Browsing by Author "Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe"
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Open Access Anti-obesity effects of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark extract in flies exposed to a high fat diet(www.cell.com/heliyon, 2022-08) Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe; Eddie, Wampande; John, Rubaihayo; Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Hellen, Wambui KinyiBackground: An in vitro assay on Sigmoidin A from Erythrina abyssinica stem bark revealed its potency to inhibit pancreatic lipase. However, studies indicate activity of extract bioactive compounds in combination far exceed the favorable effects of each individual compound due to synergy and additive effects. In this study, we provide information on the effect of E. abyssinica stem bark extract in Drosophila melanogaster. The objective of the study was to determine the safety and effects of E. abyssinica stem bark extract on fly survival, body weight, tri- glycerides, sterol, total protein, and catalase activity of obese male D. melanogaster. Methods: Obesity was induced by exposing D. melanogaster white mutant w 1118 to coconut food for two weeks. Groups 1–3 were fed on coconut food þ fenofibrate at 25 mM, 50 mM, and 75 mM. Groups 4–6 were fed on coconut food þ E. abyssinica stem bark extract at concentrations of 2.5 g/ml, 5.0 g/ml, and 7.5 g/ml. The positive control was exposed to only coconut food while the negative control was on regular food. Fly survival observa- tions were done for 15 days, while acute and chronic effects were done at 30 min and after 48 h respectively following treatment. Body mass, negative geotaxis, reducing power of the extract, triglycerides (TG/TP), sterol, total protein levels, and catalase activity were measured after 10 days of exposure to the experimental diets. Results: Fly survival changes were observed after 10 days and E. abyssinica stem bark extract had the strongest reducing power at 7.5 g/ml extract concentration. E. abyssinica stem bark extract reduced body mass, triglyceride levels (TG/TP), sterol levels, and modulated catalase activity at 7.5 g/ml extract concentration. Though the standard drug fenofibrate had the highest fat accumulation reduction potential, the extract at 7.5 g/ml was much safer in reducing fat accumulation in obese male D. melanogaster than other concentration used. Conclusion: Antioxidants in E. abyssinica stem bark extract are responsible for the observed anti-obesity activity.Item Open Access Green tea silver nanoparticles improve physiological motor and cognitive function in BALB/c mice during inflammation(2023) Herbert Izo, Ninsiima; Ejike, Daniel Eze; Kenneth, Ssekatawa; Halima, Nalugo; Caroline, Asekenye; David, Onanyang; Edson Ireeta, Munanura; Moses, Ariong; Kevin, Matama; Gerald, Zirintunda; Ngala Elvis, Mbiydzenyuy; Fred, Ssempijja; Adam Moyosore, Afodun; Ibe Michael, Usman; Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe; Julius, Tibyangye; Keneth Iceland, KasoziInformation on the basic changes associated with green tea small molecules in acute inflammation is deficient. The purpose of the study was to characterize and establish the effects of green tea silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) following inflammation in BALB/c male mice. In this study, green tea silver nitrate nanoparticles were characterized and the extract were made up to constitute high (100%), medium (10%), and low (1%) concentrations for administration. Acute inflam- mation was induced in groups I–V of the experimental rodents by injecting 0.5 ml/kg of fresh egg albumin on the subplantar surface of the right hind paw and animals were monitored for 36 h. Group I–III were administered 100%, 10%, 1% green tea nanoparticles extract while group IV was given diclofenac. Group V was the positive control while group VI was the negative control that received the vehicle. Paw edema was measured at a 2 h interval for 3 days, while the pain was assessed by measuring the locomotion activity using the voluntary wheel running and the anxiety- like behavior. Hypersensitivity was measured through the temperature sensation experiment and a non-linear regression analysis was done. Here, synthesized green tea AgNPs registered anabsorbance band at 460 nm, phytochemicals due to presence of organic functional groups of O––C––O of oxycarbons, of C––C of a conjugate alkene, C––O of a stretching bond of a secondary alcohol. The silver green tea nanoparticles were spherical, covered by a slimy layer, capped and stable. Green tea AgNPs significantly decreased temperature hypersensitivity in BALB/c male mice and this demonstrated their protective effects. Low concentrations of green tea nanoparticles inhibited edema thus mimicking effects of diclofenac, however, the percentage of inhibition was highest in medium and high silver-tea nanoparticles concentrations demonstration the impor- tance of concentration in therapeutics. Anxiety was lowest in BALB/c male mice treated with high concentrations of silver green tea nanoparticles, and this led to increased locomotory activity in mice. Green tea AgNPs have strong anti-inflammatory effects at high concentrations. Concen- trations of green tea AgNPs modulated basic sensory and motor behaviors in BALB/c male mice demonstrating their importance in complementary and integrative medical practice.Item Open Access Low concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ( Yoba®) are safe in male Drosophila melanogaster(Research Note, 2019) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Aisha, Bukenya; Ejike, Daniel Eze; Josephine, Kasolo; Dickson Stuart, Tayebwa; Fred, Ssempijja; Joy, Suubo; Andrew, Tamale; Isaac, Echoru; Ibrahim, Ntulume; Sarah Kemuma, Onkoba; Lisa Nkatha, Micheni; Emmanuel Tiyo, Ayikobua; Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe; Muhamudu, KalangeObjective: The purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba ® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba ® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan. Results: Yoba® at high concentration (≥ 6%) increased locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster, however, total protein, catalase, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were significantly higher at 1% Yoba ® compared to 3%, 6%, and 12% Yoba ®. Yoba consumed at 1% was associated with greater physiological benefits in Drosophila melanogaster. Findings in the study offer a rationale for the consumption of Yoba ® at 1% in humans as is currently being promoted by the Yoba for Life consortium, however, high concentrations of Yoba ® would disrupt physiological function as shown by this study.Item Open Access Low concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ( Yoba®) are safe in male Drosophila melanogaster(BMC Res Notes, 2019) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Aisha, Bukenya; Ejike, Daniel Eze; Josephine, Kasolo; Dickson Stuart, Tayebwa; Fred, Ssempijja; Joy, Suubo; Andrew, Tamale; Isaac, Echoru; Ibrahim, Ntulume; Sarah, Kemuma Onkoba; Lisa Nkatha, Micheni; Emmanuel Tiyo, Ayikobua; Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe; Muhamudu, KalangeObjective: The purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba ® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba ® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan. Results: Yoba® at high concentration (≥ 6%) increased locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster, however, total protein, catalase, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were significantly higher at 1% Yoba ® compared to 3%, 6%, and 12% Yoba ®. Yoba consumed at 1% was associated with greater physiological benefits in Drosophila melanogaster. Findings in the study offer a rationale for the consumption of Yoba ® at 1% in humans as is currently being promoted by the Yoba for Life consortium, however, high concentrations of Yoba ® would disrupt physiological function as shown by this study.