Evaluation of ethanolic extract of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides (Lam) as seed protectant against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Sitophilus zeamaismotsch. on stored cowpea and maize under tropical conditions

The efficacy of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides stem bark and root bark ethanol extracts as grain protectant against Sitophilus zeamais and Callosobruchus maculatus was investigated in the laboratory under ambient conditions. The root extract was more effective in controlling both insects, and it was more toxic to C. maculatus than S. zeamais. Insect mortality was dosedependent. After 24 hours, the highest dose of 50% stem extract evoked 55% and 85% mortalities in S. zeamais and C. maculatus, respectively; while 50% root extract evoked 97.5% and 100% mortalities in S. zeamais and C. maculatus, respectively. Development of eggs and immature stages within the treated seeds as well as progeny emergence significantly decreased with increasing dosage of both extracts. Emergence of C. maculatus was completely inhibited by 30% treatment of both extracts, while for S. zeamais inhibition was achieved at 40% treatment. The effect of the secondary metabolites present in Z. xanthoxyloides responsible for its efficacy is investigated and discussed. The potential use of Z. xanthoxyloides as insecticidal, feeding and oviposition deterrent to protect the stored product is discussed. Keywords: Sitophilus zeamais, Callosobruchus maculatus, Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides, secondary metabolites, mortalit

Efficacy of vitamin C and ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum in promoting fertility in male Wistar rats

Aims: This study investigates the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum (EES), vitamin C (VC), and EES + VC in promoting fertility and finding a possible link between their profertility effects and their antioxidant activities. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats [Body weight (BW) 186.56 ± 0.465 g] were randomly analyzed into four groups of ten rats each: Control, EES G (EES only), VC G (vitamin C only), and EES + VC G (EES in conjunction with vitamin C). Control was given 5 ml/kg BW/day of normal saline orally; EES G was administered 0.3 g/kg BW/day of EES; VC G was administered 15 mg/kg BW/ day of VC; while EES + VC G was administered both 0.3 g/kg BW/day of EES and 15 mg/kg BW/day of VC. All treatments were for 10 weeks. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent-sample T test was used to analyze the obtained results. Results: The results obtained showed that EES, VC, and more importantly EES + VC are capable of significantly increasing BW gain, seminal parameters, testosterone level, and body antioxidant activities. Conclusions: These findings lead to the conclusion that EES + VC as well as ESS and VC promote fertility due to both their testosterone-increasing effects and their antioxidant effects