Picralima nitida

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which often leads to complications such as increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and imbalances in serum phosphate concentrations. Picralima nitida, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, has shown potential antidiabetic and biochemical regulatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of P. nitida on glycated hemoglobin and serum phosphate concentrations in male Wistar rats after a controlled feeding period. A total of [40] male Wistar rats were divided into e perimental groups, including a control group and treatment groups receiving varying doses of P. nitida extract. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess HbA1c levels and serum phosphate concentrations. The results revealed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels in treated groups compared to the
control, indicating improved glycemic control. Additionally, P. nitida administration didn’t influenced serum phosphate concentrations. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Picralima nitida in diabetes management and its possible impact on phosphate metabolism. Further studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and confirm its clinical applicability

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a progressive, non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that is associated with urinary obstruction, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and systemic hematological disruptions. Due to the side effects and high costs of conventional therapies, there is growing interest in medicinal plants such as Picralima nitida, which has traditionally been used to treat urinary tract disorders and inflammation. This study investigates the effects of an extract from the stem bark of Picralima nitida on hematological parameters and prostate health in male albino rats with testosterone-induced BPH. Fresh stem bark of Picralima nitida was collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water through decoction. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each: a normal control group, a BPH-induced control group, a group was given Testosterone Pionate and standard, a group was treated with the standard medication finasteride, and two groups receiving different oral doses of the stem bark extract for a set treatment period. BPH was induced using subcutaneous testosterone propionate. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte indices, were measured using automated hematology procedures. Prostate weight, prostate index, and histopathological examinations were performed to assess prostate architecture and inflammation. The results showed that BPH induction led to a significant decrease in RBC indices and an increase in WBC counts and the prostate index compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Picralima nitida extract significantly improved parameters related to anemia, reduced the elevation of inflammatory leukocyte counts, and resulted in a marked decrease in the prostate index and tissue hyperplasia, similar to the effects of finasteride, in a dosedependent manner. This study concludes that the stem bark of Picralima nitida has promising hepatoprotective and anti-BPH effects, supporting its potential as a safe and affordable phototherapeutic alternative for managing BPH and minimizing associated ematological complications

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia, which drives yet often overlooked aspect of diabetes pathophysiology is its reciprocal relationship with physiological stress. Oxidative stress can impair the function of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary– Adrenal (HPA) axis, causing an increase in cortisol secretion. Elevated cortisol, in turn, aggravates hyperglycemia and intensifies oxidative damage, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates the onset and progression of diabetic complications. Picralima nitida, a medicinal plant traditionally used in diabetes treatment, is known for its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. However, its potential role in modulating cortisol imbalances associated with diabetes has not been previously examined. This study therefore investigated the protective effects of an aqueous fruit extract of Picralima nitida (APN) on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and serum cortisol levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats using STZ (55 mg/kg), after which the animals received varying doses of APN for a specified treatment period. A group treated with glibenclamide served as the standard drug control. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored throughout the study, and serum cortisol concentrations were measured using a competitive ELISA technique. The findings revealed that STZ-induced diabetic rats experienced a significant rise in cortisol levels (18.5 ± 0.1 µg/ml) compared with the non-diabetic control group (13.35 ± 2.45 µg/ml), confirming that oxidative stress triggers heightened HPA axis activity. Treatment with APN produced a pronounced reduction in cortisol levels, with the low-dose and high-dose groups showing values of 10.3 ± 1.4 µg/ml and 10.15 ± 1.45 µg/ml respectively. These reductions were statistically significant when compared with both the control and diabetic groups (P < 0.05). In addition, APN administration led to marked improvements in fasting blood glucose and oxidative stress markers. In summary, the study demonstrates that Picralima nitida effectively lowers blood glucose, mitigates oxidative stress, and corrects cortisol imbalances in diabetic rats. These results underscore its potential therapeutic value in addressing both metabolic disturbances and stress-related abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus.

This research aimed to investigate the cytomorphological aspects of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. Durand & H, Durand and Hunteria umbellata (K.Schumann) H. Hallier, both belonging to the Apocynaceae family, within Edo State. The objectives included studying cytological details, potential evolutionary rates, and distinguishing differences between the two species. Matured plant samples were collected from the University of Benin's botanic garden and various locations in Benin City. Morphological characteristics, leaf length and width, and plant height were examined. Cytological techniques involved observing meiosis in flower buds and obtaining epidermal peels for microscopic analysis. The study revealed various stomatal types and their distribution, contributing to taxonomic insights. Chromosome numbers were assessed, with 2n=22 confirmed for Picralima nitida. The chromosome count for
Hunteria umbellata couldn't be confirmed due to pollen production interference. The constancy of chromosome numbers was emphasized as a crucial species trait. Epidermal characteristics, including cuticle, shape of subsidiary cells, and stomatal wall patterns, were explored for taxonomic and systematic significance. Stomatal abnormalities, such as contiguous stomata in Hunteria umbellata, were observed, suggesting ongoing evolutionary processes.