ALBINO RATS

Annona muricata is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments; however, its safety profile on vital organs remains insufficiently documented. This study investigated the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on the liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats (180–200 g) were obtained from the Animal House, Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The animals were divided into four groups: Group A (control) received feed and distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were administered 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract respectively via oral gavage for 28 days.

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; Group B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrate and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

The prevalence of chronic elevation of blood pressure, and the resulting morbidity, are sufficiently high to justify viewing the condition as a serious global public health problem. Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to treat high blood pressure, in such cases medication is required. This study performed an Evaluation on Some High Blood Pressure Medications(Amlodipine and Telmisartan) on the hepatic tissues of albino rats. A total of 18 albino rats weighing 165g-195g with high blood pressure were distributed into 3 groups (A,B and C). Group A (Labelled as control group) were administered water and food only, Group B amlodipine was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks (28 days), Group C Telmisartan was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for( 4 weeks). After 4 weeks, Animals were weighed, anesthetize and dissected and the liver harvested placed in 10% Neutral buffered formalin. A stain in hematoxylin for 3-5 minutes was done. Samples of selected sections of the liver was
photographed and presented as plates. A significant increase in body weight was recorded in all groups of Amlodipine and Telmisartan treated animals. Microscopic examination of hepatic tissues from the albino rats demonstrated no obvious pathologic changes, including hypertrophy, and perivascular fibrosis, wall thickening hepatic atrophy and fibrosis, and vascular sclerosis in groups treated with Amlodipine. Histopathological examination showed no pathological glomerular, tubular, or blood vessel changes in groups treated with telmisartan during the weeks of the research. Thrust of public health policies should be primary prevention of hypertension. The long-term treatment with this combination could presents a beneficial effect on the
reduction of BP, BPV, and the protection of end- in-depth study on the effect of these antihypertensive drug

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications such as dyslipidemia and organ dysfunction. The limitations of synthetic anti-diabetic agents and their side effects have heightened interest in medicinal plants. This study investigated the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic potentials of the leaves of Irvingia
gabonensis (Bush mango) and Ocimum gratissimum in normoglycemic and Streptozotocininduced diabetic Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of the combined leaves of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum was obtained through cold maceration and subjected to acute toxicity and efficacy studies. No signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting a
wide safety margin. The extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL, and restored liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total protein) towards normal values. These effects were comparable to glibenclamide, a standard Antidiabetic drug. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethno medicinal use of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum in diabetes management. This study concludes that these plants exhibit potent anti- diabetic properties, and may serve as safe, natural alternatives or complementary therapies for diabetes and related complicationDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications such as dyslipidemia and organ dysfunction. The limitations of synthetic anti-diabetic agents and their side effects have heightened interest in medicinal plants. This study investigated the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic potentials of the leaves of Irvingia gabonensis (Bush mango) and Ocimum gratissimum in normoglycemic and treptozotocininduced diabetic Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of the combined leaves of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum was obtained through cold maceration and subjected to acute toxicity and efficacy studies. No signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting a wide safety margin. The extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL, and restored liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total protein) towards normal values. These effects were comparable to glibenclamide, a standard Antidiabetic drug. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethno medicinal use of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum in diabetes management. This study concludes that these plants exhibit potent anti- diabetic properties, and may serve as safe, natural alternatives or complementary therapies for diabetes and related complication