Papers by Christopher Larbie
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 28, 2022
Background: Duranta erecta is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of myriad of disease... more Background: Duranta erecta is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of myriad of diseases in most developing countries. The potential safety concerns associated with the administration of hydroethanolic fruit extracts of the plants were investigated in rats. Materials and Methods: Extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by the DPPH scavenging activity. Bioactive compounds present in methanolic extracts of ripe and unripe fruits of D. erecta were identified using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Male and female rats were grouped taking their body weights into consideration to achieve approximately equal conditions among the groups. A freshly prepared solution of DRR or DRU extract was administered orally at 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. to different groups while normal group received distilled water daily for 28 days. Toxicity assessment was done using relative organ weight, haematological, and biochemical parameters and histological assessment. Results: The administration of extracts resulted in overall body weight increase, significant change in relative organ weight of the liver, changes in haematological index such as platelet and biochemical parameters namely ALT, AST, ALP, TBil, DBil, IBil, creatinine and urea of the tested group relative to the normal. Histological observations showed normal hepatocytes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that hydroethanolic Duranta erecta fruit extracts is safe but its prolonged use may have some level of adverse effect on the liver.
Advances in traditional medicine, Jun 22, 2020
Liver diseases have continued to be a major health problem in the world's population with drug-in... more Liver diseases have continued to be a major health problem in the world's population with drug-induced liver damage as one of the causes. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth is an ornamental plant and almost all parts of this plant are of medicinal importance. It exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound healing activities. This study was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective effects of hydroethanolic extract of Tecoma stans (TSE) against acetaminophenand CCl 4-induced liver damage in rats. CCl 4 (1 ml/kg body weight dissolved in olive oil) and acetaminophen (500 mg/kg b.wt) was used to induce hepatotoxicity in the animals. Animals were treated with TSE (dose: 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg b.wt) and standard drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg), for 7 days. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin (total and indirect), serum proteins (total protein, album and globulin), total cholesterol and triglycerides, creatinine and urea were evaluated. Also, liver histology and oxidative stress assessment were conducted. Significant increases in the major indicators of liver toxicity were observed in the paracetamol and CCl 4 only group when compared to the normal. Levels of these biochemical parameters were reduced after the administration TSE (250 mg/kg) and the silymarin (100 mg/kg). The biochemical assessment was supported by histological observations. TSE has shown to possess significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in the current study.
Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, 2019
Hypertension is a major global public health problem due to its related high morbidity and mortal... more Hypertension is a major global public health problem due to its related high morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries, with a prevalence of 46% in the adult population. The study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among hypertensive outpatients and its associated effect on target organs. Questionnaire was administered to 150 hypertensive outpatients and 50 non-hypertensives. Anthropometrics such as body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, visceral fat, blood pressure and biochemical parameters including lipid profile, urea, AST, ALT, and coronary risk were determined using standard procedures. Dietary pattern of hypertensives was not different from non-hypertensives. Metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly prevalent among hypertensive group than non-hypertensive group. Among cardiovascular disease markers, high coronary disease risk was significantly higher among participants with metabolic syndrome compared to those without metabolic syndrome (p=0.000). Coronary risk and ALT had weak, significant positive correlation in patients with metabolic syndrome. In effect, there is a high risk of heart, kidney and liver damage in hypertensives than non-hypertensives, which require comprehensive intervention and monitoring to reduce this burden of the disease.
Food science & nutrition research, Jun 30, 2022
Background: Diabetes mellitus persists as a major global health challenge despite several interve... more Background: Diabetes mellitus persists as a major global health challenge despite several interventions. Remedies from natural plant products such as Parkia biglobosa (PB) seeds promises to be an effective alternative with no or fewer side effects. This study sort to assess and compare the total protein, fatty acid profile, phytochemical, antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic effect of fermented (FSE) and non-fermented (NSE) seed extract of PB in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced (STZ-N) diabetic rats. Methods: Proximate composition (total proteins and lipids), fatty acid composition (by Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether followed GC-MS) as well as phytochemical constituent and radical scavenging activity were performed on FSE and NSE. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg b.w) followed by nicotinamide (110 mg/kg b.w) 15 minutes afterwards. Diabetic rats were orally treated with FSE and NSE (at 100 mg/kg b.w and 250 mg/kg b.w) or glibenclamide daily for 28 days. The antihyperglycemic effect was evaluated using biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), lipid profile and kidney function parameters. Result: Protein and crude fat levels in the fermented were higher than non-fermented (12.5% and 97.6%, respectively). Polyunsaturated fatty acids were present in both. NSE had higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The 250 mg/kg b.w of NSE and FSE reduced serum glucose levels by 53% and 42%, comparable to 39.5% of glibenclamide. total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were reduced, with increased HDL levels. Further improvement in kidney function parameters was observed compared to the diabetes control. Conclusion: This study showed that both non-fermented and fermented seed extract of PB exerted antihyperglycemic effects and had potent therapy for type 2 diabetes and related nephropathy.
Biochemistry Research International, Oct 24, 2019
e use of plant-based medicine is popular amongst individuals and communities in developing countr... more e use of plant-based medicine is popular amongst individuals and communities in developing countries. Duranta erecta has been used in Africa and Asia to treat a wide range of diseases. is study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of D. erecta to ascertain its health benefits in traditional medicine. Phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial effect of the hydroethanolic extract of D. erecta leaves (DRL), unripe fruits (DRU), and ripe fruits (DRR) were investigated by standard methods. Elemental analyses were carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) on the raw sample and extract. FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy were used to identify functional groups. Extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by three tests. e total phenolic and total tannin contents were evaluated by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined by the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay method. e antioxidant activities were evaluated using the DPPH scavenging activity. e results of phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, amides, carboxylic acids, esters, nitro compounds, alkynes, primary and secondary amines, and alkyl halides. Iron, zinc, and copper were also detected. Total phenolic and tannin contents ranged from 2.20 ± 0.15 to 14.54 ± 0.29 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g and 3.55 ± 0.07 to 13.82 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. Total flavonoid content varied from 41.76 ± 0.96 to 343.49 ± 3.45 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g. e highest DPPH scavenging activity was recorded in the methanolic fraction of the leaves. e antimicrobial assay of the extract or fractions recorded no activity against the test organisms. e outcome of this study affirmed that D. erecta contains phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that could be of health benefit.
Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences
This study was designed to investigate the modulatory role of Luteolin (Lut), a flavonoid phytoch... more This study was designed to investigate the modulatory role of Luteolin (Lut), a flavonoid phytochemical, on haemodynamic parameters and the potential mechanisms involving renal Angiotensin II (AT2R) and Mineralocorticoid (MCR) receptors in renal toxicity induced by co-exposure to Diclofenac (Dcf) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in rats.Male Wistar rats were administered with either vehicle (control), Dcf only (9 mg/kg orally) or concurrently with NaF (300 ppm in drinking water). Other groups were treated with LutA (100 mg/kg) or LutB (200 mg/kg) along with Dcf and NaF exposures. All treatments lasted 8 days, following which blood pressure indices were measured using tail-cuff plethysmography. Renal expressions of AT2R and MCR were studied with immunohistochemistry, while biomarkers of oxidative and antioxidant status were also measured in the kidneys. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in Dcf-treated rats, compared to control values. How...
Hypertension is a major global public health problem due to its related high morbidity and mortal... more Hypertension is a major global public health problem due to its related high morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries, with a prevalence of 46% in the adult population. The study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among hypertensive outpatients and its associated effect on target organs. Questionnaire was administered to 150 hypertensive outpatients and 50 non-hypertensives. Anthropometrics such as body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, visceral fat, blood pressure and biochemical parameters including lipid profile, urea, AST, ALT, and coronary risk were determined using standard procedures. Dietary pattern of hypertensives was not different from non-hypertensives. Metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly prevalent among hypertensive group than non-hypertensive group. Among cardiovascular disease markers, high coronary disease risk was significantly higher among participants with metabolic syndrome compared to those wit...
The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2018
Glucose tolerance refers to the body’s ability to metabolise glucose within a stipulated time int... more Glucose tolerance refers to the body’s ability to metabolise glucose within a stipulated time interval. Failure of the body to use glucose results in hyperglycaemia and progressively to diabetes. Acalypha inferno (family Euphorbiaceae) is an ornamental plant found widely in the tropics of Africa and known for its phytoremediating properties. The study was aimed at investigating the effects of aqueous ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno on oral glucose tolerance in normoglycaemic rats. A 50% hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves was prepared, and the oral glucose tolerance effect of the plant assessed for 14 days in normoglycaemic rats at doses of 100mg, 250mg and 500mg/kg body weight. Glibenclamide (10mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. The effect of treatment on body weight, OGTT at day 7 and 14, lipid profile and kidney function were assessed. On day 7, FBG level increased from 4.93±0.29mmol/l to 25.03±0.93mmol/l after 1 hour and 17.53±4.50mmol/l after 3 hours in normal group. E...
Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2018
This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Authors EA and NPA were involved ... more This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Authors EA and NPA were involved in the study design, data collection, data analysis and the first draft of the manuscript. Authors DBK and MAT were involved in the study concept development, implementation and manuscript review. Authors FCMR and CL were involved in the study implementation, data interpretation and review of the manuscript draft. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Journal of Cancer and Tumor International, 2018
I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work towards the PhD and that, to the best of my know... more I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work towards the PhD and that, to the best of my knowledge, it contains no material previously published by another person nor material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree of the University, except where due acknowledgement has been made in text. APPREY CHARLES ……………………….…… …………….…………….
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2018
Wild edible mushrooms have been reported to contain high phenolic contents which confer free radi... more Wild edible mushrooms have been reported to contain high phenolic contents which confer free radical scavenging ability. This study investigated antioxidant potentials of wild edible mushrooms from the Ashanti region (Kumasi) in Ghana. Cultivated strain of Pleurotus ostreatus (control) and five wild edible mushrooms (Termitomyces sp., Volvariella sp., Termitomyces shimperi, Auricularis auricular, and Volvariella volvaceae) were evaluated. Total phenolic content, Glutathione content and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical experiments were run on aqueous and ethanolic extracts of each mushroom. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T. shimperi showed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro, with their EC50 values of 0.699mg/ml and 0.47mg/ml respectively. Their EC50 values were greater than the standard, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) value of 0.526mg/ml. Ethanolic extracts of Volvariella sp had the significantly (p<0.05) higher phenolic content (861.3 mg/GAE, p <0.01) than the cultivated control, P. Ostreatus (aqueous extracts at 284.1695 mg/GAE and ethanolic extracts at 167.7287 mg/GAE). Termitomyces sp., A. auricular, and V. volvaceae had lower antioxidant activities than the BHT control. Two wild varieties (Termitomyces shimperi and Volvariella sp.) of mushroom assayed showed significantly (p<0.05) higher antioxidant ability. Consumption of these varieties of wild edible mushrooms can therefore be recommended.
Ornamental plants are plants which are mainly grown for their aesthetic value, however there are ... more Ornamental plants are plants which are mainly grown for their aesthetic value, however there are many ornamental plants that have medicinal uses as well. On Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus, many ornamental plants have been identified on the campus as having medicinal properties, with special attention being centred on the plants with antitumour or anticancer properties. This paper sought to identify ornamental plants with anticancer and antitumour effect and contents indentified. The paper reviewed the following plants which were identified; Belamcanda chinensis, Codiaeum variegatum, Catharanthus roseus and Nerium oleander. It is hoped that this review will lead scientists into identifying the active principles, activity and safety of these ornamental plants.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world... more Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world, claiming more than 17.1 million lives each year. These diseases are caused by dyslipidemia, lack of physical activities, smoking, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, oxidative stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Natural products have played a significant role in drug discovery and development especially for agents against cancer and infectious disease. Natural compounds possess highly diverse and complex molecular structures and often provide highly specific biological activities. Ethnopharmacological use of plant-derived natural products has been a major source for discovery of potential medicinal agents. A wide variety of extracts from these plants have been used for about a century as alternative source of medical care for most of the population of the developing world. The extracts of some medicinal plants treat cardiovascular diseases without affecting ...
Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 2009
Terminalia catappa is a common tree found in Ghana but it is much underutilized. The objective wa... more Terminalia catappa is a common tree found in Ghana but it is much underutilized. The objective was therefore set to investigate the medicinal and nutritive potential of two common varieties of the plant; the red and yellow varieties. The proximate composition of the nut and pulp of the two varieties were determined using certified methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Phytochemical screening was also determined using standard screening methods. The red nut had a moisture content of 31.05%; crude fat, 36.9%; protein, 22.19%; ash, 2.76%; carbohydrate, 5.24% and crude fibre, 1.86%. The pulp contained up to 81.96% moisture; 0.04% crude fat; 1.07% protein; 1.47% ash; 14.05% carbohydrates and 1.41% crude fibre. The moisture content constituted 32.06% of the nut of the yellow variety, crude fat was 35.69%; protein, 23.05%; ash, 2.68%; carbohydrate, 4.92% and crude fibre, 1.6%. The pulp of the yellow variety had the proximate composition as: moisture, 84.37%; crude fat, 0.05%; crude protein, 1.54%; ash, 1.62%; carbohydrate, 11.03%; crude fibre, 1.39%. The pulps of both varieties were found to contain saponins, general glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides. The nut of the yellow variety had terpenoids and steroids present in it while the nut of the red variety had alkaloids present. Statistical analyses carried out showed that there were no significant differences (p≤0.05) between the two varieties based on their proximate composition.
Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, 2012
ABSTRACT Introduction: Liver diseases and jaundice have continued to be a major health problem in... more ABSTRACT Introduction: Liver diseases and jaundice have continued to be a major health problem in the world’s population with most conventional drugs not being adequate for treatment. The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity and antijaundice property of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (Linn.) against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4) and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague–Dawley rat model. Materials and Methods: Liver damage and hepatic jaundice were induced in experimental animals by administering CCl4 and acetaminophen after pretreatment with aqueous extract of A. muricata. The aqueous extract at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was administered for 7 days by oral route. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was given as the standard hepatoprotective drug. Hepatoprotective effect was studied by assaying the activity of serum marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides while antijaundice effect was assayed by measuring serum total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin concentration. Results: The activity of all the marker enzymes registered significant increases in CCl4- and acetaminophen-treated rats, decreases in cholesterol and triglyceride concentration, and increases in total and indirect bilirubin, an indication of hepatic jaundice. A. muricata at all doses significantly restored liver function toward normal levels which compared well against silymarin control. Histopathological analysis of liver sections confirmed biochemical investigations. Conclusion: The results indicate that leaves of A. muricata possess hepatoprotective activity and can treat hepatic jaundice.
Advances in traditional medicine, Sep 23, 2020
Interest in medicinal plant research and usage has risen due to many reported side effects of syn... more Interest in medicinal plant research and usage has risen due to many reported side effects of synthetic drugs and their relatively higher cost. Ocimum americanum (family Lamiaceae) is a commonly used spice in Ghana with the aqueous extracts of leaves, flowers and stem been rich in saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nephroprotective potential of the aqueous extracts of O. americanum parts on gentamicin-and cisplatin-induced toxicity in rats. In a ten-day experiment, nephrotoxicity was induced with gentamicin (GM; 100 mg/kg b.wt. for 8 days) and cisplatin (Cisp; 6 mg/kg b.wt. for 1 day) after pre-treatment with 250 mg/kg b.wt. of the leaves, stem, and flower extracts of O. americanum and standard drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg b.wt.) for 10 days. The nephroprotective activity was evaluated by assaying the activity of serum kidney function parameter, kidney oxidative stress parameters, kidney inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB and IL-1) and histopathology. The activities of kidney function parameters of animals were significantly increased following Cisp and GM treatment with resultant alteration is kidney microarchitecture, over-expressions of NF-κB and IL1 and kidney oxidative stress markers. Extract pre-treatment restored kidney function to near-normal, downregulating the expressions of IL-1 and NF-κB and improved levels of reduced GSH contents, GPx and SOD activities. However, leaves extract showed the best protection against GM while all extracts showed improved protection (> 50%) against Cisp. Extract of Ocimum americanum exhibit nephroprotective activity and could be developed as a potent kidney protector.
Biomedical Research and Therapy, May 25, 2020
Introduction: Liver fibrosis is one of the most common clinical manifestations of hepatic disease... more Introduction: Liver fibrosis is one of the most common clinical manifestations of hepatic diseases. However, though many synthetic drugs exist for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases, liver injuries still persist. The present study, therefore, sought to investigate the subacute protective effects of Acalphya wilkesiana against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced toxicity in animals. Methodology: Liver injury was induced in experimental animals by administering CCl 4 (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks) after pre-treatment with extract of A. wilkesiana (AWE). AWE (250 mg/kg) and Silymarin (120 mg/kg) were administered orally (daily for 8 weeks). The hepatoprotective effect was studied by assaying the activity of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alpha-fetoprotein. The effect of the treatments on liver prooxidants (e.g. malondialdehyde [MDA]) and antioxidants (e.g. superoxide dismutase [SOD], reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and glutathione transferase [GST]), as well as inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin [IL]-17, IL-23, nuclear factor kappa beta [NF-kB], and cycloxygenase-1 [COX-1]) and the histology of the liver were also examined. Results: The activity of liver function biomarkers changed significantly upon CCl 4 administration; increases in ALT, total and direct bilirubin, and some fibrosis indices (e.g. alpha-fetoprotein and APRI [p<0.05-0.001, compared with normal]) were observed. Co-administration of AWE with CCl 4 restored these to normal levels. The intensity of structural alterations revealed that the AWE treatment has protective potential against subacute liver injury. AWE treatment also reduced the expression of IL-17, 1L-23, NF-kB and COX-1, underscoring its antiinflammatory properties. Conclusion: The results of the current study generally suggest that hydroethanolic leaf extracts of A. wilkesiana inferno possess some subacute protective activity by improving liver function and inhibition of inflammation, and could be developed as a potent antifibrotic agent.
Comparative clinical pathology, Mar 14, 2019
Nephrotoxicity is one of the most common kidney conditions. However, most conventional drugs are ... more Nephrotoxicity is one of the most common kidney conditions. However, most conventional drugs are not adequate for treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of 50% hydroethanolic leaf extract of Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Benth in drug-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in experimental animals by administering gentamicin and cisplatin after pretreatment with hydroethanolic extract of G. simplicifolia (GSE). GSE at 100 and 250 mg/kg were administered for 7 and 10 days by oral gavage in the gentamicin and cisplatin models, respectively. Silymarin (120 mg/kg) was given as the standard nephroprotective drug. Nephroprotective effect was studied by assaying the activity of kidney function biomarkers such as creatinine, urea, sodium, chloride, and potassium concentrations. The effect of the treatments on kidney antioxidant enzymes (SOD, MDA, GSH, GPx, GST and NO), inflammatory cytokines (IL 17, IL 23 and COX-2) and the histology of the kidney were also examined. The activity of all the kidney function biomarkers changed significantly in gentamicin and cisplatin-treated rats; increased in urea and creatinine concentration and decreased in Na, K and Cl concentrations. Co-administration of GSE with the nephrotoxins restored these to normal levels. It also reduced NO concentration in both the gentamicin and cisplatin model and increased GPx concentration in the gentamicin model. GSE showed a higher percentage protection than silymarin, a standard nephroprotective drug, in both the gentamicin and cisplatin models. Intensity of structural alterations revealed that the GSE treatments have a protective potential against nephrotoxicity. GSE treatments improved expressions of IL17 and IL23, thus underscoring the proinflammatory and healing properties of GSE, respectively. The results generally indicate that leaves of G. simplicifolia possess nephroprotective activity.
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Papers by Christopher Larbie