Protective effect of ascorbic acid on cyclophosphamide induced testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders in male rats

Aim:To study the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the testicular androgenic and gametogenic activities through endocrine inhibition and/or induction of oxidative stress in male albino rats and to evaluate the protective effect of ascorbic acid.Methods:The testicular△^(5),3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD),17β-HSD,peroxidase and catalase activities along with the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and conjugated dienes in testicular tissue were measured for the evaluation of testicular oxidative stress.The plasma testosterone(T)level was measured by immunoassay.Various germ cells at stageⅦof spermatogenic cycle were quantified from testicular stained sections.Results:Cyclophosphamide treatment results in a significant inhibition in the testicular△^(5),3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities,a decrease in plasma T level and a diminution in the counts of various germ cells.Moreover,this treatment was also associated with a significant inhibition of the peroxidase and catalase activities along with high levels of MDA and conjugated dienes in the testis.All these changes were reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.Conclusion:Cyclophosphamide treatment at the dosage used caused testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders as well as induced testicular oxidative stress that can be reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.

Mitochondrial protection by low doses of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰin experimental cirrhosis

AIM： To characterize the mitochondrial dysfunction in experimental cirrhosis and to study whether insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ （IGF-Ⅰ ） therapy （4 wk） is able to induce beneficial effects on damaged mitochondria leading to cellular protection. METHODS： Wistar rats were divided into three groups： Control group, untreated cirrhotic rats and cirrhotic rats treated with IGF-Ⅰ treatment （2 μg/1O0 g bw/d）. Mitochondrial function was analyzed by flow cytometry in isolated hepatic mitochondria, caspase 3 activation was assessed by Western blot and apoptosis by TUNEL in the three expedmental groups. RESULTS： Untreated cirrhotic rats showed a mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by a significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential （in status 4 and 3）; an increase of intramitochondrial reactive oxigen species （ROS） generation and a significant reduction of ATPase activity. IGF-Ⅰ therapy normalized mitochondrial function by increasing the membrane potential and ATPase activity and reducing the intramitochondrial free radical production. Activity of the electron transport complexes Ⅰ and Ⅲ was increased in both cirrhotic groups. In addition, untreated cirrhotic rats showed an increase of caspase 3 activation and apoptosis. IGF- Ⅰ therapy reduced the expression of the active peptide of caspase 3 and resulted in reduced apoptosis. CONCLUSION： These results show that IGF- Ⅰ exerts a mitochondrial protection in experimental cirrhosis leading to reduced apoptosis and increased ATP production.

Biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Objective:To observe the biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated Staphylococcia aureus(S.auerus) strains against some conventional and traditional antibiotics. Methods:Thirty post operative pathogenic isolated S.aureus strains were used in this study. Bacterial culture was done in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37 ℃.Characters of these strains were determined by traditional biochemical tests such as hydrolysis test of gelatin,urea,galactose, starch and protein,and fermentation of lactose and sucrose.Antibiotic susceptibility were carried out by minimum inhibilory concentration test,minium bactericidal concentration test,disc agar diffusion test and brain heart infusion oxacillin screening agar.Results:Prom this study,it was observed that 100%S.aureus isolates showed positive results in gelatin,urea and galactose hydrolysis test.50%isolates were positive in starch hydrolysis test,35%in protein hydrolysis test. 100%isolates in lactose fermenting test,but no isolate was positive in sucrose fermenting test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing suggested that 20%of isolates were resistant to kanamycin and 46.67%were resistant to oxacillin.Conclusions:These findings show that all these isolates have gelatin,urea,galactose hydrolysis and lactose fermenting activity.20%of these isolates were resistant to kanamvcin and 46.67%were resistant to oxacillin.

Nitric oxide mediated Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and protective role of nanoconjugated vancomycin

Objective:To investigate the relation between fruit seeds,plants residuals and appendicitis. Methods:Among cases that underwent appendectomy,the appendicitis cases having fruit seeds and undigested plant residuals in their etiology were examined retrospectively.Also, histopathological features,age,sex,and parameters of morbidity and mortality were used. Results:Fruit seed was found in one case(0.05%) with presence of pus in appendix lumen, undigested plant residuals in 7 cases(0.35%).It was determined that there were appendix inflammation in 2 of the plant residuals cases,while there were obstruction and lymphoid hyperplasia in the appendix lumen of 5 cases.No mortality was observed.Conclusions:The ratio of acute appendicitis caused by plants is minimal among all appendectomised patients, but avoidence of eating undigested fruit seeds and chewing plants well may help to prevent appendicitis.

Antioxidative effect of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

Objective:To evaluate the potency of carboxymethyl chitosan-2,2' ethylenedioxy bisethylamine-folate(CMC-EDBE-FA) on tissue injury,antioxidant status and glutathione system in tissue mitochondria and serum against nicotine-induced oxidative stress in mice.Methods: CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2,2' ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine.Animals were divided into four groups,i.e.,control,nicotine(1 mg/kg bw/day),CMC-EDBE-FA(1 mg/kg bw/day) and nicotine(1 mg/kg bw/day) and CMC-EDBE-FA(1 mg/kg bw/day) for 7 days.Levels of lipid peroxidation, oxidized glutathione level,antioxidant enzyme status and DNA damage were observed and compared.Results:The significantly increase of lipid peroxidation,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage was observed in nicotine treated group as compared with control group;those were significantly reduced in CMC-EDBE-FA supplemented group.Moreover,significantly reduced antioxidant status in nicotine treated group was effectively ameliorated by the supplementation of CMC-EDBE-FA.Only CMC-EDBE-FA treated groups showed no significant change as compared with control group;rather than it repairs the tissue damage of nicotine treated group.Conclusions:These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA is non-toxic and ameliorates nicotine-induced toxicity.

Aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn and ascorbic acid ameliorate nicotine-induced cellular damage in murine peritoneal macrophage

Objective:To test the in vitro protective role of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (0.gratissimum) and ascorbic acid against nicotine-induced murine peritoneal macrophage. Methods:Peritoneal macrophages from mice were treated with nicotine(10 mM),nicotine (10 mM) with aqueous extract of O.gratissimum(1 to 25μg/mL),and nicotine(10 mM) with ascorbic acid(0.01 mM) for 12 h in cell culture media,while the control group was treated with culture media.Levels of free radical generation,lipid peroxidation,protein carbonyls,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage were observed and compared.Results:Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract has shown high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compound present in it.The significantly increased free radical generation,lipid peroxidation,protein carbonyls,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage were observed in nicotine-treated group as compared to the control group:those were significantly reduced in aqueous extract of O. gratissimum and ascorbic acid supplemented groups.Moreover,significantly reduced antioxidant status in nicotine exposed murine peritoneal macrophage was effectively ameliorated by these two products.Among the different concentration of aqueous extract of O.gratissimum,the maximum protective effect was observed at 10μg/mL which does not produce any significant change in the normal cell.Conclusions:These findings suggest the potential use and beneficial role of O.gratissimum as a modulator of nicotine-induced cellular damage in murine peritoneal macrophage.

Role of toll-like receptor 4 in eliciting adaptive immune responses against recombinant BCG expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum

Objective: To determine the role of toll-like receptor 4(TLR-4) in eliciting cellular and humoral immune responses against recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin(rB CG) expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum. Methods: Six groups of mice(n=6 per group) were injected with phosphate buffered saline T80, BCG or r BCG intraperitoneally, in the presence or absence of a TLR-4 inhibitor; TAK-242. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out for serum total IgG, IgG 1, Ig G2 a and Ig G2 b determination. Spleens were also harvested and splenocytes cultured for determination of intracellular cytokines; IL-4 and IFN-毭 via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The production of total Ig G, and the subclasses Ig G1, Ig G2 a and Ig G2 b was significantly higher in rB CG-immunised mice than BCG and phosphate buffered saline immunised mice in the absence of TAK-242. A significant rise in total IgG occurred with more booster immunisations. The level of IgG 2 a was highest, followed by IgG 2 b, then IgG 1. The production of both IL-4 and IFN-were inhibited in t毭 was also highest in the rB CG immunised groups. These significant riseshe presence of TAK-242. Conclusions: We present evidence of the role of TLR-4 in the increased production of total IgG, IgG 1, IgG 2 a and IgG 2 b, as well as IL-4 and IFN-毭 in response to our rB CG construct.

Effect of Stephania hernandifolia leaf extract on testicular activity in rats

<abstract>Aim: The testicular inhibitory effect of the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hernandifolia leaf was studied in male Wistar rats. Methods: The supernatent and the precipitate part of aqueous fractions of the methanol extract of the leaf were gavaged separately to rat at a similar dose of 200 mg/mL per 100 g body weight per day for 28 days. After cessation of treatment, various observations were conducted. Results: In both treated groups, there were significant decreases in the relative weights of the sex organs, the testicular key androgenic enzymes activities, the plasma level of testosterone, the number of different germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous epithelial cell cycle and the seminiferous tubular diameter in comparison to the controls. Neither of the parts had somatic, renal and hepatic toxicity. This study suggested that the active molecules present in the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hemandifolia leaves might be steroids as indicated by thin layer chromatography using specific staining substance for steroid molecules. Conclusion: In rats, the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of the 5. hemandifolia leaves possesses certain testis-inhibitory substances, which may be steroid-like agents.

Alteration of some cellular function in amikacin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa transfected macrophages:a time dependent approach

Objective:To evaluate the free radical generation and antioxidant enzymes status in murine peritoneal macrophage during in vitro amikacin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(ARPA) treatment with different time interval.Methods:Peritoneal macrophages were treated with 1× 10~2 CFU/mL ARPA cell suspension in vitro for different time interval(1,2,3,6,12,and 24 h) and super oxide anion generation,NO generation,reduced glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes status were analyzed.Results:Super oxide anion generation and NO generation got peak at 12 h,indicating maximal free radical generation through activation of NADPH oxidase in murine peritoneal macrophages during ARPA transfection.Reduced glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes status were decreased significantly(P【0.05) with increasing time of ARPA transfection. All the changes in peritoneal macrophages after 12 h in vitro ARPA transfection had significant difference(P【0.05).Conclusions:From this study,it may be summarized that in vitro ARPA infection not only generates excess free radical but also affects the antioxidant system and glutathione cycle in murine peritoneal macrophage.

The impact of graphene on neural regenerative medicine

There is increasing interest in studying carbon-based nanomaterials（CBNs）for use in regenerative medicine.Some carbon crystalline structures,such as graphene,carbon nanotubes/nanofibers,boron nitride nanosheets/nanotubes and fullerenes,as well as disordered structures,such as diamond-like carbon,glasslike carbon,and amorphous carbon,are now being considered as promising scaffolds（Ferreira et al.,2015;Kabiri et al.,2015）,

Chromium-induced membrane damage: protective role of ascorbic acid

Importance of chromium as environmental toxicant is largely due to impact on the body to produce cellular toxicity. The impact of chromium and their supplementation with ascorbic acid was studied on plasma membrane of liver and kidney in male Wistar rats (80-100g body weight). It has been observed that the intoxication with chromium (i.p.) at the dose of 0.8 mg/100g body weight per day for a period of 28 days causes significant increase in the level of cholesterol and decrease in the level of phospholipid of both liver and kidney. The alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase and Na\++\|K\++\|ATPase activities were significantly decreased in both liver and kidney after chromium treatment, except total ATPase activity of kidney. It is suggested that chromium exposure at the present dose and duration induce for the alterations of structure and function of both liver and kidney plasma membrane. Ascorbic acid (i.p. at the dose of 0.5 mg/100g body weight per day for period of 28 days) supplementation can reduce these structural changes in the plasma membrane of liver and kidney. But the functional changes can not be completely replenished by the ascorbic acid supplementation in response to chromium exposure. So it is also suggested that ascorbic acid (nutritional antioxidant) is useful free radical scavenger to restrain the chromium induced membrane damage.

Modulations in Anti-Oxidant Activities of Selected Gastro-Intestinal Tissues in Alloxan-Induced, Silymarin Treated Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is reportedly the commonest metabolic disorder with multi organ involvement. By inducing DM (with Alloxan) in Wistar rats, current study investigated the changes in antioxidant activities of selected gastrointestinal (GI) tissues [stomach, duodenum, pancreas and liver], upon treatment with Silymarin and/or Vitamin C. One hundred and twenty five (125) adult male wistar rats of between 130 to 180 grams were procured for the study. Five units of one control and four experimental units were designated with twenty five (25) rats per group (n = 25);Unit 1: Control rats, Unit 2 were DM induced, Silymarin untreated rats, and Units 3, 4 and 5 were DM induced, vitamin C, Silymarin and Vitamin C + Silymarin treated respectively. Following four (4) weeks of administration of test substance(s), rats were euthanized and blood samples obtained for biochemical and antioxidant assay on aforementioned GI tissues. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Students t-test at p p < 0.05) at comparison of extract treated unit to control. Study also observed a significant change in pancreatic, liver, and duodenal anti-oxidant marker levels with Vitamin C, Silymarin and Vitamin C + Silymarin co-administrations to diabetic rats. It can therefore be said, that DM caused a destructive alteration pancreatic histo-architecture with improved functional capabilities in wistar rats at administration of Silymarin and vitamin C. Thus, Silymarin posed antioxidant potentials, with ameliorated pancreatic dysfunctions.

Expression of acetylated histone 3 in the spinal cord and the effect of morphine on inflammatory pain in rats

In this study, a rat model of inflammatory pain was produced by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant into the hind paw, and the expression of acetylated histone 3 in the spinal cord dorsal horn was examined using immunohistochemical staining. One day following injection, there was a dramatic decrease in acetylated histone 3 expression in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. However, on day 7, expression recovered in adjuvant-injected rats. While acetylated histone 3 labeling was present in dorsal horn neurons, it was more abundant in astrocytes and microglial cells. The recovery of acetylated histone 3 expression was associated with a shift in expression of the protein from neurons to glial cells. Morphine injection significantly upregulated the expression of acetylated histone 3 in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons and glial cells 1 day after injection, especially in astrocytes, preventing the transient downregulation. Our results indicate that inflammatory pain induces a transient downregulation of acetylated histone 3 in the spinal cord dorsal horn at an early stage following adjuvant injection, and that this effect can be reversed by morphine. Thus, the downregulation of acetylated histone 3 may be involved in the development of inflammatory pain.

Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Their Relationship with Age in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition which occurs as men get older. Aim: We aimed at investigating the reproductive hormone profile of men with BPH and the relationship of these hormones with age. Methods: Twenty-nine men of age > 40 years were screened for prostate symptoms. The prostate examination included digital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The serum levels of Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL) were measured using ELISA method. Results: Our study indicated that age and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), LH and FSH were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men with BPH compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the control group indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher Te level compared with the BPH group. In patients with BPH, age was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones (LH, FSH and PRL), but not with the sex hormone, and testosterone. Majority (62.1%) of the patients with BPH indicated they had poor libido, while none of them indicated regular sexual activity with their spouses. Conclusion: This study suggests that the rise in serum levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in BPH patients as demonstrated by the present findings may be age-related since testicular dysfunction in aging men is associated with the decrease in androgen production which may stimulate an increased production of gonadotropins by negative feedback.

Analgesic Appraisal of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts Used in Management of Oral Lesion Pain in HIV/AIDS Patients in Rodents

Oral lesions, diarrhoea, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections are some of the opportunistic infections (OIs) which arise when the CD4 cells of the HIV/AIDS patient fall below 200 cells/mm3. HIV/AIDS infection complications include tissue damage from oral lesions accompanied with pains. Pain is a disagreeable sensory and sensitive experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. This condition requires immediate treatment with analgesics and antibiotics. However, the inability of rural dwellers to afford readily available drugs is a consequence for using herbs like Bidens pilosa whose local usefulness in the management of oral lesions of HIV/AIDS has not been proven scientifically. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide the scientific basis in rats for the traditional healers’ use of Bidens pilosa leaves’ extracts in managing pain associated with oral lesions of HIV/AIDS patients in South Western Uganda. Assessment of the analgesic effects of Bidens pilosa was conducted using acetic acid in mice, formalin-induced pain and tail flick methods in rats. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Bidens pilosa produced statistically significant dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid induced pain, non dose dependent pain reduction in formalin induced pain, (p < 0.05;student t-test) and non dose dependent tail withdrawal pattern (p < 0.05, Multivariate ANOVA test). Hence, we conclude that extracts of Bidens pilosa have an analgesic basis for their local use in treatment of oral lesions associated pain in HIV/AIDS patients in South-Western Uganda.

Hematotesticular barrier is altered from early stages of liver cirrhosis:Effect of insulin-like growth factor 1

AIM:The pathogenesis of hypogonadism in liver cirrhosis is not well understood.Previous results from our laboratory showed that IGF-1 deficiency might play a pathogenetic role in hypogonadism of cirrhosis.The administration of IGF-1 for a short period of time reverted the testicular atrophy associated with advanced experimental cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to establish the historical progression of the described alterations in the testes, explore testicular morphology,histopathology,cellular proliferation,integrity of testicular barrier and hypophyso- gonadal axis in rats with no ascitic cirrhosis. METHODS:Male Wistar rats with histologically-proven cirrhosis induced with carbon tetrachloride(CCI_4)for 11 wk, were allocated into two groups(n=12,each)to receive recombinant IGF-1(2 μg/100 gd,sc)for two weeks or vehicle.Healthy rats receiving vehicle were used as control group(n=12). RESULTS:Compared to controls,rats with compensated cirrhosis showed a normal testicular size and weight and very few histopathological testicular abnormalities. However,these animals showed a significant diminution of cellular proliferation and a reduction of testicular transferrin expression.In addition,pituitary-gonadal axis was altered,with significant higher levels of FSH(P<0.001 vscontrols)and increased levels of LH in untreated cirrhotic animals.Interestingly,IGF-1 treatment normalized testicular transferrin expression and cellular proliferation and reduced serum levels of LH(P=ns vs controls,and P<0.01 vs untreated cirrhotic group). CONCLUSION:The testicular barrier is altered from an early stage of cirrhosis,shown by a reduction of transferrin expression in Sertoli cells,a diminished cellular proliferation and an altered gonadal axis.The treatment with IGF-1 could be also useful in this initial stage of testicular disorder associated with compensated cirrhosis.

Biocompatibility of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

Objective:To evaluate the acute toxicity of carboxymethyl chitosan-2,2' ethylenedioxy bisethylamine-folate(CMC-EDBE-FA) and as well as possible effect on microbial growth and in vitro cell cyto-toxicity.Methods:CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2,2' elhylenedioxy bis-ethylamine. In vivo acute toxicity,in vitro cyto-toxicity and antimicrobial activity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle were determined.Results:Vancomycin exhibited the antibacterial activity against vancomycin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus,but CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle did not give any antibacterial activity as evidenced by minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC),minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC),disc agar diffusion(DAD) and killing kinetic assay.Further,the CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle showed no signs of in vivo acute toxicity up to a dose level of 1000 mg/kg p.o.,and as well as in vitro cyto-toxicity up to 230 μg/mL.Conclnsions:These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle is expected to be safe for biomedical applications.

Ethnobotanical survey of folklore plants used in treatment of snakebite in Paschim Medinipur district,West Bengal

Objective:To investigate and collect information from traditional health healers/tribal communities on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of snakebite.Methods:The ethno-medicinal study was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal in 2012-2013 through questionnaire and personal interviews.Following the method of Martin,information about medicinal plants used in snake bite,precise plant parts used,methods of treatment and administration was enquired from the tribal communities(Santhals,Mundas,Lodhas,Bhumijs,Oram Kherias) of the region.Results:The present study enumerates 20 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 16 families used by the tribal communities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district,West Bengal in treatment of snakebite.Each plant species has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name,family,vernacular name,part(s) used,mode of preparation/administration.Conclusions:The importance of traditional medicinal system among the tribal communities of Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal has been highlighted in the present study.

A review of age-old antimalarial drug to combat malaria:efficacy upgradation by nanotechnology based drug delivery

Malaria is uncontrolled burden in the world till now.Despite of different efforts to develop antimalarial drug for decades,any anti-malarial drug can able to eradicate completely till now.Many anti-malarial substances are practically ineffectual because of their physicochemical limitations,cytotoxicity,chemical instability and degradation,and limited activities against intracellular parasites.Taking into consideration,the amount of research is going to conduct in the field of nanoparticle based drug delivery systems,lead to new ways of improving the treatment of infectious diseases.The study has focused on the progress and advancement of research on nanotechnology based drug delivery to eradicate the malaria.We like to focus the efficacy of nanotechnology based drug application for the opening out of novel chemotherapeutics in laboratory research,which may show the way to better use with age-old antimalarial drug and may draw the attention of pharmaceutical industries for the improvement and designing of effective anti-malarial drugs in future.

Methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves potentiates the contractile action of acetylcholine on isolated rabbit jejunum

Objective:To investigate the modulating role of methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves on acetylcholine(ACh)-induced contraction of isolated rabbit jejunum.Methods: Rabbit jejunum segment was removed and placed in an organ bath containing Tyrode's solution, and its contractions were recorded isometrically.Results: ACh(2.0 × 10-10 g/m L) and the extract(2.0 × 10-4 g/m L) individually increased the frequency of contraction(mean ± SEM) of the isolated smooth muscle tissue by 47.6% ± 9.5% and 77.8% ± 66.5%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the frequency of contraction of the tissue was increased by 222.2% ± 25.9%, representing a 366.7% increase(P < 0.001) over the effect of ACh alone. Similarly, ACh(2.0 × 10-9 g/m L) and the extract individually increased significantly(P < 0.001) the amplitude of contraction of the tissue by 685.7% ± 61.1% and 455.2% ± 38.1%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the amplitude of contraction of the tissue rose by 1263.8% ± 69.0%, representing 84.3% increase over the ef ect of ACh alone. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves potentiates the contractile ef ect of ACh on intestinal smooth muscle, supporting the traditional claim that the plant is purgative.