Effect of dietary incorporation of Vernonia colorata (Willd) leaves on blood lipid profile of albino rats

The effect of 5 and 10% dietary incorporation of leaves of Vernonia colorata on serum triacyglycerol, cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was studied in albino rats. Processed and unprocessed leaves of Vernonia colorata (PVC and UPVC) were incorporated into standard Vital feed at 5 and 10% levels and fed to adult male wistar rats weighing 90-160g over a period of 28 days. Feeding of processed and unprocessed Vernonia colorata resulted in significant (P≤0.05) decreases in serum triacylglycerol concentration (mg/100ml) in groups fed with 5% PVC (133.91±2.09), 10% PVC (110.39±2.57), 5% UPVC (153.74±1.64) and 10% UPVC (111.41±2.30) relative to the control (159.15±0.32) fed with the basal diet without the vegetable. Serum cholesterol concentration (mg/100 ml) also decreased significantly in groups fed 5% PVC (178.07±3.46), 10% PVC (174.60±4.21), and 10% UPVC (148.77±1.88) relative to the control (195.31±4.39). Serum HDL concentrations increasedsignificantly in groups fed 5% PVC (106.02±2.05), 10% PVC  120.15±2.65), 5% UPVC (87.06±2.47), and 10% UPVC (103.33±2.61) relative to the control (61.79±0.65). Serum LDL concentration decreasedsignificantly in groups fed 5% PVC (45.27±2.10), 10% PVC (32.38±3.67), 5% UPVC (73.73±3.07) and 10% UPVC (23.16±2.49) relative to control (101.69±3.66). Serum VLDL Concentrations decreased significantly in groups fed 5% PVC (26.78±0.42), 10% PVC (22.08±0.51), 5% UPVC (30.75±0.33) and 10% UPVC (22.28±0.46) relative to control (31.83±0.06). Feeding of Vernonia colorata at 10% level of dietary incorporation in the unprocessed form resulted in a more marked decrease in serum Triacylglcerols, Cholesterol, LDL and VLDL and increase in HDL. These findings are indicative that dietary incorporation of Vernonia colorata at 10% levels in both processed and unprocessed forms could have positive modulatory effect on blood lipid profile, by increasing HDL which is beneficial while reducing blood levels of LDL, VLDL and cholesterol which are considered high risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.© 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Key words: Vernonia colorata, lipids, cardiovascular diseases, albino rats

Antimicrobial effects of aqueous and ethanolic fractions of two spices, Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and xylopia aethiopica were analyzed for their antimicrobial activities against five pathogenic organisms; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus fecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Lactobacilli. Ethanolic extracts of O. gratissimum had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 30 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and lactobacilli while for S. fecalis the MIC was 15 mg/ml. Aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum had an MIC of 12.5 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and S. fecalis, while for P. aeruginosa and lactobacilli the MIC was 6.25 and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of X. aethiopica showed an MIC of 10 mg/ml in the five organisms tested. While its aqueous extract gave an MIC of 30 mg/ml for S. aureus and Lactobacilli, and 15 mg/ml for E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. fecalis. Our findings suggest that the anti-microbial activity of these spices reside in their aqueous fractions and also indicate that very low concentrations are required to achieve antimicrobial effects

Effects of processing methods on the malonaldehyde content of some cereals

No Abstract.Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 13 (3) 2007: pp.383-38

Body and Organ Weight Changes following Dietary Incorporation of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia amygdalina Del in Albino Rats

Objective: The study assessed the level of dietary incorporation (5% and 10%) at which processed and unprocessed Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Vernonia colorata (Sweet bitter leaf) could be beneficial without having adverse effects on vital body organs. Material and Methods: Forty five male albino rats weighing 90-160g were divided into nine groups of five animals each and housed in stainless steel cages with plastic base. The animals were exposed to 12 hrs light/dark cycles and supplied feed (processed and unprocessed Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia colorata at 5 and 10% levels of dietary incorporation) and water ad libitum for 28days. Vital grower's feed served as control diet. The animals were weighed and fecal output collected weekly. They were sacrificed by dazing with a cervical blow at the end of the experimental period. The kidney, liver, intestine and spleen were excised and weighed. Results: Relative kidney, liver, spleen and intestinal weights increased significantly in groups fed diets incorporated with 10% Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia colorata, while body weights decreased significantly relative to the control. Conclusion: These findings are indicative that feeding of the vegetable at 10% level of dietary incorporation could have significant effects on vital organs which need to be further investigated. Keywords: Body weight, organ weight, Vernonia colorata, Vernonia amygdalina, albino rats

Serum lipid profile and lipid pro-atherogenic indices of a cohort of Nigerian adults with varying glycemic and blood pressure phenotypes

Dyslipidemia is common in patients with Type 2 diabetes and those with hypertension. The lipid profile and lipid pro-atherogenic indices of subjects with varying levels of fasting blood glucose and blood pressuresmay be different and thus was studied. Standard clinical and anthropometric methods were used to determine/measure all necessary parameters. Data from 189 subjects (90 males), aged 22-84 years, who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Five glycemic/blood pressure phenotypes were defined, namely: hypoglycemic and normotensive (HN), hypoglycemic and hypertensive (HH), normoglycemic and hypertensive (NH), diabetic and normotensive (DN), and diabetic and hypertensive (DH) and their data compared to the control (normoglycemic and normotensive) group. Hypertensive subjects, irrespective of their fasting blood glucose levels had the worst lipid profile and had higher serum lipid pro-atherogenic indices compared to normotensive subjects. These lipid abnormalities were more prevalent within the older (.45 yearsold) and the overweight/obese subjects irrespective of sex. The lipid profile of hypertensive subjects should be monitored regularly and adjusted medically if necessary, irrespective of their fasting blood glucose level.Management of diabetes and hypertension (especially in this environment) should apart from targeting lipid abnormalities, emphasize therapeutic lifestyle changes that encourage weight loss

Studies On Some Nutritional And Toxicological Properties Of Mucuna sloanei

Proximate analysis of seeds of Mucuna solanei gave a crude protein content of 28.18± 0.25%, Fat, 4.31± 0.09%, Crude fibre, 9.60±0.05%, Carbohydrate, 53.75±0.28% and Ash, 4.19± 0.01%. Quantitative phytochemical analysis gave 2.78± 0.04%, alkaloids, Phytic acid 314±28mg/100g, Tannins 189.15± 0.21mg/100g HCN 195.75±9.55mg/kg, Flavonoids 1.95±0.07% and Oligosaccharides 23.93±0.05%. Anti nutritional studies revealed 67.38±0.10 Tui/100g as trypsin inhibitor activity, haemagglutinin contents 6250±14.14 Hu/100g. Bioactivity studies using brine shrimp, lethality tests gave an ED50 value of 3.98 µg/ml for ethanolic extract and 19.95 µg/ml for the aqueous extract. It is concluded that Mucuna Sloanei seeds if properly processed could have both nutritional and chemoprotective benefits to man and animals. Key Words: Phytochemical, antinutritional, Bioactivity, Mucuna Sloanei Bio-Research Vol.2(1) 2004: 24-2

Performance of rats fed some weaning diets with locally sourced ingredients

No Abstract

Effect of processing on the toxicity of Mucuna jaspada flour

Raw and heat processed Mucuna Jaspada were evaluated for proximate composition and bioactivity. The values obtained for proximate compositions are; protein: 27.85 ± 0.21%, ether: 5.02 ± 0.21%, ashcontent: 3.33 ± 0.21%, crude fibre: 6.76 ± 0.36% and carbohydrate: 46.91 ± 0.01%. Bioactivity studies using brine shrimp lethality tests showed that raw M. Jaspada and the processed samples exhibitedsome levels of toxicity. The raw M. Jaspada gave LC50 of 3.98 ìg/ml, roasted sample extract gave 7.9 ìg/ml, and boiled extract was 8.9 ìg/ml while autoclaved extract gave 10 ìg/ml. The result of this workhas shown that M. Jaspada seeds if properly processed by heat treatment could be improved nutritionally for both animal and human consumption

Influence of Maternal Anthropometric Measurements and Dietary Intake on Lactation Performance in Umuahia Urban Area, Abia State, Nigeria

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of maternal anthropometry and dietary intake on lactation performance in a small subset of mothers in Umuahia urban, Abia State. Subjects and Methods: The influence of maternal anthropometry and dietary intake on lactation performance was investigated in 27 postpartum women at delivery and subsequently at 1, 3, 4 and 6months postpartum. Dietary intake was by weighed inventory method and 24-hr recall. Breast milk output was determined by test weighing procedure. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were performed on both mothers and their infants, while BMI was calculated for the mothers. Maternal body fat (%) was estimated from skin-fold thickness measurements. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means (SD), ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Majority of the mothers were in the age range of 26-35 years. Exclusive breastfeeding rate at the end of 6 months was 22%. Maternal mean height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat immediately after delivery were1.61±0.08cm, 72.55±11.01kg and 27.90±4.44kg/m2 and 27.35±5.82%. At the end of the 6th month, mean weight, BMI and body fat were 71.15±3.25kg, 27.84±4.78 kg/m2 and 27.43±2.93%. BMI classification at the end of the 6th month showed that the mothers were overweight (50%) and obese (50%). Infant weight and height were comparable to WHO reference curves during the period of study. Average breast milk output was 866.62g/d, while infant milk intake and frequency of feeding were 820.62g/day and 9.51feeds/day. Mean energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intake averaged 2396kcal, 52.21g, 44.81g and 446.11g. Breast milk output was not related with body weight and body fat (P>0.05), but was associated with energy intake (

Bacterial Load In Expressed And Stored Breast Milk Of Lactating Mothers In Abia State, Nigeria

The use of expressed breast milk has been advocated as an effective way of encouraging and maintaining lactation when the mother is separated from the baby for a while. However, prospects of storage of expressed breast milk for any considerable period of time is hindered by the possibility of bacterial contamination and growth of infectious pathogens in the stored milk. Previous research worldwide has focused on optimal conditions for storing expressed breast milk. This study investigated bacterial growth in expressed breast milk stored at two different conditions and time periods. A total of 240 randomly selected lactating mothers participated in a survey used to elicit information on their practices concerning expressed and stored breast milk. Out of this, 20 lactating mothers were willing to donate their breast milk, which was used for microbial studies. Using antiseptic procedures, breast milk samples were collected from these 20 lactating mothers by manual expression and put into sterile containers. One half was stored at room temperature (30°C), while the other half was immersed in a container of water (26°C) for 0, 3, 6 and 9hrs. The samples at different time periods in both storage conditions were plated on three different culture media (Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar and Chocolate agar) and incubated for 24hrs. Bacterial load was enumerated and isolates were characterized and identified. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and presented as frequencies, percentages means and standard deviations. Results showed that in all the culture media, bacterial load was higher in breast milk samples stored at room temperature for up to 9hrs compared to that immersed in water (p<0.05). However, the average colony counts were within acceptable limits (<104CFU/ml). Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant bacteria isolated in the breast milk samples under both storage conditions. The findings from this study revealed that storage of breast milk either at room temperature or immersed in a container of water appeared to be safe for up to 9 hours of storage in a tropical environment. Generally, the number of microbes was within levels considered acceptable in expressed breast milk