D. C. Belonwu ¹, E. N. Onyeike ¹, Oghenekaro Uche Ekere ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers state, NG

Abstract

Yoruba formulations are now widely accepted as medicinal formulations in rural and most urban areas among the low income earners. This study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of these formulations. Five different formulations were purchased from traditional medical dispensers in Aluu, Choba, Alakahia, Rumuosi and Rumuokoro communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state Nigeria. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenolics and cardiac glycosides. Phylobatanins was absent in all formulations while anthraquinones was absent in the formulation purchased in Aluu community. Quantitative analysis revealed the major components in all five formulations as; Tanins (8.35±0.327 -Aluu; 12.03±0.556-Choba; 5.67±0.231- Alakahia; 7.53±0.456-Rumuosi; 5.63±0.031- Rumuokoro), Flavonoids (4.24±0.21-Aluu; 9.06±0.055- Choba; 5.54±0.051- Alakahia; 7.35±0.021- Rumuosi; 8.13±0.062- Rumuokoro), then alkaloids (2.75±0.07-Aluu; 0.82±0.020- Choba; 5.41±0.100- Alakahia; 3.47±0.023- Rumuosi; 4.77±0.157- Rumuokoro). These phytochemicals have been implicated in several medicinal capacities, hence, the acclaimed medicinal properties of these Yoruba medicinal formulations.

Keywords

Phytochemistry, Yoruba Formulations

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D. C. Belonwu ¹, E. N. Onyeike ¹, Oghenekaro Uche Ekere ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers state, NG

Abstract

Yoruba medicinal formulations derived from plant extracts are fast becoming one of the most widely consumed medicinal formulation in the rural areas of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate the effect of these medicinal formulations on cetain haematological parameters of wistar albino rats. Sixty-four rats irrespective of sex were used in this study. They were divided into six groups (control and Groups A-E); with groups A-E split into three groups for testing at week 2, 4 and 6. Each sub group contained four rats and was administered 2.9μl/Kg B.W of each medicinal formulation. Cage side examination was done daily to observe overt signs of toxicity (salivation, lacrimation, yellowing of fur etc). The formulation resulted in a significant increase then reduction in the body weight. The haematological parameters surveyed increased significantly at p < 0.05, most especially the WBC count. The increase in WBC also affirmed the presence of toxins in this formulation. The histological findings of the liver sections indicated gross cirrhosis, degeneration, inflammation and apoptosis in the experimented groups as compared to the control group. These findings suggest that, despite the reported and acclaimed benefits of this formulation, irrespective of the source, its use as a medicinal formulation should be with extreme caution. Regulation of dose and frequency of consumption of this formulation may reduce its toxic side effects

Keywords

Yoruba, Haematological Parameters

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D. C. Belonwu ¹, E. N. Onyieke ¹, Oghenekaro Uche Ekere ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers state, NG

Abstract

The Yoruba formulation called Gbogbo nise is one of the most widely consumed medicinal formulation in the rural areas of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to screen for the various phytochemicals in this medicinal formulation and the effects of these formulations on some liver enzymes of wistar albino rats. Sixty-four rats irrespective of sex were used in this study. They were divided into six groups (control and Groups A-E); with groups A-E split into three sub-groups for testing at week 2, 4 and 6. Each sub group contained four rats and was administered 2.9μl/Kg B.W of each medicinal formulation. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Biochemical examination of the serum of experimental groups after 2 weeks of administration, showed an initial reduction in activities of AST, ALT and ALP when compared with control groups. For the results at weeks 4 and 6, all five formulations resulted in significant increase in the level of these marker enzymes. Thus the prolong administration of these medicinal formulation at the dosage used in the study, results in rise in liver enzymes and may be indicative of hepatic damage.

Keywords

Yoruba, Gbogbo Nise, Phytochemicals,liver Enzymes

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D. C. Belonwu ¹, E. N. Onyieke ¹, Oghenekaro Uche Ekere ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers state, NG

Abstract

Yoruba medicinal formulations derived from plant extracts are fast becoming one of the most widely consumed medicinal formulation in the rural areas of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to screen evaluate the effect of this medicinal formulation on cetain biochemical parameters of wistar albino rats. Sixty-four rats irrespective of sex were used in this study. They were divided into six groups (control and Groups A-E); with groups A-E split into three groups for testing at week 2, 4 and 6. Each sub group contained four rats and was administered 2.9μl/Kg B.W of each medicinal formulation. Cage side examination was done daily to observe overt signs of toxicity (salivation, lacrimation, yellowing of fur etc). The formulation resulted in a significant increase then reduction in the body weight. Markers of hepatocyte injury; alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, were initially reduced but increased at week 4. Same was observed for the cholestasis marker alkaline phosphatase. The levels of serum creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen steadily reduced over time. The histological findings of the liver sections indicated gross cirrhosis, degeneration, inflammation and apoptosis in the experimented groups as compared to the control group.

Keywords

Yoruba, Biochemical Parameters

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Microgynon (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol), is an oral contraceptives Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma sodium and potassium levels. Studies showed that the drugs decreased sodium levels with microgynon showing the highest decrease of 29.85% at highest concentration level of 3.6&#956;g /100g (94.00 &#177; 28.50mmol/l) (P &#x003C; 0.05), followed by Primulot-N (102 &#177; 28.50 mmol/l). Investigations also revealed that the drugs decreased plasma potassium levels. Microgynon had the highest decrease of 88.88% for the highest dose of 3.60&#956;g/100g body wt, while the lowest decrease of 22.22% was observed for the lowest dose of 0.36&#956;g/100g).The sodium element plays an important role in salt and water balance in the body. The metabolism of sodium and potassium is closely linked with the maintenance of fluid balance and with the regulation of acid-base status, Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. The potassium element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. The random use of the drugs in our society today especially as most women abuse these drugs demands for more biochemical research to elucidate the effects of these drugs not only on the hormones but also on other biochemical parameters like the body electrolytes. This result indicates that laboratory tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primulot-n, Plasma Sodium and Potassium

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Oral contraceptives namely Microgynon a combined pill (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) and Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte aspartate amino transferase (AST). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte AST showed that the drugs inhibited the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest inhibition obtained at 24 hours duration while the least inhibition occurred at 2 hours duration Microgynon showed the highest inhibition (7.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 31.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) (P &#x003C; 0.05) followed by Primolut (16.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 27.00 &#177; 4.00 U/L). The erythrocyte AST activity was also inhibited. The highest inhibition values obtained were Microgynon (36.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) then Primolut (41.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The least inhibition values obtained were Microgynon and Primolut (67.00 &#177; 0.00). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on rat plasma and erythrocyte ALT showed that the drugs activated the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest activation obtained at 24 hours duration while the least activation occurred at 2 hours duration. Primolut showed the highest activation (18.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The erythrocyte enzymes showed higher activity than the plasma enzymes. Microgynon showed the highest activity (50.00 &#177; 2.00 U/L). This result indicates that liver function tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primolut –N

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