AQUEOUS EXTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is intrinsically linked to a pro-thrombotic state, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. This study investigated the potential anticoagulant activity of the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida using the Partial Thromboplastin Time with Kaolin (PTTK) assay in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were categorized into the Diabetic Control (G1, 21.50±0.50 s) and three treatment groups receiving 200 mg/kg b.w. (G5), 400 mg/kg b.w. (G3), and 500 mg/kg b.w. (G6) of the extract. PTTK values were measured and expressed as Mean ± Standard Error of the Mean (SEM). Data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Post Hoc Test, with significance accepted at P<0.05. Treatment with P. nitida resulted in a significant prolongation of PTTK compared to the diabetic control. The maximum anticoagulant effect was observed in the Mid-High dose (400 mg/kg b.w.) group (G3), which recorded the highest mean PTTK of 23.00±3.00 seconds. A non-linear dose-response was identified, as the highest dose (500 mg/kg b.w., G6) yielded 21.50±0.50 seconds, matching the diabetic control and demonstrating reduced efficacy compared to the mid-high dose. These findings confirm that the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida possesses significant anticoagulant potential by modulating
the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The optimal therapeutic window was identified at 400 mg/kg b.w., supporting the extract’s potential as a natural antithrombotic agent to mitigate cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

Arsenic trioxide is a highly toxic form of arsenic used in both medical treatments and as an environmental pollutant, particularly affecting organs like the spleen. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering the blood, storing red blood cells, and supporting the immune system. Thus, exposure of the spleen to heavy metal toxicity (particulary arsenic) results in a range of adverse effects, including, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and cellular damage. Persea americana seed are rich source of lipid, proteins, vitamins, minerals and health related bioactive properties such as such as anti-hyperglycaemic, anticancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti- neurogenerative effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective potential of aqueous Persea americana seed extract on arsenic trioxide induced spleen damage in Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly placed in SIX (6). Group A served as the Control group; group B was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and was sacrifice, in order to be sure arsenic trioxide has an effect on the organ; group C was given 140mg/kg body weight of Silymarin + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group D was given 125mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group E was given 250mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group F was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and allowed to recover. The administration lasted for 28 days after which they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and the spleen was harvested for biochemical and histological assessments. Results showed that arsenic trioxide significantly decreased (p<0.05) body weight, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity while significantly increasing (p<0.05) malondialdehyde concentration. Histological assessment also showed severely increased red cell sequestration and follicular hypertrophy in rats, given arsenic trioxide only. However, rats given arsenic trioxide and graded dose of persea Americana seed extract as well as standard drugs still showed follicular atrophy and marked red cell sequestration. Also the one given arsenic for 7 days and left to recover for the rest 21 days, showed no sign of recovery. Pearse americana seed does not have a protective effect against arsenic trioxide induced damage in the spleen. In conclusion, this study provides histological evidence demonstrating that persea americana seed extract could not alleviate the effect of the damage caused by arsenic trioxide on
the spleen