Browsing by Author "Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke"
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Item Active Learning in a Pharmacology Classroom (Pharmacology Education l)(Federation Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB), 2019) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olumoh-Abdul, HidayahPharmacology teaching in Nigeria is extremely teacher-centered and does not meet the educational needs of Pharmacy students. Despite the numerous advantages of active learning, Pharmacy schools in Nigeria are yet to adopt this teaching method. This action research was carried out to introduce and determine the effectiveness of active learning in a pharmacology classroom. Twenty-four Pharmacy students in their third year participated in the study. Randomized control-group pre-test post-test design was used. A pre-test was administered to the control and treatment groups. Traditional lecture method was employed in teaching twelve students (control group) while three active learning strategies; Think-pair-share, Student presentation and Socratic questioning was used in teaching a cardiovascular module to twelve students (treatment group). A Post-test was given to both groups after four weeks of instruction. We administered a structured questionnaire to obtain information on students’ perception of active learning strategies. A higher mean score was obtained from the post-test of students taught with active learning strategies. Majority of the respondents agreed active learning enhanced team work, increased their knowledge and confidence. Inadequate pre-class preparation by the students was a major barrier encountered with use of active learning strategies and more time will be required to depart from passive to active learning. In conclusion, students were involved in the learning process and effective instruction was achieved. These findings will be of value to educators who plan to adopt active learning strategies in small classrooms.Item Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Allium Cepa Peels in Wistar Albino Rats(Iranian Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, 2021) Ojuade, Fatimoh Idowu; Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah Ayodeji; Ayeni, Adedolapo Rhoda; Rasheed, Mumini WemimoAllium cepa (A. cepa) is a medicinal plant widely used as spice in food and has been reported to have antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, and antioxidant properties amongst others. The peels from this vegetable also possess antioxidant, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive activities to mention few. A. cepa peels is used by traditional healers to treat and or manage different ailments but little is known about the safety of A. cepa peels. This study evaluated the safety of aqueous extract of A. cepa peels (AEACP) in female Wistar albino rats. Oral acute toxicity was evaluated using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 423, three (3) oral doses of the extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) were used and administered for 28 days for the subacute toxicity study. The effect of AEACP was evaluated on the: body weight, relative organ weight, hematological parameters, hepatic and renal parameters. The effect of AEACP was also evaluated on the histology of the kidney and liver. The median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg and administration of AEACP produced no significant (p˂0.05) differences in body weight, relative kidney weight, creatinine, and uric acid when compared with control group. There were significant (p˂0.05) reduction in relative liver weight, serum sodium, and serum chloride level in 500 mg/kg group and the percentage reduction in comparison with control was 15.24 ± 1.98, 42.45 ± 2.40, and 9. 65 ± 1.07 respectively. The PLT and ALT values in 125 mg/kg group were significantly (p˂0.05) lowered by 26.26 ± 2.96 and 39.46 ± 3.04% when compared with control. The WBC, uric acid, Albumin, and D. bilirubin values in 500 mg/kg group were significantly reduced (p˂0.05) compared with 125 mg/kg group with percentage reductions of 32.10 ± 2.31, 7.79 ± 1.03, 17.89 ± 2.34, and 27.37 ± 2.79 respectively. The urea level in groups treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg of AEACP was significantly lower than the control group and the percentage reduction were found to be 54.17 ± 2.10 and 37.15 ± 1.98 respectively. The histopathological examinations showed no traces of toxicity as the architecture of the liver and kidney were preserved. Acute and subacute use of Allium cepa peels produced no toxicity, its folkloric use is safe and should be encouraged..Item Anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous leafextract of Croton zambesicus (Euphorbiaceae) in mice and rats(Razi Institute for Drug Research, 2008) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Wannang, NoelTo determine the anticonvulsant activity of the leaf extract of Croton zambesicus in mice and rats, and in order to verify the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of epilepsy, the pentyleneterazole (PTZ) and the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) models were used for assessing the anticonvulsant effects of the aqueous leaf extract in mice and rats. In the PTZ test, the leaf extract (1000-2000 mg/kg p.o.) pro-duced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the onset of seizures in rats and mice compared with the control group. The aqueous extract (1500 and 2000 mg/kg p.o.) produced some protection (42.9%) in rats, while 1000 mg/kg p.o. of that produced significant protection (71.4%) against PTZ-induced convulsion in mice. In the MES test, the aqueous extract (500-1500 mg/kg p.o.) produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the onset of seizures compared with the control group. At 1500 mg/kg p.o., the extract also produced sig-nificant protection (71.4%) against MES-induced convulsions in mice. The results obtained from this study indicate that the aqueous leaf extract of Croton zambesicus may be beneficial in both absence and tonic clonic seizures.Item Anticonvulsant Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Croton zambesicus (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice and Rats(IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS Razi Institute for Drug Research, 2008) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Wannang, Noel NenmanTo determine the anticonvulsant activity of the leaf extract of Croton zambesicus in mice and rats, and in order to verify the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of epilepsy, the pentyleneterazole (PTZ) and the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) models were used for assessing the anticonvulsant effects of the aqueous leaf extract in mice and rats. In the PTZ test, the leaf extract (1000-2000 mg/kg p.o.) produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the onset of seizures in rats and mice compared with the control group. The aqueous extract (1500 and 2000 mg/kg p.o.) produced some protection (42.9%) in rats, while 1000 mg/kg p.o. of that produced significant protection (71.4%) against PTZ-induced convulsion in mice. In the MES test, the aqueous extract (500-1500 mg/kg p.o.) produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the onset of seizures compared with the control group. At 1500 mg/kg p.o., the extract also produced significant protection (71.4%) against MES-induced convulsions in mice. The results obtained from this study indicate that the aqueous leaf extract of Croton zambesicus may be beneficial in both absence and tonic clonic seizures.Item Antispasmodic and Antidiarrheal Activities of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Croton zambesicus linn (Euphorbiaceae) in Rats(Antispasmodic and Antidiarrheal Activities of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Croton zambesicus linn (Euphorbiaceae) in Rats, 2016) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Maiha, Bilkis; Ayorinde, Oluwatomiyosi; Alli-Oluwafuyi, Abdumusawir; Jimoh Akanbi, MarijkeCroton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) is used in the management of various ailments including diarrhoea and dysentery. The present study was carried out to investigate the antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activities of aqueous leaf extract of Croton zambesicus in albino rats. The effect of the extract on acetylcholine, calcium chloride and angiotensin II-induced contraction of the rat ileum was determined. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaf extract was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea and gastrointestinal motility test in rats. The leaf extract (1.60 and 6.40 mg/ml) significantly inhibited (P<0.05 and P<0.01) acetylcholine-induced contraction of the rat ileum. Calcium chloride-induced contraction was significantly (P<0.001) inhibited at a concentration of (6.40 mg/ml). A ten times lower concentration of the extract (0.64 mg/ml) produced a significant (P<0.01) concentration-dependent inhibition of angiotensin II-induced contraction of the rat ileum. The extract (400 and 800 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.05, P<0.001) reduction in frequency of castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility. In addition, the extract (400 and 800 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.01, P<0.001) decreased gastrointestinal motility in rats. The results from this study indicate that aqueous leaf extract of Croton zambesicus has gastrointestinal relaxant and antidiarrhoeal activities mediated possibly via inhibitory effects on calcium channels, muscarinic and angiotensin type 1 receptors.Item CHARACTERIZATION, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIALS OF A HERBAL PREPARATION(Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019-03) Njinga, Stanislus Ngaitad; Bakare-Odunola, M.T; Mustapha, K.B; Yahaya, T; Shittu, Abiodun; Bello, Ronke Hadiyyah; Abdullahi, S.T.; Usman, S.O.; Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olufadi-Ahmed, HaishatHerbal product (HP) (from Ricinus communis and honey) is used locally for the management of inflammatory and inflammation related disorders including asthma. The current study was carried out to determine the phytochemicals, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, chemical profile, elemental components, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of the HP used for treatment of asthma. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteus reagent and AlCl3 colorimetric method respectively. The chemo-profiling was done using TLC. Elemental analysis was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Albumin-induced paw oedema model was used to determine the anti-inflammatory activity while agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the HP at different concentrations. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenoids were detected in the HP. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 10.00 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 336.60 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. The chemo-profiling showed one spot at 254 nm but none at 366 nm. AAS indicated the presence of K, Ca, Fe, Na, Zn, Cu and Pb (Cu and Pb were within WHO acceptable limit). The 100 % concentration produced sudden but transient significant reduction in oedema size at 30 minutes. However, at 60 minutes the effect produced at 25 % was comparable to that of Ibuprofen at 20 mg/kg body weight. At 100% concentration HP all the organisms tested were sensitive except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presence of flavonoids may justify the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities thus validating its use in local treatment of AsthmaItem Evaluation of anti nociceptive and anti inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Turraea vogelli Hook. f. ex. Benth(Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019-01) Olufadi-Ahmed, Haishat Yetunde; Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Ojuade, Fatimoh Ojuade; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah; Salawu, Kayode Muritala; Adebisi-Jose, GbemisolaThe leaf extract of Turraea vogelii Hook. f. ex. Benth . is used in ethnomedicine for the management of pain and inflammation. Anti nociceptive activity was determined using acetic acid induced mouse writhing model. The anti inflammatory activity was investigated using in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA) denat uration assay and BSA induced hind paw edema in rats. The extract (125 500 mg/kg) administered via the oral route produced a significant ( p <0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes. The percent inhibition of writhes for extract (500 mg/kg) and dicl ofenac (1 0 mg/kg) was 53.3 and 59.5% respectively. The methanol extract (10 6 1.0 µg /mL) inhibited protein denaturation with IC 50 values of ( 1.06 × 10 3 µg/mL and 2.58 × 10 3 µg/mL) for extract and diclofenac respectively. Furthermore, the leaf extract (62. 5 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited BSA induced paw edema in rats. The methanol leaf extract of T. vogelii has anti nociceptive and anti inflammatory activities. These findings justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the management o f pain and inflammation.Item Evaluation of anti nociceptive and anti inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Turraea vogelli Hook. f. ex. Benth(The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, 2019-02) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Ojuade, Fatimoh Idowu; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah; Salawu, Kayode Muritala; Olufadi-Ahmed, , Haishat; Adebisi-jose, Gbemisola OlusayoAbstract : The leaf extract of Turraea vogelii Hook. f. ex. Benth . is used in ethnomedicine for the management of pain and inflammation. Anti nociceptive activity was determined using acetic acid induced mouse writhing model. The anti inflammatory activity was investigated using in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA) denat uration assay and BSA induced hind paw edema in rats. The extract (125 500 mg/kg) administered via the oral route produced a significant ( p <0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes. The percent inhibition of writhes for extract (500 mg/kg) and dicl ofenac (1 0 mg/kg) was 53.3 and 59.5% respectively. The methanol extract (10 6 1.0 µg /mL) inhibited protein denaturation with IC 50 values of ( 1.06 × 10 3 µg/mL and 2.58 × 10 3 µg/mL) for extract and diclofenac respectively. Furthermore, the leaf extract (62. 5 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited BSA induced paw edema in rats. The methanol leaf extract of T. vogelii has anti nociceptive and anti inflammatory activities. These findings justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the management o f pain and inflammation.Item Evaluation of Anti-nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Leaf Extract of Turraea vogelii Hook. f. ex. Benth.(Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, 2019) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Ojuade, Fatimoh; Abdul-Olumoh, Hidayah; Salawu, Kayode; Olufadi-Ahmed, Haishat; Adebesi-Jose, GbemisolaThe leaf extract of Turraea vogelii Hook. f. ex. Benth . is used in ethnomedicine for the management of pain and inflammation. Anti nociceptive activity was determined using acetic acid induced mouse writhing model. The antiinflammatory activity was investigated using in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation assay and BSA induced hind paw edema in rats. The extract (125 500 mg/kg) administered via the oral route produced a significant ( p <0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes. The percent inhibition of writhes for extract (500 mg/kg) and dicl ofenac (10mg/kg) was 53.3 and 59.5% respectively. The methanol extract (10 6 1.0 µg /mL) inhibited protein denaturation with IC 50 values of ( 1.06 × 10 3 µg/mL and 2.58 × 10 3 µg/mL) for extract and diclofenac respectively. Furthermore, the leaf extract (62. 5 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited BSA induced paw edema in rats. The methanol leaf extract of T. vogelii has anti nociceptive and anti inflammatory activities. These findings justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the management o f pain and inflammation.Item Evaluation of the Role of Nigerian Pharmacists in Promoting Lifestyle Modification in Prevention and Control of Hypertension(Nigerian Journal of Pharmacy, 2015) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Jamiu, Muslim; Kola-Olaniyan, MedinaBackground: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-communicable conditions worldwide and currently a global medical and public health issue. A public health approach to the prevention and control of hypertension needs to be adopted, one that promotes healthy dietary habits, a tobacco-free lifestyle, regular physical activity and a supportive psychosocial environment. Pharmacists and other health care professionals will play a vital role in the promotion and success of this approach, because they interact on a regular basis with a large proportion of the population and are well placed to counsel individual patients. The objective of this study was to document the role of Nigerian pharmacists in promoting lifestyle modification in the prevention and control hypertension. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study conducted during the Annual National Conference of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (2013) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 370 Community and Hospital Pharmacists. Descriptive data was presented in the form of frequency and percentages. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi square test and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Three hundred and fifty questionnaires were completed giving a response rate of 94.6%. The respondents (60.3 %) performed blood pressure screening and monitoring in their practice setting while 52.9 % educate and counsel patients on life style modification. There was a significant association between Pharmacist’s educational qualifications and the provision of blood pressure screening and monitoring services (P=0.000) but none with patients education about life style modification (P=0.272). The Pharmacist’s area of practice was found to be significantly associated with the provision of patients education and counseling (P=0.000). Conclusion: Nigerian Pharmacists educate and counsel their patients on healthy dietary habits, dietary salt restriction, healthy body weight, regular physical activity and reduction in alcohol consumption. They also provide blood pressure screening and monitoring services to their patients.Item Heavy metal content of commonly consumed herbal bitters in Ilorin, Nigeria(West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy, 2017) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Folamin, Samson; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah; Atunwa, Soliu; Oreagba, IbrahimBackground: The use of herbal medicines has increased in recent years and has gained much attention in the health sectors, scientific community and the public alike. The safety and quality of these products become questionable even when the efficacy and potency may be guaranteed. Objective: The presence of heavy metals was determined. Methods: Two batches of five herbal bitters were purchased from different parts of Ilorin. Samples were prepared from these batches and analyzed for the presence of Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe) and Lead (Pb) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Their concentrations were compared with WHO permissible limits. The variations in the concentration of Cd, Fe, and Pb in the two batches of samples were also determined at P < 0.05. Results: The value of Cd ranged from 0.003-0.3mg/L, Pb 0.000-0.067mg/L and Fe 0.083-0.27mg/L. This study revealed that majority of the samples contained Cd and Pb in concentrations significantly lower than the permissible limits. However, the two batches of herbal bitters contained Fe with concentrations significantly higher than the official permissible limit of 0.1mg/L. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study showed that Iron was present in all the samples with some concentrations significantly higher than the WHO permissible limit. Lead and cadmium were present in some of the samples with concentrations below the WHO permissible limit.Item Phytochemical, Elemental, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Hypoglycemic Studies of Mixed Herbal Product used for the Management of Diabetics(Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, 2018) Bakare-Odunola, Moji; Njinga, Ngaitad; Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Bello, Munirat; Abdullahi, Saad; Eniayewu, Oluwasegun; Abdulmajeed, Fehintola; Bello, HadiyahMedicinal plants are important sources of disease-preventing compounds, which are important for the treatment of various health challenges such as diabetes. On an aqueous extract of a herbal product (HP) used for the management of diabetes, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl3 method respectively. Microbiological evaluation was done by determining the total viable, yeast, mould and coliform bacteria count. The elemental analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometer. The acute toxicity was done using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline while the hypoglycemic activity was evaluated using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenoids were detected in the HP. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents obtained was 1.58±0.001mg/g quercetin equivalent and 10.84±0.003 mg/g gallic acid equivalent respectively. Heavy metals Fe and Zn were present while Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb were absent. Na and K were also present at concentrations of 3.90 and 2.20mg·kg−1 respectively. The total viable and coliform counts were found to be 1.34 x 105and 9.0 x 104 cfu/g respectively while there was absence of mould and yeast in the HP. The LD50 of the HP was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. At dose of 125 mg/kg, the HP significantly (P<005) reduced glucose level to 143 mg/dL after 4 hours and to 123 mg/dL after 8 hours. The phytochemicals present, safety and the anti-diabetic activity justify the use of this HP in the management of diabetes.Item The Protective Effect of Croton zambesicus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Renal Toxicity in Rats(Arak University of Medical Sciences, 2019-02) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah Ayodeji; Ojuade, Fatimoh Idowu; Abdullahi, Rasheed; Anafi, Sherifat BolaBackground: The leaf extract of Croton zambesicus (CZ) is used in traditional medicine for the management of various conditions including kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the protective effects of leaf extract of CZ on rat kidney toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Method: Male albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats and treated for 5 days with aqueous extract (200-400 mg/kg) and n-butanol fraction (20-40 mg/kg) of CZ. Carbon tetrachloride (2 ml/kg of 40% in olive oil) was administered subcutaneously for 3 days and the rats were treated with the extract and fraction for 3 days. Animals were euthanized on day 8 with intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (60 mg/kg) and xylazine (7.5 mg/kg). Blood sample was collected for the analysis of serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine. Kidney tissue was harvested to determine the antioxidant enzyme activity. Results: Carbon tetrachloride produced increased serum sodium ion, chloride ion, urea and creatinine with decreased superoxide, catalase, glutathione, oxidized glutathione and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration. Treatment of rats with the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction attenuated the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride on kidney with a significant decline in serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine and a significant increase in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction of CZ had protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced renal toxicity in rats, thus justifying the consideration of this plant for the management of kidney disease.Item The Protective Effect of Croton zambesicus against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Renal Toxicity in Rats(2019) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah; Ojuade, Fatimoh; Abdullahi, Abdulrasheed; Anafi, SherifatBackground: The leaf extract of Croton zambesicus (CZ) is used in traditional medicine for the management of various conditions including kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the protective effects of leaf extract of CZ on rat kidney toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Method: Male albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats and treated for 5 days with aqueous extract (200-400 mg/kg) and n-butanol fraction (20-40 mg/kg) of CZ. Carbon tetrachloride (2 ml/kg of 40% in olive oil) was administered subcutaneously for 3 days and the rats were treated with the extract and fraction for 3 days. Animals were euthanized on day 8 with intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (60 mg/kg) and xylazine (7.5 mg/kg). Blood sample was collected for the analysis of serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine. Kidney tissue was harvested to determine the antioxidant enzyme activity. Results: Carbon tetrachloride produced increased serum sodium ion, chloride ion, urea and creatinine with decreased superoxide, catalase, glutathione, oxidized glutathione and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration. Treatment of rats with the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction attenuated the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride on kidney with a significant decline in serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine and a significant increase in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction of CZ had protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced renal toxicity in rats, thus justifying the consideration of this plant for the management of kidney disease.Item Protective effect of Croton zambesicus leaf extract against carbon tetrachlorideinduced cardiac toxicity in rats(Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 2020-06-27) Ayanniyi, Rashidat Oluwafunke; Olumoh-Abdul, Hidayah Ayodeji; Ojuade, Fatimoh Idowu; Asogwa, NnaemekaBackground: The leaves of Croton zambesicus (CZ) Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) are used as a spice for food and in traditional medicine for the management of several disease conditions, including hypertension and diabetes. The study was carried out to determine the cardioprotective effects of CZ leaf extract and n-butanol fraction on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) -induced toxicity. Male albino rats were treated for 5 days with CZ extract, n-butanol fraction, and ascorbic acid. Materials and Method: On day 6, CCl4 was administered subcutaneously for 3 days to rats in Groups II-VII and treated concurrently for 3 days with aqueous leaf extract of CZ, n-butanol fraction, and ascorbic acid. Serum levels of cardiac function markers, creatine-kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) fraction, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), oxidized GSH (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also determined. Results: Aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction significantly (P < 0.05) decreased serum concentration of CK-MB and LDH. In addition, there was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx) with a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the concentration of MDA. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed the aqueous leaf extract of CZ attenuated toxic effects of CCl4 on the heart and thus found to have a protective potential.Item Smooth Muscle Relaxant Activity of The Aqueous Leaf Extract of Croton Zambesicus Linn (Euphorbiaceae) In Laboratory Animals(Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 2014) Ayanniyi, Rashidat OluwafunkeCroton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) (CZ) is used by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria to treat a variety of ailments including hypertension. We confirmed the hypotensive activity in laboratory animals of the aqueous leaf extract of CZ (unpublished work). Aim: To determine the smooth muscle relaxant activity and mechanism of action of the aqueous leaf extract of CZ in laboratory animals. Methods: The effects of aqueous leaf extract of CZ on spontaneous contractions of rabbit ileum and on rat ileum precontracted with Ach (1 lM), angII (1 nM–1 lM), CaCl2 (1–30 mM) and K+ (80 mM) were determined. Results: Spontaneous contractions of rabbit ileum were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by CZ aqueous extract (3–6 mg/ml) with a maximal reduction of 70 _ 3 %. In the rat ileum CZ aqueous extract inhibited AngII-induced contraction in two phases. A Concentration- dependent inhibition of up to 60 _ 12 % was obtained with 0.6 mg/ml. The second phase inhibition of 98 _ 4 % was obtained with CZ concentration of 6 mg/ml. This effect was similar to that produced by valsartan, a non-competitive antagonist of angiotensin 1 receptor (AT1-receptor). Furthermore, KCl-induced contraction was blocked completely by 0.6 mg/ml CZ leaf extract. CZ extract (1– 6 mg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of CaCl2 and Ach-induced contraction of the rat ileum, with a maximal inhibition of 95 _ 2 % and 80 _ 18 % respectively. Conclusion: The aqueous leaf extract of CZ has smooth muscle relaxant activity mediated via inhibition of AT1-receptors and calcium influx through calcium channels, thus providing a pharmacologic basis for use of the plant as antihypertensive in traditional medicine. This study also reveals that CZ acts via multiple pathways, which is in line with the current therapy for hypertension that encompasses the use of drugs with complementary mechanisms of action.