Browsing by Author "Igado, O. O."

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A comparative study of skull shape variations in the Eidolon helvum (African fruit bat) from two geographical locations in Nigeria
(Physiological Society of Nigeria, 2022) Igado, O. O.; Joannis, J. S.
The shape and size of a skull provides insight into the age, breed and gender of the animal. Skull shape variations have been reported in different animals, with some theories linking these variations to evolution and/or migration. This study assessed the variations observed in the skull shape, size and gross morphometrics of two groups of the Eidolon helvum obtained from two geographical regions in Nigeria (south and north). All skulls were rostro-caudally elongated, having a dolichocephalic appearance. The skulls from the north had a distinct dome shape, with a more prominent zygomatic process, absence of a ‘diastema’ and an extra upper molar, while the southern skulls showed a more dorsally flattened skull and a less prominent zygomatic process. The shape of the sagittal crest was different in the two groups, while there was the presence of an accessory infraorbital foramen in some of the southern skulls. The southern skulls lacked the palatine foramen. The lacrimal foramen was observed to be more caudally placed in the southern skulls. Values for most linear measurements were higher in the northern skulls, although statistically significant difference was not present in all. The value for the neurocranial volume was considerably higher in the northern skulls (4.41 ± 0.28 mls) relative to the southern skulls (2.0 ± 0.27 mls). Statistically significant differences were not observed between males and females (within regions). Data obtained from this study may find application in evolution and migration studies, wildlife medicine and surgery and comparative and forensic anatomy.
A rare case of left additional renal artery in a Nigerian goat
(Firenze University Press, 2010) Olopade, J. O.; Ozegbe, P. C.; Nssien, M. A. S.; Igado, O. O.; Akpan, M. O.; Olukole, S. G.; Aina, O. O.; Onwuka, S. K.; Oke, B. O.
The report of the occurrence of additional renal arteries in domestic animals is rare in the lit erature. We report a case of an additional renal artery in the left kidney found in a Red Sokoto goat cadaver. The additional renal artery originated from the abdominal aorta 3.80 cm cranial to the origin of the main renal artery. The additional renal artery was relatively long, being 6.30 cm from its origin to the cranial pole region of the kidney where it supplied the kidney. This to the best of our knowledge is the first report in the literature indexed in the Medline of an additional renal artery in a goat.
A review on the possible neuroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract.
(Physiological Society of Nigeria, 2016) Igado, O. O.; Olopade, J. O.
Moringa oleifera is an edible plant that has been reputed to be a miracle plant by numerous authors, with effects on practically every body system. Phytochemical analyses have demonstrated that the leaves are rich in various minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Its use in some continents dates back to Antiquity. Neurodegeneration are chronic diseases of the nervous system. There is currently an increase in the use of natural products to combat these debilitating diseases. So far, no suitable cure has been found, and conditions are managed and the symptoms treated. This article reviews the literature on the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on the nervous system in vivo and in vitro.
A study of the craniofacial morphometry of the Nigerian local dog
(Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Nigeria, 2014) Igado, O. O.
A study of the spatial relationship of the structures of the head and face of the Nigerian local dog was carried out using twenty-five clinically healthy dogs (11 males, 14 females). The males recorded a higher body weight and height of right external nares (15.75±6.19 kg and 0.73±0.15 cm respectively), when compared with the females (14.5±4.38 kg, 0.72±0.14 cm) (P>0.05). Values for all other parameters (e.g. rima oris length, pinna length and width, external nares length and width, etc.) measured were found to be higher in the females, although no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the genders. There was a positive correlation between the weight of the animal and all other parameters measured. Data obtained from this study will find application in the field of comparative and clinical anatomy, morpho-physiology and possibly evolutionary studies.
Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffman extract protects against lead-induced neurodegeneration in cockerel chickens.
(Elsevier Inc. on behalf of International Brain Research Organization, 2024) Esan, O. O.; Igado, O. O.; Femi-Akinlosotu, O. M.; Oyagbemi, A. A.; Omobowale, T. O.; Oladele, O. A.; Nwulia, E.
Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous, non-biodegradable heavy metal contaminant with a significant impact on both human and animal health. The adverse effect of lead on health and productivity of avian species has received little attention. Alchornea laxiflora (Benth) belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and grows naturally in the Nigerian rain forest. Decoction of the leaves is usually administered traditionally to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. The ethanol extract of Alchornea laxiflora (EaAL) leaves was used in this study to ameliorate lead-induced neurodegeneration. Seven groups of 5-week-old cockerels (n=5) were treated for 6 weeks thus: Group A - Control (water only), Group B - (100 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group C - (200 mg/kg of EaAL daily, p.o.), Group D - (1 % lead acetate in drinking water), Group E - (1 % lead acetate in drinking water and 100 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group F - (1 % lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group G - (1 % lead acetate and 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C). All administrations were per os birds were euthanized on day 43 by quick cervical dislocation. Histological stains (H&E and Nissl) and Black Gold II (BGII) histochemistry were used to assess alterations in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Administration of EaAL at the two concentrations resulted in a drastic reduction in the incidence of neuro pathologies observed (e.g. pyknosis and multilayering of Purkinje cells, neuronal degeneration in hippocampus cerebrum and ependymal cells, distortion of meningeal epithelial cells, etc). BGII histochemistry revealed severe demyelination caused by the administration of lead acetate, while the two doses of EaAL showed significant restoration of myelin in the cerebellum. The amelioration of demyelination observed with the use of vitamin C was considerably lower than that recorded with the use of EaAL. The use of EaAL significantly ameliorated morphological alterations and demyelination caused by the administration of lead acetate, however, caution should be exercised in the administration, as individual species idiosyncrasies may arise and the tendency to pro-oxidation at 200 mg/kg when administered alone was observed in one subject.
An overview of the orexinergic system in different animal species.
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2021) Azeez, I. O.; Igado, O. O.; Olopade, J. O.
Orexin (hypocretin), is a neuropeptide produced by a subset of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. From the lateral hypo thalamus, the orexin-containing neurons project their fibres extensively to other brain structures, and the spinal cord con stituting the central orexinergic system. Generally, the term ‘’orexinergic system’’ usually refers to the orexin peptides and their receptors, as well as to the orexin neurons and their projections to different parts of the central nervous system. The extensive networks of orexin axonal fibres and their terminals allow these neuropeptidergic neurons to exert great influence on their target regions. The hypothalamic neurons containing the orexin neuropeptides have been implicated in diverse functions, especially related to the control of a variety of homeostatic functions including feeding behaviour, arousal, wakefulness stability and energy expenditure. The broad range of functions regulated by the orexinergic system has led to its description as ‘’physiological integrator’’. In the last two decades, the orexinergic system has been a topic of great interest to the scientific community with many reports in the public domain. From the documentations, variations exist in the neuroanatomical profile of the orexinergic neuron soma, fibres and their receptors from animal to animal. Hence, this review highlights the distinct variabilities in the morphophysiological aspects of the orexinergic system in the vertebrate animals, mammals and non-mammals, its presence in other brain-related structures, including its involvement in ageing and neurodegenerative dis eases. The presence of the neuropeptide in the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral tissues, as well as its alteration in different animal models and conditions are also reviewed.
Anatomical description of the central nervous system and the vertebral column of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).
(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan (Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Igado, O. O.; Oriji, C. C.; Aina, O. O.; Oke, B. O.
Wildlife anaesthesiology is a dynamic and emerging field. Different species of aquatic and wildlife species are gradually gaining more recognition for their use in research, as pets or as food. This study highlights some gross and histological features of the central nervous system and vertebral column of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Twenty male adult African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were used for this experiment. Brains and spinal cords were harvested and linear measurements obtained. Routine stains Heamatoxylin and Eosin and Cresyl Violet stain were used for histological preparation. Grossly, the brain was lobulated, appearing like follicles. Relative brain weight was 0.11± 0.02%. Average fork length was 439.40 ± 21.26 mm, and the calculated encephalisation quotient was 0.084 ± 0.013, making the catfish appear to be at a lower level on the intelligence ladder. Histology revealed a telencephalon with indistinct layers, unlike that observed in mammals. The cerebellum was also unique, with the Purkinje cells appearing like spindle-shaped neurons and irregularly distributed in the molecular layer. The stroma of the molecular layer of the cerebellum was seen to form tracts which extend into the granular layer. The number of vertebral bones were consistent in all animals but there was a variation in the number of spinal nerves observed. The distinguishing features of the vertebral bones were highlighted and the presence of a ventral foramen, partly enclosed by the transverse processes was discussed. Results obtained from this study will find application in comparative anatomy, fish anesthesiology and possibly surgical maneuvers involving neurological diseases.
Congenital Dysgenesis (Brachiomelia) of the Forearm amongst West African Dwarf Triplet Kids in Nigeria: A Case Report
(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, 2010) Olopade, J. O.; Omobowale, T. O.; Igado, O. O.
Unilateral and bilateral congenital dysgenesis (brachiomelia) of the forarm in three kid goats is reported. The animals were born with a miniature forearm/antebrachium, but the shoulder, arm and manus were apparently unaffected. Radiological examination revealed a reduced and bent morphology of the forearm.
Cranio-facial and ocular morphometrics of the male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).
(Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), 2016) Igado, O. O.; Adebayo, A. O.; Oriji, C. C.; Oke, B. O.
Cranio-facial indices still remain a useful means of early detection of the characteristic facial appearance of some syndromes. The cranio-facial and gross ocular morphometry of the male Greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) was studied using 9 adults. A total of twenty seven parameters were determined for each head. Linear measurements were determined on each eyeball using digital vernier calliper, measuring rule and a piece of twine. Cranio-facial parameters assessed included distance between medial canthi, height of the incisor, extent of oral commissures, width and length of the pinnae. All measured parameters were correlated with the body weight. The highest positive correlation was observed between the body weight and the width of the head, while the heights of the two upper incisors showed the lowest negative correlation with the body weight. The weights of the animals, heads and both eyeballs were 1.97 ± 0.37 kg, 252.00 ± 36.89 g, and 1.00 ± 0.12 g respectively. With increase in the use of wildlife as experimental animals, results from this study may find application in the field of comparative anatomy and pathological studies as well as in wildlife clinical applications.
Craniofacial Duplication (Diprosopus) in a Domestic Lamb (Ovies aries)
(Munoufiya University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Egypt), 2014) Omobowale, T. O.; Igado, O. O.; Abiola J. O.; Adeniji, S. A.; Omirinde, J. O.
A case of craniofacial duplication is described in a West African Dwarf lamb. The major gross anatomical malformations were only observed in the head. Physical examination revealed two heads which were joined laterally at the region of the angle of the mandible, resulting in the name diprosopus (dicephalus monopygus dibrachius). This is probably the first documented report of this particular type of congenital duplication in Nigeria.
Craniofacial morphometrics and macro-neurometrics of the fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)
(Sociedad Anatómica Española, 2012) Igado, O. O.; Omobowale, T. O.; Ajadi, R. A.; Nottidge, H. O.
This study involved the measurement of craniofacial indices and linear neurometrics in the fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, which are found abundantly in Nigeria. The mean head weight was 38.7±2.74g, while the rimaoris length, distance between medial canthi, and the height of the philtrum were 48.9±7.59 mm, 14.1±0.49 mm, 8.67±0.48 mm respectively. The brain weight and length of brain were 3.22±0.50 g and 2.79±0.18 cm respectively. The males had consistently higher values for most craniofacial and all neurometric parameters measured, while the female values were higher only in the width of the left external nares (5.08±0.55 mm in the females, and 5.0±0.39 mm in the males). Correlation studies revealed negative correlation between the weight of the animal and the weight of the brain. Data obtained from this study will serve as baseline data for craniofacial anatomy and neuro-anatomy research for the fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, and also in comparative anatomy with other breeds of bats.
Dental formula and dental abnormalities observed in the Eidolon helvum (fruit bat) captured from the wild
(Ibadan Biomedical Communications Group, 2018) Igado, O. O.; Femi-Akinlosotu, O.; Omobowale, T. O.; Ajadi, R. A.; Nottidge, H. O.
Bats are known to be the only flying mammals. Eidolon helvum is a species of fruit bats that is reported to have great economic and health importance, while also having an unsavoury reputation in many cultures in Nigeria. This study investigated the dental formula and dental pathologies of Eidolon helvum captured from the wild. The dental profile of 35 adult bats (20 males, 15 females) was assessed. The animals were observed to have a heterodont dentition. The males were observed to have a total of 30 to 36 teeth, while the females had 30 to 34 teeth. A missing lower incisor was observed in some of the females while the males showed a varying number of upper premolar. Severe attrition and edentulousness were observed in some bats examined. Results obtained from this work may shed more light on the different dental pathologies observed in the adult Eidolon helvum in Nigeria.
Dirofilaria immitis infection in a three year old doberman: A case report
(The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, 2011) Ajadi, R. A.; Omobowale, T. O.; Igado, O. O.; Adejinmi, J.O.; Adedokuii, O.A.; Nottidge, H. O.
A three-year- old male Doberman that was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with the complaint of anorexia, bloody diarrhea and weight loss was diagnosed with a chronic form of heartworm disease based on the findings at the physical examination which included a complete blood count, liver function tests and thoracic radiography. The physical examination revealed that the dog’s mucous membranes were pale and there was a copious bilateral macopurulent ocular discharge present. There was subcutaneous oedema on the ventral thoracic region, while auscultation revealed tachypnea and an irregular heart rhythm. The results of the hematology and liver enzyme tests revealed moderate anaemia, which was normochromic and normocytic. There was mild neutrophilia, eosinopaenia and monocytopaenia. Both the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were markedly elevated. Also, the serum albumin concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio were both markedly lowered. The direct blood smear revealed that the dog was negative for both Babesia canis and Erlichia canis, but positive for microfilaria. The microfilaria was 309 ±30µ in length and the anterior and posterior widths were 12±2.4µ and 9±1.6µ, respectively. The lateral thoracic radiograph showed that the heart was normal in size, while the pulmonary vasculatures were visible and within normal range. The health of the dog improved following treatment with levamisole and gentaprim. This case confirms the efficacy of levamisole in combination with gentaprim in the management of canine heart worm disease.
Dirofilaria immitis infection in a three year old doberman: A case report
(The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, 2011) Ajadi, R. A.; Omobowale, T. O.; Igado, O. O.; Adejinmi, J. O.; Adedokun, O. A.; Nottidge, H. O
A three-year- old male Doberman that was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with the complaint of anorexia, bloody diarrhea and weight loss was diagnosed with a chronic form of heartworm disease based on the findings at the physical examination which included a complete blood count, liver function tests and thoracic radiography. The physical examination revealed that the dog’s mucous membranes were pale and there was a copious bilateral mucopurulent ocular discharge present. There was subcutaneous oedema on the ventral thoracic region, while auscultation revealed tachypnea and an irregular heart rhythm. The results of the hematology and liver enzyme tests revealed moderate anaemia, which was normochromic and normocytic. There was mild neutrophilia, eosinopaenia and monocytopaenia. Both the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were markedly elevated. Also, the serum albumin concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio were both markedly lowered. The direct blood smear revealed that the dog was negative for both Babesia canis and Erlichia canis, but positive for microfilaria. The microfilaria was 309 ±30p in length and the anterior and posterior widths were 12±2.4p and 9±1.6ji, respectively. The lateral thoracic radiograph showed that the heart was normal in size, while the pulmonary vasculatures were visible and within normal range. The health of the dog improved following treatment with levamisole and gentaprim. This case confirms the efficacy of levamisole in combination with gentaprim in the management of canine heart worm disease.
Dirofilaria immitis infection in a three-year old Doberman: a case report
(Sciendo, 2011) Ajadi, R. A.; Omobowale, T. O.; Igado, O. O.; Adejinmi, J. O.; Adedokun, O. A.; Nottidge, H. O.
A three-year-old male Doberman that was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with the complaint of anorexia, bloody diarrhea and weight loss was diagnosed with a chronic form of heartworm disease based on the findings at the physical examination which included a complete blood count, liver function tests and thoracic radiography. The physical examination revealed that the dog's mucous membranes were pale and there was a copious bilateral mucopurulent ocular discharge present. There was subcutaneous oedema on the ventral thoracic region, while auscultation revealed tachypnea and an irregular heart rhythm. The results of the hematology and liver enzyme tests revealed moderate anaemia, which was normochromic and normocytic. There was mild neutrophilia, eosinopaenia and monocytopaenia. Both the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were markedly elevated. Also, the serum albumin concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio were both markedly lowered. The direct blood smear revealed that the dog was negative for both Babesia can is and Erlichiacan is, but positive for microfilaria. The microfilaria was 309 ± 30/l in length and the anterior and posterior widths were 12±2.4/l and 9± 1.6/l, respectively. The lateral thoracic radiograph showed that the heart was normal in size, while the pulmonary vasculatures were visible and within normal range. The health of the dog improved following treat ment with levamisole and gentaprim. This case confirms the efficacy of levamisole in combination with gentaprim in the management of canine heart worm disease.
Effects of in-vivo vanadium-induced neurotoxicity and withdrawal on three consecutive generations of mice brains: A neurobehavioural and histo-immunohistochemical study
(Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN), 2022) Lijoka, A. D.; Igado, O. O.; Olopade, F. E.; Olopade, J. O.
Heavy metals exposure causes multi-systemic pathologies in biological systems. Due to their genotoxic effects, some of these anomalies have been reported to transcend to unexposed generations. Vanadi um, a transition metal, crosses the blood brain barrier, causing neuroinflammatory and demyelinating lesions with neurobehavioural inadequacies in exposed subjects. There are however scarce scientific information on vanadium neurotoxicity over generations of exposed subjects. This study explored the effects of vanadium exposure on the body weight, neurobehavioural (open field and negative geotaxis tests) and neurohistological changes (Purkinje cell, astroglial and myelin histoarchitecture) in three consecutive generations – two exposed generations (G1 and G2) and one withdrawal generation (G3), of mice. Neonatal pups of BALB/c mice in G1 and G2, were treated with sodium metavanadate every 48 h, first via lactation from postnatal day (PND) 1-14, and later intraperitoneally (PND 15-21) for males; PND 15-45 for female pups till they were mated with unexposed males. The G3 pups were not treated with sodium metavanadate. The vanadium treated pups had irregular body weight gain. In all the studied generations (G1-3), there were reduced locomotor and exploratory activities, and diminished motor and vestibular function compared to the controls. Furthermore, there was multilayering and pyknosis of the cerebellar Purkinje cells, moderate to marked astrogliosis and generalized demyelination in the corpus callosum, hippocampus (CA1-4 and the dentate gyrus), cerebral cortex, thalamus and cerebellum. This study revealed that effects of vanadium exposure including neurobehavioural anomalies, astrogliosis, demyelination and cerebellar Purkinje cell pathology can persist across multiple generations, including generation not initially exposed.
Efficacy of concurrent administration of hyper immune egg yolk and virus challenge in Newcastle disease infection
(Springer-Verlag London Ltd, 2024) Tounkara, C.; Dakouo, M.; Igado, O. O.
Newcastle disease (ND), an infectious illness, affects domestic and wild birds. Poultry production in Mali faces significant obstacles due to this disease. An important cause of loss in Mali’s chicken industry, especially in rural areas, is Newcastle dis ease, with the sole method of prevention being vaccination. Unfortunately, in village poultry farms, this vaccination coverage is very low. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of hyper-immune egg yolk in protecting against Newcastle disease in poultry, as a cheaper and more accessible means of prophylaxis. Forty-five-day-old seronegative chickens (Leghorn strain) were divided into three groups (n = 5) housed separately. Groups I and II were inoculated with the virulent Newcastle strain (Ml029/07) titrating 106 EID50/ml intramuscularly, 100 µl per chicken; thereafter, group I was treated with hyper-immune egg yolk intramuscularly, 2 ml for 3 days. Group III (the control group) received neither virus nor treatment. All groups were placed under clinical observation for 14 days. All chickens in groups I and III remained healthy and recorded no mortality during the entire period, while group II showed signs of ND and had 100% mortality. The hyper-immune egg yolk was able to protect poultry against the ML029/07 strain isolated in Mali. Further studies are recommended, with interventions to make this method of prevention more accessible in areas with poultry populations as a means of protection against ND mortalities.
Electrocardiography, Blood Pressure Measurements, Vital Parameters and Anaesthetic Indices in the African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus Waterhouse) Immobilized with Diazepam or Ketamine.
(Sciendo (part of De Gruyter) and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice (Slovakia), 2023) Igado, O. O.; Abiola, J. O.; Anifowose, O. R.; Alaba, B. A.; Nottidge, H. O.; Omobowale, T. O.
In spite of the increasing use and importance of the African giant rat (Cricetomys Gambianus Waterhouse) in research, and other fields, like location of landmines, there is still not enough information on their physiology. In this study, we assessed the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, vital parameters and anaesthetic indices of the African giant rat (Cricetomys Gambianus Waterhouse), both genders, using diazepam or ketamine as chemical restraints. A total of 24 adult African Giant Rats (AGR), 12 males and 12 females were used in this experiment. The animals were divided into two groups of twelve animals each (6 males and 6 females). One group was assessed for the effect of diazepam, and the other group ketamine. Diazepam (Roche®, Switzerland) was administered intraperitoneally at a dose rate of 7.5 mg/kg, while ketamine was administered intraperitoneally at a dose rate of 45 mg/kg. Parameters measured were recorded from the time desirable sedation was achieved, and every 15 minutes till the animal was awake. Animals administered diazepam took a longer time to sleep or achieve desirable sedative state, a longer time to respond to stimuli before waking up fully and a longer time to be fully awake, relative to ketamine-induced sedation. Ketamine caused a continuous increase in respiratory rate and blood pressure, while diazepam caused a continuous decrease in the respiratory rate. Electrocardiogram showed tachycardia throughout the experiment with the use of both drugs, although this was more pronounced with the use of diazepam, causing a decrease in QRS interval and a decrease in QT interval. Gender differences were observed in most parameters measured. Results obtained gave baseline values for electrocardiogram and blood pressure readings, while also detailing the changes and gender differences observed with sedation. In addition, results indicated ketamine is best used for short procedures and diazepam at a higher dose used for procedures requiring longer time in the African giant rat.
Environmental fluorosis and the neurotoxic effects of fluoride in Nigeria.
(College of Medicine, Ekiti State University; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) EKSUTH Branch, 2021) Femi-Akinlosotu, O. M.; Jubril, J. A.; Igado, O. O.
A number of seemingly harmless substances can become poisons, depending on the dose. This is essentially true of fluoride and the exposure of the biological system to it. Fluoride has been known and used as an anti-cariogenic agent over the decades in dental practice. Many communities and municipal authorities had advocated for fluoride supplements in water sources to boost the health of the teeth especially in children. However, fluoride is now known to be toxic at specific concentrations, hence the dose and poison phenomenon. The ecosystem is exposed to fluoride in diverse sources, naturally from volcanic eruptions, marine aerosols, minerals and artificially from combination of other elements. High environmental levels of fluoride have been reported geographically from different parts of the world and have been associated with elevated levels of fluoride in the biological host. Both naturally and anthropogenic sources has been found to be toxic, at high and prolonged exposure, to humans, through food, water and air pollution, especially during early development and growth. These toxic levels have been associated with clinical manifestations in different body parts such as bones, teeth, kidney, liver, endocrine, including the brain. We hereby highlighted some local sources (natural and artificial) of fluoride in the ecosystem and then bring to fore its neurotoxic effects. We hope to increase fluoride neurotoxicity awareness as a public health concern especially in developing countries like Nigeria. There is a need for more advocacy and research on prevailing environmental levels, associated pathophysiology and risk-benefit of fluoride toxicity, especially on developmental fluoride toxicity by ecotoxicologists in collaboration with neuroscientists.
Ethnomedicine and Neuroscience in the developing world: plants most commonly used for neurological conditions.
(Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Ibadan, 2021) Femi-Akinlosotu, O. M.; Igado, O. O.; Jubril, J. A.
The use of plants for curing ailments in humans and animals has been an ancient practice. African medicinal plants have been used to cure various types of disease conditions. Ethnomedicine has been proposed to be a very promising area that is capable of adding value to the very rich natural resources of the African continent. Recently, there seems to be a re-awakening of interest in the use of medicinal plants especially in Africa with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Medicinal plants can be defined as vegetables containing substances utilized for therapeutic purposes. They can be processed through different physical or biological processes, such as extraction, fractionation, purification, and concentration, to enhance usage. Most African countries are growing economies, where the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the populace is very low, leading to low purchasing power, thus resulting in the populace depending on alternative medicine by using their traditional and indigenous plants for the remedies of various ailments. The potentials of some medicinal plants as treatments for certain neurological conditions are an interesting area in neuroscience research in Africa. A significant number of researches have been carried out in the field of neuroscience to analyse the therapeutic potential of some plants mostly domiciled on the Africa continent. This review therefore attempts to harvest this information and present it in a concise form for global appreciation of the potential in Africa’s ethnomedicine, with a focus on five common plants (Telfairia occidentalis, Garcinia Kola, Ocimum gratissimum, Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa).