Nutritional evaluation and antioxidant activity of a lesser - known wild edible fruit Tristemma hirtum P. Beauv.

Tristemma hirtum is a lesser known wild edible fruit found in Nigeria. This work aimed at investigating the nutrient composition, antioxidant and acute toxicity of T. hirtum fruit extract using standard methods. The fruit extract was high in carbohydrate and protein. Na and Mg were the most abundant macronutrient while Zn, Cu and Mn could supply approximately 41% of the RDA. Also, the extract was richer in vitamin A than vitamin C.  Phytochemical investigation revealed an abundance of terpenoids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, with antinutrients far below the lethal dose. The antioxidant assays revealed that, the extract exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activities in in-vitro; as well as a dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) serum levels in in-vivo. LD50 (i.p mice) of the extract showed it was not toxic even at 5000mg/kg. Increased production and consumption of T. hirtum fruit may significantly promote good health due to its rich content of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals as well as contribute to the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Keywords: T. hirtum, wild edible fruit, nutrients, phytocompounds, antioxidant activity, toxicity. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-6-08 Publication date:March 31st 202

Enhanced biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion of lignocellulosic biomass and poultry feces using source separated human urine as buffering agent

Effect of source separated human urine as buffering agent compared to sodium bicarbonate and water in anaerobic co-digestion of lignocellulosic biomass and poultry feces was evaluated in laboratory scale reactor for 180 days at 37 ± 2°C. Mean biogas volume ranged from 37 ± 8 to 101 ± 18 mL gVS−1 in the urine buffered reactors which was 1–5 times higher than the bicarbonate and water buffered reactors and the difference was significant at p = 0. 05. Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration ranged between 396 and 1,400 mg L−1 with a pH of 6.9 ± 0.3 and 7.8 ± 0.1, respectively. In contrast, VFA concentration ranged between 386 and 3,109 mg L−1 (pH 7.6 ± 0.2 and 4.8 ± 0.4) in sodium bicarbonate buffered digestate and control (water) respectively. The result indicates buffering capacity of urine on anaerobic co-digestion with positive effect on biogas production. The Archaeal isoprenoids included markers of aceticlastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens with a relative abundance that ranged between 0.71–18, 3–55, and 2–59 μg g−1 dry matter in the water (control), bicarbonate and urine buffered digestate, respectively. The Archaeal abundance was 1.12 and 6 times higher in the combined female/male urine than the bicarbonate buffered digestate and the control, and the difference was significant at p = 0.05. Overall, this study demonstrates that human urine with no pharmaceutical loadings as a wetting and buffering agent is a promising option for anaerobic co-digestion with competitive edge over sodium bicarbonate on lignocellulosic biomass saccharification for enhanced biogas production

Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity Of Homalium Letestui Stem

Background: Homalium letestui is a medicinal plant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria used for the treatment of various ailments. Objective: The fatty acid composition, in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Homalium letestui stem (HLS) oil was studied using standard methods. Results: Oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids were the most abundant fatty acids (65.35, 7.32 and 19.95% respectively). Also, the oil showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 13.02mg/ml), moderate metal chelating activity (EC50 = 19.58mg/ml) and notable ferric reducing potential (EC50 = 10.80mg/ml), with a total phenolic content of 56.36mgGAE/g. Antimicrobial analysis using the disc diffusion method revealed promising antimicrobial activity against S. pyogenes (21.1mm), C. albicans (18.6mm), S. aureus (18.2mm), and E. coli (16.4mm). Based on the broth dilution method, the oil showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against S. pyogenes (0.41mg/ml) and E. coli (0.65mg/ml). Conclusion: The present results suggest that Homalium letestui stem oil possess notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and supports to some extent, its use in traditional medicine

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-nociceptive Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Setaria megaphylla Leaves in Rodents

The ethanolic leaf extract of Setaria megaphylla (100-300 mg/kg) was investigated for pharmacological properties against egg white albumin - induced inflammation, Chemical as well as thermal- induced pain. The extract demonstrated a dose – dependent anti- inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. These activities were comparable to that of ASA (100mg/kg). The leaf extract possess anti inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can be exploited in health car

Seasonal variations of heavy metal concentrations in Qua Iboe River Estuary, Nigeria

Concentrations of six heavy metals namely Pb, Ni, V, Fe, C and Cd were determined in water samples from Qua Iboe river estuary and its associated creeks for six months (January to June, 1999). Results obtained indicate the following mean concentrations for the metals: Pb, 0.167mg/1 + 0.148; Ni, 0.112mg/1 + 0.089; V, 0.019mg/1 + 0.042; Fe, 0.118mg/1 + 0.077; Cu, 0.020mg/1 + 0.026 and Cd, 0.036mg/1 + 0.036. These concentrations were higher in the wet season than the dry season. On comparing these results with the WHO standard, it was observed that the mean concentrations of Pb and Ni were higher than the acceptable limit while the coefficient of variations of the metals were correspondingly high with the high degree of fluctuations in their concentrations from station to station and from season to season. The location of the river estuary correlated positively with its observed high metal concentrations. The environmental implications of these metals are discussed with reference to existing water quality of the river. KEY WORDS: Heavy metals, water sample, pollution, Qua Iboe River. Global Jnl of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.10(4) 2004: 611-61

Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Amended Organic Manure on Arachis hypogaea Growth Response and Rhizosphere Bacterial Community

The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticle-organic manure amended ultisol and loam soils on plant growth response and rhizosphere bacterial community of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) was evaluated using standard methods under greenhouse conditions. Results indicate germination rates ranged between 30 and 100% in the amended soils compared to 50 and 70% in the controls. ZnO nanoparticles exerted concentration-dependent and varying effects on the plant root and shoot lengths, weights, nodules and pod formation in the two soil types. Heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 7.21 ± 0.51 to 7.38 ± 0.5 Log10CFUg-1 in the amended ultisol and 6.99 ± 0.55 Log10CFUg-1 in the control with a log reduction to 6.70 ± 0.39 Log10CFUg-1 in 500 mgkg⁻¹ ZnO spiked soil. Counts in the amended loam soil ranged between 6.59 ± 0.48 and 7.22 ± 0.41 Log10CFUg-1 relative to 6.80 ± 0.58 Log10CFUg-1 in the control. ZnO induced concentration-dependent effect on oxygen uptake rate relative to the controls. The organisms were members of the genera Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Xanthobacter, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Nitrosomonas and Agromyces. ZnO nanoparticle exerted concentration-dependent stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the plant growth response, oxygen uptake rate and induced temporal shifts in soil microbial abundance. It is challenging to generalize a consistent response of the plant or microorganisms because ZnO nanoparticles interacted with A. hypogaea and soil bacterial community in ways that differ in the ultisol and loam soil