ALBINO RATS

Pericardial adipose tissues are combined fats from pericardial sac and surrounding external surfaces of the pericardium. Excess deposits often lead to cardiovascular disorders and other heart related diseases. There are claims that an herbal decoction called Aju Mbaise (a combination of medicinal plants wrapped as a combo pack) can be used to treat heart related diseases including obesity which affects many people world-wide. Despite the existing information on Aju Mbaise and its healing claims, there is paucity of scientific data on the effects on pericardial adipose tissues. Therefore, this study was to examine histopathology changes in pericardial adipose tissues of lard-palm kernel cake (L-PKC) diet-fed rats treated with Aju Mbaise herbal decoction. The specific objectives were to investigate the effects of the present herbal decoction on body weight, adiposity indices and lipid profile of experimental rats. Samples of fresh L-PKC were obtained from Uselu market, Benin City while Aju Mbaise was purchased online. Each component was identified and authenticated by an expert taxonomist in the University while voucher numbers were issued for each constituent. Sixteen (16) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, weighing (149-175g) were obtained from a research animal farm in Benin City. Animals acclimatized for 2weeks in Anatomy department University of Benin with ambient temperature (26±3°C), humidity (50% - 60%) and photoperiodicity (12:12hr). They were kept in clean steel gauzed cages and c conut husks used as beddings in a light and humid environment. Rats were fed on standard pellets and water provided adequately.

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 integrity and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications

Inflammation is a vital biological defense mechanism against harmful stimuli, yet excessive or chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocus nucifera) juice, focusing on their potential synergistic activity. Fresh fruit juices were extracted, combined in varying concentrations, and administered orally to albino rats using standard experimental models of inflammation; including carrageenan- egg albumen- and formaldehyde- induced paw edema. The effects of the juice were compared with a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Ibuprofen, 10 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies revealed no mortality or observable toxic effects at doses up to 5 ml/kg, indicating safety of juice. Results showed that treatment with pineapple and coconut juice produced significant dose-dependent reductions in paw edema across all models, comparable to the standard drug. The observed antiinflammatory activity may be attributed to bioactive compounds such as bromelain in pineapple and lauric acid and polyphenols in coconut, which possess antioxidant and cytokine- modulating properties. These findings support the traditional use of these fruits in managing inflammation and suggest that their combined juice could serve as a natural, safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory agents. Further studies on molecular mechanisms and clinical applicability are recommended.

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, resveratrol, flavonoids, and phytoestrogens with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone modulating potentials. Considering the rising prevalence of female infertility and the limitations of conventional therapies, this study explored Tiger nut as a possible natural alternative to enhance reproductive health. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the pregnancy outcome study of juice formulated from cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) on pregnant albino rats. Freshly prepared Tiger nut juice was administered orally to gravid albino Wistar rats at doses of 2 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Key parameters assessed included maternal weight gain, serum progesterone levels, implantation sites, uterine horn development, pregnancy outcomes, fetal biometric indices, and blood glucose levels. The results showed significant improvements in maternal weight, progesterone concentration, implantation success, litter size, and fetal development in the grape-treated groups compared to controls. Additionally, low and higher doses of the Tiger nut juice maintained normoglycemia, within normal ranges. These findings demonstrate that Tiger nut juice positively influences maternal physiology, enhances uterine receptivity, and improves pregnancy outcomes, highlighting its potential role as a nutraceutical for supporting female fertility.

Reproductive health disorders are increasingly prevalent due to environmental and dietary factors, necessitating investigation into natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to examine the histopathological effects of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaf extract on the reproductive organs of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180-200g were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pellets and distilled water; Groups B, C, and D (n=4 each) were administered 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract respectively via oral gavage for one month. After treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for hormonal analysis using ELISA kits, and reproductive organs harvested for histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed normal ovarian histomorphology across all groups, with follicles containing oocytes surrounded by theca and granulosa cells at different maturation stages. Most testicular sections showed normal seminiferous tubules with Sertoli cells and sperm cells at various maturation stages. However, Group C1 exhibited testicular atrophy characterized by shrunken seminiferous tubules with thickened basement membranes and reduced germ cell populations. Significant hormonal changes were observed in Group B, showing significant differences in both testosterone and progesterone levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in organ weights or full blood count parameters across all groups. The findings suggest that Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract exhibits dose-dependent effects on reproductive tissues, with moderate doses potentially causing testicular atrophy and hormonal alterations. While the extract demonstrated minimal effects at low and high doses, the intermediate dose showed adverse effects, highlighting the importance of dosage optimization in herbal medicine applications for reproductive health

Background Cancer have been a global problem irrespective of the etiology. Drugs and related agents have been identified to cause cancer by the induction of the markers. The study therefore accesses the possibility of cancer marker induction by artesunate-mefloquine in albino rats. Method Healthy albino rats were selected after acclimatization for two weeks. They are grouped in the categories of induction and drug exposure. Induction: Mesterolone (0.36mg/kg), Disethylstibesterol (0.07mg/kg), Artesunate mefloquine (8.57/10.71mg/kg). These agents were administered orally using orogastric tube for 28 days. They were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. Serum samples were collected and assay for the possibility of cancer marker induction or inhibition by artesunate mefloquine. The indicators of markers were as follows: breast cancer marker: cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), liver cancer marker: prostate specific antigen (PSA), ovarian cancer marker: cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and liver cancer marker: Alfa fetoprotein (AFP). Results Prostate cancer marker (PSA) has the following results: standard concentration was (9.5 ± 3.8188), mesterolone (positive control) (1.0707 ± 0.0089), olive oil (negative control) (0.961 ± 0.0191), quarter therapeutic dose (0.936 ± 0.0014), half therapeutic dose (0.935 ± 0.0007) and therapeutic dose (0.9423 ± 0.0055). Elevations of PSA within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Ovarian cancer marker (CA 125) has the following result: standard concentration was (127.5 ± 61.9643), diethylstibesterol (positive control) (4.4 ± 0.1702), olive oil (negative control) (2.8697 ± 0.0366), quarter therapeutic dose (-0.5423 ± 0.1766), half therapeutic dose (-0.0077 ± 0.2643) and therapeutic dose (0.237 ± 0.2391). Elevations of CA 125 within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Breast cancer marker (CA 15-3) has the following result: standard concentration was (125 ± 62.703), diethylstibesterol (positive control) (6.9453 ± 0.0554), olive oil (negative control) (6.2943 ± 0.2404), quarter therapeutic dose (0.275 ± 0), half therapeutic dose (1.259 ± 0.2981) and therapeutic dose (2.0617 ± 0.3829). Elevations of CA 15-3 within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Liver cancer marker (AFP) has the following result: standard concentration was (96.6667 ± 152.927), water (negative control) (6.5163 ± 0.7044), quarter therapeutic dose (1.339 ± 0.5872), half therapeutic dose (5.4387 ± 3.9322) and therapeutic dose (2.3537 ± 0.2696). Elevations of AFP within the treatment groups were seen in the order: 1/2 TD > TD > 1/4 TD. None of the animals died in the group during the course of the study. Conclusion Findings in this study has shown that therapeutic and sub-therapeutic doses (half therapeutic and quarter therapeutic doses) of artesunate-mefloquine have the possibility of decreasing cancer markers with variations in the different doses.

The study was designed to evaluate the histological effects of aqueous extracts of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and banana (Musa sapientum) bracts on the heart of female Wistar rats. The bracts were extracted with distilled water. Forty-two adult female albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (six rats per group). Group A served as the control, while groups B–D received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of plantain bract extract respectively. Groups E–G received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of banana bract extract respectively. The experiment was conducted for a defined period, after which the rats were sacrificed and their hearts excised for histological examination using standard procedures.The study aims to assess possible histological changes and evaluate the safety and potential biological effects of Musa bract extracts on cardiac tissues

Arthritis basically means inflammation of the joints (Pirotta, 2010; Athanasiou et al., 2013). Even so, joint inflammatory disease is more like a clinical signs than a precise diagnosis. All conditions that have an impact on the joints are commonly referred to as having arthritis (Pirotta, 2010). These illnesses are included in the larger category of rheumatic diseases (Athanasiou et al., 2013). Arthritic pain is likely the most well-known type of pain in both primary and secondary care (Athanasiou et al., 2013; Pirotta, 2010). Arthritis is a condition in which a joint becomes inflamed. When joints become inflamed, they can cause stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness, and discomfort (Athanasiou et al., 2013). Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and spondylitis are only a few of the many kinds of arthritis.