Joseph O. Erhabor

This study investigated the effects of Acanthus montanus leaf extract on kidney function in an experimental animal model. The research also aimed to scientifically validate the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in managing renal disorders. Fresh leaves of Acanthus montanus were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and extracted using distilled water. The animals (Male Wistar rats) were divided into control and treatment groups, respectively. The extract was administered at graded doses, and serum biochemical parameters, including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, urea, and creatinine, were measured. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent reductions in elevated serum enzyme levels and improved renal function markers among treated groups compared to the control. The study provides scientific support for the traditional use of Acanthus montanus in managing kidney disorders. The results highlight its potential as a natural source of therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related organ damage.

The study investigated the effect of Acanthus montanus leaf's aqueous extract on male Wistar rats' haematological parameters. The research aimed to evaluate the ability of the plant extract to protect and restore normal haematological parameters following administration of the extract. Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups received varying doses of the aqueous extract of Acanthus montanus orally for a specified period. Blood samples were analysed to determine haematological indices, including packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), and differential leukocyte count. Results revealed that administration of Acanthus montanus extract significantly (p < 0.05) improved haematological parameters in a dose- dependent manner compared to the untreated group. The extract normalised the levels of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) count, while also stabilising white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts. The study indicates that Acanthus montanus possesses potent haematoprotective activity, likely due to its phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, which help mitigateoxidative damage to blood cells. Therefore, the aqueous leaf extract of Acanthus montanus may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing haematological disorders and conditions associated with blood toxicity. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterise the active compounds responsible for its protective effects.

Medicinal plants are reliable and effective in treating various health issues, ranging from minor to major health issues. This study examined the effect of Acanthus montanus leaf aqueous extract on the lipid profile of male Wistar Rats. Various standard methods were used to determine the effect of the aqueous extract of A. montanus leaf on lipid levels. The aqueous extract of the plant was administered orally at different dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg to the animals. The 100 mg/kg of Sildenafil Citrate was the positive control, while 1ml of distilled water was administered as the negative control. Treatments were administered for 14 days. The results obtained from this experiment showed that the plant extract can slightly reduce cholesterol levels (130-140 mg/dl), triglyceride levels (52-96 mg/dl), high-density (39.5-44.5 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein (77-88 mg/dl), and balance testosterone levels (3.15-3.70 mg/ml). This research supports the potential use of the extract as a therapeutic or preventive agent for hypertriglyceridemia while preserving lipoprotein balance and reproductive hormone homeostasis.