RP-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

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Blood Glucose Lowering Effect and Safety of the Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Zanha africana
(OMICS International, 2015) Abdirahman, Y.A.; Juma, K.K.; Makori, W.A.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, M.P.; Gathumbi, P.K.; Ngeranwa, J.J.N.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Zanha africana has been used traditionally to manage many diseases including diabetes, however, its antidiabetic activity and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of the aqueous leaf extracts of this plant in male Swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of the extract was studied in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters. Mineral composition was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system and atomic absorption spectrometry. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 50, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight. Administration of 1 g/kg body weight of the extract decreased the body weight gain using both routes. Intraperitoneal administration of the same dose increased the organ to body weight percentages of liver, brain and kidney, and elevated white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin and deceased levels of aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine. Increase in levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, and decrease in levels of platelets, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin was recorded in mice orally administered with 1 g/kg body weight of the extract. The extract contained tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, Chlorine, Potassium, Calcium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, Magnesium, Nickel and Lead were present in the extracts at levels below the recommended daily allowance. The observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals and mineral/ trace elements present in this extract.
Growth Performance of Domesticated Prunus africana Population in Muguga, Kiambu County, Kenya
(2015) Nyamai, D.W.; Mawia, A.M.; Wambua, F.K.; Abdirahman, Y.A.; Osano, K.; Lagat, R.; Mumbi, B.; Arika, W.M.; Juma, K.K.; Anyango, E.; Mulugeta, M.; Ngugi, M.P.; Muchugi, A.; Ng’ang’a, M.; Burugu, M.W.
Prunus africana (Hook. f.) is an evergreen tree that grows in African mountains. The species’ bark and bark extracts are used for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. High demand for the bark and bark extracts has led to overexploitation of natural population of the species. P. africana is listed as an endangered species. Conservation of the species can be done through domestication. However, management and growth factors need to be established first to ensure success of on-farm production. The main objective of this study was to evaluate growth characteristics of trees in the domesticated stand at Muguga. Diameter at breast height was measured using a DBH meter, and tree heights were determined using a Suunto meter. The age and ring width of randomly selected trees was measured using TSAPWinTm which was linked to a computer. Height of trees in the domesticated stand at Muguga ranged from 3 meters to 14 meters and diameter at breast height from 0.9 cm to 104.5 cm. Out of the 273 trees in the plantation, 92 (33%) were fruiting at the time of data collection. The age of trees randomly selected from Muguga population was negatively correlated to growth rate (r=-0.0223, p<0.05). There was a non-significant positive correlation between number of cross section growth rings of the selected trees and the diameter at breast height of the trunk (r2=0.0858, r=0.293, p>0.05). The wood density samples from Muguga population was positively correlated to the tree growth rate (r=0.167). Wood density of cross-section samples from Muguga population showed a non-significant negative correlation to the tree diameter at breast height (r=-0.140, p>0.05). The morphological data has important implications in drawing strategies for sustainable harvesting, management and conservation of this species.
The Hypoglycemic Activity and Safety of Aqueous Stem Bark Extracts of Acacia nilotica
(OMICS International, 2015) Abdirahman, Y.A.; Juma, K.K.; Mukundi, M.J.; Gitahi, S.M.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, P.M.; Gathumbi, P.K.; Ngeranwa, J.J.N.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Acacia nilotica is used traditionally to manage several diseases including Diabetes mellitus, however, its efficacy and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo the hypoglycemic activity and safety of the aqueous stem bark extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. The anti-diabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intra-peritoneal routes. The safety of this plant extract was studied in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral composition was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system and atomic absorption spectrometry. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract administered at 50, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight showed hypoglycemic activity. The Intraperitoneal route was more effective compared to the oral route. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract at 1 g/kg body weight significantly reduced body weight gain, percent organ to body weight of testes, while oral administration at the same dose decreased levels of platelets. Oral administration of the aqueous stem bark extracts of A. nilotica at 1 g/kg body weight caused increase in levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, Creatine kinase, and Total bilirubin while decreasing levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, α-Amylase, and Alkaline phosphatase. Intraperitoneal administration of the same dose decreased levels of aspartate aminotransferase. The aqueous stem bark extract of A. nilotica contained tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, nickel, lead, and cadmium were present in the aqueous stem bark extracts of A. nilotica at levels below the recommended daily allowance. In conclusion, the observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Lippia javanica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice
(OMICS International, 2015) Arika, W.M.; Abdirahman, Y.A.; Mawia, M.M.; Wambua, K.F.; Nyamai, D.M.; Ogola, P.E.; Kiboi, N.G.; Nyandoro, H.O.; Njagi, S.M.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, M.P.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Lippia javanica is widely distributed throughout Kenya where it is used extensively in traditional herbal preparations. An infusion of the leaves is commonly used as a decongestant for colds and coughs including diabetes, however, its efficacy profiles have not been scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant in white male alloxan-induced albino mice. The antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extracts was orally and intraperitoneally bioscreened in alloxan induced diabetic mice at different doses of 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt. The treatment effects were then compared with the controls. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 25, 48.4, 93.5, 180.9 and 350 mg/kg body weight in a dose independent manner. The extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, alkaloids, and free or bound anthraquinones. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. In conclusion the results showed that the plant extracts were effective in reducing blood sugar levels and revealed the presence of vital phytochemicals which possess antidiabetic activities. The study therefore, confirmed the traditional use of these herbs and established their efficacy data that can guide proper use of these plants in the management of diabetes mellitus. Consideration should be made to carry out the same studies using higher animals or subject the plant to organic solvent extraction and compare activities of both aqueous and organic fractions.
In Vivo antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extract of croton macrostachyus in alloxan induced diabetic mice
(OMICS International, 2015) Arika, W.M.; Abdirahman, Y.A.; Mawia, M.A.; Wambua, K.F.; Nyamai, D.M.; Ogola, P.E.; Kiboi, N.G.; Nyandoro, H.O.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, M.P.; Njagi, E.N.M.
The folklore reports from traditional medical practitioners that Croton macrostachyus has bioactivity against several diseases including diabetes mellitus have not been scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. Aqueous leaf extract of Croton macrostachyus was intraperitoneally and orally administered to alloxan (180.9 mg/ kg; intraperitoneally)-induced diabetic mice at different doses of 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt and the effects on blood glucose levels investigated. The treatments effects were compared with three controls (normal, diabetic and diabetic treated with a standard antidiabetic drugs (insulin administered intraperitoneally at 1 IU/kg body weight in 0.1 ml physiological saline or glibenclamide administered orally at 3 mg/kg body weight in 0.1 ml physiological saline). Phytochemical composition of the leaf extracts were qualitatively assessed using standard procedures.The diabetic control mice showed significantly (p<0.05) higher fasting blood glucose when compared with normal control mice. Treatment of diabetic mice with doses of the leaf extract resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of fasting blood glucose. The effects of the leaf extract were comparable with the conventional drugs. However, the glucose lowering potency of this plant extract was dose independent. The aqueous leaf extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. Therefore, the results suggest that Croton macrostachyus leaf extract is a potent hypoglycemic agent and this validates their folkloric usage. Further studies to investigate the mechanism of action for hypoglycemic activity for these plant species should be done in order to explore possibilities of developing a drug that can function by similar mode of action as the plant extract
In Vivo Safety of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Lippia javanica in Mice Models
(OMICS International, 2015) Arika, W.M.; Ogola, P.E.; Abdirahman, Y.A.; Mawia, A.M.; Wambua, F.K.; Nyamai, D.W.; Kiboi, N.G.; Wambani, J.R.; Njagi, S.M.; Rachuonyo, H.O.; Muchori, A.N.; Lagat, R.C.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, M.P.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Rural dwellers in Kenya often resort to herbal remedy and dietary control in the treatment of several diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, cancer and cardiac diseases. The therapeutic applications of such plants has largely rested upon their long-term clinical experience, however, their safety profiles has not been well evaluated. The present study aimed at determining the in vivo toxic effects of orally and intraperitoneally administering Lippia javanica leaf extract at dosage levels of 450 mg/kgbwt, 670 mg/kgbwt and 1000 mg/kgbwt daily for 28 days on the body and organ weights, hematological indices and biochemical parameters in normal male swiss white albino mice. During this period, the mice were allowed free access to mice pellets and water ad libitum and observed for signs of general illness, change in behavior and mortality. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The oral and intraperitoneal administration of 450 mg/kgbwt, 670 mg/kgbwt and1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract decreased the body weight gain and altered the organ to body weight percentage of the brain, kidney, liver, heart, testes and lungs. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the same doses caused a change in levels of RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, PLT, MPV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and biochemical parameters: AST, ALP, ALT, GGT, CK, α-AMYL, LDH, T-BIL, D-BIL, I-BIL, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, BUN, UA, Urea and Creatinine. The extracts contained alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins.
In-Vivo Anti-hyperglycemic Activity and Safety of The Aqueous Stem Bark Extracts of Aloe secundiflora
(OMICS International, 2015) Abdirahman, Y.A.; Juma, K.K.; Nyamai, D.W.; Njagi, J.M.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ngugi, M.P.; Gathumbi, P.K.; Ngeranwa, J.J.N.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Aloe secundiflora has been used traditionally to manage many diseases including diabetes, however, its antidiabetic activity and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of the aqueous stem bark extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of the extract was studied in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight of the extract daily for 28 days by recording changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters. Mineral composition was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system and atomic absorption spectrometry. Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed significant and consistent hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 50 mg/kg body weight through oral route and 300 mg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal route. Oral administration of 1 g/kg body weight of the extract decreased levels of platelets, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and direct bilirubin while elevated the level of creatine kinase. Reduction in the growth rate and increase in percent of organ to body weight of brain together with elevated levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were recorded in mice intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight of the extract. The extracts contained tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, Chlorine, Potassium, Calcium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Magnesium were present in the extracts at levels below the recommended daily allowance. The observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals and mineral/trace elements present in this extract.
In-Vivo Antidiabetic Activity and Safety of The Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Kleinia squarrosa
(OMICS International, 2015) Abdirahman, Y.A.; Juma, K.K.; Mukundi, M.J.; Gitahi, S.M.; Agyirifo, D. S.; Ngugi, M. P.; Gathumbi, P.K.; Ngeranwa, J.J.N.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Kleinia squarrosa has been used traditionally to manage several diseases including diabetes, however, its efficacy and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in-vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of the aqueous stem bark extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of the extract was studied in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral composition was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system (TRXF) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 50, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight. Administration of 1 g/kg body weight of the extract decreased the body weight gain using both routes, and altered the organ to body weight percentage of the liver and lungs for intraperitoneal route while oral route only altered the liver. Oral administration of the same dose caused a change in levels of RBC, ALP, AST, LDH CK and Creatinine while the same intraperitoneal dose caused a change in RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, PLT, MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and biochemical parameters: AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, T-BIL, D-BIL, Urea and Creatinine. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration caused significant histological lesions to the kidney, liver and spleen. The extracts contained tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, Chlorine, Potassium, Calcium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, Magnesium, Nickel and Lead were present in the extracts at levels below the recommended daily allowance. The observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.
Mineral Elements Content of Selected Kenyan Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants
(OMICS International, 2016) Arika, W.M.; Ogola, P.E.; Nyamai, D.W.; Mawia, A.M.; Wambua, F.K.; Kiboi, N.G.; Wambani, J.R.; Njagi, S.M.; Rachuonyo, H.O.; Emmah, K.O.; Lagat, R.C.; Muruthi, C.W.; Abdirahman, Y.A.; Agyirifo, D.S.; Ouko, R.O.; Ngugi, M.P.; Njagi, E.N.M.
The use of herbal medicine as an unconventional health treatment is gaining considerable recognition and popularity worldwide. Despite skepticism and a lack of medical evidence to support its therapeutic efficacy, use of herbal remedies has considerably increased. Belief in the superiority of herbs is based mainly on anecdotal evidence, paraherbalism, and pseudoscience. It is only recently that guidelines for their investigation have been developed and a few herbs have been clinically studied. Many diseases including diabetes mellitus has experimentally been shown to be managed by medicinal plant extracts. The hypoglycemic potential of such plants maybe attributable to the mineral elements present in them. This study was designed to determine the content of mineral elements in five Kenyan antidiabetic medicinal plants traditionally used to manage diabetes mellitus using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) System and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The elements Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Br, Rb, Cr, Ti, Cu, V, Cl and Pb were identified and their contents estimated. The results of the present study provide justification for the usage of these medicinal plants in the management of diabetes mellitus. The results indicates that the analyzed medicinal plants can be considered as potential sources for providing a reasonable amount of the required elements other than diet to diabetic patients. Moreover, these results can be used to set new standards for prescribing the dosage of the herbal drugs prepared from these plant materials.

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