RP-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

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Browsing RP-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology by Subject "Acacia nilotica"

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    Antipyretic, Antiinflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Aqueous Bark Extract of Acacia Nilotica (L.) Delile in Albino Mice
    (Pain Management & Medicine, 2016) Safari, V. Z; Kamau, J. K; Nthiga, P. M; Ngugi, M. P; Orinda, G; Njagi, E. M
    Acacia nilotica has been used to manage several diseases including pain, inflammation and fever. However, its efficacy has not been scientifically validated. The aim of this study therefore is to investigate the antinociceptive, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of its aqueous extracts. The plant extract was collected from Loita division, Narok county in Kenya. A total of 96 albino mice with an average weight of 20 g was used for this study. Antinociceptive activity was determined by use of formalin−induced writhing test. A writhe was recorded by a stopwatch following the stretching of the abdomen and/or stretching of at least one hind limb. Anti-inflammatory activity was established by a formalin induced inflammation test. Hourly changes in paw sizes and reduction of edema around the paw was determined using a venier calipers. Antipyretic activity was carried out using Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia. Temperature of each mouse was determined rectally by thermal probe thermometer. The aqueous leaf extracts of A. nilotica reduced pain, inflammation and fever mostly at dose 150 mg/kg body weight. Based on these findings it was concluded that the present study has demonstrated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of aqueous leaf extracts of A. nilotica in albino mice and will serve as good bio-resource for generating readily available herbal formulations that are more effective in the treatment of pain, inflammation and fever conditions which are cheaper than the conventional synthetic drugs and have no side effects.
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    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.