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.
Assessing the prevalence and risk factors of neural tube defects at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi
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...
Hepatoprotective Properties of Aqueous and Ethanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Hura crepitans Linn. Against CCl 4 − Induced Acute Liver Damage in Rats
The FASEB Journal, 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 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 ……………………….…… …………….…………….
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Papers by Christopher Larbie