Background & Aim:Cognitive impairment is one of the age-related mental problems and a typical indicator of neurodegeneration. Eragrostis tremula Hochst. ex Steud. is a commonly used medicinal plant in Nigeria for memory enhancement. This study, therefore, aimed at evaluating the memory-enhancing potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of E. tremula in mice. Experimental: Classes of phytochemicals present in the extract were determined using standard protocol while its oral median lethal dose (LD50) in mice was estimated. The effect of E. tremula extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) on learning and memory was evaluated in mice using behavioural paradigms: elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition and Barnes maze. Open field and hole-board tests were also carried out to evaluate locomotion. Results: The phytochemical constituents of E. tremula were alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and triterpenes. Oral LD50 was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. E. tremula extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the transfer latency of mice during the retention phase of EPM test. In the novel object recognition test, it significantly (P<0.05) increased the discrimination index. In Barnes maze test, the extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the mean primary errors during the acquisition trials. It also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the primary latency, primary error and increased the time spent in the target quadrant during the probe trial. E. tremula extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the immobility time of mice in an open field at 250 mg/kg, while in the hole-board test, it significantly (P<0.05) increased the mean head-dip of mice at 125 mg/kg when compared to the negative control. Recommended applications/industries: The ethanol extract of E. tremula possesses memory enhancing properties which can be utilized in the management of amnesia and cognitive deficit. تفاصيل المقالة

Background & Aim: Diabetic foot ulceration is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus that results in considerable ill health, financial burden and mortality. Many people in Nigeria utilize medicinal plants to treat diabetic foot ulcer and related complications, nonetheless, the utilization of such plants has not been acknowledged. This study was done to validate and document the medicinal plants used in the remedy of diabetic foot ulcer in Kano State, Nigeria.Experimental: The target group of the study were herbalists and diabetic foot ulcer patients. The ethnobotanical information was obtained from willing respondents through an oral interview and a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: A total of 300 respondents were consulted in this study, and they exposed the utilization of 36 medicinal plants against diabetic foot ulcer. The frequently used plant families were Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae. Stem bark and leaves were the commonly reported plant parts used. The methods of preparation are usually by decoction or pounding the plant parts into powder; and the preparations are administered via topical (51%), oral (27%) and topical/oral (19%) routes. Moringa oleifera, Anisopus manni and Cadaba farinosa were the first three frequently cited species, while Ficus glumosa, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Guiera senegalensis were among the most preferred medicinal plants. Approximately 92% have been reported to be pharmacologically active, while 36% have similar ethno-medical claims in certain regions of the world.Recommended applications/industries: This study revealed the ethno-medicinal practices against diabetic foot ulcer in Kano State. Scientific validation of the efficacy and safety of these plants would assist towards development of better drugs and integrating some of the species into orthodox medicine. تفاصيل المقالة