Vol 16, No 4 ,2015, African Scientist

Assessment of Hepatitis A, B and C Virus Positive Individual within Abuja Internally Displaced Persons Camps

Hepatitis A, B and C Virus have become an important factor of mortality. The aim of this research was to assess HAV, HBV and HCV infected individuals within the Internally Displaced Persons Camps Abuja, Nigeria.

Age-related Effects of Momordica charantia Leaf (Tea) Extract on Prostate Gland Health in Male Wistar Rats

Prostate disorders are age-related issues that are known to be influenced by sex hormones, diet, and lifestyle and stress. With increasing dissatisfaction with orthodox treatment methods, host of alternative therapies including medicinal plants are currently being employed. The present study investigated the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaf tea on prostate gland health.

Improving Phytonutrient Constituents in the Leaf of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Tree Spinach) Through Soil Amendment with Craseonycteris thonglongyai Dung

Generally, leafy vegetables form an integral part of our diets as they are among the major sources of phytonutrients and mineral elements required for development, maintenance of good health and prevention of degenerative diseases. The concentrations of these nutrients in vegetables depend on the physical and chemical properties of the soil where they were grown.

Protective Functions of L-Arginine on Implantation in Pregnant Rats Administered L-NAME

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in estrogen-mediated uterine receptivity. We hypothesize that L-arginine a NO substrate will increase NO production and boost pregnancy outcomes in rats with inhibited NO synthase activity. Thirty-two pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups, control (10 mL/kg of water), L-NAME (50 mg/kg), L-NAME + L-Arg (50 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and L-Arg only (500 mg/kg). L-Arg and L-NAME were administered orally and subcutaneously respectively from day 3-11 of pregnancy.

Haematological Response of Clarias gariepinus to Crude Extract of Azadirachta indica

Neem also known as Azadirachta indica scientifically belong to the mahogamy family Maliaceae. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 25-30m (Biswas et al., 2002). It is also drought resistant, but in severe drought, it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. Neem; Azadirachta indica has both enormous scientific and traditional uses. Different parts of the plants are used in the manufacture of organic fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, traditional herbal medicines and animal feeds. A.

Ameliorative Effects of Cyathula prostrata Leaf Extract on Olanzapine-Induced Obesity in Rats

Obesity is a medical condition characterised by accumulation of excess body fat which may lead to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative potential of Cyathula prostrata ethanolic leaf extract (CPLE) on olanzapine-induced obesity in rats. The Rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups, group 1 served as the control and were administered distilled water, groups 5-6 were administered 8 mg/kg bw of olanzapine for 28 days to induce obesity.

Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus (Schum Aand Thonn) on Ovarian Morphology and Reproductive Parameters in Wistar Rats

The study was conducted for eight weeks to investigate the effects of 250mg/kg body weight of ethanolic leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus on the morphology and reproductive functions of the ovary. Twenty-eight (28) adult female Wistar rats were categorized into four groups of seven rats each (n=7) with A (control), B (to assess implantation and resorption), C (to assess the litters), and D (to assess the effects on ovarian features and functions. Male adult rats of proven virility were mated with the female rats of groups B and C.

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Utilization of Lemna paucicostata for Low-cost Removal of Contaminants from Beverage Factory Effluent

Biological treatment using aquatic plants have been investigated as an alternative process for treatment of beverage factory effluent. In this study, Lemna paucicostata Hegelm was exposed to different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 25%) of beverage factory effluent. The experiment was set up in triplicates for each concentration and observed for fourteen days. From the results obtained, fast growth and turnover of L. paucicostata was observed and the relative growth rate was found to be concentration dependent. L.

Serum Cortisol Levels in Pregnancy and Six Weeks PostPartum

The aim of this study was to estimate serum cortisol levels during the trimesters of pregnancy and six weeks post-partum. 25 healthy women between the age range of 21 and 35 were recruited for this study. They were divided into five groups (n=5), (group 1: control; group 2: 1st trimester; group 3: 2rd trimester; group 4: 3rd trimester; group 5: Postpartum). Blood samples were collected from the subjects and serum Cortisol level was estimated using a commercially prepared ELISA kit. Results were analysed and a p-value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) on the Reproductive Hormones of Male Albino Wistar Rats

Azadirachta indica (AI), is a popular medicinal plant originally grown in India, but is now cultivated in almost every part of the world including Nigeria where it is popularly called "Dogonyaro". The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem) on the reproductive hormones of male albino wistar rats. Twenty (20) male albino wistar rats weighing between (150-200) grams were used. They were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 5 animals in each group. Rats in group A (control) were administered 5ml of normal saline daily.