Ethanolic

Tamarindus indica, or the Tamarind tree, known for its numerous health benefits, is a large evergreen tree native to tropical Africa and now found in Asia. Its alcoholic extract has been found to possess hypotensive effects, and this study seeks to evaluate the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Tamarindus indica for vascular smooth muscle relaxation effects, as a possible mechanism of blood pressure reduction. Isolated rat thoracic aortic rings were suspended in an isolated organ bath with a pair of tungsten wires. A 50 mg/mL stock solution of the extract was prepared, from which serial dilutions were done to obtain the concentrations used (25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56 and 0.78 mg/mL), and volumes of 25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 uL were administered cumulatively. The experiment was done using rat thoracic aorta with intact and denuded endothelium, and rat thoracic aorta with intact endothelium, pre-contracted with 80 mM potassium chloride (KCl). The extract caused concentration-dependent relaxation of the rat thoracic aorta with intact and denuded endothelium, though this effect was slightly reduced with denuded endothelium. The extract also caused concentration-dependent relaxation of rat thoracic aorta pre-contracted with 80 mM KCl. From the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that the extract possesses vascular smooth muscle relaxation effects, which might be both endothelium-dependent and independent, and is possibly mediated through blockade of the L-type Ca 2+ channels. This could be responsible for its blood pressure reduction effects

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a highly valued West African medicinal plant traditionally used for fever, inflammation, and as a stimulant. While previous research focused on its alkaloids, this study aimed to characterize the lipophilic fraction, specifically fatty acids and their esters, in
the ethanolic stem extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified nineteen fatty acids and ester constituents, confirming that this fraction
accounts for approximately 75% of the total measured semi-volatile content. The major components were derivatives of C18 fatty acids, occurring as native glycerides and alkyl esters. Key
compounds identified included the triglyceride 9-Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester
(triolein, 13.46%), the diglyceride Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl bis(ester)
(distearin, 11.92%), and (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (9.93%). The presence of numerous
ethyl esters was attributed to transesterification catalyzed by the ethanol solvent during extraction. The profile is notably rich in monounsaturated oleic acid derivatives. This high concentration of anti inflammatory lipids provides a strong biochemical justification for the plant's traditional use in managing inflammatory conditions. The findings significantly expand the phytochemicalknowledge of S. jollyanum and establish a foundational chemical profile essential for
the quality control and standardization of its herbal preparations.