Wistar Rats

The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body from infections, toxin, and oxidative damage. However, it can be weaken or impaired by chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, malnutrition, exposure to chemical agents, or certain medications. In recent years, plant-based immunomodulators have gained global attention as promising alternatives to synthetic drugs such as Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis and Justica carnea,, being utilised as immunoprotecive agents. The aim is to assess the Immunoprotective effects of the aqueous polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea, in phenylhydrazine induced immunosuppressed Wistar rats. The method used for this analysis were evaluated using standard and established method. Oral administration of polyherbal extract at doses 25, 50, 100 mg/kg significantly increase blood levels compared to untreated group. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were monitored for 24 hours(1 day), 7 days, and 14 days. Results showed a dose dependent restoration of immune cell counts, with 50 mg/kg group exhibiting the most significant improvement in (CD4+ = 7.95 ± 0.12 cells/mm3 ; CD8+ = 3.11 ± 0.0 cells/mm3) when compared to the untreated group. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea as an immunoprotective agent at 50 mg/kg of the extract as the best. This validates its traditional use and such insights as a promising alternative for the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders.

Alstonia boonei has long been used in traditional medicine on various health conditions such as,
cardiovascular conditions, though its precise vasorelaxant mechanism remains unclear. Hypertension, often linked to vascular smooth muscle hyper contraction and endothelial dysfunction, is a leading cardiovascular risk. While conventional anti hypertensive target these pathways, they can have side
effects, high costs, and limited accessibility, prompting interest in medicinal plants as alternative therapies. This study evaluated the vasorelaxant effect of Alstonia boonei extracton rat thoracic aorta
rings precontracted with KCl and norepinephrine. Thoracic aortae were isolated from Wistar rats and sectioned into3–4 mm rings, mounted in a 25 mL organ bath at 37°C with continuous aeration (95%O₂,5%CO₂), and equilibrated under 1 g resting tension. Contractions were induced with 80mM KCl or 1 μM norepinephrine to establish baselines. The extract was then administered cumulatively, and vascular responses were recorded via Power Lab. Relaxation was expressed as a percentage of the initial contraction, with data analyzed using Graph Pad Prism (mean ± SEM, P < 0.05). The extract induced concentration-dependent relaxation in aortic rings precontracted with both KCl and norepinephrine, suggesting inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels and attenuation of receptor-mediated contraction. These findings support the vasorelaxant potential of Alstonia boonei and provide a mechanistic rationale for its ethnomedicinal use in hypertension. The study highlights its promise as a natural source of vasorelaxant compounds, though further work is needed to isolate active constituents, elucidate molecular pathways, and assess long-term therapeutic effect.

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

Many plants have the potential of preventing and treating acute and chronic diseases. The protective effect of medicinal plant is often maintained through an increased expression of antioxidants and scavenging of free radicals. Cucumis sativus has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Some of its active compounds have demonstrated in vitro anti-tumor, anti- viral and antibacterial effects. The current study was aimed at evaluating the renal protective activity of Cucumis sativus against streptozotocin-induced renal toxicity. A total of twenty five Wistar rats were purchased and used for this study. The animals were grouped into five of five animals each. Group 1 served as normal control and was exposed to standard diet. Group 2 was the negative control administered streptozotocin (STZ) but not treated. Group 3 was the standard drug group (administered STZ and treated with metformin). Group 4 was the first treatment group exposed to STZ and treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of the extract. Group 5 was the second treatment group exposed to STZ and treated with 300 mg/kg bwt of the extract. At the end of the study, animals were fasted overnight and sacrificed. Blood sample was collected from the abdominal aorta of the rats, put into plain containers and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min to obtain serum. The serum was further subjected to renal function assessment. Results from this study revealed that STZ elevated the levels of urea and serum electrolytes. Elevated renal indices were significantly reduced sequel to the administration of the extract and metformin. Findings from this study suggest that the ethanol extract of C. sativus possesses ameliorative properties and can be used in the management of STZ-related renal damage

Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU) is widely used as a natural supplement, yet scientific evidence on its safety profile remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the sub-acute toxicity effects of MSU on liver function and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered 0 mg/kg (control), 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of MSU orally for 28 days. Liver biomarkers including ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were analysed, while lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL) were assessed.The results showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in AST, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, or albumin levels across all doses. However, ALT increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg groups compared with the control, with mean values of 147.35 ± 12.9ᵃ (control), 135.00 ± 8.7ᵃᵇᵈ (300 mg/kg), and 200.56 ± 22.2ᵃᶜᵉ (1000 mg/kg), indicating a dose-related biochemical change. Total protein decreased significantly in the 100 mg/kg group 4.06 ± 0.1ᵃ (control) and 3.39 ± 0.1ᵇᶜ(100mg/kg), although values remained within physiological ranges. Lipid parameters showed no statistically significant alterations, indicating that the observed slight increase in total cholesterol in Group 3 and reduced triglycerides in Group 2 were not biologically meaningful since they were not statistically supported.Overall, the findings indicate that MSU did not produce broad hepatic or lipid toxicity within the 28-day period. Although ALT increased at higher doses, a single enzyme elevation without corresponding changes in other hepatic markers does not conclusively indicate liver damage. Nevertheless, the dose-dependent rise suggests a potential early biochemical response that warrants further attention. The study highlights the need for additional investigations involving histopathology, oxidative stress markers, and long-term exposure to more conclusively establish the safety profile of MSU

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn) Taub, is a leguminous multipurpose tree (Mimosoideae) indigenous to tropical Africa. The plant has long medicinal significance as a molluscide, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. This study evaluated the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins on cardiac histology of Streptozotocin diabetic Wistar rats. Saponin fraction of T. tetraptera stem bark was orally administered to streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats at 10, 20 and 40mg/kg body weight (Group 4, 5 and 6). The effect of saponins on cardiac histology of the treated diabetic rats were compared with untreated control rats (Group 1), untreated diabetic control rats (Group 2) and metformin treated diabetic rats (Group 3) after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment with graded doses of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins and standard drug metformin resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart tissue with 20mg/kg body weight extract comparing favorably with metformin. There was an additional beneficial effect of vasodilation and increase in blood flow by the extract. The results from this study revealed that Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins ameliorated Streptozotocin induced pathology of heart tissues and may have resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart, with 20mg/kg body weight dose proving to have the best therapeutic effect.

Occimim gratissimum, a plant with a history of traditional medicinal use, has gained attention for its reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on the male reproductive system, in particularly on testosterone levels and testicular histology, remain largely unexplored. This study employed a controlled
experimental design using male Wistar rats divided into four groups: Control, Low Dose, Medium Dose, and High Dose, receiving different dosages of Occimim gratissimum leaf extract. Testosterone levels were measured, and testicular histology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In the Low Dose group (100 mg/kg), a significant decrease in testosterone levels was observed (Mean ± SD = 0.2617 ± 0.09 ng/ml), accompanied by increased Leydig cell population and active interstitial congestion. The Medium Dose group (300 mg/kg) showed no significant changes in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 1.142 ± 0.525 ng/ml) but exhibited similar Leydig cell responses and interstitial congestion. The High
Dose group (500 mg/kg) displayed no major disruptions in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 0.3887 ± 0.109 ng/ml)
or testicular histology. The results suggest that Occimim gratissimum leaf extract may have dose-dependent effects on
testosterone production and Leydig cell populations. However, the extract did not severely disrupt the spermatogenic process or testicular tissue. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for male reproductive health