Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Leaves from Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle (Laurenthaceae) in Wistar Albino Rats
Cesaire Feudjio,
Guy Sedar Singor Njateng,
Jules-Roger Kuiate
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2018
Pages:
96-109
Received:
23 August 2018
Accepted:
7 September 2018
Published:
9 November 2018
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem affecting about 8.4% of people in the world and knows an alarming progression in sub-Saharan Africa and in Cameroon precisely. The current therapeutic strategies have prohibitive prices, are unavailable and have harmful side-effects. So, this work aimed at contributing to the valorization of medicinal flora and `knowledge of traditional healers in Foumban, West-Cameroon, in the treatment of diabetes. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted by consulting traditional healers of the District of Foumban. At the end of this investigation, Phragmanthera capitata, which was found to be the most active plant following preliminary tests, was selected for antidiabetic studies on three groups of rats: normal glycaemia, temporary hyperglycemia and diabetic. The first two groups were treated per os, with aqueous extract of leaves from P. capitata, with the doses of D2 (4 mL/kg) obtained from the traditional healers, D1 (half of D2), D3 (double of D2) and by glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg). The rats of the last group were treated twice per day, with the same doses of extract and glibenclamide for 13 days and were sacrificed on the 14th day. Their blood was collected by cardiac puncture for the determination of biochemical and hematological parameters. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. The administration of aqueous extract of P. capitata led to a hypoglycaemia effect in normal rats, a reduction of glycaemia in the temporary hyperglycaemia and diabetic rats. In addition, an improvement of lipid assessment, renal and hepatic parameters related to the installation of diabetes, as well as an immune-modulator effect of the extract were noted in diabetic rats treated for 13 days. Phytochemical screening indicated that the extract contains saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and terpens. This work along with findings justifies the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem affecting about 8.4% of people in the world and knows an alarming progression in sub-Saharan Africa and in Cameroon precisely. The current therapeutic strategies have prohibitive prices, are unavailable and have harmful side-effects. So, this work aimed at contributing to the valorization of medicinal fl...
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Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants in Mwala Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
Caleb Mutwiwa,
Brian Rotich,
Matthaeus Kauti,
Jafford Rithaa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2018
Pages:
110-119
Received:
25 September 2018
Accepted:
23 October 2018
Published:
13 November 2018
Abstract: Studies on traditional use of medicinal plants can provide leads towards discovery of pharmaceutical drugs for treatment of both human and livestock diseases. This study sought to identify and document the use of medicinal plants by residents of Mwala Sub-county in Machakos County, Kenya. The research employed cross-sectional research design where simple random sampling was used to select the households to be sampled. A sample size of 61 households was used for the study and data collected by use of semi-structured questionnaires. Voucher specimens were collected, pressed, dried, mounted and identified at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Herbarium. Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used for data analysis and results presented in the form of tables and graphs. The study focused on identifying medicinal plants used, diseases treated, parts of the plant used, and methods of preparation and routes of administration. Research findings documented a total of 51 plants species from 31 families used to treat 38 different disease conditions in the study area. The commonly used plant species was Aloe secundiflora (11.1%) while Malaria (19.8%) was the most cited disease. The most used plant parts were the leaves (52.8%) and bark (19.4%). About 75.4% of the respondents acquired knowledge on medicinal plant use through apprenticeship from relatives. With the stocks of medicinal plants declining in the area, there is need for conservation, domestication and better management of key medicinal plants. Additionally, documentation of the indigenous knowledge is necessary to ensure intergenerational benefits from the herbal medicines.
Abstract: Studies on traditional use of medicinal plants can provide leads towards discovery of pharmaceutical drugs for treatment of both human and livestock diseases. This study sought to identify and document the use of medicinal plants by residents of Mwala Sub-county in Machakos County, Kenya. The research employed cross-sectional research design where ...
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