Peter Akah

University of Nigeria | UNN · Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Orthodox or allopathic medicine is founded on the germ theory of disease, and involves the science-based application of medicines and surgery to cure diseases or manage health conditions under the auspices of Western trained healthcare professionals, Traditional African Medicine (TAM) on the other hand generally involves indigenous herbalism and Af...

Background: In folkloric medicine, aqueous seed extract of Persea americana (ASEPA) is indicated for treating peptic ulcer disease, without much validation of its efficacy. This study evaluates the effects of ASEPA, its n-hexane and water fractions on stress-induced ulcer in albino rats. Method: Dried, milled seeds of P. americana was soaked in dis...

Intracellular pathogens are mainly eliminated by cell-mediated immunity offered by phagocytic cells like neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes. Two tannin glycosides, 1-O-galloyl-6-O-luteoyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 3-O-methylellagic acid 3'-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) of the methanol leaf extract...

This study was carried out to determine the effects of processing methods on the chemical properties of sprouting leaf (Bryophyllum pinnatum). Fresh leaves of B. pinnatum “Oda opue” were collected, destalked, sorted, washed and drained. The prepared samples were divided into four portions. Three portions were processed by sun drying (14hrs), shade...

Background Traditionally, morphological parts of Ceiba pentandra have been reported as remedies against numerous diseases. On this basis, the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract and fractions of Ceiba pentendra was investigated. Methodology Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening test was performed using HPLC fingerp...

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) led to the isolation of two new caf-feic acid glycosides, Newboulasides A (1) and B (2). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D-, 2D-NMR and MS data. The extracts and fractions and the...

A group of plant secondary metabolites are flavonoids, which are polyphenolic compounds. The predominant dietary intake forms of flavonoids are fruits, vegetables, plant-based beverages such as wine, green tea and cocoa-based foods. Many plants and spices produce flavonoids that are being widely utilized in herbal remedies since earlier civilizatio...

Purpose: To investigate the neuropharmacological effects of the methanol leaf extract (ME) and fractions of Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) (Phyllanthaceae) (Kuntze) Exell (PM) in mice. Methods: Acute toxicity was carried out on the extract using standard protocol. ME was fractionated into hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EF), and methanol (MF) fractions....

Background: Combretum nigricans (Combretaceae) is a small, smooth bark tree used in traditional medicine for the treatment of prurigo, dysentery, fever and other symptoms of acute malaria in North-Central Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The antimalarial activity of C nigricans hydro-methanol crude leaf extract was evaluated against Plasmodium bergh...

Introduction Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. (Phyllanthaceae) is an evergreen monoecious shrub widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In South-eastern Nigeria, preparations from the leaf is used in treating pain, epilepsy, convulsion, and other central nervous system disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate...

Background: Aqueous seed extract of Persea americana (ASEPA) is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in folkloric medicine but its efficacy has not been scientifically validated. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating the ulcer-healing effects of ASEPA and fractions using different ulcer models, and the anti-microbial prof...

Objective: Inflammation is the underlying cause of most of the chronic diseases that occur with aging. Although many drugs are available for the management of inflammatory disorders and their symptoms, most of these drugs possess serious adverse effects that limit their usefulness. This has encouraged the unending search for potent anti-inflammator...

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) led to the isolation of two new caffeic acid glycosides, Newboulasides A (1) and B (2). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D-, 2D-NMR and MS data. The extracts and fractions and the i...

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) express anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects, essentially by reversible inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme-cyclooxygenase (COX), in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Among the dominant widely used medications globally are NSAIDs and are indicated for various forms of acute and chro...

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Its treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to the implication of Helicobacter pylori and its increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents leading to a cyclical course of exacerbation and remission. This study evaluated the antiulcer effects of methanol le...

Background M. aboensis has wide ethnopharmacological applications but very little has been done on the pharmacological basis for these indications. This study evaluated the antioxidant potentials of the leaf extracts of M. aboensis . Methods Total phenolic content of the extract and fractions was carried out using folin-ciocalteu method while in v...

Context: Diarrhea, a major leading cause of death among under-five children in developing countries is still ravaging the society today due to limitations associated with conventional treatment approaches. The leaf of Rauwofia vomitoria ( R. vomitoria ) is used by the locals in Nigeria for the treatment of diarrhea. Aim: This study evaluated the an...

The seed extract of Persea americana has been used to treat peptic ulcer disease in folkloric medicine but its efficacy has not been validated. The present study was carried out to evaluate the ulcer-protective effects of the seed aqueous extract and its n-hexane and water fractions using rats ulcer models: dried and milled seeds of P. americana we...

Traditional healers and many local residents in Nigeria use a wide range of medicinal plants in the treatment of diarrhea. Glyphaea brevis is one of such plants claimed to have antidiarrheal property. This study investigated the antidiarrheal effects of crude methanol extract (CE) of Glyphaea brevis and its fractions [n-hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (...

Abstract: This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf extract of Lupinus (L.) arboreus in mice and rats using experimental models. Phyto-chemical tests and acute toxicity tests were carried out on methanol extract (ME) of the leaf. Writhing reflex test, pressure-induced pain and thermally-induced (hot plate) p...

This study evaluated the anti-diabetic properties of the methanol extract and fractions of Dennettia tripetala leaves in alloxan diabetic rats. The crude methanol extract (ME), n-hexane (NF), ethyl acetate (EAF), butanol (BF) and water (WF) fractions, were tested for anti-diabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The extracts and its frac...

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Commelina ascendens using experimentally induced inflammatory models in rats. Oedema was induced on the rat hind paw by the injection of 0.1 mL of undiluted fresh egg albumin (phlogistic agent) into the subplantar surface of the right rat paw. Oedema was assessed in terms of volume of distilled w...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) has a long-standing ethnomedicinal use in the management of diabetes mellitus. However, no scientific evidence has established its potentials in the management of obesity dependent diabetes. Aim: This study aimed at filling the gap in knowledge about the antidiabetic activity of the le...

Efforts made over the decades to develop effective therapies for pain have been hampered by the cost and adverse effects of conventional anti-nociceptive. There is still need for effective, potent and safe drugs for pain. This study investigated the anti-nociceptive activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of E. indica in...

The Pharmacologically active constituents of the leaf extracts of Lupinus arboreus were investigated. The crude methanol extract (CME) was partitioned to yield hexane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions. The fractions were isolated using bioactivity-guided silica gel column chromatography eluted with gradient mixtures. The structures of the isolat...

Investigations on the phytochemical constituents as well as the acute toxicity and lethality tests of the methanol leaf extract of Lupinus arboreus were carried out using experimental models. The results have led to the identification of the presence of saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, protein, reducing sugar and resin; revealing an intraperitonea...

Aim: To investigate the Pharmacologically active constituents of the leaf extract of Lupinus arboreus. Methods: The crude methanol extract (CME) was partitioned to yield hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol fractions. The fractions were isolated using bioactivity-guided silica gel column chromatography eluted with gradient mixtures. The structures of...

Objective: To investigate the renal and hepatic effect of methanol leaf extract of Lupinus arboreus using experimental rats. Methods: Three groups comprising five rats each were used. Group II and III received 50 and 100 mg/kg of extract respectively. Group I served as negative control and received only normal saline (5 ml/kg). All administration w...

Objective: To investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of the leaf extract and fractions of Lupinus arboreus in rodents. Methods: The methanol extract (ME) and fractions of Lupinus arboreus leaf were studied using acetic acid-induced (writhing reflex) pain, pressure-induced (rat tail immersion) pain, thermally-induced (hot p...

Objective: To evaluate the antimalarial activity of the ethylacetate and butanol fractions of Combretum nigricans (C. nigricans) leaf extract in mice. Methods: C. nigricans solvent (butanol and ethylacetate) fractions were screened for their phytochemical constituents using standard procedures illustrated by Harborne and Evans. The Peters’ 4-day su...

Abstract Background: Phyllanthus muellerianus is used in folkloric medicines to treat infectious diseases (both bacterial and viral), inflammatory disorders and skin diseases. This study evaluated the modulatory effects of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Phyllanthus muellerianus on some specific and non-specific immune responses. Methods: Th...

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Commelina ascendens using experimentally induced inflammatory models in rats. Oedema was induced on the rat hind paw by the injection of 0.1 mL of undiluted fresh egg albumin (phlogistic agent) into the subplantar surface of the right rat paw. Oedema was assessed in terms of volume of distilled w...

Background: Millettia aboensis (Hook. F.) Baker (Fabaceae) is popular in ethnomedicine for its acclaimed efficacy in a number of disease conditions. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of the leaf extract as a possible mechanism of its ethnomedicinal uses. Methods: Humoral and cellular immune responses of Balb/c mice to tetanus toxoid...

"Environmental Pollution in Nigeria: Studies on Management, Control and Toxical Issues" is a compilation of selected published journal papers subdivided into six parts: Environmental systems pollution and degradation; Occupational health hazards; Toxicity; Facilities; Weapons of mass destruction; and Waste-to-wealth ventures respectively.

Background Oldenlandia affinis, commonly called ‘kalata-kalata’, a versatile plant used locally to treat malaria fever in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa was investigated for anti-plasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective The study was designed to evaluate the antiplasmodial as well as anti-inflammatory activities of whole extract an...

Background: The Buchholzia coriacea seeds (Capparaceae) are used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for treatment of hyperglycemia. Our aim, therefore, is to evaluate antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of extract and fractions of Bulcholzia coriacea seeds.Methods: The cut, dried and pulverized seeds were extracted with a mixture of methanol-dichlor...

The leaves of Newbouldia laevis is traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus in southeast Nigeria. The apigenin isolated from the methanol fraction of dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract of the leaves was evaluated for antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and on normal rats. Treatment of alloxan-diabet...

Rhipsalis neves-armondii K. Schum. (Cactaceae) aerial parts preparation is used traditionally in southern Nigerian for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and cancer and so the aim of this study was to evaluate these folkloric claims. Carragenaan-induced pedal edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma were the anti-inflammatory models employed, wh...

Background: New antimalarial drugs are required to fight resistant parasites and plantderived natural products are a robust source for identifying active lead compounds. Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Verbenaceae) is traditionally used in west and central Africa as malaria remedy. Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate antiplasmodial activit...

Objective: This study evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the methanol-dichloromethane (1:1) extract of Stemonocoleus micranthus Harms (Fabaceae) stem bark (SME). Methods: In vitro ferric reducing power, hydrogen peroxide and a, a-diphenyl–ß–dipicryl–hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays, were used to determine the...

We planned to isolate the active constituents from methanol extract of Lupinus arboreus leaves. The crude methanol extract (CME) was fractionated into hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. The fractions were isolated from silica gel column chromatography, which were eluted with gradient mixtures. The isolated fractions were characterized by...

Context Landolphia owariensis P. Beauv. (Apocyanaceae) leaf is used in southeast Nigeria to treat malaria. Objective This study evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of L. owariensis leaf extract and fractions, also the phytoconstituents were standardized and analyzed. Methods The effects of daily, oral administrations of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of...

The use of leaf extract of M. oleifera in the management of chronic disease conditions like diabetes and hypertension has been documented, however; the safety of this extract on male fertility following prolonged administration seems not to have received adequate attention. We examined the effect of subchronic administration of the leaf extract on...

Background: The fatty seed extract of Vitellaria paradoxa Kernel (Sapotaceae) commonly called “Shea butter”, is a popular remedy for arthritis in west Africa. This study investigated the knowledge, prevalence and pattern of use of Shea butter in clinically diagnosed arthritic patients as well as its effects on acute (topical and systemic) and chron...

Antioxidant and immune-enhancing potentials of ethanol leaf extract of Millettia aboensis (Hook F.) Baker (Leguminosae), fractions and isolated compounds were determined using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro antioxidant activities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and hydrogen p...

Stachytarpheta cayennensis L.C. Rich (Verbenaceae) is used traditionally in Nigeria for the treatment of febrile illnesses, including malaria. The present study was aimed at investigating the antiplasmodial effects of S. cayennensis leaf extracts. A methanol extract (ME) and successive hexane (HF), dichloromethane (DCMF) methanol (MF) and aqueous (...

Background: Medicinal plant and plant products have shown tremendous potentials and are used beneficially in the treatment of inflammation and in the management of diseases with significant inflammatory components. Many medicinal plants employed as anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic remedies lack the gastro-erosive side effects of non-steroidal a...

Background: Medicinal plant and plant products have shown tremendous potentials and are used beneficially in the treatment of inflammation and in the management of diseases with significant inflammatory components. Many medicinal plants employed as anti-inflammatory and anti-phlogistic remedies lack the gastro-erosive side effects of non-steroidal...

Treatment of malaria in Africa is becoming increasingly difficult due to increasing resistance to antimalarial drugs. The invivo antiplasmodial activity of 70% ethanol extract of Citrus sinensis and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions was investigated in this study. Healthy Albino mice were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei and a hy...

Some edible mushrooms are reputed to possess useful medicinal properties which are related to their ability to modulate the protective responses of the immune system. This study explored the immunomodulatory and immunorestorative properties of a hot aqueous extract (APTR) and of a β-d-glucan-enriched polysaccharide fraction (BGP) of a local oyster...

ABSTRACT The effects of the methanol extract (LHE), hexane (LHHF), ethylacetate (LHEF) and methanol (LHMF) fractions of leaf of Leptadenia hastata on acute and chronic inflammation were studied. Furthermore, the effects of LHE on acetic acid induced increase in vascular permeability, carrageenan induced leucocyte migration and membrane stability we...

Introduction Data on perception, knowledge and the use of herbal medicine by an educated population will be helpful for on-going discussions on forming policies to support integrative medicine within the formal healthcare delivery system in Africa. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and use of herbal medicine by s...

Background: Medicinal plant and plant products have shown tremendous potentials and are used beneficially in the treatment of inflammation and in the management of diseases with significant inflammatory components. Many medicinal plants employed as anti-inflammatory and anti-phlogistic remedies lack the gastro-erosive side effects of non-steroidal...

Background The leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis C. Rich. (Verbenaceae) have been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial activities. Due to close association between inflammatory and immune responses, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of leaves extract of S. cayennensis. The combined effects of the leaves extract...

Ficus exasperata have been reported to have wide applications in the treatment of many human diseases. However, its traditional use in the treatment of wounds has not been validated by any scientific study. Also, its safety in the management of chronic disease conditions requires attention. We evaluated the wound-healing activity of the aqueous ext...