Wistar Rats

Cerebellar disorders are a class of neurological impairments characterized by unsteady gait anduncoordinated movements, typically resulting from lesions or pathologies affecting the cerebellum. These disorders may arise from congenital anomalies, hereditary ataxias, or exposure to environmental neurotoxicants such as heavy metals. Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, is known to exert deleterious effects on the central nervous system. Its lipophilic nature enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it accumulates and induces oxidative stress, leading to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and impaired motor coordination. Dietary antioxidants have shown promise in combating mercury-induced neurotoxicity. Accordingly, this study investigated the activity of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced cerebellar toxicity in Wistar rats. In this study, fortytwo (42) Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A rats served as control; Group B received 4 mg/kg body weight [bw] of HgCl2 only; Group C received 4 mg/kg bw of HgCl2+ 250 mg/kg of P. ostreatus; Group D received 4 mg/kg bw of HgCl2 + 500 mg/kg of P. ostreatus; Group E received 250 mg/kg bw of P. ostreatus only and Group F received 500mg/kg bw of P. ostreatus only. All administrations were done orally for twenty-eight (28) days. Neurobehavioural activity was subsequently evaluated using the Open Field, String, Movement Initiation and Step Tests. Following the assessments, the experimental rats were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and the cerebellum harvested for antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, mercury concentration and histological assessments. The findings revealed that rats exposed to HgCl2 exhibited significant (p <0.05) weight loss, motor deficit, impaired antioxidant defense, elevated lipid peroxidation, elevated mercury levels and degeneration of Purkinje cells and molecular layer neurons. However, co-administration with P. ostreatus significantly (p < 0.05) mitigated these mercury-induced cerebellar alterations in Wistar rats. Overall, the findings from this study indicate that P. Ostreatus mitigates mercuric chloride-induced cerebellar toxicity, primarily through its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and metal-chelating properties, thus making it a promising agent for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at managing mercury neurotoxicity and its associated motor impairments.

Cadmium (Cd) a toxic non-essential transition metal that poses a health risk for both humans and animals. With many reviews recommending the use of plant extracts in abating heavy metal toxicity due to its rich medicinal properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Cocos nucifera L. water in abating cadmium-induced toxicity in male wistar rats. Twenty (20) sexually matured male wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group A received with 2ml of cadmium chloride, Group B received 2ml of cadmium chloride and 4ml of Cocos nucifera L. water, Group C received 2ml of cadmium chloride and 6ml of Cocos nucifera L. water and Group D received Cocos nucifera L. water for 7 days. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed to obtain the blood and the testis were used for testosterone and histopathological analysis. Result showed that the cadmium chloride significantly decreases (p<0.05) body weight and testosterone level in group A however, the coadministration of Cocos nucifera L. water with cadmium chloride significantly increases (p>0.05) testosterone level both in Group B and C. Histopathological analysis showed that cadmium chloride caused mild intestinal edema in both in Group A when compared with Group D but no significant changes occurred when compared with cotreated groups (Group B and C). From this investigation, Cocos nucifera water showed abating potential in cadmium toxicity due to its polyphenol content and antioxidant properties, however, more studies in recommended

Anaemia remains a significant global health challenge, with conventional iron supplementation frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects and poor patient compliance. This has necessitated the exploration of herbal alternatives with improved safety profiles and better tolerability. This study evaluated the hematinic potential of a polyherbal aqueous extract combining leaves of Justicia carnea, Ipomoea batatas, and Ficus sur using an experimental Wistar rat model of hemolytic anaemia. Thirty-six Wistar rats were subjected to phenylhydrazine hydrochloride-induced hemolytic anaemia (40 mg/kg for seven consecutive days). Following confirmation of anaemia through significant reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume on Day 1, the animals were randomly assigned to six groups: three treatment groups receiving the polyherbal extract at graded doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; a positive control group administered 5 mg/kg folic acid; a negative control receiving no treatment; and a normal control group without induction or treatment. Treatment interventions continued on daily basis for 14 days. Post treatment assessment demonstrated dose-dependent hematological recovery across all measured parameters. The highest dose (100 mg/kg) exhibited remarkable efficacy, producing a 60.15% increase in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, 38.50% elevation in hemoglobin levels, and 55.66% improvement in Pack Cell Volume (PCV), with the performance comparable to the standard folic acid control. Statistical analysis revealed significant inter-group differences in RBC count at Day 7 (p = 0.005) and PCV at Day 14 (p = 0.05).

This study comparatively evaluated the peripheral blood smear restorative potential of the equal mixture of aqueous polyherbal leaf extracts of Justicia carnea Lindl., Ficus sur L., and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. in phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced haemolytic anaemia Wistar rats, with the aim of providing scientific validation for their traditional use as “blood tonics” in Southern Nigeria. Haemolytic anaemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of PHZ on days 1 and 2, after which rats were treated daily for 14 days with distilled water (negative control), vitamin C ( positive control), while aqueous polyherbal leaf extracts at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg respectively. Peripheral blood smears prepared on days 0, 7, and 14 post-induction were microscopically assessed for key erythrocyte morphological parameters including anisocytosis, poikilocytosis (schistocytes, echinocytes, stomatocytes), polychromasia, and presence of nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs). At 24 hours post-PHZ, severe haemolytic damage was evident across all PHZ-treated groups, which moderately normalize by day 7. Treated animals exhibited a near-complete normalization of RBC size and shape by day 14. The findings underscore the importance of integrating morphological endpoints like anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and nucleated RBCs into preclinical evaluations of anti-anaemic phytomedicines.

This study investigated the antidiabetic and electrolyte-modulating effects of ethanol extract of Tetracera alnifolia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The extract was administered at doses of 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, and its effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and sodium levels were evaluated. The results showed that the 500 mg/kg dose exerted a significant hypoglycemic effect, maintaining lower FBS levels over time. Additionally, the extract at 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg maintained sodium levels closer to the normal range. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Tetracera alnifolia may have therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes, particularly in regulating blood glucose and electrolyte balance.

Sodium arsenite is a toxic metalloid compound widely distributed in the environment through contaminated water, industrial effluents, and pesticides. Exposure to arsenic compounds has been associated with severe oxidative damage, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys. This study investigated the protective effect of rutin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties, on sodium arsenite–induced hepato-renal toxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of seven animals each. Group 1 served as the control and received corn oil only; Group 2 received 50mg/kg of rutin dissolved in distilled water; Group 3 received sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in distilled water; Group 4 received rutin (25 mg/kg) and sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) and; while Group 5 received rutin (50 mg/kg) and sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg). After the treatment period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of liver and kidney function biomarkers- aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, and creatinine. The results showed that sodium arsenite administration caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, urea, and creatinine compared to the control group, indicating hepatic and renal impairment. However, co-administration of rutin led to a dose-dependent decrease in these biomarkers, bringing their values closer to the normal range. This suggests that rutin effectively mitigated the biochemical alterations induced by sodium arsenite. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that rutin possesses potent antioxidant and protective properties capable of ameliorating sodium arsenite–induced liver and kidney toxicity in Wistar rats. This implies that rutin may have potential therapeutic applications in preventing heavy-metal-induced oxidative damage in humans.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or sustain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance standard. The condition often arises from impaired relaxation of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, a physiological process essential for penile erection, as it permits increased arterial inflow and blood retention within the penile tissue. Disruption of this mechanism is a major contributor to ED, making the corpus cavernosum a primary target for pharmacological intervention. Conventional management typically involves phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, which enhance nitric oxide–mediated smooth muscle relaxation. However, prolonged use of these agents has been linked to undesirable side effects and contraindications in certain individuals, thereby increasing the interest in natural alternatives derived from medicinal plants with established traditional aphrodisiac uses. The therapeutic potential of plant-derived agents for ED treatment has gained increasing attention because they are derived from natural sources and show reduced toxicity while targeting multiple biological pathways.

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