A comparative study of the antimicrobial properties of the ethanolic extracts of Landolphia owariensis leaf and root

The leaf ethanolic extract (LEEX) and root ethanolic extract (REEX) of Landolphia owariensis were comparatively subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial screening. Susceptibility of some clinicalisolates (Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and Escherichia coli) to the extracts was determined using dehydrogenase assay method. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids,flavonoids, saponins and tannins in both the leaf and root extracts with cyanogenic glycosides present in the root extract only. The response of the bacterial strains to the leaf and root extracts was concentration dependent. Dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited by the root extract at a higher concentration range (150 – 2500 ìg/ml) than the leaf extract (20 – 2000 ìg/ml). LEEX gave an IC50 of 20, 200, and 550 mg/ml against Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and E. coli, respectively, while REEX gave an IC50 of 340, 320, and 1560 mg/ml against the organisms, respectively. The LEEX exhibitedhigher antibacterial activity than the REEX. Susceptibility of the organisms to the extracts showed: Staphylococcus spp. > Proteus spp. > E. coli. The observed antimicrobial properties could be due to thepresence of alkaloid, flavonoids and tannins, which were identified in both extracts. The findings may be of clinical relevance and further substantiates the traditional use of L. owariensis leaves and rootsas antimicrobial agents

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) seeds

The Chemical composition and the effect of heat treatment on seeds of Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) were studied. In the proximate analysis, the moisture (42.63 - 48.05%) and carbohydrate (35.94 - 38.35%) values were the highest. The values of the tannins (21.80 - 25.77%), alkaloids (10.40 - 10.60%) and saponins (5.92 - 6.72%) were higher than the other phytochemicals measured. Potassium (9.0 ± 0.005 - 11.00 ± 0.10 mg/100g), calcium (2.23 ± 0.006 - 5.88 ± 0.005 mg/100g) and phosphorus, (1.09 ±0.05 - 2.01 ± 0.5 mg/100g) were the predominant elements present in the seeds. Sodium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and iron were present in appreciable amounts but manganese was not detected. The ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were (18.79 ± 0.81 - 25.76 ± 1.51 mg/100 g) and (1.12 ±0.04 - 1.64 ± 0.01 mg/100g) respectively. The results of this study showed that D. edulis seeds are potential source of essential nutrients to man and animal when properly processed.© 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Food, phytochemical, chemoprotective, antioxidant, cofactor, deficiency, radical

Effects of Potassium Iodate Application on the Biomass and Iodine concentration of Selected Indigenous Nigerian Vegetables

Iodine is a trace element in soil and water that is involved in some important metabolic functions in human development. In many areas of the world, the surface soil becomes progressively poorer in iodide through accelerated deforestation, flooding and soil erosion. Hence, the food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine for the people and livestock living there. This study was aimed at increasing the level of iodine in commonly consumed vegetables by iodination of irrigation water with potassium iodate. The results obtained showed that, the increase in iodine concentration in fluted pumpkin ranged from 89.02 ± 0.31 to 140.36 ± 1.08 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 102.86 ± 0.60 to 115.89 ± 0.05 ìg/100g in week 6. The increase in iodine concentration in the vegetable marrows ranged from 60.879 ± 0.32 to 76.786 ± 0.16 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 62.078 ± 0.09 to 107.679 ± 0.24 ìg/100 g in week 6. The increase in iodine concentration in water leaf ranged from 61.59 ± 0.24 to 73.41 ± 0.83 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 62.06 ± 0.09 to 96.25 ± 0.025 ìg/100 g in week 6. From the results, the vegetables treated with 40 ìg/l potassium iodate showed the highest iodine level in week 4. These results from this iodine biofortification studies, suggest that the iodine added to the soil increased iodine uptake by the vegetables. Suggesting that iodination of irrigation water is an advantageous and cost-effective method of supplying iodine, since it requires simple technology.Key words: Fortification, iodine deficiency disorders, iodination, irrigation, potassium iodate

Studies on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of amaranthus hybridus leaves

No Abstract. Bio-Research Vol. 4(1) 2006: 28-3