The findings of
this study indicate that Vitamin E can effectively protect the cerebellum of Wistar rats against the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride exposure by modulating oxidative stress and improving antioxidant defense mechanismsUN

Cerebral dysfunction, a hallmark of various neurocognitive disorders, may result from congenital anomalies, progressive neurodegeneration, or exposure to neurotoxic agents. Lead (Pb), a highly toxic heavy metal, readily crosses the blood–brain barrier and accumulates in the cerebrum, where it disrupts calcium homeostasis and promotes oxidative stress. This cascade contributes to neuronal injury and cognitive decline. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary antioxidants can counteract lead-induced oxidative damage and help preserve cerebral integrity. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of aqueous Tetrapleura tetraptera (TT) fruit extract on lead acetate induced cerebral toxicity. Sixty-four adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight treatment groups (n=8) and treated for 28 days as follows: Group A (control – 1 mL distilled water), Group B (Pb only, 100 mg/kg [bw]), Group C (TT - 500 mg/kg [bw] + Pb - 100mg/kg [bw]), Group D (TT - 1000 mg/kg [bw] + Pb – 100 mg/kg [bw]), Group E (Vitamin E – 200 mg/kg [bw] + Pb - 100mg/kg [bw]), Group F (TT only - 500 mg/kg [bw]), Group G (TT only - 1000 mg/kg [bw]), and Group H (Vitamin E only – 200 mg/kg [bw]). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was carried out to identify the phytochemicals contained in the extract. Molecular docking results showed the polyphenols, catechol and phloroglucinol, displayed a higher binding affinity with Caspase 3, IL-6 and comparable binding affinity with NRF2 against standard drugs like Levodopa and Clonazepam. Pre-sacrifice, neurobehavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate cerebral dysfunction. Lead only exposed rats showed significant decrease in rearing frequency, and increase in grooming, thigmotaxis, sniffing, immobility time respectively. Post-sacrifice, cerebral tissues were analysed for lead concentration, antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes. Lead only exposed rats showed significant impaired (p<0.05) weight gain and antioxidant enzymes function, elevated lipid peroxidation, and increased cerebral lead levels. Histological analysis revealed vacuolation of granular cells and presence of pyknotic nuclei in the prefrontal cortex. However, pretreatment with Tetrapleura tetraptera significantly (p<0.05) mitigated these effects in lead-exposed rats suggesting strong neuroprotective properties. The study identifies Tetrapleura tetraptera potential as a natural, neuroprotective and therapeutic agent against lead-induced cerebral dysfunction. Further studies exploring the application of Tetrapleura tetraptera in other models of cerebral dysfunction are recommended.

Azanza garckeana , a plant native to Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as parts of West Africa, is traditionally renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its role in enhancing male reproductive health. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Azanza garckeana (AGE) against lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. This specific objectives evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity of Azanza garckeana , as well as its effects on various physiological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The objectives also included assessing changes in body and organ weights, oxidative stress markers, and male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone) across experimental groups. Additionally, sperm analysis was conducted, and the impact of A. garckeana aqueous extract on the histology of testes in lead acetateinduced rats was examined. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Group A served as the control, receiving only feed and water. Group B was exposed to 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate. Group C received 400 mg/kg BW of AGE only, while Group D was administered 800 mg/kg BW of AGE. Group E received a combination of 400 mg/kg BW of AGE and 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate, and Group F received 800 mg/kg BW of AGE alongside 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate. The maceration method was employed to extract the plant’s bioactive components, as it is a simple and effective technique that ensures optimal recovery of phytochemicals while preserving their integrity for analysis

Ficus exasperata is a deciduous, dioecious medicinal plant of the Mulberry family, which is widely employed in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic and pharmacological properties. Despite its extensive medicinal application, there are very limited research on the effects of its ethanol leaf extract on the cerebrum. This study therefore, investigates the potential effects of the ethanol leaf extract on the structure and function of the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) adult Wistar rats, divided into: control, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose treatment groups. were treated with graded concentration of sand paper leaf extract (200mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg, 1000mg/kg body weight respectively), for a period of 30 days. Biochemical and histological analyses were then conducted to assess cerebral functions and structural changes. The result revealed administration of the ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata, induced a dose-dependent increase in the body weight of Wistar rats, with higher doses producing a more significant effect. In addition, the extract exhibited minimal impact (p< 0.05) on cerebral oxidative stress markers e.g. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase GPX and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The extract also induced beneficial vasoactive changes including vasodilatation and increased blood circulation (active congestion), which decreased with increasing concentration of the sand paper leaf extract. The 200mg/kg body weight leaf extract had the most potent vasoactive effect, while the 1000mg/kg body weight extract had the least effect. However, the structural integrity of the neurons and neuroglia cells were sustained. Further studies are recommended to properly understand the mechanisms involved in its actions so as to ensure safe therapeutic use in humans.

The liver is the main organ where exogenous and endogenous chemicals are metabolized and finally excreted. As a consequence, hepatocytes are exposed to remarkable concentrations of these chemicals and drugs, which can lead to cell death, hepatoxicity, liver dysfunction, and even organ failure. During fetal development, the liver plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis, metabolism, and detoxification. Any disruptions or
abnormalities in liver development can have long-lasting effects on liver function and overall health.