ETHANOLIC

Considered a hazardous environmental contaminant, lead acetate exhibits toxic properties known to impair male reproductive function through oxidative stress and disruption of spermatogenesis. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) contains antioxidant and bioactive compounds that may protect against heavy-metal–induced testicular injury. The objective was to evaluate whether ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus ameliorates lead acetate– induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups (A–F, n = 5 per group) and treated for 56 days. Treatments included control, lead acetate (100 mg/kg body weight), 1000mg/kg body weight of extract, 2000mg/kg body weight of extract, 1000mg/kg body weight of extract and 100mg/kg body weight of lead acetate and 2000mg/kg body weight of extract and 100mg/kg body weight of lead acetate. Endpoints were epididymal sperm analysis (count, motility, viability, morphology), testicular weight, and histology (H&E); data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The administration of lead acetate induced substantial testicular damage, which was marked by reduced sperm counts, decreased survival rates, an upsurge in atypical cellular phenotypes, and diffuse seminiferous tubular atrophy with loss of germinal layers. Administration of Pleurotus ostreatus extract alone showed no histological abnormality and improved sperm indices. When given alongside lead acetate, the extract mitigated the toxic changes in a manner proportional to dose — with the 2000 mg/kg treatment delivering the greatest improvement in sperm parameters and largely normalizing seminiferous architecture. In conclusion the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus exerted a dose-dependent protective effect, mitigating influence against lead acetate–mediated testicular damage in Wistar rat models. These findings justify further mechanistic studies and controlled translational research to assess the mushroom extract’s potential as a safe nutraceutical strategy for populations at risk of lead exposure.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat fever, inflammation, jaundice, tumors, and metabolic disorders. Its pharmacological potential is thought to arise from bioactive secondary metabolites, yet comprehensive profiling of stem extracts remains limited. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic stem extracts using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Dried stem material of S. jollyanum was extracted sequentially with water and ethanol. Extracts were analyzed using GC–MS, and compounds were identified by matching mass spectra to the NIST library. Retention times, relative peak areas, and compound identities were documented, with particular attention to unsaturated fatty acid derivatives. GC–MS detected 33 and 34 compounds in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The aqueous extract was dominated by inositol, 1-deoxy- (43.45%), along with α-methyl mannofuranoside, phytol acetate, and five unsaturated fatty acid derivatives, including methyl and ethyl oleate, oleamide, and 9-octadecenal. The ethanolic extract contained a higher proportion of lipophilic compounds, including triolein (13.46%), squalene (7.35%), methyl and ethyl oleate, oleamide, and 10-undecenoic acid methyl ester. Overall, unsaturated fatty acids and their esters accounted for over 30% of the total peak area in both extracts. S. jollyanum stems are a rich source of pharmacologically relevant UFAs (Unsaturated fatty acids), sugar alcohols, and bioactive lipids. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts provide complementary phytochemical profiles, supporting the plant’s traditional medicinal applications and highlighting its potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Further studies are warranted to isolate individual compounds and validate their therapeutic effects.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree plant specie belonging to the family Moringaceae and it is widely used for various medicinal purposes. This study is aimed at determining the effect of sub- chronic administration of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera on the blood sugar level of non- diabetic Wistar rats. Eighteen adult albino Wistar rats, weiging between 157 g to 292 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into four groups, namely: Groups I, II, III and IV(Control). The extract was prepared using fresh roots of the plant collected from Obe Quarters, Benin City, Edo State. The roots of the plant were shade dried and were grinded to powder form. The extract was obtained by cold maceration of the powdered roots in 99% ethanol at room temperature for 72 hours, filtered and evaporated to dryness in a drying oven at 50°C. Groups I, II and III orally received 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera respectively for a period of 21 days while the control group was administered distilled water only. The blood sugar level of each of the treated rats was measured after 24 hours of extract administration, and subsequently on Day 7, 14 and 21 by reading a strip of blood sample collected from the tail vein using a glucometer test kit. From the results obtained, it was observed that the blood sugar levels in all the treatment groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. In conclusion, ethanol root extract of M. oleifera does not have any negative impact on normal glycemic values in Wistar rats.