Toxicological Assessment of Irvingia gabonensis Leaf Extracts in Albino Rats: A Comparative Study between Aqueous and Ethanol Extraction Methods

Background: This study aimed to assess the toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts in albino rats and investigate their effects on body weight, liver function parameters, and renal function parameters. The research specifically compared the outcomes of aqueous and ethanol extraction methods. Methods: Acute toxicity was evaluated by administering a single oral dose of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts to rats and monitoring them for 24 hours and during a 14-day observation period. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed through a 28-day administration of the leaf extract. Body weight changes, liver function parameters, and renal function parameters were measured and compared among treatment groups. Results: No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed in rats treated with Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts obtained through either aqueous or ethanol extraction methods. The calculated lethal dose required to cause mortality in 50% of the tested animals (LD50) exceeded 5000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of the leaf extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight did not induce any observable signs of toxicity or adverse effects during the 28-day study period. Male and female albino rats treated with the leaf extract showed significant weight gains compared to the control group. Higher doses (800 mg/kg) of both aqueous and ethanol extracts led to increased levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin in male albino rats, with the ethanol extract exhibiting a more pronounced effect. The administration of the ethanol extract, particularly at the lower dose (400 mg/kg), resulted in decreased levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), suggesting potential liver protective properties. Additionally, bilirubin levels, a marker of liver dysfunction, were significantly reduced in all treatment groups, with the lowest levels observed in the groups receiving higher doses of both aqueous and ethanol extracts. The administration of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts did not significantly affect renal function parameters in both male and female albino rats. Conclusion: Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts obtained through aqueous and ethanol extraction methods showed no acute or sub-acute toxicity in albino rats. The extracts demonstrated potential beneficial effects on liver function parameters, particularly at higher doses. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal dosage for potential therapeutic applications in humans.

The phytoconstituents and the comparative effects of aqueous extract of Irvingia gabonensis seeds and proviron on the biochemical parameters of male guinea pigs

Objective:To investigate the phytochemical screening and the effects of the aqueous extracts of the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis on the biochemical parameters of male guinea pigs.Methods: The biochemical parameters were assayed using Randox Diagnostic kits,Phenolphthalein method and colorimetric method.The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures.Results:Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids,tannins, carbohydrate,alkaloids,terpenoids,steroids,volatile oils,saponins and cardiac glycosides.The aqueous extract of Irvingia gabonensis seeds(SO - 400 mg/kg) caused a statistically significant(P【 0.05 ANOVA) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol,urea,uric acid,total protein,prostatic, alkaline,and acid phosphatases.The highest reduction effect was obtained with uric acid at 400 mg/kg of Irvingia gabonensis extract while the least effect was observed in total cholesterol. These effects were dose- and time- dependent.Conclusions:This shows that the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis have hepatoprotective,nephroprotective and cardio protective properties.The study therefore,supports the claims on the use of the seeds of this plant by traditional medicine practitioners as a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent Although further studies need to be done to isolate,identify and characterize the active principles in the seeds of this plant.

Study of Physicochemical Properties of Some Traditional Vegetables in Ivory Coast: Seeds of <i>Beilschmiedia mannii</i>(Lauraceae), Seeds of <i>Irvingia gabonensis</i>(Irvingiaceae) and <i>Volvariella volvaceae</i>

Samples of fresh Volvariella volvaceae, dry seeds of Irvingia gabonensis and dry seeds of Beilschmiedia mannii), three traditional vegetables found on the market in Abidjan were studied in relation to their nutrients composition (protein, fat, carbohydrates), energy value, moisture, ash and minerals (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe). The results show that: Volvariella vol- vaceae is mushroom distinguished by its high rate of moisture (81% ± 0.530% fresh matter), high carbohydrate content (79.440% ± 0.24% dry matter) and protein content (17.010% ± 0.04% dry matter) very significant. Mineral composition contains more Na (1.880% ± 0.02% dry matter) and K (1.260% ± 0.12% dry matter). Seed of Irvingia gabonensis is rich in lipid (63.610% ± 0.70% dry matter) but it also contains appreciable levels of carbohydrates (23.250% ± 0.17% dry matter), protein (7.230% ± 0. 80% dry matter) and mineral matter (5.910% ± 0, 30% dry matter). These seeds of Irvingia gabonensis contain more K (0.678% ± 0.01% dry matter) and Ca (0.452% ± 0.09% dry matter). Seed of Beil- schmiedia mannii is rich in carbohydrates (92.080% ± 1.20% dry matter), and has a significant protein content (7.160% ± 0.11% dry matter), its mineral composition contains more than K (0.872% ± 0.05% dry matter).

Effects of aqueous extracts of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on the hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs

Objective:To investigate the effects of the aqueous extracts of Irvingia gabonensis(Irvingaceae) seeds on the hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs.Methods:The hormonal effects of Irvingia gabonensis on hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs were investigated and compared with that of proviron using enzyme immuno assay method,which was done by reaction of antibody with serum testosterone and testosterone label,magnetic solid phase separation and colour development step.The phytochemical screening of Irvingia gabonensis seeds was also carried out using standard procedures.Results:The aqueous extract of the Irvingia gabonensis seeds(50-400 mg/kg) caused a statistically significance increase(P【0.05 ANOVA) of testosterone in male guinea pigs,from (2.70±0.26) ng/mL to(3.10±0.42) ng/mL on the 7th day and to(3.30±0.48) ng/mL on the 28th day of the administration of the extracts.The highest increase was(3.30±0.48) ng/mL,being obtained after 28 days of treatment.These effects were similar to that of proviron,which was (2.80±0.28) ng/mL and(3.00±0.41) ng/mL on the 7th and 28th day of treatment respectively. The phytochemical screening of Irvingia gabonensis seeds revealed the presence of flavonoids. tannin,alkaloids,carbohydrate,volatile oils,terpenoids,saponins and cardiac glycosides. Conclusions:This study supports the claims on the use of the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis by traditional medicine practitioners as a fertility agent.However,further studies need to be done to isolate and characterize the active principle(s) responsible for this activity in this plant.

Comparative Study on Effect of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis Leaves Extracts on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Wistar Rats

Leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis have been reported to possess saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and tannins which have several health benefits. This study investigated the anti-obesity effect of methanol extract of leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis in high fat diet (HFD) fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with HFD for eight weeks to induce obesity. Rats in different groups were thereafter treated with extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum (250 and 500 mg/kg;p.o), Irvingia gabonensis (250 and 500 mg/kg;p.o) or the reference anti-obesity drug (orlistat&reg;20 mg/kg, p.o) for four weeks. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and Lee’s index were recorded. Following sacrifice of the rats, weight of adipose tissues (retroperitoneal and epididymal fat), serum lipid profile, kidney function markers, liver and cardiac function enzymes were measured. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues were carried out. Obese rats treated with Chrysophyllum albidum, Irvingia gabonensis or orlistat showed normal body weights. Weights of adipose tissues, BMI and Lee’s index were comparable with those of normal control [normal fat diet (NFD) fed rats]. Also, serum analysis showed that orlistat and extracts treated rats had restored lipid profile, liver, kidney and cardiac function parameters in contrast with the untreated HFD fed obese group. Furthermore, liver and kidney of orlistat and extracts treated groups showed normal architecture while those of the untreated HFD group showed inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Findings from the study suggest that methanol extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis leaves have anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. Comparatively, extract of Irvingia gabonensis appeared to be a better suppressor of adiposity than extract of Chrysophyllum albidum.

Irvingia Fat Ageing: Study of Chemical Characteristics Related to MIR Spectroscopy

The Irvingia gabonensis kernels, which have been extensively studied for their numerous virtues, including the ability to act against the accumulation of fats in the body[1], contain an oil. The aging of this oil under two different conditions of conservation was the subject of our work. One of the results was an increase in the content of long-chain carbonaceous fatty acids during aging for 11 months of storage at low temperature (6℃) and at 30℃. This behavior does not find a concordant explanation by the comparative analysis of the chemical indices. Hence, there is the need to use the Medium Infra-Red spectroscopy (MIR) which allowed to clarify the information of the saponification index, to justify the weakness of the formation of peroxides in the case of the conservation at 30℃ and to confirm the information given by the peroxide index. It also allowed to understand the formation of the long carbon chains by the “cis-trans” isomerization and the homolytic cuts which intervene within the matrix of the fat by the analysis of the number of -CH2 and -CH3 groups in the two conditions of conservation. This study reveals that the rapid solidification of Irvingia gabonensis oil at room temperature[2] is an advantage for its preservation at room temperature but a great weakness when the fat is stored at low temperature.

Novel nutraceutic therapies for the treatment of metabolic syndrome

Nutraceutic therapies such as berberine, bitter melon,Gymnema sylvestre, Irvingia gabonensis, resveratrol and ursolic acid have been shown to help control metabolic syndrome(MetS). The effect of berberine on glucose and lipid metabolism, hypertension, obesity and MetS has been evaluated in animal models and humans. Most clinical trials involving bitter melon have been conducted to evaluate its effect on glucose metabolism; nevertheless, some studies have reported favorable effects on lipids and blood pressure although there is little information about its effect on body weight. Gymnema sylvestre helps to decrease body weight and blood sugar levels; however, there is limited information on dyslipidemia and hypertension. Clinical trials of Irvingia gabonensis have shown important effects decreasing glucose and cholesterol concentrations as well decreasing body weight. Resveratrol acts through different mechanisms to decrease blood pressure, lipids, glucose and weight, showing its effects on the population with Met S. Finally, there is evidence of positive effects with ursolic acid in in vitro and in vivo studies on glucose and lipid metabolism and on body weight and visceral fat. Therefore, a review of the beneficial effects and limitations of the above-mentioned nutraceutic therapies is presented.