ABUAD International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences

Sphenocentrum jollyanum furanoditerpenes activates Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R): a computational evaluation

Julianah Abiola — 2025-02-18

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a major bio-resource used in the folkloric treatment of diabetes, unfortunately without knowledge of how or the mechanism of action. The present study focuses on using molecular docking to identify the component responsible for the anti-diabetic claim of the fruit as well as check the ADMET properties of the phytochemicals. A library of 23 phytochemicals that have been previously characterized from Sphenocentrum jollyanum fruit was generated and docked, using Autodock Vina, into 3D structures of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1a (DYRK1A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), pancreatic alpha-amylase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R), renal sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLUT 2). From the docking result, GLP-1R was identified as a major target for two key S. jollyanum furanoditerpenes (columbin and isocolumbin) with docking scores of -10.7 and -10.9 Kcal/mol respectively while the reference ligand (danuglipron) characterized with the GLP-1R had a score of -11.0 Kcal/mol. The protein-ligand interaction between columbin and GLP-1R showed several interactions such as hydrogen bond (H-bond), hydrophobic interactions and salt bridges, all within the extracellular domain (ECD), transmembrane domain (TM) of the receptor which is similar to that of danuglipron. Also, the ADMET profiling result was favourable as both ligands (columbin and isocolumbin) passed the Lipinski rule of 5. The results suggest that columbin identified from the docking result is most likely responsible for the antidiabetic claim of Sphenocentrum jollyanum, further investigation is needed to ascertain this claim.

Monitoring Repeated Sprint Ability Performance of University Volleyball and Athletics Athletes (Pilot Study)

Boluwaji Jaiyesimi — 2024-12-27

This study investigates the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of university athletes from volleyball and track and field, aiming to monitor their performance and optimize training programs. The study involves seventeen athletes, divided into volleyball and track and field groups, undergoing a series of repeated maximal sprints with minimal recovery. The activity involves seven repeated sprints across a 20m straight line. The variables captured for the study were anthropological (height, weight and sitting height), physiological (RHR, PHRavg, blood sugar (pre and post), fatigue index (10m and 20m)) and skill performance variables (average time, total time, maximum time and speed (10m and 20m)). The procedure for data analysis involved frequency, mean, standard deviation, zscore, independent and dependent t-test. The independent t-test result revealed that there were significant differences in the skill performance variables (Average time (20m), p = 0.03; Total time (20m), p = 0.03; Maximum time (20m), p = 0.01; Speed (20m), p = 0.00) between the volleyball and athletics athletes. The dependent t-test showed that there were significant differences between the physiological (Fatigue index (10m vs 20m), p = 0.01; Average time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Total time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Maximum time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Speed (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00) and skill performance variables considered for the study. The study provides valuable insights into the distinct RSA profiles of university athletes, offering practical implications for enhancing training programs and athletic performance through sport-specific monitoring and targeted interventions.

Modulatory Potentials of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Detarium senegalense (FREDS) on Hematological indices and Lipid Metabolism in STZ-induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Jerius Nkwuda Ejeje — 2025-02-18

This study examined the effects of a flavonoid-rich extract of Detarium senegalense (FREDS) on haematological parameters and lipid profiles in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A total of forty-two (42) rats were randomly assigned to seven groups. All groups, except the normal control, were administered 45 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of STZ. The treatment groups included: diabetic control (normal saline), metformin (100 mg/kg b.w.), sildenafil (100 mg/kg b.w.), and three FREDS groups (50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetes induction resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in white blood cells (WBC; including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils), serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, along with a decrease in red blood cells (RBC; hematocrit, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration), platelet percentage, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Treatment with FREDS significantly (p<0.05) reduced WBC, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides, while increasing RBC, platelet percentage, and HDL levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects observed in the 100 mg/kg FREDS group compared to the normal control. These findings suggest that FREDS effectively improves both haematological parameters and lipid metabolism. This study indicates that Detarium senegalense flavonoid-rich extracts may serve as a promising therapeutic option for managing haematological abnormalities, hyperlipidemia, and related metabolic disorders in diabetes, potentially offering an alternative to conventional treatments.