Toxicity assessments of chalcone and some synthetic chalcone analogues in a zebrafish model

[[abstract]]The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicities of some novel synthetic chalcones. Chalcone and four chalcone analogues 1a–d were evaluated using zebrafish embryos following antibody staining to visualize their morphological changes and muscle fiber alignment. Results showed that embryos treated with 3'-hydroxychalcone (compound 1b) displayed a high percentage of muscle defects (96.6%), especially myofibril misalignment. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that compound 1b-treated embryos displayed many muscle defect phenotypes, including breakage and collapse of myofibrils, reduced cell numbers, and disorganized thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence of the myotoxic effects of the synthesized chalcone analogues on developing zebrafish embryos.[[incitationindex]]SCI[[booktype]]電子

Antimicrobial potential of extracts and fractions of the African walnut – Tetracarpidium conophorum

Antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of the leaf, stem bark, kernel and root methanol extracts as well as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaf of Tetracarpidium conophorum, the African walnut, were investigated using the agar cup diffusion and agar broth dilution techniques. Extracts and fractions were tested against four clinical strains of 2 Gram positive, 2 Gram negative bacteria and two of fungi. They exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties. The extracts displayed higher activities to the Gram positive organisms. The edible nut was devoid of any antimicrobial property. The leaf extract was most active and it inhibited the growth of all the microorganisms used in the study. This led to the bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaf methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract, displayed higher activities with the bacteria and fungi used in the assay, at the five test concentrations (100 mg – 10 mg/ml). Pseudomomas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were most sensitive to the extracts. Ampicillin and tioconazole were used aspositive control, and methanol, used as negative control. The plant materials were also screened for secondary metabolites and this indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins and tannins and absenceof cardiac glycosides. The thin layer chromatographic analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf crude extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids and tannis. These could be responsible for observedactivity in the leaf of the plant; thus justifying its traditional uses especially in the treatment of dysentery

Anti-inflammatory studies of yam (Dioscorea esculenta) extract on wistar rats

The defatted methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta tuber was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties in animal model using Wistar rats. The study was done using the cotton thread method in measuring the right hind paw oedema and granuloma tissue formation in rats. The extract was tested at doses between 100 – 200 mg/kg body weight of rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, disgenin, -sistosterol, stigmasterol, cardiac glycosides, fat and starch. The extract exhibited significant inhibition of the carrageenan-induced oedema that was dose-dependent with a good initial effect in 1 h and 2 h at doses of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, respectively. The observed activity was comparable to that of 150 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid that was used as a reference drug in the study. D. esculenta tuber methanol extract supports the folkloric use for management ofinflammation

Perceptions of secondary school agriculture teachers in the North Central Region of the U.S. regarding sustainable agriculture: implications to curriculum development in agricultural education

The major purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of secondary school agriculture teachers in the North Central Region of the US regarding sustainable agriculture, the extent to which they teach the subject in their curriculum, and the use, credibility, and benefits of selected information sources. A secondary purpose was to develop a model to guide the integration of sustainable agriculture subject matter into the curriculum. Overall, the teachers had positive perceptions and a basic understanding of sustainable agriculture practices. Teachers in this study expressed the desire to incorporate more of the subject into their curriculum if their needs regarding provision of adequate information, instructional aids and materials, and training were met. The respondents indicated that sustainable agriculture was economically viable.;The findings in this study indicated that teachers included sustainable agriculture subject matter in their instructional programs to a moderate extent. Some of the topics that were taught included soil testing, soil erosion, and crop rotations. The following topics were not being taught to any great extent reduced use of chemicals, reduced use of fertilizers, and herbicide-resistant crops. Teachers perceived that farmers used the following sources to gain information about sustainable agriculture: magazines, neighbors. friends, family members, local chemical and fertilizer dealers. However, university specialists were rated as the most credible sources of information. Other credible sources of information included tours, magazines and friends.;The sources given the least ratings on credibility were television and radio programs, commodity promotion boards, newspapers, machinery dealers, and local seed and chemical dealers. Beneficial sources were similar to those observed for credibility. A curriculum development model was designed to assist educators to integrate sustainable agriculture subject matter into the teaching of agriculture courses. It was concluded that teachers need more training, experience, and instructional materials to enable them to help secondary school students to learn more about sustainable agricultural practices

In-vitro antibacterial screening of methanol extracts of three combretum species against seven strains of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Background: Medicinal plants are valued as sources of natural compounds some of which are effective against several infectious diseases. Plants from the genus Combretum have been used traditionally in various African societies to treat variety of medical problems especially infectious diseases.Objective: In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of the methanol extracts from the leaves of three Combretum species namely Combretum hispidum, Combretum racemosum and Combretum platypterum against seven strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro.Materials and methods: Methanol extract from bjected to agar diffusion assay and broth micro-dilution Combretum hispidum, Combretum racemosum and Combretum platypterum were subjected test for the determination of antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), all the extracts were tested against eight different strain of MRSA. Imipenem and ciprofloxacin were used as control.Results: Extract from Combretum racemosum leaves showed significant anti-MRSA activity with zone of inhibition as high as 37 mm and MIC values ranging from 0.16 - 1.25 mg/mL on all tested strains of MRSA. Extracts from the two other species did not exhibit any activity on all tested strain.Conclusion: Methanol extract from C. racemosum is highly effective against MRSA and it could be a potential source of newer antimicrobial agent against MRSA infectionsKeywords: Combretum species, Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus, Anti-bacteri

Antioxidant properties, macro and micro elements of selected edible vegetables

Background: Many green leafy vegetables (GLV) have been shown to have  significant antioxidant activity which may be an important property of medicinal plants associated with the treatment of several diseases. Trace element plays a crucial role in the medicinal value of a plant, in health and to cure disease. They play a nutritive, catalytic and balancing function in plants and animals, since animals  easily consume these minerals through food.Objective: The aim of this work is to quantify the macro and trace elements present in these vegetables in order to determine their contribution to the daily dietary  requirement and also determine those element that are present in excess of their maximum dietary allowance.Methodology: The elemental composition and antioxidant activities of ten common edible vegetables obtain from a market in Ibadan, Nigeria were analyzed using  atomic absorption spectroscopy and DPPH radical scavenging assay.Result: Three macro elements and seven trace elements were determined. The  vegetables samples were found to contain trace elements such as manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, chromium (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr). Telfaria occidentalis, one of the most widely eaten vegetables has the best profile for macro elements with a  concentration of 364.2±1.1 mg/g for Ca, 55.4±1.3 mg/g for Mn and 365.6±0.3 mg/g for K. It also had a concentration of 1185.0±0.8 mg/g for Fe.Conclusion: Only one of the vegetables was found to accumulate lead in excess of maximum daily intake. All vegetables were found to be rich in many of the essential elements and all vegetables exhibited varying degree of antioxidant capacity with Gnetum africanum (Gnetaceae) having the highest radical scavenging activity of 14.58 ± 1.8 μg/mL .Keywords: Macro elements, Trace elements, DPPH radical scavenging, Edible  vegetabl

Pattern of Eye Diseases among Commercial Intercity Vehicle Drivers in Nigeria

Objective: To determine the pattern of eye diseases among commercial intercity vehicle drivers (CIVDs) in Ilorin, Nigeria.Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.Methodology: Out of the estimated 450 drivers operating inthe five major motor parks for CIVDs in Ilorin, 399 consecutive drivers participated in the study. Structured questionnaires were administered and ocular examinations were done.Results: The common ocular conditions seen were presbyopia(28.3%), allergic conjunctivitis (22.6%), pingueculae (18.0%), ocular hypertension (8.8%), pterygium (8.3%), cataract (7.8%), and uncorrected refractive error (6.0%). Visual impairment, based on legally required standard for commercial drivers in Nigeria, was found in 11.5% of theparticipants, while 3.3% of them had monocular blindness with a visual acuity (VA) of less than 3/60 in one eye. Cataract and glaucoma were the major causes of visual impairment.Conclusion: Ensuring that all prospective drivers undergo basic vision tests, followed by prompt referral of those with visual impairment to ophthalmologists could serve as a good case detection outlet. Blinding ocular conditions could be detected early and treated appropriately. This will ultimately prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property

Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Solanum macranthum Dunal

Extracts of leaves, stem bark, roots and fruits of Solanum macranthum Dunal were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of plant secondary metabolites and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal studies respectively. The results of the preliminary investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, the steroidal nucleus, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, reducing sugars and  anthraquinones. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was done using agar well diffusion technique. Six clinical strains of human pathogenic  microorganisms, comprising two Gram positive, two Gram negative bacteria and two fungi were utilized in the studies. The various plant extracts varied in their high inhibitory activity to Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli at 1000 mg/ml comparable to the  reference antibacterial drug, gentamicin at 2.5 mg/ml. High activity was exhibited against Bacillus subtilis whilst Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were moderately inhibited even at 2000 mg/ml.Key words: Solanum macranthum, Solanaceae, antimicrobial activity, phytochemical screening

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Sociodemography and Distribution of Students Attending Schools for the Blind in Oyo State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the distribution and sociodemographic classification of students attending schools for the blind in Oyo State, Nigeria.Method: This is a descriptive and interventional crosssectional study. A total sampling of all students in the four schools for the blind in Oyo State was carried out.Results: A total of 86 students from the four schools for the blind in Oyo State were included in the study. This comprised 2(2.3%) students from School for the Deaf and Blind, Eruwa; 22 (25.6%) from School for the Blind,Aperin Oniyere, Ibadan; 11 (12.8%) from School for the Blind, Doba, Oyo Town; and 51 (59.1%) from Ogbomosho Training Centre for the Blind, Ogbomosho. The mean age of the students was 19.4 years (SD=8.19).Thirty percent of the students were less than 16 years, 33.7% were between 17 and 19 years, 16.3% were between 20 and 24 years, 8.1% between 25 and 29 years, and 11.6% were above 30 years. There were more males (73.3%) than females (26.7%), with a male to female ratioof 3:1. Christians constituted 73.3% of the students while Muslims made up the remainder. Majority were from the Yoruba ethnic group (98.9%).Conclusion: More attention needs to be focussed on the sociodemography and distribution of students in schools for the blind in Nigeria as this will assist government and non governmental agencies in the planning and implementation of policies which will help to improve the lot of the students in the schools.Keywords: Distribution, sociodemography, students, schools for the blind, Oyo Stat