Investigation on the effect of Germination on the Proximate Composition of African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A Rich) and Fluted Pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis )

The effect of germination on the proximate composition of African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) and fluted pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis ) was investigated. The moisture and total lipid content of the ungerminated African yam bean seeds is significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the germinated seeds, while their crude protein, total carbohydrate, ash and total metabolizable energy content was higher. The ungerminated fluted pumpkin seeds had significantly lower (p<0.05) moisture, crude protein, ash and total lipid content, higher total carbohydrate and a comparable metabolizable energy content. The proximate compositions of seeds of both plants were variably affected by germination. @ JASE

Performance characteristics of ungerminated and germinated fluted pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis ) seed meal on albino rats

The quality of proteins from ungerminated and germinated fluted pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis ) seeds was investigated using male Wistar albino rats. The proteins were found to have high true digestibility (TD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the net protein retention (NPR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention efficiency (PRE), Nitrogen efficiency ratio (NER), feed efficiency ratio (FER), net protein utilization (NPU) and relative NPR (RNPR) of the ungerminated and germinated seeds, while the Net protein value (NPV) of the ungerminated seeds was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the germinated seeds. Our results reveal the great potential of Telferia occidentalis seed protein as a source of dietary protein especially in the preparation of protein supplements and formulation of new diets. @ JASE

Effect of Germination on the Performance Characteristics of African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A Rich) Seed Meal on Albino Rats

The performance characteristics or quality of protein from ungerminated and germinated African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) seeds on male Wistar albino rats was investigated. The proteins were found to have high true digestibility (TD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The net protein retention (NPR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention efficiency (PRE), Net protein value (NPV), Nitrogen efficiency ratio (NER), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and relative NPR (RNPR) of the ungerminated seeds were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the germinated seeds, while their net protein utilization (NPU) were not significantly different. This implies a great potency of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seed protein as a source of high quality protein especially in the preparation of protein supplements and formulation of new diets: and the possibility of improvement by germination. @ JASE

Ameliorative Potentials of Camellia sinensis on Petrol Fumes- induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

Volatile organic compounds found in petrol include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Extract of Camellia sinensis (tea plant) leaf contains some secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids saponins, anthraquinones, and tannins. Polyphenols in Camellia sinensis possess anti-atherosclerosis and cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-hypertensive, and hepato-protective effects. The study aimed to investigate the potential of Camellia sinensis in ameliorating lung damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by petrol fumes. Forty-eight Wistar albino rats weighing between 140g-230g  were randomized into 8 groups of 6 rats each consisting of control, petrol fumes only group, three aqueous drink groups of different doses, and three methanol extract groups of different doses respectively. The oxido-inflammatory responses and histopathological alterations in rat lungs following 6 hours of daily exposure for 30 and 60 days were recorded. Oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT)) and inflammatory biomarkers namely: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) were evaluated. The biochemical analyses showed that petrol fumes exposure resulted in significant (P<.05) increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, pro-inflammation cytokines, and reduced GSH levels in rats as well histopathological alteration in lungs. The treated groups showed anti-oxidant properties by the elevation of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) and non-enzymatic antioxidant (gluthathione) and reduction of MDA levels as well as reversal of alterations in the lungs after histopathological analysis. This study showed that Camellia sinensis leaf aqueous and methanol extract have the potential to attenuate petrol fumes-induced oxidative stress due to its natural bioactive constituents

Nutrient and bioactive compounds composition of the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii: A wild vegetable

The proximate, minerals, vitamins, amino acid, alkaloids, phytosterols, carotenoids, glycosides and saponins profiles of the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii were determined using standard methods. The leaves and stems had high contents (g/100g) of fibre (10.3–12.9) and carbohydrate (47.2–55.3); and moderate protein (4.4–9.8) and crude fat (6.7–10.2); respectively, equivalent to 41.1–51.6%, 15.7–17.8%, 8.8–19.6%, 10.3–15.7% of the corresponding daily values. They had high contents of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamins C, E and B2, alkaloids, glycosides, carotenoids, saponins; and moderate phytosterol. Their proteins had high contents of essential amino acids (42.6–48.5%). Triacetonamine (57.20–60.13%), nicotiflorin (53.45–55.35%), carotene (49.95–51.94%), liquiritin (57.54–62.34%), and sitosterol (82.84–85.03%) were respectively, the most abundant alkaloids, glycosides, carotenoids, saponins and phytosterols detected. This result indicates that the leaves and stems are good sources of nutraceuticals and nutrients for human nutrition. It provides an insight into the nature of its bioactive components

Investigation of the profile of phenolic compounds in the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector

The profile of phenolic compounds in the leaves and stems of Pandiaka heudelotii was investigated using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector. The leaves and stems had high flavonoids and benzoic acid derivatives content, and moderate levels of lignans and hydroxycinnamates. Twenty‐eight known flavonoids were detected, which consisted mainly of kaempferol (41.93% in leaves and 47.97% in stems), (+)‐catechin (17.12% in leaves and 16.11% in stems), quercetin (13.83% in leaves and 9.39% in stems), luteolin (7.34% in leaves and 7.71% in stems), and artemetin (6.53% in leaves and 4.83% in stems). Of the six known hydroxycinnamates detected, chlorogenic acid (80.79% in leaves and 87.56% in stems) and caffeic acid (18.98% in leaves and 12.30% in stems) were the most abundant, while arctigenin (77.81% in leaves and 83.40% in stems) and retusin (13.82% in leaves and 10.59% in stems) were the most abundant of the nine known lignans detected. Twelve known benzoic acid derivatives were detected, consisting mainly of ellagic acid (65.44% in leaves and 72.89% in stems), p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (25.10% in leaves and 18.95% in stems), and vanillic acid (8.80% in leaves and 7.30% in stems). The rich phytochemical profile of the leaves and stems is an indication of their ability to serve as sources of nutraceuticals

Investigation on the effect of Germination on the Proximate Composition of African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A Rich) and Fluted Pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis )

The effect of germination on the proximate composition of African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) and fluted pumpkin ( Telferia occidentalis ) was investigated. The moisture and total lipid content of the ungerminated African yam bean seeds is significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the germinated seeds, while their crude protein, total carbohydrate, ash and total metabolizable energy content was higher. The ungerminated fluted pumpkin seeds had significantly lower (p<0.05) moisture, crude protein, ash and total lipid content, higher total carbohydrate and a comparable metabolizable energy content. The proximate compositions of seeds of both plants were variably affected by germination. @ JASE

Effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Sansevieria senegambica Baker on plasma biochemistry and haematological indices of salt-loaded rats

The effects of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Sansevieria senegambica on plasma marker enzymes, plasma chemistry and the haematological profile of salt-loaded rats were studied. The control group received only a commercial feed, whilst the four test groups received a diet consisting of the commercial feed and salt, although the reference treatment group was reverted to the normal feed at the end of 6 weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 150 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg body weight to two test groups, respectively; whilst the test control, reference and control groups received equivalent volumes of water by the same route. The extract had no negative effects on markers of liver and kidney functions, but it did produce leukocytosis, significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma calcium and potassium levels and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) plasma sodium and chloride levels in the test animals compared to the test control animals. This result supports the traditional use of Sansevieria senegambica in the management of hypertension, whilst suggesting that the extract may be a potassium-sparing diuretic whose mechanism of antihypertensive action may be achieved through alteration of plasma sodium and potassium balances, or through calcium-mediated changes in vascular muscle tone

Effect of Germination on the Performance Characteristics of African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A Rich) Seed Meal on Albino Rats

The performance characteristics or quality of protein from ungerminated and germinated African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) seeds on male Wistar albino rats was investigated. The proteins were found to have high true digestibility (TD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The net protein retention (NPR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention efficiency (PRE), Net protein value (NPV), Nitrogen efficiency ratio (NER), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and relative NPR (RNPR) of the ungerminated seeds were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the germinated seeds, while their net protein utilization (NPU) were not significantly different. This implies a great potency of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seed protein as a source of high quality protein especially in the preparation of protein supplements and formulation of new diets: and the possibility of improvement by germination. @ JASE