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Androstachys johnsonii Prain aqueous leaf extract attenuates oxidative stress in hyperglycaemic-induced spermatozoa: an in vitro study

2026-09-23T20:45:40Z

Title: Androstachys johnsonii Prain aqueous leaf extract attenuates oxidative stress in hyperglycaemic-induced spermatozoa: an in vitro study Authors: NETHENGWE, MURENDENI; Okaiyeto, Kunle; Opuwari, Chinyerum; Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi Abstract: Background: Oxidative stress is a key instigator in the development of hyperglycaemia-associated complications in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Male infertility is one of the complications associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia. Androstachys johnsonii Prain has been used traditionally to treat hyperglycaemicrelated male infertility. Although its antioxidant capacity and phytochemical composition were previously reported, the effect of the plant extract on male parameters under oxidative stress conditions remains unclear. Objective: This study investigated the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of A. johnsonii on hyperglycaemic-induced sperm cells. Methods: A total of 25 male participants, aged 18-40, were recruited voluntarily following ethical guidelines. Sperm parameters, including reactive oxidative species (ROS), total protein content in the plasma, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, DNA fragmentation were measured after hyperglycaemia induction and treatment with (0.001 μg/mL, 0.01 μg/mL, 0.1 μg/mL, and 1 μg/mL) of plant extract, and 100 μg/mL of acarbose. Capacitation and acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm vitality and motility were also assessed. Results: The exposure of sperm cells to hyperglycaemic conditions for 24 h resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS), DNA fragmentation, and early capacitation and acrosome reaction, and a significant (P < 0.05) decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), vitality, motility. After the administration of A. johnsonii extract, there was a significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent reduction in ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and an increase in MMP integrity and vitality. The effect of acarbose on the sperm parameters was comparable to the highest concentrations (0.1 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL) of the extract. However, no significant (P > 0.05) change in motility and vitality was observed after treatment with acarbose. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperm cells post-acarbose treatment. Conclusion: These findings revealed the evident potential of A. johnsonii in the improvement of male sperm parameters in DM through the reduction of ROS.

Impact of some bioactive compounds of flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia, Benth on glucose concentration and certain proteins associated with glucose metabolism using molecular docking approach

2026-09-23T20:45:38Z

Title: Impact of some bioactive compounds of flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia, Benth on glucose concentration and certain proteins associated with glucose metabolism using molecular docking approach Authors: Nzekwe, Samuel C.; Morakinyo, Adetoun; Ntwasa, Monde; Lebelo, Sogolo; Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi; Oyedapo, Oluboade; Babarinde, Samuel O.; Ayeleso, Ademola Abstract: Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, known to be a metabolic disorder caused by excess blood glucose due to lack of insulin secretion, or cellular insensitivity to insulin or damage to pancreatic β-cell. This study focused on the potential of flavonoid-rich fraction of M. tenuifolia seeds (FRFMTS) to reducing plasma glucose concentration in diabetic rats and determine the molecular interaction of some phytochemicals in FRRMTS against certain proteins associated with diabetes mellitus. The plant sample was pulverized and extracted at 1g in 5 ml of 80% v/v ethanol to obtain hydro-ethanol extract subjected to solvent-solvent fractionation to obtain the FRFMTS used for HPLC screening. Seven (7) groups of male Wistar rats containing six (6) rats each were used. The groups were normal control, 25 mg/kg FRFMTS, 50 mg/kg FRFMTS, diabetic control, diabetic rats + 25 mg/kg FRFMTS, diabetic rats + 50 mg/kg FRFMTS and diabetic rats + metformin (6.67 mg/kg). A glucose oxidase kit was used to determine blood glucose concentrations, while the molecular interactions with some target proteins were docked using the extra precision (XP) algorithm. The results revealed a significant increase in the plasma glucose of diabetic control group in comparison to normal control group. Diabetic rats treated with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS, 50 mg/kg FRFMTS and metformin showed that glucose concentrations significantly reduced compared to diabetic control group. The molecular docking model revealed highest binding affinity of quercetin to acetyl-CoA carboxylase, glucose-1-transporter, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, glucagon-like peptide 1 and insulin receptor kinase. This study suggests that FRFMTS possesses glucose lowering ability and quercetin present in FRFMTS binds effectively to proteins linked to diabetes and could elicit antihyperglycemic effect.

The effect of Garcinia livingstonei aqueous leaf extract on hyperglycaemic-induced human sperm cell: an in-vitro study

2026-09-23T20:45:34Z

Title: The effect of Garcinia livingstonei aqueous leaf extract on hyperglycaemic-induced human sperm cell: an in-vitro study Authors: NETHENGWE, MURENDENI; Okaiyeto, Kunle; Opuwari, Chinyerum; Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi Abstract: Hyperglycaemia is the main instigator of the development of male infertility in men with diabetes mellitus (DM). The consequent production of excessive reactive oxidative species (ROS) and a compromised antioxidant defence system leads to testicular damage and a decline in sperm parameters. Supplementation with antioxidants sourced from medicinal plants is beneficial in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, a search for more efficacious and easily accessibly medicinal plants is paramount. Garcinia livingstonei is a well-known and accessible medicinal plant used in traditional practices for the treatment of diabetic complications. However, very scarce information on the plant extract’s potential benefits exists in the literature. The current study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of G. livingstonei on hyperglycaemic human male sperm cell parameters. Hyperglycaemia was induced using sperm media supplemented with 100 mM D-glucose over 24 h. Hyperglycaemia induction led to a significant (P<0.05) decline in sperm motility, vitality, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and acrosome integrity. The effect of the plant extract on spermatozoa was concentration-dependent, with the lowest concentration demonstrating the highest protective effects. A significant (P<0.05) improvement in all tested sperm parameters was observed after exposure of the hyperglycaemic spermatozoa to aqueous leaf extract of G. livingstonei. The effect of acarbose on all tested sperm parameters was comparable to that of the plant extract. The findings of this study suggest the potential therapeutic effect of G. livingstonei in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, the use of an appropriate dosage depending on the pathological target is paramount.

The Ilaje people, their traditional medical system and the interconnection between culture and usage of medicinal plants in the treatment of disease conditions

2026-09-23T20:45:40Z

Title: The Ilaje people, their traditional medical system and the interconnection between culture and usage of medicinal plants in the treatment of disease conditions Authors: Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi Abstract: The history of Ilaje people is defined by a unique mixture of coastal traditions, rich cultural practices, and interactions with external forces such as colonial powers and modern economic challenges. Their traditions, connection to the sea and the resilience in the face of adversity has made the Ilaje people a distinct and important group within the Yoruba ethnic group. The Ilaje people have a rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, which are deeply integrated into their culture and health practices. The plants are used for the treatment of various disease conditions such as malaria, hypertension, digestive disorders and diabetes. The Ilaje people depend on the biodiversity of their environment to gather medicinal herbs from knowledge that have been passed down from one generation to another. This knowledge is deeply rooted in oral traditions and is vital for the primary healthcare of the people, especially in rural and remote areas where access to modern healthcare services is limited. The medicinal plants used by the Ilaje people are usually prepared in various forms such as infusions and decoctions combined with spiritual practices. Despite the wealth of knowledge about the plants, there is a growing need for scientific research to validate the efficacy of some of the plants and explore their potential in modern medicine. This paper examines, the Ilaje people, their traditional medical system, culture and the influence of culture on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various disease conditions.