Jude Johnson
Dr. Boluwaji Mathew Adeniyi, a PhD graduate in Organic and Natural Products Chemistry from Benue State University, has cautioned against the indiscriminate use of herbs for treating illnesses and other health issues.
Dr. Adeniyi, a researcher at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, highlighted the risks associated with improper herb usage, noting that many individuals administer them without proper dosage, potentially causing serious harm to the body. His study focused on extracting active substances from Heliotropium indicum Linn, a plant known for its insecticidal properties against pests like Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus species. He pointed out that the plant’s leaf extracts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (intermedine, supinine, lindelofine, and trachelanthine), which have effects similar to nicotine. Adeniyi stated that these substances are highly toxic to insect and that the mode of action may be connected to interference in energy production through phosphorylation of Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to Adenosine triphosphate(ATP), and that such interference blocks oxidative phosphorylation. He stated further that these pyrrolizidine alkaloids may also act like nicotine obtained from Nicotiana tabaccum, by mimicking acetylcholine (Ach) at the neuromuscular (nerve-muscle) junction in mammals, and results in twitching, convulsion and death, all in rapid order, but that the action may be the same in insects, but only in the insects’ ganglia of their central nervous systems, which ultimately cause mortality in insects.
While acknowledging the natural benefits of plants, Adeniyi stressed the importance of cautious herb consumption to prevent organ damage, especially, the liver which is the first point of contact among the internal organs.
Adeniyi noted that toxicological analysis on the rats orally administered the leaf extracts of Heliotropium indicum Linn., at concentrations ranging from 100 to 161 mg/kg bodyweight showed mild liver toxicity, as evidenced by histological changes in liver architecture. However, renal biomarkers (creatinine, uric acid, and urea) did not significantly differ from the control group, indicating normal renal function during the research period. He cautioned that beyond 28 days of repeated administration at higher concentrations, the extracts might induce liver damage, potentially causing leakage of enzymes like Alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) into the bloodstream.
Despite observing normal levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, reticulocyte counts, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared to the control group, Adeniyi emphasized that prolonged and high-dose administration could alter these parameters.
Adeniyi acknowledged the financial support from his elder brother, Engr. Kolawole Adeniyi, during his PhD studies, as well as fellowship support from the Center of Food Technology and Research at Benue State University through the World Bank, covering tuition and accommodation. He also thanked the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) for granting him study leave and access to the use of laboratories.
Adeniyi’s research underscores the necessity for informed and careful use of herbal remedies to safeguard public health and safety.
Great 👍
Good contribution to knowledge Dr