Investigating the Effect of Aging and Time on the Fate and Transport of Lead in Artificially Contaminated Tropical soils.

Incubation and Batch desorption experiments were conducted on ultisol and a mollisol to assess the effect of aging temperature and contact time on Pb sorption in soils A and B horizon ultisol and Mollisol from Humboldt and San Luis Obispo County, California were incubated at room temperature, 50 and 70 ⁰C for 3 hours, 4 weeks and 2 months in the laboratory. After each aging period, samples were extracted with 10-4 M H2SO4 solution, equilibrated for 24 hours, centrifuged and filtered through a 0.45 µm filter. A separate subsample of the B-Horizon supernatant was passed through 0.22 µm filter. Increase in aging temperature and fixation time was observed to enhance Pb solubility and bioavailability in the A horizon soils. Mobility of Pb in the B horizon was greatly retarded. XRD analysis showed no phase change upon heating; while Kd computations showed partitioning of Pb in the solid phase of the mollisol was greater. This allows for assessing the risk associated with mobility of Pb in tropical soils, and shows that ground water in areas overlain by ultisols are probably more liable to Pb contamination

CHEMICAL CONTROLS ON THE BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC RELEASE OF CHROMIUM AND VANADIUM

Contamination of ground and well water by Cr and V from anthropogenic and geogenic sources has gained considerable attention over the last few decades due to environmental and public health concerns. The specific threat of Cr and V contamination is dictated by their redox speciation. In the natural environment, redox active phases such as ubiquitous Iron and manganese (oxyhydr)oxides are known to modulate mechanisms responsible for the mobility and bioavailability of Cr and V. Also, Cr and V availability is dependent on the reactivity of natural organic matter, which may serve as a major reductant of oxidized species, sorbent, and facilitator of mineral dissolution. Despite this knowledge, the specific constraints on the mechanisms of Cr and V oxidation, release, and retention by different organic carbon types, Fe and, Mn(oxyhydr)oxides in model and natural systems are not well understood. Accordingly, the objectives of this work were to (1) gain a more detailed mechanistic understanding of how organic carbon proxies and Mn-oxide influence Cr oxidation and release; (2) determine the host phases for Cr and V in aquifer materials and quantify their adsorption capacities; (3) determine the impact of organic matter and Mn-oxide proxies on the biotic and abiotic release of Cr and V in aquifer materials. Our experiments showed that aliphatic citric acid produced 8.5 times less Cr(VI) than aromatic gallic acid. In chemically variable saprolites, the affinity for V was 8 – 11 times greater than for Cr. Amorphous phases were inferred to be the major host phases for Cr and V. Lastly, organic carbon abiotically released Cr and V from solid host phases, while Mn-oxide influenced the release of Cr and V only in Redlair saprolite. This work underscores the need to integrate organic carbon types and mineralogical controls into predictive models for redox-sensitive metal dynamics and environmental availability. This dissertation includes previously published and unpublished coauthored material

Potentials of synthesised Lessertia montana zinc oxide nanoparticles on free radicals-mediated oxidative stress and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes

The study evaluated the eff ects of green absorbed zinc oxide nanostructures on oxidative stress-mediated free radicals and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes. The synthesised Lessertia montana zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterised using diff erent spectroscopic, microscopic, and diff raction techniques. The activity of L. montana ZnONPs against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), metal chelating assay, alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase were determined using standard methods. L. montana ZnONPs were stable nanoparticles (NPs), appeared cubical (predominantly) in shape, and in nanometre range sizes. The synthesised NPs are very active (p < 0.05) against DPPH and alpha-glucosidase (0.120 and 0.037 g/L, respectively) when compared with other samples and controls, quercetin (0.349 g/L) and acarbose (0.065 g/L). However, their interaction with quercetin revealed a good ABTS (0.093 g/L) scavenging and an excellent metal chelating (0.027 g/L) eff ect compared to other samples. The mode of inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes by L. montana ZnONPs was competitive and non-competitive, respectively. The study outcomes revealed that the synthesised ZnONPs possessed the potential to mitigate oxidative stress and diabetes in vitro

Aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala Sond ameliorates isoproterenol–induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

Purpose: To evaluate the protective potentials of the aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial damage in Wistar rats.Methods: Myocardial damage was induced in Wistar rats by isoproterenol (60 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) Various concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) of AQRED and their effects on the rats’ feed and water intake, body weight changes, serum enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), as well as tissue antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and lipid peroxidation, during a 30-day experimental period were examined.Results: ISP-treated rats showed no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect on the feed, water and body weight but increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) AST, ALT, CPK and lipid peroxidation while significantly reducing CAT and GP levels (p &lt; 0.05). Treatment with different doses of AQRED significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reversed the activity of these enzymes and cardiac lipid peroxidation towards control levels. Histopathological examination of ISP-induced myocardial rats treated with D. anomala revealed evidence of oedema and myocardial necrosis at 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. doses, but these alterations were ameliorated or cleared at 500 mg/kg dose, suggesting attainment of maximum efficacy.Conclusion: The findings indicate the ameliorative potential of AQRED in myocardiac disease, and therefore, could be of therapeutic significance in the management or treatment of cardiac-related diseases.Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Dicoma anomala, Lipid peroxidation, Serum enzyme

Pharmacological Potentials of Ginger

Zingiber officinale, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, is a popular spice and herb used as delicacy and to manage numerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, ulcer, diarrhea, cold, cough, spasm, vomiting, etc. in folk medicine from China, India, and Arabia Peninsula to other continents of the world including Africa (Nigeria, Egypt, and so on). Though this review is aimed at summarizing the pharmacological potentials of this well-endowed spice, interestingly, we found out that these reported ethnobotanical uses are attributed to a number of inherent chemical constituents including gingerol, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 6-hydroshogaol, oleoresin, etc., eliciting various pharmacological effects, not limited to antioxidant, antitumor/anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anticholesterolemic, antibiotic/antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antiulcer/gastroprotective, antiemetic, hepatoprotective, and antiplatelet aggregation, safety profiles established through a number of studies (in vitro, in vivo, and cell lines), though some of these potentials are yet to be explored. Sadly, even few of these established effects are yet to be experimented in clinical trials, and only until these are intensified would there be prospect toward drug development for preventive and curative treatments. In conclusion, we are able to highlight and sum up the therapeutic implications of ginger and its related derivatives in the management of ailments confronting humanity

In vitro comparative assessment of the inhibitory effects of single and combined spices against glucose-synthesizing enzymes

Purpose: To assess the individual and synergistic inhibitory activities of five (5) tropical spices, viz, Zingiber officinale Rosc., Xylopia aethiopica (Dun.) A. Rich, Piper guineense Schum &amp; Thonn, Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Allium sativum L. against glucose hydrolysing enzymes.Methods: In vitro assessment of the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of cold water, hot water, ethanol and aqueous-ethanol extracts of each of the five spices and their combination was investigated using enzymatic protocols. Acarbose was used as the standard.Results: Only four extracts showed strong inhibition against alpha-glucosidase and weak inhibition against alpha-amylase. Going by their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), the combined spices exhibited the best concurrent inhibitory activity against both hydrolysing enzymes (665.83 ± 27.50 μg/mL for alpha-glucosidase) and (1166.86 ± 14.70 μg/mL for alpha-amylase).Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrate the enhanced antihyperglycemic potentials of the combined spices compared to the individual spices for the management of diabetes. Keywords: Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, Alpha-amylase, Alpha-glucosidase, Zingiber officinale, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Myristica fragrans, Allium sativum, Spice

The Purview of Phytotherapy in the Management of Gastric Ulcer

Stomach/gastric ulcer is a debilitating disease affecting more than 10% of the global population. Sufferers often have chronic pains with life-threatening gastrointestinal haemorrhage or perforation. Since the first diagnosis of stomach ulcer (SU) in the 19th century, excessive gastric juice that eroded the mucosa of the stomach was opined as its major cause. Efforts were channelled toward effective control of the resulting acid build-up through the use of antiulcer medications and reduction in stress-induced activities, which may aggravate gastric hyperacidity. An intense treatment option involved vagotomy (surgically severing the nerves surrounding an ulcer) to prevent hyperacidity and further perforation of the stomach epithelium. Despite these interventions, SU disease remained an impediment to clinical practice. Literatures revealed that many botanicals have been used to treat SU and this is hinged on their being endowed with antiulcerogenic phytonutrients of therapeutic significance. In this review, attempts have been made to highlight the main mechanisms of action and limitations of the conventional antiulcerogenic drugs, various antiulcerogenic experimental models, as well as compile selected medicinal plants and their implicated phytonutrients that will ultimately and eventually present effective and globally competitive exciting opportunities for the development of new lead therapeutics for the management of SU disorders

The Ambit of Phytotherapy in Psychotic Care

The rate of psychosis has drastically increased in recent years and the number of prescriptions for psychiatric medications has made an even bigger jump. With the worrisome side effects of the medications, which can pose serious health risks and make medication compliance difficult, coupled with the prohibitive cost for many patients, there is an obvious need for alternative solutions. This review presents the ambit of phytotherapy in psychotic care. Interestingly, the review revealed that, plant-based medicines are rich in phytonutrients of antipsychotic importance and may be effective as stand-alone treatments or supplementary to conventional interventions. Despite the emerging interest in phytotherapy for mental disorders, the majority of the formulations are yet to be clinically certified. However, simply disregarding them for this reason might be consequential and as such, for better and improved mental health, research into phytotherapeutic care for psychosis must remain to be continuously explored as a promising niche

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Basotho Tribe of Eastern Free State: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) belongs to the group of five leading important diseases causing death globally and remains a major health problem in Africa. A number of factors such as poverty, poor eating habit, and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the occurrence of the disease. It poses a major health challenge in Africa continent today and the prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. Various treatment options particularly the usage of herbs have been effective against diabetes because they have no adverse effects. Interestingly, South Africa, especially the Basotho tribe, is blessed with numerous medicinal plants whose usage in the treatment of DM has been effective since the conventional drugs are expensive and often unaffordable. The present study attempted to update the various scientific evidence on the twenty-three (23) plants originating from different parts of the world but widely used by the Sotho people in the management of DM. Asteraceae topped the list of sixteen (16) plant families and remained the most investigated according to this review. Although limited information was obtained on the antidiabetic activities of these plants, it is however anticipated that government parastatals and scientific communities will pay more attention to these plants in future research

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Basotho Tribe of Eastern Free State: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) belongs to the group of five leading important diseases causing death globally and remains a major health problem in Africa. A number of factors such as poverty, poor eating habit, and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the occurrence of the disease. It poses a major health challenge in Africa continent today and the prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. Various treatment options particularly the usage of herbs have been effective against diabetes because they have no adverse effects. Interestingly, South Africa, especially the Basotho tribe, is blessed with numerous medicinal plants whose usage in the treatment of DM has been effective since the conventional drugs are expensive and often unaffordable. The present study attempted to update the various scientific evidence on the twenty-three (23) plants originating from different parts of the world but widely used by the Sotho people in the management of DM. Asteraceae topped the list of sixteen (16) plant families and remained the most investigated according to this review. Although limited information was obtained on the antidiabetic activities of these plants, it is however anticipated that government parastatals and scientific communities will pay more attention to these plants in future research