Effect of Green Tea Extract on Renal Function Biomarkers in Rats: A Study of N-acetylglucosaminidase Levels, Electrolyte Imbalances, and Renal Health Konyefom, Chukwu, Okorocha, Ekakitie, Emelike, Ibekailo Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025 Green tea extract (GTE) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may affect kidney health. This study aimed to assess the impact of GTE on kidney function biomarkers in rats, focusing on serum N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and renal histology. Wistar rats were administered varying doses of GTE for 42 days. Serum NAG, electrolytes, urea, and creatinine were measured, and renal histology was examined. Gene expression analysis of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was also conducted to assess potential mechanisms. GTE administration did not significantly alter renal architecture or serum levels of urea, creatinine, or electrolytes. However, a significant increase in NAG levels was observed in the medium and high-dose groups, suggesting potential renal tubular damage. No correlation was found between NAG levels and traditional kidney function biomarkers. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed no significant changes in PON1 levels, indicating that GTE does not directly affect PON1 expression. While GTE did not significantly impact overall renal function or architecture, it may induce mild renal tubular damage. Further studies are needed to explore the specific mechanisms behind GTE's effects on the kidneys and to evaluate its clinical implications for renal health.
Moringa oleifera Lam. is a potential mitigator of neurodevelopmental defects caused by prenatal stress in Wistar rats Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2025
Impact of Gestational Stress and Administration of Moringa oleifera Leaveson Post-Natal Reproductive Development of Male Offspring of Wistar Rats Odochi O. Chukwu, Cordilia O. Iyare, Chinedum U. Emelike, Nwaeze G. Konyefom, Albert E. Okorocha, et al. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025 Maternal health and perinatal environment especially during pregnancy greatly impact offspring postnatal reproductive development. Pregnant women frequently use herbal products to improve their health as safe alternatives to conventional drugs. MoringaoleiferaLeaf Extract (MoLE) may have antioxidant and anti-stress properties. This study investigated the impact of prenatal MoLE exposure in chronic stress environment on the postnatal reproductive development of male offspring of Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) healthy virgin female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, and exposed to MoLE and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) protocol for 2 weeks, as follows: Group I (control), Group II (5 mg/kg body weight/day of MoLE), Group III (10 mg/kg body weight/day of MoLE), Group IV (CUS + 5 mg/kg body weight/day of MoLE), Group V (CUS + 10 mg/kg body weight/day of MoLE). Pups were monitored for puberty onset, and their body weight, length, body mass index (BMI), and sex hormone levels were measured at puberty onset. Reproductive organs were weighed and examined histologically. MoLE and CUS exposure were associated with significant increases in postnatal body weight, length, BMI, and reproductive organ weights, along with histological changes and delayed puberty onset in offspring. Findings suggest that prenatal MoLE exposure in a chronic stress environment can lead to accelerated postnatal growth and delayed puberty in offspring.
Anti-hyperlipidemic and Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Combretum dolichopetalum in High Cholesterol Diet Fed Rats Chinedum Uche Emelike, Chiemeziem Adanma Obike, Ofovwe Obruche Ekakitie, Eze Frank Ahuekwe Majalah Obat Tradisional, 2025 It is commonly known that atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CAD) are associated with hyperlipidemia, which is brought on by abnormalities in the transportation, production, or catabolism of cholesterol. Hence, preventing hyperlipidemia can positively impact managing and treating cardiovascular diseases. This present study aimed to examine the possible aqueous extract's effects of Combretum dolichopetalum (AECD) on liver indices and lipid status in rats on a diet rich in cholesterol. Five groups of twenty-five male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 130 and 160 grams, were assembled. Group A (Standard control group), Group B (Hyperlipidemic control), Group C (treatment): which received high cholesterol diet (HCD) + AECD (200 mg/kg bwt.), Group D: HCD + AECD (400 mg/kg bwt), Group E: HCD + atorvastatin (standard drug) (30 mg/kg bwt). The rats were sacrificed on day 28th of the experiment, and samples were obtained for liver indices and lipid profile using standard protocols. The findings show that the treatment groups' lipid profile was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of the hyperlipidemic controls. The liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), remain unchanged across all groups. These findings suggest that AECD is beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels and does not have a toxic effect on the liver.
GC–MS analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and effects of administration on histology of reproductive organs and liver of female rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress Odochi O. Chukwu, Cordilia O. Iyare, Chinedum U. Emelike, Anthony C.U. Ezimah, Nnaemeka T Asogwa, Nwaeze G. Konyefom Food Chemistry Advances, 2024 Exposure to several stressors and other lifestyle factors converge to affect the chemistry, structure, and function of body tissues over time. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) protocol has been widely used to study the impact of stress exposure in several animal models. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) is known to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. The study aimed to determine the effect of the administration of MOLE during conditions of chronic stress on the histology of reproductive organs, heart and liver. Twenty mature inbred healthy virgin female Wistar rats were randomly placed into four groups of five rats per group as follows: Group One (water and normal rat chow ad libitum), Group Two (CUS protocol only), Group Three (CUS protocol + 200 mg/kg MOLE), Group Four (CUS protocol + 300 mg/kg of MOLE). CUS protocol was applied unpredictably for two weeks. The chromatogram of the GC–MS analysis indicated the presence of 41 compounds. Photomicrograph examination of the uterus, ovaries, and liver showed severe alterations in the histology of the tissues. Consumption of MOLE during chronic stress has shown deleterious effects and is not advised for consumption during stress conditions.
Edible mushroom (Pleurotus cornucopiae) extract vs. glibenclamide on alloxan induced diabetes: sub-acute in vivo study of Nrf2 expression and renal toxicity Chinedu Godwin Uzomba, Uchenna Kenneth Ezemagu, Mary-Sonia Ofoegbu, Njoku Lydia, Essien Goodness, Chinedum Emelike, Uchewa Obinna, Alo Joseph Nwafor, Ejikeme Felix Mbajiorgu Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2024 have appreciable hypoglycemic activity and potential to restore the normal renal architecture in the rats, hence they offer similar curative effects. Additionally, the extract at 500 mg/kg bwt activated SOD and Nrf2 expression more than glibenclamide in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes.
Chitosan-based nanoformulation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles E.F. Ahuekwe, O.S. Aworunse, S.O. Akinpelu, B.T. Adekeye, S. Abimbola, O.D. Akinyemi, A.K. Aladele, O. Oyesile, A.F. Ayomide, I.M. Oniha, C.U. Emelike Chitosan Based Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications, 2024
Modulation of antioxidant activities, markers of hepatic and renal dysfunctions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by Combretum dolichopetalum Chinedum U. EMELIKE, Ojichukwuka E. CHIJIOKE-AGU, Favour-Ann K. NWOKE, Romanus OYIBE, Chinwendu G. ENWEREUZO, Eze F. AHUEKWE Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2023 Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic dysfunction of insulin secretion exhibiting hyperglycemia with abnormalities in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Combretum dolichopetalum (CD) on hepatic parameters, renal indices and antioxidant markers of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty (20) male rats were used, and they were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group 1- Normal control received distilled water (non-diabetic control); Group 2- Diabetic control received distilled water; Group 3 and Group 4 are Diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of CD extract. There were significant decreases in the final body weights of Group 2 compared with Group 1 and an elevation of the body weights of Groups 3 and 4 compared with Group 2. There were significant increases in the blood glucose concentration of Group 2 compared with Group 1 and a reduction in blood glucose concentration of Groups 3 and 4 compared with Group 2. There were increases in the alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and serum total and conjugated bilirubin levels of Groups 2 and 3 compared with Group 1, but a reduction in the ALP, ALT activities and total bilirubin in Group 4. There was an elevation in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) the activity of Group 4. There were reductions in catalase activities and no change in the renal indices. The study showed ameliorating potentials on hyperglycemia, hepatoprotective activity and antioxidation effects.
Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives Chinyere Aloke, Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, Patrick Maduabuchi Aja, Chinedum Uche Emelike, Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu, Olamide Jeje, Chuks Oswald Edeogu, Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru, Obasi Uche Orji, Ikechukwu Achilonu Viruses, 2023 Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
Methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds Abates Testicular Degeneration and Dose-Dependently Modulates Testicular Function in Hyperlipidemic Male Wistar Rats Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, 2021
In vivo protein quality, biochemical and histopathological responses of velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens ) and African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) proteins CA Obike, PN Anyiam, CU Emelike, EN Uhuo, PN Anyadiegwu Discover Chemistry 3 (1), 103 , 2026 2026
Composition, Techno‐Functional Properties, and Biological Potential of Velvet and African Yam Beans as Plant Protein Sources CA Obike, PN Anyiam, CU Emelike, EN Uhuo, SF Igbazenda Sustainable Food Proteins 4 (1), e70050 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Ameliorative Effects of Methanol Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed in Hyperlipidaemic Wistar Rats OO Ekakitie, OC Okeke, OO Chukwu, CU Emelike, AR Nwaji, ... Niger. J. Physiol. Sci 40, 167-170 , 2025 2025
Effect of Green Tea Extract on Renal Function Biomarkers in Rats: A Study of N-acetylglucosaminidase Levels, Electrolyte Imbalances, and Renal Health. NG Konyefom, OO Chukwu, AE Okorocha, OO Ekakitie, CU Emelike, ... Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research 9 (6) , 2025 2025
Modulation of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status and inflammatory mediator levels in alloxan-induced diabetic male wistar rats by (Ipomoea batatas) sweet potatoes OE Chijioke-Agu, CU Emelike Pharmacological Research-Natural Products 7, 100205 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Moringa oleifera Lam. is a potential mitigator of neurodevelopmental defects caused by prenatal stress in Wistar rats OO Chukwu, CO Iyare, AE Okorocha, NG Konyefom, CU Emelike, ... فصلنامه علمی پژوهشی گیاهان دارویی 24 (93), 79-101 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Bioactive and Hepatotoxicity Evaluation of Selected Herbal Remedies Commonly used in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria using Albino Wistar Rats CJ Chukwu, O Oje, AB Alieze, M Ineke, IE Atiaetuk, J Isiugo, NO Omaka, ... International Journal Of Research And Technopreneurial Innovations 2 (1), 25-38 , 2025 2025
Anti-hyperlipidemic and Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extract of Combretum dolichopetalum in High Cholesterol Diet Fed Rats CU Emelike, CA Obike, OO Ekakitie, EF Ahuekwe Majalah Obat Tradisional 30 (1), 61-66 , 2025 2025
Impact of Gestational Stress and Administration of Moringa oleifera Leaveson Post-Natal Reproductive Development of Male Offspring of Wistar Rats. OO Chukwu, CO Iyare, CU Emelike, NG Konyefom, AE Okorocha, ... Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research 9 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Chapter 5 - Chitosan-based nanoformulation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles EF Ahuekwe, OS Aworunse, SO Akinpelu, BT Adekeye, S Abimbola, ... Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications, 89-135 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Edible mushroom (Pleurotus cornucopiae) extract vs. glibenclamide on alloxan induced diabetes: sub-acute in vivo study of Nrf2 expression and renal toxicity CG Uzomba, UK Ezemagu, MS Ofoegbu, N Lydia, E Goodness, ... Anatomy & cell biology 57 (3), 446-458 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
GC–MS analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and effects of administration on histology of reproductive organs and liver of female rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress OO Chukwu, CO Iyare, CU Emelike, ACU Ezimah, NT Asogwa, ... Food Chemistry Advances 4, 100661 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Histological studies of the heart and biochemical changes due to the perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa (flavonoid-rich extract) to feed-restricted rats on offspring. OO Chukwu, CU Emelike, NG Konyefom, SN Ibekailo, OO Ekakitie, ... Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine 17 (1), 37-46 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Modulation of antioxidant activities, markers of hepatic and renal dysfunctions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by Combretum dolichopetalum CU Emelike, E Ojichukwuka, FAK Nwoke, R Oyibe, CG Enwereuzo, ... Notulae Scientia Biologicae 15 (3), 11315-11315 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Combating Lassa fever in West African sub-region: Progress, challenges, and future perspectives C Aloke, NA Obasi, PM Aja, CU Emelike, CO Egwu, O Jeje, CO Edeogu, ... Viruses 15 (1), 146 , 2023 2023 Citations: 67
Effect of prenatal consumption of Combretum dolichopetalum by pregnant rats on haematological and biochemical parameters as well as pregnancy outcome CU Emelike, USB Anyaehie, EE Iyare, CA Obike, C Aloke, OO Ekakitie, ... Physiology and Pharmacology 26 (4), 459-467 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Cleistopholis patensextracts attenuate inflammatory cytokine and oxidative stress status in complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in Wistar albino rats C Aloke, UA Ibiam, OU Obasi, NA Obasi, CO Edeogu, PM Aja, ... Toxicology International 29, 95-103 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
HPLC profiling and studies on Copaifera salikounda methanol leaf extract on phenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats C Aloke, CU Emelike, NA Obasi, PN Ogbu, CO Edeogu, CG Uzomba, ... Arabian Journal of Chemistry 14 (12), 103428 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Ficus ottoniifolia (Miq.) Miq. supplementation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats C Aloke, N Nwachukwu, NA Obasi, CU Emelike, PA Amu, PN Ogbu, ... Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine 11 (5), 428 , 2021 2021 Citations: 5
Effect of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development OO Chukwu, CU Emelike, NG Konyefom, SN Ibekailo, SO Azubuike-Osu, ... Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences 34 (2), 61-69 , 2021 2021 Citations: 11
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Combating Lassa fever in West African sub-region: Progress, challenges, and future perspectives C Aloke, NA Obasi, PM Aja, CU Emelike, CO Egwu, O Jeje, CO Edeogu, ... Viruses 15 (1), 146 , 2023 2023 Citations: 67
Hematological parameters of the blood count in a healthy population of pregnant women in the Northwest of Morocco (Tetouan-M’diq-Fnideq provinces) S Bakrim, Y Motiaa, A Ouarour, A Masrar The Pan African Medical Journal 29, 205 , 2018 2018 Citations: 58
Haematological profile of pregnant women in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria OE Ifeanyi, OT Ndubuisi, EOB Leticia, EC Uche Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci 3 (1), 713-718 , 2014 2014 Citations: 58
Effect of livingstonepotato (Plectranthus esculenthus NE Br) on hyperglycemia, antioxidant activity and lipid metabolism of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats CO Eleazu, KC Eleazu, SC Chukwuma, J Okoronkwo, CU Emelike Toxicology reports 1, 674-681 , 2014 2014 Citations: 36
Effect of Euphorbia hirta on haematological and biochemical indices in albino rats SC Akomas, SN Ijioma, CU Emelike Applied Journal of Hygiene 4 (1), 1-5 , 2015 2015 Citations: 28
Antinociceptive property of Costus afer Ker stem juice and ethanol leaf extract in albino rats SN Ijioma, CO Nwosu, CU Emelike, AI Okafor, AA Nwankwo Comprehensive Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2), 14-19 , 2014 2014 Citations: 25
Biochemical effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Wistar albino rats CU Emelike, DV Dapper IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences 9 (1), 35-39 , 2013 2013 Citations: 20
Modulation of the lipid profile, hepatic and renal antioxidant activities, and markers of hepatic and renal dysfunctions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by virgin coconut oil. UE C Eleazu, C Egedigwe-Ekeleme, A Famurewa, M Mohamed, G Akunna, E David, B ... Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets , 2019 2019 Citations: 17
HPLC profiling and studies on Copaifera salikounda methanol leaf extract on phenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats C Aloke, CU Emelike, NA Obasi, PN Ogbu, CO Edeogu, CG Uzomba, ... Arabian Journal of Chemistry 14 (12), 103428 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies on Combretum dolichopetalum Engl. & Diels leaves CU Emelike, USB Anyaehie, EE Iyare, CA Obike, C Eleazu, C Chukwu Slovenian Veterinary Research 57 (3) , 2020 2020 Citations: 16
Effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on some haematological parameters of Wistar albino rats CU Emelike, DV Dapper IOSR J. Dental Med. Sci 9, 31-34 , 2013 2013 Citations: 15
Histological studies of the heart and biochemical changes due to the perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa (flavonoid-rich extract) to feed-restricted rats on offspring. OO Chukwu, CU Emelike, NG Konyefom, SN Ibekailo, OO Ekakitie, ... Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine 17 (1), 37-46 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Frequency distribution of ABO, Rh blood groups and blood genotypes among the students and staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria EI Obeagu, OR Ogbodo, F Onyenweaku, CU Emelike, AI Udochukwu Int J Res Rev Pharm Appl Sci 3 (4), 561-5 , 2013 2013 Citations: 14
Changes in some coagulation parameters among diabetic patients in Michael Okpara university of agriculture, Umudike, Abia state, Nigeria OE Ifeanyi, OH Chukwuemeka, AG Sunday, EC Uche World J Pharma Pharma Sci 3 (4), 52-61 , 2014 2014 Citations: 12
Effect of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development OO Chukwu, CU Emelike, NG Konyefom, SN Ibekailo, SO Azubuike-Osu, ... Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences 34 (2), 61-69 , 2021 2021 Citations: 11
Impact of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and hookworm infection on anaemia among pregnant women of ikwuano local government area, Abia state, Nigeria OE Ifeanyi, OM Chibunna, NAQ Braxton, EC Uche Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 3 (1), 104-11 , 2014 2014 Citations: 10
Studies on Ethanol Extracts of Olax subscorpioidea Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats. C Aloke, UA Ibiam, NA Obasi, OU Orji, EC Ogbonnia, PN Ogbu, ... Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences: PJBS 24 (6), 724-732 , 2021 2021 Citations: 9
GC–MS analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and effects of administration on histology of reproductive organs and liver of female rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress OO Chukwu, CO Iyare, CU Emelike, ACU Ezimah, NT Asogwa, ... Food Chemistry Advances 4, 100661 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Chemical composition and evaluation of methanol leaf extract of Combretum dolichopetalum on body weights and haematological indices of phenylhydrazine induced-anaemic rats CU Emelike, USB Anyaehie, EE Iyare, CA Obike, C Aloke, DF Chukwu, ... Toxicology International 28 (2), 8-14 , 2021 2021 Citations: 8
Effects of oral administration of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract (Chaya Tea) on biomarkers of cardiovascular system of Wistar albino Rats CU Emelike, GO Unegbu Adv Biol Res 9 (3), 182-188 , 2015 2015 Citations: 8