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Research Article
Phytochemical Analysis, Acute Toxicity and Glycemic Regulation of the Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Normoglycemic and Hyperglycemic Rats
Kouakou Koffi Roger*
,
Kouadio Kouakou John,
Affi Mataphouet Emmanuel Guy Joslin,
Kaltouma Nicole,
Tahiri Annick
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
21-27
Received:
16 March 2026
Accepted:
28 March 2026
Published:
16 April 2026
Abstract: Moringa oleifera is generally considered to have numerous therapeutic properties in traditional Ivorian medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and blood glucose regulation in rats of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was performed using the standard staining and precipitation method. The toxicity study was conducted in accordance with OECD 423, by administering a single dose of the extract at 5,000 mg/kg body weight. The antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities of Moringa oleifera extract were evaluated by administering a single dose of 75 mg/kg μg, 150 mg/kg μg, 300 mg/kg μg, 600 mg/kg μg, and 1200 mg/kg μg of aqueous Moringa oleifera extract to normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals. The effects of the different Moringa oleifera extracts on rats were monitored for 120 minutes. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract is rich in secondary compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, and saponins. Moringa oleifera extract is non-toxic, with an LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract administered to normoglycemic rats did not induce hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Aqueous Moringa oleifera extract significantly reduced anhydrous glucose-induced hyperglycemia in hyperglycemic rats, from 170 mg/dL to approximately 78 mg/dL. These results confirm the regulatory properties of Moringa oleifera on blood glucose levels in Wistar rats.
Abstract: Moringa oleifera is generally considered to have numerous therapeutic properties in traditional Ivorian medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and blood glucose regulation in rats of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was performed...
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Research Article
Effects of Different Lipid Diets on Myocardial Extracellular Matrix-Related Gene Expression in Healthy Rats
Koffi Konan Gervais*,
Germaine Niamke,
Chantal Gauze-Gnagne,
Luc Dere,
Benedicte Yapo,
Eric Badia,
Fabrice Reynaud,
Bernard Jover,
Ferdinand Djohan,
Jean Paul Cristol,
Ake Absalome Monde
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
28-33
Received:
10 April 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
30 April 2026
Abstract: The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cardiac architecture, ventricular compliance, and cell-matrix signaling. Because dietary lipid quality can influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation, it may also affect myocardial ECM homeostasis. This exploratory study assessed whether different lipid-enriched diets modified myocardial ECM-related transcript expression in healthy rats. Forty rats were allocated to five groups (n = 8 per group) and received for 12 weeks either a control diet or diets enriched with crude palm oil, refined palm oil, olive oil, or lard. Myocardial tissue was collected at sacrifice, RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed into complementary DNA, and relative expression of elastin, vimentin, myonectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and the apelin receptor (APJ) was assessed by polymerase chain reaction using ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0 (Rplp0) as the reference gene. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for elastin, vimentin, MMP-2, myonectin, or APJ expression (all p > 0.05), although slight non-significant qualitative fluctuations were observed for myonectin and APJ in some lipid-fed groups. Overall, the findings indicate that under the specific conditions of this 12-week experiment in healthy rats, the tested dietary lipids did not measurably disrupt myocardial ECM-related gene expression. Because the study was limited to transcript-level assessment and did not include protein, histological, or functional validation, the biological interpretation should remain restricted to early molecular observations under non-pathological conditions.
Abstract: The myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cardiac architecture, ventricular compliance, and cell-matrix signaling. Because dietary lipid quality can influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation, it may also affect myocardial ECM homeostasis. This exploratory study assessed whether different lipid-enriche...
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Research Article
Feasibility and Outcomes of a Modified Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test: Implications for Glucose Clearance Rate in Euglycemic Black Adults
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
34-42
Received:
31 March 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ab.20261402.13
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Abstract: Introduction: The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is acknowledged as the gold standard for assessing insulin sensitivity, as it provides the glucose clearance rate (Kg) from the bloodstream. The ICARUS panel expert protocol for the implementation of the IVGTT involves the administration of a high dose of glucose over a brief bolus period, which is risky and may result in discomfort. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a heparin-assisted IVGTT with a lower glucose infusion rate and to determine the glucose clearance rate from blood (Kg) for healthy black African adults using a modified ICARUS protocol. Methods: In a modified ICARUS protocol, heparin was administered to six healthy black African volunteers to prevent clotting in an indwelling catheter. Then, an infusion of 0.33 g/kg glucose was administered over 5–10 min instead of the usual 0.50 g/kg over 3 min. Blood sampling was performed every 5–10 min for up to 95 min. Blood glucose levels were determined using the glucose oxidase method. Timed blood glucose curves were plotted, and the following parameters were determined: area under the curve (AUC), baseline return time, and glucose clearance rate (Kg). Results: No bleeding symptoms or other adverse events were observed. The blood glucose peak ranged from 9.4 to 15.3 mmol/L. The baseline returned time ranged from 45 to 55 minutes. Kg ranged from 1.6 to 2.7, depending on the amount of infused glucose. The AUC varied with the amount of infused glucose and infusion duration. The Staub effect was not observed in this study. The features of the curves were all plausible compared to those obtained in healthy subjects using the original Icarus protocol. Conclusion: Under our experimental conditions, we achieved IVGTT using a heparin-assisted IVGTT protocol with reduced glucose infusion rates, and determined the glucose clearance rate. This protocol is feasible and can potentially be used to assess insulin sensitivity. The protocol can be applied on a larger scale to determine its statistical features.
Abstract: Introduction: The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is acknowledged as the gold standard for assessing insulin sensitivity, as it provides the glucose clearance rate (Kg) from the bloodstream. The ICARUS panel expert protocol for the implementation of the IVGTT involves the administration of a high dose of glucose over a brief bolus period...
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Research Article
Mechanical Screw-press Extraction of Jatropha curcas Seed Oil in Senegal: Process Description and Feasibility Assessment
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
43-49
Received:
15 April 2026
Accepted:
8 May 2026
Published:
18 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ab.20261402.14
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Abstract: Faced with the increasing effects of climate change, the development of resilient plants adapted to arid environments, such as Jatropha curcas, is a strategic priority to meet the energy needs of drylands. This plant is used for its valuable oil content and its ability to offer an alternative to fossil fuels in the context of global warming. In Africa, traditional vegetable oil extraction often involves the use of plants in the manufacturing process. This study is devoted to a mechanical pressing of Jatropha curcas seeds, harvested in the Fatick region of central Senegal, in order to optimize its oil, using a screw press at 50°C. After hulling, washing and drying, the seeds were carefully selected and introduced into a twin-screw extruder. After 24 hours of settling, the Jatropha oil was filtered and then stored in clean, dry containers. The extraction rate obtained, estimated at 10.86%, reveals that this technique is significantly less productive than chemical extraction by Soxhlet, which achieves a yield of approximately 25%. However, its main advantage lies in the superior quality of the oil produced: it is completely free of chemical residues, making it particularly suitable for sensitive applications. Indeed, this oil can be used directly, without a refining step, as biofuel in diesel engines, and it is also a prime raw material for soap manufacturing.
Abstract: Faced with the increasing effects of climate change, the development of resilient plants adapted to arid environments, such as Jatropha curcas, is a strategic priority to meet the energy needs of drylands. This plant is used for its valuable oil content and its ability to offer an alternative to fossil fuels in the context of global warming. In Afr...
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Research Article
Gastric Acid-reducing Effect and Bioactive Compound Content of Leaves of Capparis sepiaria L. and Maerua angolensis DC (Capparidaceae)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
50-56
Received:
11 April 2026
Accepted:
23 April 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ab.20261402.15
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Abstract: In traditional medicine, the leaves of Capparis sepiaria and Maerua angolensis, known as kal-yanga and Zilogo respectively in the local Moore language, are used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed firstly to evaluate in vivo the ability of the extracts to reduce gastric acidity and secondly to determine the contents of bioactive compounds potentially responsible for this effect. The pylorus ligation model in rats was used to assess the plant extracts effect on gastric acidity. Total phenolics were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, while the flavonoid, condensed tannin, and hydrolysable tannin contents were determined by the aluminum trichloride, vanillin and sodium iodate method respectively. The best gastric acid-reducing activity equal to 32.88 milliequivalent of hydrogen ions per liter (mEq H+/L) was obtained with the Maerua angolensis leaves extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg.w.c., compared to the effect of the reference substance, omeprazole (24.88 mEq H+/L) used at 150 mg/kg.w.c. Quantification of the compounds potentially responsible for this activity showed high levels of total phenolic (637.80 mg GAE/g) and tannins (209.27 ± 45.94 mg CE/g; 175.08 ± 11.42 mg TAE/g) condensed and hydrolysable respectively for Capparis sepiaria, and a high level of total flavonoids (53.35 ± 3.10 mg QE/g) for Maerua angolensis. These two plants represent important sources for the development of new improved traditional medicines or nutraceuticals for the management of gastroduodenal ulcers.
Abstract: In traditional medicine, the leaves of Capparis sepiaria and Maerua angolensis, known as kal-yanga and Zilogo respectively in the local Moore language, are used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed firstly to evaluate in vivo the ability of the extracts to reduce gastric acidity and secondly to...
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Research Article
Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles Using Zanthoxylum chalybeum Extracts: Characterization and Antibacterial Effects
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
57-65
Received:
23 April 2026
Accepted:
6 May 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ab.20261402.16
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Abstract: The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles via plant extracts is an environmentally friendly, simple, inexpensive, and rapid, method for synthesizing nanoparticles for biological applications. In this study, Zanthoxylum chalybeum bark extracts were used to explore the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The CuO NPs were successfully synthesized from an aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum chalybeum stem bark and characterized. The morphological, optical, and structural characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV‒visible spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Nanocrystalline CuO NPs, with an average crystalline size of 18.26 nm and a band gap energy of 1.45 eV, were confirmed via XRD and UV‒vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The SPR (surface plasmon resonance) peak was identified at wavelength of 529 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups that trigger the synthesis of CuO NPs. Morphological studies via SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles. Antifungal evaluation of the Candida albicans fungal strain and antibacterial evaluation of four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) revealed greater potency of the green-synthesized CuO NPs than the Zanthoxylum chlamydium extracts and erythromycin (positive control). The green-synthesized CuO NPs obtained may be used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent for various therapeutic uses in medicine.
Abstract: The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles via plant extracts is an environmentally friendly, simple, inexpensive, and rapid, method for synthesizing nanoparticles for biological applications. In this study, Zanthoxylum chalybeum bark extracts were used to explore the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The CuO NPs were succ...
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