Influence of locally sourced additives on neem plant organic fertilizer quality in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Neem samples (Neem fruit, Neem Cake and oil) were prepared using locally sourced materials, the Neem oil was obtained during the caking, while the Neem fruit was simply air-dried. The results showed that all the Neem samples contained: Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium considerable for fertilizer production but Neem fruit has the highest percentage of Nitrogen 3.3%, Phosphorous 4.1% and potassium 3.8% while the oil has the least content of 1.1% Nitrogen, 2.0% Phosphorous and 1.1% potassium. Additives were introduced in the production to enhance the quality of the fertilizer such as limestone to neutralize the soil, poultry liter as supplement of the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content of the fertilizer, Rock phosphate to standardize the phosphorous content of the soil and to retain the soil texture and composition.Keywords: Neem fruit, Neem cake, Neem seed, Rock phosphate, Organic fertilize

Evaluation of phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory effects on methanol extracts of Aeschynomene uniflora

Studies on Aeschynomene uniflora was carried out with the aim to establish scientific validation by evaluating the phytochemical constituents, toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the Methanol extract in order to probe its ethnomedical uses. Various phytochemical constituents from the plant were evaluated using standard method which reveals the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenes and tannins were present in the crude extract. Toxicity studies by using oral route showed no death in any group even at 5000 mg/ kg indicating its safety. Anti- inflammatory effects indicates its efficacy in which the dose at 1000 mg/kg showed more activity compared to Control followed by 250 mg/kg and then 500 mg/kg. The results obtained in this present study indicates the plant to have the potential to act as a source of useful drugs because of the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites. The results were very much encouraging but more scientific validation is necessary before being put into practice.Keywords: Aeschynomene uniflora, Anti-inflammatory, Phytochemicals, Toxicit

Inhibitory effect of isolated Lupeol from stem bark of Diospyros mespiliformis Horsch (Ebenaceae) against some microbial pathogens

Powdered stem bark of plant material (1000g) of Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted with hexane using Soxhlet apparatus and concentrated on a water bath at 600C. The extract was later subjected to column chromatography techniques using gradient elution in which various fractions were obtained and monitored using thin layer chromatography. The structure of the isolated compound were suggested by 1D and 2D spectroscopic analysis and by direct comparison of the data obtained with those reported in literature to be Lupeol.Antimicrobial screening of the lupeol compound and control drugs were carried out using agar well diffusion method. Significant zones of inhibition of lupeol compound were observed from (30-24mm) and standard control drugs range from (40-32mm). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) of the lupeol compound was observed at 6.25-12.5ug/ml and Minimum Bacteriacidal Concentration (MBC) /Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) ranged from (12.5-25ug/ml).Lupeol compound revealed significant antimicrobial activity against some selected clinical isolates in this study and thus validated the traditional claims ofDiospyros mespiliformis used for the treatment of antimicrobial based infections.Keywords: Diospyros mespiliformis, Column Chromatography, Lupeol, Inhibitory Effects,Antimicrobial effect