P. O. OBARO

The study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of a biherbal formulation consisting of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum in Wistar albino rats. The plants were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol. Twenty-five healthy rats were divided into five groups: control, two extract-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), a positive control (Vitamin C 50 mg/kg), and a negative control (Cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for seven days prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Immunomodulatory activity was assessed using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination antibody titer, total and differential leukocyte counts, CD4 T-cell count, and organ weight indices. Results showed that the biherbal formulation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight, thymus and spleen indices, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils compared to the control. Serum protein, hemoglobin, and albumin
globulin ratio were also elevated, while Cyclophosphamide markedly reduced these parameters. The extract enhanced CD4⁺ T-cell and B-cell populations, indicating stimulation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Additionally, the formulation reduced paw edema in DTH assay, demonstrating anti-inflammatory potential. The methanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum possesses potent immunomodulatory properties, acting as both an immunostimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and suggest that the formulation may serve as a natural, affordable alternative for immune enhancement and regulation

Pentaclethra macrophylla belongs to the Mimosaceae family, the different parts have been used traditionally for a host of different diseases and ailments over the years including dysentery, influenza, diabetes and jaundice. The antibacterial assessment of the bark part of Pentaclethra macrophylla was carried out against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) as well as gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The tree bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla was extracted with methanol and water (aqueous), at concentrationns of 500 mg/ml 250 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml, 62.5 mg/ml and 31.25 mg/ml. Antibacterial assay was carried out using Agar Well Diffusion method (A.W.D.). Statistical significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the antimicrobial activities between the methanol and aqueous extracts and the standard antimicrobial drugs. The results of this study revealed that the methanol exhibited more significant antimicrobial activities in both gram positive and negative microorganisms. The results obtained revealed that both extracts could contain active antimicrobial compounds which may inhibit the growth of microorganisms associated with infectious diseases in in-vitro conditions. This study has provided the basis for the use of Pentaclethra macrophylla bark in the treatment of diarrhoeal, dysentery, and wound infection. This study does not only show the scientific basis for some of the therapeutic uses of this plant in traditional medicine, but also confirms the fact that ethno-botanical approach should be considered when investigating antimicrobial properties of plants. There is also need for the incorporation of its methanol and aqueous extracts of P. macrophylla bark in the manufacture of new drugs against common infections caused by the organisms whose growth was inhibited. Thorough works still needs to be done to harness the full antibacterial potentials of this plant for an improved health status of man as well as its nutritive potentials. These findings therefore justify its high acceptability in traditional medicine and the therapeutic uses.

Fertility is the natural capacity to conceive a child. Some people find fertility difficult to achieve and around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need (World Health Organization, 2023). According to the National Institute of Health (2017), Infertility is defined clinically as not being able to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of having regular, unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months if the woman in 35 years of age.

This study investigated the pro-fertility effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) on the reproduction of female Wistar albino rats. Reproductive health represents a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and the relationship between nutrition and female reproductive function has gained significant attention. The research aimed to evaluate the profertility effects of fresh pineapple juice consumption on reproductive parameters including organ development and hormonal regulation.Thirty Female Wistar albino rats were used as experimental models, with doses of normal control, 5mg/kg Folic acid, 5mg/kg tamoxfene, then 5ml/kg and 20ml/kg of fresh pineapple juice administered over a 21-days treatment period. Results demonstrated significant estrogenic effects with dose-dependent increases in reproductive organ mass,particularly uterine weight, across all treatment groups compared to controls. Hormonal assays revealed notable alterations in reproductive hormone levels, including changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estrogen levels, indicating enhanced estrogenic activity and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The findings suggest that pineapple extract possesses measurable pro-fertility properties mediated through its complex array of bioactive compounds. The mechanism appears to involve anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant protection, hormonal modulation that collectively create favorable conditions for reproductive function