Abstract:
The aqueous extract of pulverized dried leaves of Cyphostemma glaucophilla was used in this investigation. The LD50 of the extract was determined . Eight sets of twenty five albino rats of either sex, aged between 7 and 9 weeks and weighing (110-130 g) were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups of five rats each. The animals were served with single oral daily doses of 5 ml/kg body weight normal saline, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight of the extract to the control (Group A) and test groups (Groups B, C, D and E) respectively for 14 days. The blood plasma was used to assess the concentrations of proteins, albumin, MDA, bilirubin, creatinine, sodium, calcium, chloride, zinc and bicarbonate ions. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, SOD and GPx were determined by standard biochemical methods. DTHR, HA synthesis, in vivo leucocyte mobilization induced by inflammatory response were also determined. Adaptogenic effects of the extract to physical, biological and chemical stressors were determined using standard methods. The effect of the extract on microbial activity was assessed by sensitivity and minimum inhibitory concentration studies. The histological evaluation of the kidneys and livers of the rats were assessed. Data were presented as mean ± SEM using Duncan Multiple Test Range and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 18. Differences of the means were considered significant at p<0.05. The treatment of the rats with the extract for 14 days produced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in the concentrations of total protein and albumin. Up to 3000mg/kg b.w., the extract did not produce any observable sign of toxicity. The treatment, significantly (p<0.05) decreased the activities of AST, ALT, ALP and increased the activities of SOD and GPx in the test groups compared with the control groups. Similarly, the extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the concentrations of MDA, creatinine, total bilirubin, Na+ and Cl-. Significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent elevation of the concentrations of K+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ was observed the concentration of HCO3- did not change. The treatment induced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of DTHR and stress-induced ulceration but elicited a biphasic effect in peritoneal leucocyte mobilization. There was a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent stimulation of humuoral specific antibody titre. There were no changes observed in the histomorphology of the liver and kidney of rats. The extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Results provide scientific evidences for the ethno-pharmacological use of Cyphostemma glaucophilla leaves for the treatment of kwashiorkor.
