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PubMed1991

Can ethnopharmacology contribute to the development of anti-fertility drugs?

China, one of the developing countries with approx. one-fifth of the world population, has been making great efforts in controlling her population size. One of the efforts being stressed is to look into the practicability of employing Chinese herbal medicine for fertility control. The rich ethnopharmacological descriptions in the ancient books of herbal remedy and those scattered in the folklore medicine contribute the possibility of this approach. After a discussion concerning the facets of antifertility drugs linked with male or female fertility regulation, several selected examples are presented, which include yuehchukene (isolated from Murraya paniculata), pseudolarix acids A and B (from Pseudolarix kaempferi), mardekoside A (from Mardenia koi), gardenic acid and gardenodic acid A (from Gardenia jasminoides) as early pregnancy terminating agent, for fertility regulation in females; whereas gossypol (from cottonseed oil) and total glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii (GTW) as antispermatogenic agent for fertility regulation in males. Further research and development strategies of antifertility drugs from herbal medicines have also been discussed based on a collective research data in this field worldwide.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Analgesic effect of Irvingia gabonensis stem bark extract.

Irvingia gabonensis is used medicinally in most parts of tropical Africa for the treatment of a number of ailments. In West Africa the Mende tribe of Sierra Leone uses the stem bark to relieve pain. In order to establish a pharmacological rationale for the traditional use of this plant as a remedy for pain, the water and ethanol extracts of the powdered stem bark were screened for analgesic activity and compared with standard analgesic drugs. The water extract and morphine protected the mice from heat-induced pain. In contrast, the ethanol extract and metamizole sodium showed very low level of analgesic activity in this test. However, using tail pressure as a source of pain, the water and ethanol extracts, metamizole sodium and morphine offered protection to the mice against pain stimuli. Morphine and the water extract were more potent as analgesic agents in heat than non-heat pain test. The analgesic effects of the water extract and morphine were blocked by a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone in both tests, whereas the analgesic effects of the ethanol extract and metamizole sodium were not antagonized by the same dose of the opioid antagonist. The data presented in this study suggest that the active principle(s) in the water extract has analgesic profile similar to that of the narcotic analgesic and the ethanol extract might contain compound(s) that behave like non-narcotic analgesic agent. These findings provide for the first time the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Irvingia gabonensis in the relief of pain.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1994

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts used externally in traditional medicine.

Plants of 28 families, selected on the basis of medicinal folklore reports and literature data, were studied in a screening program. Aqueous extracts of plants used externally for the treatment of infected skin lesions were tested for their antibacterial potential. The results indicated that about 60% of the plant extracts tested exhibited some level of antibacterial action.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1995

A survey of medicinal plants of Jajarkot district, Nepal.

The medicinal plants used by most of the healers or knowledgeable adults from local flora as remedies are discussed. Sixty species (including 2 species pteridophytes, 2 species monocotyledons and 56 species dicotyledons), and 25 types of diseases have been identified in these areas through this field work. It seems to be appropriate to document the herbal folklore for scientific research. At the same time it may lend the helping hand in the conservation of plant biodiversity of the area as well.

Medicine, Traditional↗
PubMed2005

Anticonvulsant activity of Harpagophytum procumbens DC [Pedaliaceae] secondary root aqueous extract in mice.

Harpagophytum procumbens DC [family: Pedaliaceae] is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, we have examined the anticonvulsant activity of Harpagophytum procumbens secondary root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, picrotoxin (PCT)- and bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures in mice. Phenobarbitone and diazepam were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for comparison. Like the reference anticonvulsant agents used, H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract (HPE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P<0.05-0.001) delayed the onset of, and antagonized, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. The plant's extract (HPE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) also profoundly antagonized picrotoxin (PCT)-induced seizures, but only partially and weakly antagonized bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures. Although the data obtained in the present study do not provide conclusive evidence, it would appear that H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract (HPE) produces its anticonvulsant activity by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or facilitating GABAergic action in the brain. In general, the average onset of convulsion was delayed, while the average duration of convulsion was markedly reduced. The plant's extract also depressed the central nervous system (CNS). It is, therefore, thought that the anticonvulsant property of the herb may be linked, at least in part, to its ability to depress the central nervous system. However, the results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract possesses anticonvulsant activity, and thus lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant's extract in the treatment, management and/or control of epilepsy and childhood convulsions in some rural communities of South Africa.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Biomedical properties of saffron and its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention trials.

INTRODUCTION: Chemoprevention strategies are very attractive and have earned serious consideration as potential means of controlling the incidence of cancer. An important element of anticancer drug development using plants is the accumulation and analysis of pertinent experimental data and purported ethnomedical (folkloric) uses for plants. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of experimental in vitro and in vivo investigations focused on the anticancer activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its principal ingredients. Potential use of these natural agents in cancer therapy and chemopreventive trials are also discussed. METHODS: A computerized search of published articles was performed using the MEDLINE database from 1990 to 2004. Search terms utilized including saffron, carotenoids, chemoprevention, and cancer. All articles were obtained as reprints from their original authors. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. RESULTS: Studies in animal models and with cultured human malignant cell lines have demonstrated antitumor and cancer preventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients, possible mechanisms for these activities are discussed. More direct evidence of anticancer effectiveness of saffron as chemopreventive agent may come from trials that use actual reduction of cancer incidence as the primary endpoint CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that future research be warranted that will define the possible use of saffron as effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent in clinical trials.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
PubMed2005

Postcoital ingestion of the aqueous extract of Erythrina falcata Benth prevents pregnancy in the mouse.

AIM: We examined whether the aqueous extract of Erythrina falcata, reputed to be a contraceptive in Peruvian folklore, could prevent pregnancy in the mouse. METHODS: Female mice on Day 1 of pregnancy were given aqueous extract of E. falcata or tap water (control) orally for 4 days. On Day 4 of pregnancy, animals were killed and the embryos were flushed from oviducts and uterus to examine their developmental stage, cell number, mitotic index and micronuclei frequency. Other mice were killed on Day 12 of pregnancy to determine the number of implantation sites. RESULTS: Ingestion of E. falcata diminished the percentage of embryos that progressed to blastocyst stage, reduced the cell number and mitotic index, and increased the micronuclei frequency of early embryos. The number of implantation sites was also reduced in females treated with E. falcata. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of E. falcata, ingested during early pregnancy, disturbs preimplantation embryo development and implantation in the mouse. These results provide the first experimental evidence of the contraceptive properties of the aqueous extract of E. falcata.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Guggul for hyperlipidemia: a review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scientific evidence on guggul for hyperlipidemia including expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in nine databases, 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions were placed on language or quality of publications. All literature collected pertained to efficacy in humans, dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanism of action. Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria were utilized for selection. RESULTS: Before 2003, most scientific evidence suggested that guggulipid elicits significant reductions in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, as well as elevations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) [Kotiyal JP, Bisht DB, Singh DS. Double blind cross-over trial of gum guggulu (Commiphora mukul) Fraction A in hypercholesterolemia. J Res Indian Med Yoga Hom 1979;14(2):11-6; Kotiyal JP, Singh DS, Bisht DB. Gum guggulu (Commiphora mukul) fraction 'A' in obesity-a double-blind clinical trial. J Res Ayur Siddha 1985;6(1, 3, 4):20-35; Gaur SP, Garg RK, Kar AM, et al. Gugulipid, a new hypolipidaemic agent, in patients of acute ischaemic stroke: effect on clinical outcome, platelet function and serum lipids. Asia Pacif J Pharm 1997;12:65-9; Urizar NL, Liverman AB, Dodds DT, et al. A natural product that lowers cholesterol as an antagonist ligand for the FXR. Science 3 May 2002 [Science Express Reports]; Nityanand S, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Clinical trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. J Assoc Physicians India 1989;37(5):323-8; Kuppurajan K, Rajagopalan SS, Rao TK, et al. Effect of guggulu (Commiphora mukul-Engl.) on serum lipids in obese, hypercholesterolemic and hyperlipemic cases. J Assoc Physicians India 1978;26(5):367-73; Gopal K, Saran RK, Nityanand S, et al. Clinical trial of ethyl acetate extract of gum gugulu (gugulipid) in primary hyperlipidemia. J Assoc Physicians India 1986;34(4):249-51; Agarwal RC, Singh SP, Saran RK, et al. Clinical trial of gugulipid-a new hypolipidemic agent of plant origin in primary hyperlipidemia. Indian J Med Res 1986;84:626-34; Verma SK, Bordia A. Effect of Commiphora mukul (gum guggulu) in patients of hyperlipidemia with special reference to HDL-cholesterol. Indian J Med Res 1988;87:356-60; Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1994;8(4):659-64; Ghorai M, Mandal SC, Pal M, et al. A comparative study on hypocholesterolaemic effect of allicin, whole germinated seeds of bengal gram and guggulipid of gum gugglu. Phytother Res 2000;14(3):200-02]. However, most published studies were small and methodologically flawed. In August 2003, a well-designed trial reported small significant increases in serum LDL levels associated with the use of guggul compared to placebo [Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290(6):765-72]. No significant changes in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or triglycerides were measured. These results are consistent with two prior published case reports [Das Gupta R. Gugulipid: pro-lipaemic effect. J Assoc Physicians India 1990;38(12):346]. CONCLUSION: The effects of guggulipid in patients with high cholesterol are not clear, with some studies finding cholesterol-lowering effects, and other research suggesting no benefits. At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of guggul for any medical condition. Guggul may cause stomach discomfort or allergic rash as well as other serious side effects and interactions. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Safety of use beyond 4 months has not been well studied.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2005

The pungency of garlic: activation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 in response to allicin.

Garlic's pungent flavor has made it a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world and throughout history. Garlic's health benefits have been elevated from folklore to clinical study. Although there is some controversy as to the efficacy of garlic, garlic products are one of the most popular herbal supplements in the U.S. Chemically complex, garlic contains different assortments of sulfur compounds depending on whether the cloves are intact, crushed, cooked, or raw. Raw garlic, when cut and placed on the tongue or lips, elicits painful burning and prickling sensations through unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that raw but not baked garlic activates TRPA1 and TRPV1, two temperature-activated ion channels that belong to the transient receptor potential (TRP) family. These thermoTRPs are present in the pain-sensing neurons that innervate the mouth. We further show that allicin, an unstable component of fresh garlic, is the chemical responsible for TRPA1 and TRPV1 activation and is therefore likely to cause garlic's pungency.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Studies on the cytological and biochemical effects of valerian in somatic and germ cells of Swiss albino mice.

Valerian is widely known for its use as a sedative and an anti-anxiety drug in the folk medicine. Literature reports suggested valerian to induce genotoxicity in vitro (ECV304 cells) by reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanism; however, there are no reports on its genotoxicity and/or the epigenetic mechanism in vivo. In view of the folkloric significance, it was found worthwhile to (1) determine the genotoxic effects of valerian in somatic and germ cells of mice and (2) investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms. The protocol included the oral treatment of mice with different doses (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day) of valerian for 7 days. The following experiments were conducted: (i) cytological studies on micronucleus test, (ii) cytogenetic analysis for meiotic chromosomes, (iii) cytological analysis of spermatozoa abnormalities, (iv) quantification of proteins and nucleic acids in testicular cells and (v) estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) in hepatic and testicular cells. The treatment increased the frequency of micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and decrease the ratio of PCE to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) in the femur. It caused aberrations in chromosomes of the testis and induced spermatozoa abnormalities. The concentration of nucleic acids was depleted in the testicular cells. These changes might be attributed to the epigenetic mechanisms as revealed by an increase in the concentrations of MDA and a decrease of NP-SH levels in hepatic and testicular cells observed in the present study. The observed changes may be ascribed to terpenoids (valepotriates) and flavonoids (6-methylapigenin and 2S(-)-hesperidin) present in valerian.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Eruca sativa seeds possess antioxidant activity and exert a protective effect on mercuric chloride induced renal toxicity.

Mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) is a well-known nephrotoxic agent. Increasing number of evidences suggest the role of oxidative stress in HgCl(2) induced nephrotoxicity. Eruca sativa is widely used in folklore medicines and has a good reputation as a remedy of renal ailments. In the present study, the antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of E. sativa seeds was determined and its protective effect on HgCl(2) induced renal toxicity was investigated. The extract was found to possess a potent antioxidant effect, with a large amount of polyphenols and a high reducing ability. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed glucoerucin and flavonoids to be the major antioxidants present in it. E. sativa extract significantly scavenged several reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Feeding of the extract to rats afforded a significant protection against HgCl(2) induced renal toxicity. Subcutaneous administration of 4 mg/kg body weight HgCl(2) induced renal injury evident as a marked elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, and histopathological changes such as necrosis, oedema and congestion of stroma and glomeruli. Oxidative modulation of renal tissues following HgCl(2) exposure was evident from a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation and attenuation in glutathione (GSH) contents and activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Oral administration of E. sativa extract to rats at a dose regimen: 50-200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days prior to HgCl(2) treatment significantly and dose dependently protected against alterations in all these diagnostic parameters. The data obtained in the present study suggests E. sativa seeds to possess a potent antioxidant and renal protective activity and preclude oxidative damage inflicted to the kidney.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effects of Butea superba on reproductive systems of rats.

The effects of Butea superba on the reproductive system in male Wistar rats were investigated. The animals were fed daily with the powdered crude drug suspended in distilled water by a gastric tube at the dose of 2, 25, 250 and 1250 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Rats fed with 1 ml of distilled water were used as a negative control. The weights of all vital organs in all treated groups were not different from the control. The percentage weight ratios of body weights of seminal vesicles and prostate glands were not different from the control, except that the testis of the group fed with 1250 mg/kg was significantly different from the control and the other treated groups. In addition, the sperm counts in this group showed about 16% more than the control group. Hematology as well as the liver and kidney function of all treated groups showed no difference from the control. B. superba, drug at 250 mg/kg which was 100 times more than the Thai FDA recommended dose for humans appeared to be safe in rats. The crude drug has demonstrated an increase tendency on testis weight and sperm counts in rat. The information from the present study can be used to explain the Thai folklore application of this plant in Thailand.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Traumatic dislocations and instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb.

The surgeon treating traumatic injuries to the TMC joint should be aware of the fundamental misconceptions and pervasive axiomatic myths perpetuated in the medical literature: namely that the volar beak ligament is the prime stabilizer, that the dorsal ligament complex plays no significant role in TMC joint function, and that the APL is a deforming force in Bennett fractures. On the contrary, stability of the TMC joint in power pinch and power grasp depends on the TMC joint's two prime stabilizers, the volar beak of the thumb metacarpal and the dorsal radial ligament complex; and the APL is not a deforming force in a Bennett fracture. Screw-home-torque occurs in the final phase of opposition; the acute Bennett fracture can be treated closed and percutaneously fixed if the screw-home-torque technique is used to anatomically reduce the fracture. After soft tissue interposition, if a semi-acute Bennett fracture is diagnosed late, it should be treated open with a volar approach, the screw-home-torque reduction technique, and screw or pin fixation. Rolando multipart fractures of the thumb metacarpal into the TMC joint are best treated closed, with traction in opposition with pin fixation; pure dislocations of the TMC joint that tear the dorsal ligament complex and Bennett fractures with an associated dorsal ligament complex tear (as diagnosed by the screw-home-torque technique) require open reduction and dorsal ligament complex repair. The current literature is so replete with myths and folklore regarding the anatomy that a conscientious surgeon treating a traumatic dislocation or in-stability of the TMC joint should return to the cadaver room and carefully review and understand TMC joint anatomy.

Carpal Joints↗
PubMed2004

Hypolipidemic effect of different extracts of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp in normal and high-fat diet fed rats.

Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp (family, Verbenaceae) has been used as a home remedy by the Mizo people of north eastern (NE) region of India in their folklore medicine as a cardioprotective (mainly against high blood pressure) agent. The scientific basis for their use has yet to be established. Therefore, in this investigation an attempt has been made to study the effect of different extracts of the leaves of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp (CC) on serum lipid profile which is closely associated with many cardiovascular diseases. It was found that after administration of both crude and organic extracts the serum lipid profile, i.e. total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) lowered significantly (P<0.001) from their respective control except TG in methanol extract (ME)-treated rats. The decreased percentage of TC, TG and LDL after administration of crude extract (CE) and ethylacetate extract (EE) with normal diet were found to be 35, 39 and 48%, and 33, 18 and 91%, respectively, after 7 days of treatment. In case of ME the lowering of TC and LDL were noted to be 41 and 85%, respectively. Both TC and TG were lowered significantly (P<0.001) even after the administration of crude extract against high-fat diet. Significant increase of cardioprotective lipid, i.e high density lipoprotein (HDL) after administration of EE (46%) and ME (38%) was another interesting finding of this experiment. Total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL ratios were significantly lower in the experimental group. Therefore, it was concluded that the leaves of CC have definite cardioprotective potentiality, and there is a valid scientific basis for consuming it for better health in NE region of India.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Passiflora: a review update.

This review describes the morphology, microscopy, traditional and folklore uses, phyto-constituents, pharmacological reports, clinical applications and toxicological reports of the prominent species of the genus Passiflora. Flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and volatile constituents have been reported as the major phyto-constituents of the Passiflora species. A few species of Passiflora have been used for curing various ailments, the most important being Passiflora incarnata Linneaus which possesses significant CNS depressant properties. The studies performed by the authors with the newly isolated benzoflavone (BZF) moiety from P. incarnata have been discussed. In the concluding part, various virgin areas of research on the species of this genus have been highlighted with a view to explore, isolate and identify the medicinally important phyto-constituents which could be utilized to alleviate various diseases affecting the mankind.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anticonvulsant activity and chemical composition of Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oil.

Artemisia dracunculus L. (Asteraceae) has been used orally as an antiepileptic remedy in Iranian folkloric medicine. The anticonvulsant potential and composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of the plant were assessed in this study. The essential oil exerted dose- and time-dependent antiseizure activity in both maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole models of experimental seizures with ED50 values of 0.84 and 0.26 ml/kg, respectively. At some anticonvulsant doses, the essential oil produced sedation and motor impairment assessed by rotarod test. Gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of trans-anethole (21.1%), alpha-trans-ocimene (20.6%), limonene (12.4%), alpha-pinene (5.1%), allo ocimene (4.8%), methyl eugenol (2.2%), beta-pinene (0.8%), alpha-terpinolene (0.5%), bornyl acetate (0.5%) and bicyclogermacrene (0.5%) as the main components. The observed anticonvulsant and sedative effects could be related to the presence of monoterpenoids in the essential oil.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Dorstenia barteri (Moraceae) leaf and twig extracts in mice.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf and twig extracts of Dorstenia barteri (Moraceae) in mice. Both the leaf and twig extracts of Dorstenia barteri at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.05-0.01) antinociceptive activities in chemical-, mechanical- and thermal-induced pain test models. Intraperitoneal administration of the plant extracts at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) inhibited carrageenin-induced acute inflammation in oedema paw weight, pulmonary oedema and number of pleural leucocytes in a dose-dependent way. The twig extract was found to be more active than the leaf extract in all the experimental models used. The inhibitory effects of the plant extracts were comparable to those of the reference drugs acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) and phenylbutazone (PBZ) at 100 mg/kg i.p. The significant reduction in acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions, the decrease in oedema paw weight as well as in the number of leucocytes in the pleural cavity exudates, and the significant increase in the reaction time and pain threshold of mice observed in this study suggest that Dorstenia barteri extracts possess both anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The present study, therefore, lend pharmacological support to the folkloric uses of Dorstenia barteri extracts in the treatment, control and/or management of arthritis, rheumatism, gout, headache and other forms of body pains in some parts of Africa.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2004

Anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) [Fabaceae] fruit aqueous extract in rats.

The fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) [Fabaceae] is frequently used in Tropical African traditional medicine for the management and/or control of an array of human ailments, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, asthma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, epilepsy, schistosomiasis, and so on. The present study was undertaken to examine the anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes. Diclofenac (DIC, 100mg/kg p.o.) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) were employed as reference anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic agents, respectively, for comparison. Tetrapleura tetraptera (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg p.o.) produced dose-related, significant reductions (P < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. The plant extract (TTE, 50-800 mg/kg p.o.) also produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (P < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that T. tetraptera fruit aqueous extract possesses anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties. These findings lend pharmacological credence to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's fruit in the management and/or control of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, as well as in adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some Yoruba-speaking communities of South-Western Nigeria.

Animals↗