Research Article
Antioxidant and Antiplasmodial Potentials of Methanol Bark Extract of Entada africana Via in Vitro Approaches
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
57-67
Received:
14 May 2024
Accepted:
4 June 2024
Published:
30 August 2024
Abstract: Plasmodium parasites, which cause malaria, continue to pose a serious threat to global health, necessitating the continuous search for novel antimalarial agents. Oxidative stress has also been linked to the pathophysiology of malaria. Entada africana is a plant known for its ethnomedicinal uses in treating various ailments associated with inflammation including malaria. This study aimed at evaluating the antiplasmodial and antioxidant potentials of methanol bark extract from Entada africana (MBEEA). In vitro approaches were adopted for the study. Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte samples were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 media under anaerobic conditions for 72 hours. Eighteen test tubes were labeled and grouped into three replicates per group. Group I (untreated), Group II, and III were treated with chloroquine (CQ) and artemether (AR) at a concentration of 5 mg/dL. Group IV, V, and VI were treated with the extract at respective concentrations of 5 mg/dL, 10 mg/dL, and 20 mg/dL for 72 hours. The parasitemia count and the percentage parasitemia inhibition were determined by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears. The antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed using in vitro assays, including superoxide radical scavenging activity (SRSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Microscopic examination of the treated samples revealed varying degrees of parasitemia inhibition. Group II and III treated with CQ and AR demonstrated a considerable reduction in parasitemia count with percentage inhibition of 100% and 83% respectively. The E. africana extract showed a concentration-dependent effect on parasitemia count. At 5 mg/dL, the extract exhibited 50% parasitemia inhibition, which increased to 100% at 10 mg/dL, and 20 mg/dL respectively. The MBEEA demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant activities by scavenging DPPH, SRSA, and hydroxyl radical compared to the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). MBEEA thus exhibit potent antioxidant and antiplasmodial properties. This plant is therefore offers to be a promising medicinal plant in the treatment of malaria, hence it is recommended as potent antiplasmodial plant usable for treating malaria.
Abstract: Plasmodium parasites, which cause malaria, continue to pose a serious threat to global health, necessitating the continuous search for novel antimalarial agents. Oxidative stress has also been linked to the pathophysiology of malaria. Entada africana is a plant known for its ethnomedicinal uses in treating various ailments associated with inflammat...
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Review Article
Dietary Fat Intake on Metabolic Health: An in-Depth Analysis of Epidemiological, Clinical, and Animal Studies
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
68-77
Received:
2 May 2024
Accepted:
7 June 2024
Published:
11 September 2024
Abstract: Background: The consumption of dietary fat plays a vital role in the maintenance of metabolic health as it exerts impact over several physiological processes, including lipid profiles, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, among other factors. The aim of this comprehensive review seeks to assess the influence of dietary fat consumption on metabolic processes. Methods: An exhaustive and methodical exploration of pertinent databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, was undertaken to identify animal studies, clinical trials, and epidemiological research. The search terms included "dietary fat," "metabolic health," "epidemiological studies," "clinical trials," and "animal studies". Result: Animal studies demonstrate that high intake of saturated fat impairs insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, while unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have beneficial effects. Observational studies in humans reveal that higher intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, whereas unsaturated fats lower the risk. Conclusion: Clinical trials have further supported the importance of replacing SFAs with healthier fats, such as MUFAs and PUFAs, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in improving metabolic health markers in human subjects. Instead of advising against fats altogether, it is important to specify the preferred types of fats to be consumed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Abstract: Background: The consumption of dietary fat plays a vital role in the maintenance of metabolic health as it exerts impact over several physiological processes, including lipid profiles, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, among other factors. The aim of this comprehensive review seeks to assess the influence of dietary fat consumption on metaboli...
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Ehisdiame Favour Okoh
