DOCSLIB.ORG

Origin Al Article

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

International Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (IJMPS) ISSN (P): 2250-0049; ISSN (E): 2321-0095 Vol. 10, Issue 3, Jun 2020, 35-44 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd. INVIVO GLYCEMIC AND TOXICITY EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF URTICA MASSAICA NJOROGE GK1, NJAGI ENM2, GIKONYO NK3 & PIERO MN4 1Critical Care Unit, Kenyatta National Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya 2,4Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya 3Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya ABSTRACT Phytotherapy as traditional, alternative or complementary medicine is the most popular therapeutic intervention for noncommunicable diseases.Urtica massaica has been used for various ailments; one among them is diabetes mellitus. However, concerns over the blood glucose lowering potential as well as its safety for human use has not been scientifically demonstrated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the invivo glycemic and toxicity effects of aqueous extracts of Urtica massaica. In evaluation of efficacy, aqueous extract ofUrtica massaica at dose levels of 50, 90.9, 165.1 and 300mg/kg body weight was orally administered into Alloxan induced diabetic rats with a fasting blood glucose equal to or above 200 mg/L. Glycemia was determined hourly and the results obtained after a 24 hour experimental period were Original Article compared to normal (non diabetic) and glibenclamide treated rats. Safety aspects were evaluated by orally administering either dose of 300, 448.14, 669.4 or 1000mg/kg body weight of the plant’saqueous extracts for 28 days. Mean blood glucose values and results on the effect on body weight, blood, liver, pancrease, heart and renal system relative to the control. We determined presence of minerals, phytonutrients and phytochemicals in the plants extracts, which was established using standard methods. Urtica massaica aqueous extracts have considerable antihyperglycaemic activity and is a promising antidiabetic monotherapy. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, minerals and amino acids were present in the aqueous extracts. The current study validates the use of Urtica massaicaas as it has been utilized for mitigation of diabetes and its continued use is recommended. However, its ethno botanical use can be enhanced by bioassay guided fractionation of bioactive compounds and translational clinical research is recommended. KEYWORDS: Invivo, Urtica Massaica, Glycaemia, Ethnobotanical & Bioactive Compounds Received: Mar 28, 2020; Accepted: Apr 18, 2020; Published: May 29, 2020; Paper Id.: IJMPSJUN20205 INTRODUCTION Urtica massaica is a species of flowering rhizomatous perennial herb plant that grows up to 2 meters tall. It belongs to the kingdom plantae, family Urticaceae (nettle) and genus Urtica. It is commonly known as stinging nettle or forest nettle and largely spread across East Africa. The plant has heart-shaped leaves covered with stinging hairs and serrated edges. This plant is used for food and medicine in several African nations (PROTA, 2004; Alphonse, 2008). In Kenya, it is used as a tonic, to treat stomach ache, diabetes or fractures and venereal diseases.The current study evaluates the invivo effectiveness of Urtica massaica as an antihyperglycaemic agent and safety concerns related to its chronic consumption. METHOD Plant Material www.tjprc.org [email protected] 36 Njoroge GK, Njagi ENM, Gikonyo NK & Piero MN Leaves of Urtica Massaica were harvested in a farm at Arkroad Village, Aboni sublocation in Nyeri County of Kenyaat the foot of Aberdare forest O020’25”S, 36o50’55”E. They were dried under a shade and grounded into a powder using a disc mill. The powder was then packed into airtight light proof containers and stored in a cool place until use. The powder was placed in water and left in a water bath at 60oC for 12 hours, decanted, filtered and lyophylized. Lyophylized material was kept in a refrigerator at 4oC until use. Effect on Glycaemia Swiss albino rats were bred in the Animal house at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology of Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya. Eight week old rats weighing 90-140g and a mean weight of 120 grams were used for the study. Hyperglycemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of 186.9 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of freshly prepared 10% alloxan monohydrate (2,4,5,6 tetraoxypyrimidine; 5-6-dioxyuracil) (Etuk 2010, Njoroge et. al., 2017) into rats pre fasted for 12 hours. The animals were given feeds and water ad libitum. Development of hyperglycemia was evaluated 72 hours post alloxan administration and after overnight fasting using a glucometer. Rats with a fasting blood glucose level above 200 mg/L (11.1mmol/L) were considered diabetic and used in this study (Soltesova, 2011; Karau et. al., 2012, Njoroge et. al., 2017). Glibenclamide; an oral antidiabetic drug was used at 3mg per kilogram bwt as the standard drug. Five experimental rats were placed in seven treatment groups. Group I (normal control) consisted of normal rats. Diabetic rats were randomly placed into group II to VII. Group II and III were negative and positive controls respectively. Physiological saline (0.5 ml) was administered to rats in Groups I and II. Group III was administered with the drug; Glibenclamide. Groups IV to VII were administered with therapeutic doses of aqueous extracts of Urtica massaica at 50, 90.9, 165.1 or 300 mg/kg bwtre constituted in 0.5 ml physiological saline. The experimental animals were denied feeds but allowed free access to water until the end of the 24 hours experiment. Blood glucose determination using precise glucose testing meter from Roche® diagnostic was done at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,6, 12 and 24 hours by nipping the tail of the rats. Toxicity Evaluation Five eight week old normal Swiss albino rats were randomly placed into five groups for logarithmic dose toxicity evaluation. Respective treatments were administered for 28 days. Group I was administered with 0.5 ml physiological saline. Groups II, III, IV and V were administered with the reconstituted aqueous extract at dose levels of 300, 448.14, 669.4 and 1000 mg/kg bwt respectively. During the experimental period, the rats were allowed free access to mice pellet and water and observed for any manifestation of illness, change in behaviour and mortality. The body weight of each rat was determined prior to commencement of extract administration and administered weekly during the dosing period. On the 28th, the rats were euthanized. Blood samples for hematology and biochemistry assays were taken.The liver, kidney, heart, spleen, brain and lungs were collected for necropsy. Individual organs were weighed, the tissues gross anatomy observed for any histopathological changes and stored in 10% formalin. Pathological studies done on blood samples were total blood count (TBC) for hematological studies. Alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), total protein and albumin were done in an evaluation of liver function. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREAT), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) were done in an evaluation of effects on the kidneys, amylase (AMY) and lipase in evaluation of the pancrease and creatinine kinase (CK) as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in evaluation of effects on Impact Factor (JCC): 7.8387 NAAS Rating: 4.14 Invivo Glycemic and Toxicity Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Urtica Massaica 37 the cardiac system. RESULTS In Vivo Hypoglycemic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of U. Massaica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rat Models The four therapeutic doses of U. massaica when orally administered caused a hypoglycemic effect in the alloxan induced diabetic rat model which was not significantly different (p > 0.05) to that of glibenclamide throughout the experimental period (Table 1). The blood glucose lowering effect of the plant extract was not dose dependant (p > 0.05). Further, the blood glucose lowering rate by the plant extract was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the standard oral antidiabetic drug (Figure 1). An hour post treatments administration, the extract reduced glycemia to 87.6%, 89.3%, 83.1% and 87% at dose levels of 50, 90.9, 165.1 and 300 mg/kg bwt respectively while glibenclamide reduced the blood glucose to 87.3% in the same hour. Table 1: Effects of Orally Administered Aqueous Extract of U. Massaica at Therapeutic doses on Blood Glucose Levels in alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats Treatme Blood Glucose Levels at Varying Times (mmol/l) nt Group 0hr 1hr 2hr 3hr 4hr 6hr 12hr 24hr Normal 5.8±0.4aB 5.8±0.2aB 5.3±0.7abB 5.4±0.7abB 5.2±0.9abC 4.6±0.5abB 4.5±0.5bB 4.3±0.8bB control Negative 23.6±3.4a 23.7±3.6a 22.3±4.99a 16.1±3.7ab 12.6±2.4 11.1±1.9 22.5±4.5aA 20.9±4.8aA control A A A A bA bA Positve 27.5±4.1a 23.7±2.3a 19.9±3.8bc 17.1±2.7bc 13.8±4.5cd 9.2±5.6deA 5.0±1.8eB 4.8±1.5eB control A bA A A AB B Therapeutic aqueous extract doses (mg/kg bwt) of U. massaica 22.5±1.4a 19.8±2.6a 16.1±3.6bc 12.4±3.3cA 50 17.8±2.6bA 5.5±1.2dB 4.1±0.5dB 5.0±0.9dB A bA A BC 26.1±4.6a 23.3±3.8a 22.1±4.3ab 19.98±3.5a 16.6±3.6bc 11.1±4.9cd 90.9 5.3±1.6dB 6.4±4.4dB A bA A bA AB AB 25.7±5.6a 21.0±4.7a 19.98±4.5a 18.1±5.7ab 14.2±5.8bc 165.1 8.2±3.3cdB 4.2±2.1dB 4.4±2.6dB A bA bA A AB 22.3±2.96 19.5±4.1a 17.98±4.4a 15.8±5.3ab 10.7±5.1bcB 300 5.7±5.0cB 4.0±2.8cB 3.5±2.0cB aA A bA A C Values are expressed as Mean ±Standard Deviation (SD) blood glucose of five rats per group.
Recommended publications
  • Nutritional Strategy and Social Environment in Redtail Monkeys (Cercopithecus Ascanius)

    Nutritional Strategy and Social Environment in Redtail Monkeys (Cercopithecus Ascanius)

    City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works All Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects 2-2020 Nutritional Strategy and Social Environment in Redtail Monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) Margaret Bryer The Graduate Center, City University of New York How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3554 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] NUTRITIONAL STRATEGY AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IN REDTAIL MONKEYS (CERCOPITHECUS ASCANIUS) by MARGARET A. H. BRYER A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Anthropology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The City University of New York 2020 i © 2020 MARGARET A. H. BRYER All Rights Reserved ii Nutritional strategy and social environment in redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) by Margaret A. H. Bryer This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Anthropology in satisfaction of the dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. December 6, 2019 Jessica M. Rothman Chair of Examining Committee December 6, 2019 Jeff Maskovsky Executive Officer Supervisory Committee: Larissa Swedell Andrea L. Baden Marina Cords David Raubenheimer THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK iii ABSTRACT Nutritional strategy and social environment in redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) by Margaret A. H. Bryer Advisor: Jessica M. Rothman An animal’s nutritional strategy involves the complex interplay between its dynamic physiology and its environment, an environment that includes a landscape of foods that vary in nutritional composition as well as a social environment of other feeding individuals.
  • Jelena Vukojević – Citati (1979-2018)

    Jelena Vukojević – Citati (1979-2018)

    Jelena Vukojević – Citati (1979-2018) Citiranost dr Jelene Vukojević bez autocitata do februara 2019. godine iznoci 2175 puta u časopisima sa Kobson i Scopus lista i drugih baza, a koji nisu referisani u WoS bazi u trenutku kada je citat publikovan, zatim u knjigama, poglavljima knjiga i inostranim tezama. Citiranost prema godištu radova i citirane publikacije: 1985 Mihaljčević, M., Muntanola‐Cvetković, M., Vukojević, J., Petrov, M. (1985): Source of infection of sunflower plants by Diaporthe helianthi in Yugoslavia. Journal of Phytopathology, 113(4): 334-342. 1. Ploetz, R.C., Shokes, F. M. (1987): Factors influencing of soybean seedlind by southern Diaporthe phaseolorum. Phytopathology, 77: 786-790 2. Bertrand, F., Tourvieille, D. (1987): Phomopsis tournesol: test de sélection. Informations Techniques du Cetiom, 98: 12-18. 3. Fayret, J., Assemat, P. (1987) : Evolution du Diaporthe helianthi (Phomopsis helianti) Munt- Cvet et al. et différenciation desorganes reproducteurs sur les plants du tournesol après la période vegetation. Inform. Techniques CETIOM, 98: 2-11. 4. Jacobs, K.A., Glawe, A., Gray, L. E. (1988): Conidial nuclei in three species of Diatrypaceae and Diaporthe vaccinii. Mycologia, 80(3): 307-311. 5. Nyvall, R.F. (1989): Diseases of sunflowers. In Field Crop Diseases Handbook, pp. 639- 659. Springer, Boston, MA. 6. Maširević, S., Gulya, T.J. (1992): Sclerotinia and Phomopsis - two devastating sunflower pathogens. Field Crops Research, 30(3-4): 271-300. 7. Linders, E.G.A. (1996): A possible role of sexuality in the population structure of Diaporthe adunca, a pathogen of Plantago lanceolata. Plant pathology, 45(4): 697-709. 8. Linders, E.G.A., Van Damme, J.M.M., Zadoks, J.C.
  • Traditional Medicinal Plants in Two Urban Areas in Kenya (Thika and Nairobi): Diversity of Traded Species and Conservation Concerns Grace N

    Traditional Medicinal Plants in Two Urban Areas in Kenya (Thika and Nairobi): Diversity of Traded Species and Conservation Concerns Grace N

    Traditional Medicinal Plants in Two Urban Areas in Kenya (Thika and Nairobi): Diversity of traded species and conservation concerns Grace N. Njoroge Research Abstract In Kenya there is a paucity of data on diversity, level of de- The use and commercialization of Non-timber forest prod- mand and conservation concerns of commercialized tra- ucts which include medicinal plants has been found to be ditional medicinal plant species. A market study was un- an important livelihood strategy in developing countries dertaken in two urban areas of Central Kenya to identify where rural people are economically vulnerable (Belcher species considered to be particularly important in trade as & Schreckenberg 2007, Schackleton et al. 2009). This well as those thought to be scarce. The most common- brings about improvement of incomes and living stan- ly traded species include: Aloe secundiflora Engl, Urtica dards (Mbuvi & Boon 2008, Sunderland & Ndoye 2004). massaica Mildbr., Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm, Me- In the trade with Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm., for ex- lia volkensii Gürke and Strychnos henningsii Gilg. Aloe ample, significant improvement of village revenues has secundiflora, P. africana and Strychnos henningsii were been documented in some countries such as Madagas- found to be species in the markets but in short supply. car (Cunnigham et al. 1997). Plants used as medicines The supply chain in this area also includes plant species in traditional societies on the other hand, are still relevant already known to be rare such as Carissa edulis (Forssk.) as sources of natural medicines as well as raw materials Vahl and Warburgia ugandensis Sprague. Most of the for new drug discovery (Bussmann 2002, Flaster 1996, suppliers are rural herbalists (who harvest from the wild), Fyhrquiet et al.
  • Vascular Flora Inventory and Plant Diversity of the Ruvubu National Park, Burundi

    Vascular Flora Inventory and Plant Diversity of the Ruvubu National Park, Burundi

    Vascular flora inventory and plant diversity of the Ruvubu National Park, Burundi Tatien MASHARABU Marie Josée BIGENDAKO Université du Burundi, Faculté des Sciences, Département de Biologie, B.P. 2700 Bujumbura (Burundi) [email protected] Benoît NZIGIDAHERA Institut national pour l’Environnement et la Conservation de la Nature (INECN), B.P. 2757 Bujumbura (Burundi) Balthazar MPAWENAYO Université du Burundi, Faculté des Sciences, Département de Biologie, B.P. 2700 Bujumbura (Burundi) Jean LEJOLY Université Libre de Bruxelles, Laboratoire d’Écologie végétale et Biogéochimie, case postale 244, boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Bruxelles (Belgium) Frédéric BANGIRINAMA École normale supérieure, Département des Sciences Naturelles, B.P. 6983 Bujumbura (Burundi) Jan BOGAERT Université de Liège/Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech., Unité Biodiversité et Paysage, 2 passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux (Belgium) Masharabu T., Bigendako M. J., Nzigidahera B., Mpawenayo B., Lejoly J., Bangirinama F. & Bogaert J. 2012. — Vascular flora inventory and plant diversity of the Ruvubu National Park, Burundi. Adansonia, sér. 3, 34 (1): 155-162. http://dx.doi.org/10.5252/a2012n1a17 ADANSONIA, sér. 3 • 2012 • 34 (1) © Publications Scientifiques du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris. www.adansonia.com 155 Masharabu T. et al. ABSTRACT The Ruvubu National Park, the biggest protected area and biodiversity refuge of the country, is comparatively less studied than western Burundi near Bujum­ bura, the capital. This article reports the results of a botanical inventory of the vascular plants from the protected area, evidences species newly encountered and establishes a comparison of the floristic diversity with the Akagera National Park in Rwanda located in the same phytochorion, in the Lake Victoria regional mosaic.
  • 2. Medicinal Plants: Threats and Conservation Reactions 8 3

    2. Medicinal Plants: Threats and Conservation Reactions 8 3

    23104_MedicinalPlants:cov 7/11/08 15:12 Page 1 Contact information Applied Environmental Research Kunming Institute of Botany Tooro Botanical Gardens, Foundation (AERF), C-10 Natya Chitra (Applied Ethnobotany Research P.O. Box 840, Fort Portal, Uganda Co-op Society (Kalagram), Bhusari Colony, Group), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pune 411029, India. Heilongtan, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, Uganda Group of the African www.aerfindia.org. People’s Republic of China. Network of Ethnobiology Email: [email protected] www.kib.ac.cn (UGANEB), P.O. Box 16453 Wandegeya, Uganda Ashoka Trust for Research in Ladakh Society for Traditional Ecology and the Environment Medicines (LSTM), P.O Box 97, Leh, World Wide Fund for Nature (ATREE), Eastern Himalayas Programme, Ladakh, Jamu and Kashmir, India, (WWF-Pakistan), Ferozepur Road, E2, Golden Heights, Gandhi Road, Tel +91 1982251 537. Lahore- 54600, P.O. Box 5180, Pakistan. Darjeeling 734 101, West Bengal, India. Email: [email protected] Tel: +92 42 111 993725. www.atree.org www.wwfpak.org National Museums of Kenya, Ethnobotanical Society of Nepal P.O. Box 40658-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Yangzhou University (College of (ESON), 107 Guchcha Marg, New Road, Tel +254 20 3742131. Bioscience and Biotechnology), GPO 5220, Kathmandu, Nepal. Fax + 254 20 3741424 . Yangzhou 225009, Jiang Su Province, Tel +977 16213406. www.museums.or.ke. People’s Republic of China www.eson.org.np Email: [email protected] Foundation for Revitalisation of NOMAD Recherche et Soutien Further information on the case studies is Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Internatonal, 11 rue Lantiez, 75017 available on Plantlife’s website: 74/2 Jarakabande Kaval, Post Attur, Paris , France.
  • Chemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Rwandan Traditional Medicinal Plant, Urtica Massaica Mildbr (Urticaceae)

    Chemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Rwandan Traditional Medicinal Plant, Urtica Massaica Mildbr (Urticaceae)

    EAS Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Abbreviated Key Title: EAS J Pharm Pharmacol ISSN: 2663-0990 (Print) & ISSN: 2663-6719 (Online) Published By East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya Volume-3 | Issue-2 | Mar-Apr: 2021 | DOI: 10.36349/easjpp.2021.v03i02.004 Original Research Article Chemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Rwandan traditional medicinal plant, Urtica massaica Mildbr (Urticaceae) Maniriho O1*, Nkurunziza JP2, Ayodele AE1,3, Benimana F4, Murhula HP1, Farhan HFA1, Nimbeshaho F1, Cyiza F5 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Plants Research and Drug Development Programme, Pan African University/University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria 2Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda 3Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria 4Department of Food and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia 5Department of chemistry, University of Bandung, Indonesia Abstract : Chemical screening and antimicrobial activities of stems and roots of Rwandan Article History Urtica massaica Mildbr. (Urticaceae) were investigated. Chemical screening revealed that Received: 21.02.2021 majority of bioactive secondary metabolites was present at higher concentration in stem Accepted: 26.03.2021 than in root. Antimicrobial activities of both stem and root bark methanolic extracts, SBME Published: 27.04.2021 and RBME, were followed by Agar Disc diffusion and Broth Macro-dilution methods; Journal homepage: Inhibition zones, Minimum Inhibition Concentration, MIC and Minimum Bactericidal https://www.easpublisher.com Concentration, MBC; against the tested microbial strains. Values of inhibition zone for SBME against E. coli were 21.667±1.529 to 28.000±2.851mm. RBME inhibited E.
  • Distribution, Ecology, Chemistry and Toxicology of Plant Stinging Hairs

    Distribution, Ecology, Chemistry and Toxicology of Plant Stinging Hairs

    toxins Review Distribution, Ecology, Chemistry and Toxicology of Plant Stinging Hairs Hans-Jürgen Ensikat 1, Hannah Wessely 2, Marianne Engeser 2 and Maximilian Weigend 1,* 1 Nees-Institut für Biodiversität der Pflanzen, Universität Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; [email protected] 2 Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, 53129 Bonn, Germany; [email protected] (H.W.); [email protected] (M.E.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-0228-732121 Abstract: Plant stinging hairs have fascinated humans for time immemorial. True stinging hairs are highly specialized plant structures that are able to inject a physiologically active liquid into the skin and can be differentiated from irritant hairs (causing mechanical damage only). Stinging hairs can be classified into two basic types: Urtica-type stinging hairs with the classical “hypodermic syringe” mechanism expelling only liquid, and Tragia-type stinging hairs expelling a liquid together with a sharp crystal. In total, there are some 650 plant species with stinging hairs across five remotely related plant families (i.e., belonging to different plant orders). The family Urticaceae (order Rosales) includes a total of ca. 150 stinging representatives, amongst them the well-known stinging nettles (genus Urtica). There are also some 200 stinging species in Loasaceae (order Cornales), ca. 250 stinging species in Euphorbiaceae (order Malphigiales), a handful of species in Namaceae (order Boraginales), and one in Caricaceae (order Brassicales). Stinging hairs are commonly found on most aerial parts of the plants, especially the stem and leaves, but sometimes also on flowers and fruits. The ecological role of stinging hairs in plants seems to be essentially defense against mammalian herbivores, while they appear to be essentially inefficient against invertebrate pests.
  • Teratogenic Potential of Urtica Massaica (Mildbr.) and Croton Megalocarpus (Hutch) in Mice

    Teratogenic Potential of Urtica Massaica (Mildbr.) and Croton Megalocarpus (Hutch) in Mice

    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329737353 Teratogenic potential of Urtica massaica (Mildbr.) and Croton megalocarpus (Hutch) in mice Article · December 2018 CITATIONS READS 0 50 3 authors: Yvonne Wabai Maina Mwonjoria Kenyatta University Kenyatta University 1 PUBLICATION 0 CITATIONS 39 PUBLICATIONS 125 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Eliud Njagi Kenyatta University 27 PUBLICATIONS 183 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Antinociceptive and antinflammatory effects of flavonoids rich fractions of selected Kenyan medicinal plants View project Master of science in biotechnology kenyatta university View project All content following this page was uploaded by Maina Mwonjoria on 18 December 2018. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2018; 7(6): 460-463 Online at: www.phytopharmajournal.com Research Article Teratogenic potential of Urtica massaica (Mildbr.) and ISSN 2320-480X Croton megalocarpus (Hutch) in mice JPHYTO 2018; 7(6): 460-463 November- December Wabai W. Yvonne*, Mwonjoria J.K. Maina, Njagi E. Mwaniki Received: 09-11-2018 Accepted: 23-11-2018 ABSTRACT © 2018, All rights reserved Urtica massaica (Urticaceae) and Croton megalocarpus are used either as vegetables or as food Wabai W. Yvonne additives and as medicine in traditional African societies. However, in spite of the widespread Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, consumption of these plants as folklore remedies and for diet, there is a scarcity of scientific data on their Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya teratogenicity. Hence this study sought to assess the teratogenic effects of these plants extracts in an animal model.
  • 8529 Diversity and Immune Boosting Claims of Some

    8529 Diversity and Immune Boosting Claims of Some

    Volume 14 No. 1 March 2014 DIVERSITY AND IMMUNE BOOSTING CLAIMS OF SOME AFRICAN INDIGENOUS LEAFY VEGETABLES IN WESTERN KENYA Tumwet TN1*, Kang’ethe EK2 , Kogi-Makau W1 and AM Mwangi1 Teresa Tumwet *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected] 1Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi, Kangemi Kenya 2Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kangemi Kenya 8529 Volume 14 No. 1 March 2014 ABSTRACT A survey was carried out to document the diversity and immune boosting claims of African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILVs) in Western Kenya. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. The results showed that there is diversity of AILVs in the study area with nine popular and frequently consumed, but cassava leaves, stinging nettle and russian comfry are not popular. Seven of these are cultivated but two, stinging nettle (Urtica massaica) and vine spinach (Basella alba) grow wildly. The AILVs are cultivated at subsistence level on home gardens with minimal inputs and only excess of this is sold. The religion one belonged to was significant (p<0.05) in determining consumption or not of some of the vegetables. The vegetables are rain fed and the process of harvesting is by first uprooting during thinning followed by breaking the main stem and finally plucking off the leaves with maturity. Vegetable preparation in most households was mainly by women. The elderly women were keen in this process and spent more time in preparing the vegetables which were believed to be ‘nutritious’.
  • Determination of Trace Elements in Selected Herbal Plants

    Determination of Trace Elements in Selected Herbal Plants

    i TTLE PAGE ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS IN SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN KENYA NJENGA ISAAC KARIUKI B.ED (Sc.) I56/5772/2003 A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Applied Analytical Chemistry in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University JULY, 2017 ii DECLARATION I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been presented for the award of a degree in any University. Signature ………………………………… Date ………………………………… Isaac Kariuki Njenga (I56/5772/2003) Department of Chemistry SUPERVISORS This thesis has been submitted for examination with our approval as University supervisors. Signature ………………………………… Date ………………………………… Prof. Wilson Njue Department of Chemistry Kenyatta University Signature ………………………………… Date ………………………………… Prof. Ruth Wanjau Department of Chemistry Kenyatta University iii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my dear wife Harriet Kagendo for being there during the easy and difficult moments and our sons, Steve and Manuel for providing me with the inspiration to complete this work. Also to my friend and colleague, Jack Wasike, for his invaluable moral support as I laboured to produce this work. “The race is not for the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all”(Ecclesiastes 9:11). iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to most sincerely thank my research supervisors, Prof. Wilson Njue and Prof Ruth Wanjau whose professional guidance and encouragement made this work possible. Mr. Simon Bartilol of Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology who whole-heartedly guided me in the EDXRF instrumentation and analysis.
  • Experiences with Developing a Botanic Garden in the Uplands of Kenya Nicholson

    Experiences with Developing a Botanic Garden in the Uplands of Kenya Nicholson

    Experiences with developing a botanic garden in the uplands of Kenya Nicholson Experiences with developing a botanic garden in the uplands of Kenya M.J. Nicholson Plants for Life, Limuru, Kenya Plants for Life International (PLI) is a registered Kenyan non-governmental organization (NGO) based at Brackenhurst (BBIC) Convention Centre, Tigoni, 23 km north on Nairobi, Kenya at altitude of 1800-2200m. PLI propagates upland vascular plants in East Africa: orchids, ferns, herbs, grasses, shrubs, lianas, scramblers and trees. Since 2001, we have been removing exotic plantation species and planting indigenous species of plants. We have established an arboretum, a botanic garden of indigenous flora and a herbal (physic) garden. Brackenhurst Highland Arboretum In commemoration of the new millennium, PLI (in collaboration with BBIC, which made the land available) decided to restore at least half of its 40 ha. (100 acres) property to indigenous forest. Phase 1 covered 2001-2005 and includes the >850 species listed on our database. The land was previously either pasture or plantations of commercial and ornamental exotic tree species (eucalyptus, wattle, cypress pine and Australian Blackwood). In line with the Millennium Seed Project of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, the establishment of an indigenous plant collection has three goals: Conservation Less than two percent of Kenya is covered by forest, compared with thirty percent of the country that was covered by forest and dry woodland 40 years ago. In contrast, both Tanzania and Zambia have forests and woodlands covering 50-60 percent of their land area. The ecological and economic impact of this deforestation is immense.
  • Leeds Thesis Template

    Leeds Thesis Template

    Plants and wound healing in Uganda: A mixed methods study Patience Amooti Muwanguzi Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Leeds Faculty of Medicine and Health School of Healthcare September 2012 The candidate confirms that the work submitted is their own and that the appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank God, the Almighty for making this whole project successful and for His guidance throughout the three years. This study does not represent a singular effort, but the efforts and support of many individuals. My thanks and appreciation go out to my supervisor Professor Andrea Nelson for her thoughtful guidance, ability to push me a bit harder and her ability to keep us focused whilst still looking at the big picture. My co-supervisors, Dr Jim Jolly for his ability to ask critical questions and vast knowledge about the plant world and Dr Jane Cahill for being „the buffer‟ and for her immense expertise in qualitative research methods. Thank you all for your words of wisdom, support and encouragement. Special thanks to Professor Kate Thomas for your co-supervision during the first year of this project. I also extend my gratitude to Ms Ruth Allcroft and the staff in the research office at the School of Healthcare. I greatly appreciate Professor Eileen Ingham from the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering in the Faculty of Biological sciences at the University of Leeds, for generously allowing us to conduct analysis on the plants in the immunology lab.