Chemical profile of Landolphia owariensis seed from Ikeduru, Imo State, Nigeria

The nutrient, antinutrient and mineral element compositions of the seed extract of Landolphia owariensis were investigated. Proximate analysis of the extract showed that it contained crude protein (11.85+0.35% DW), fat (17.40+0.20% DW), carbohydrate (52.40+0.40% DW) and fibre (3.5+0.30% DW). The toxicant composition of the seed extract revealed that phytate, oxalate and cyanogenic glycoside contents were 48.15+0.05, 56.01+0.02 and 33.20+0.01 mg/100 g DW respectively while the phytochemical composition revealed that tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids were 100.50+0.30, 28.40+0.20, 1.90+0.08 and 1.50+0.25 mg/100 g DW respectively. Mineral element concentrations also revealed that the seed is a rich source of macro and micro elements containing calcium 110.20+0.10, potassium 205.04+0.1.50, sodium 48.02+0.20, iron 9.50+0.40, phosphorus 20.08+0.05 and magnesium 2.91+0.05 mg/100g dry weight respectively.© 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Landolphia owariensis seed, proximate analysis, mineral elements, toxicant composition

Effect of processing on the nutritional and toxicological components of Cleome rutidosperma seed

The effect of processing on the proximate composition, antinutrient levels and mineral contents of (devil bean) Cleome rutidosperma seed were investigated. Quantitative analyses of the antinutrient composition revealed that boiling the bean for 1 h, changing and discarding the water twice reduced appreciably most of the antinutrient components in the bean including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalate, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitors. The treatment had no effect on the composition of ash, crude fibre and fats. The same treatment decreased the composition of protein from 26.95 ± 0.02 to 20.30 ± 0.03%, moisture from 12.80 ± 0.01 to 11.82 ± 0.02%. The same processing increased the carbohydrate content from 48.50 ± 0.05 to 50.35 ± 0.02%. There was no significant difference (P0.05) observed in the mineral elements studied as a result of the treatment. The minerals include calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus

Studies on the Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Persea americana Seed

The phytochemical, nutrient, antinutrient and mineral element composition of seed extract of Persea americana were investigated. Phytochemical analyses of the seed extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides but no anthracine glycosides. Proximate analysis gave 12.90 ± 1.57% moisture; 18.53 ± 0.26% crude fat; 18.55±1.26% crude protein; 47.35±24% carbohydrate; 2.6±0.63% ash; 3.17±0.17% crude fibre. The seed also was a rich source of mineral elements; containing calcium 12.30±0.08 mg; iron 0.307± 0.13mg; magnesium 21. 12±3.86 mg; phosphorus 46.00±1.72 mg; potassium 103.8±0.22 mg; sodium 0.302± 0.02 mg; and zinc 0.087±0.01mg per 100gm dry weight respectively. Quantitative analyses of the anti nutritional components revealed oxalate, phytate, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and cyanogenic glycoside contents of 27.25±4.10, 5.44±0.03, 33.23±1.73, 56.11±0.21, 1.90 ± 0.08 and 24.01± 0.25 mg/100gm dry weight respectively. Keywords: Persea americana seed, Phytochemical screening, Proximate analysis, Antinutritional components, Mineral contentBio-Research Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 320-32

Assessment of the hepatic effects, phytochemical and proximate compositions of Phyllanthus amarus

Aqueous extract of pulverized whole Phyllanthus amarus was assessed for hepatic effects in albino rats. Its phytochemical, proximate and mineral constituents were also evaluated. The results showedthat the extract significantly reduced the plasma activities of alanine and aspartate transaminases and total bilirubin concentration (P 0.01). The extract contained 24.05% saponins, 17.50% tannins and 5.47% oxalates as well as 11.05% moisture, 6.80% ash, 6.03% fat, 6.10% protein, 24.50% fibre and 45.52% carbohydrate. The mineral content of the defatted pulverized P. amarus was found to be potassium (150.30), sodium (228.20), calcium (1.60), magnesium (2.40), iron (1.65), and phosphorus (1.00) mg per 100 g dry weight. The reduction of plasma activity of transaminases and concentration of total bilirubin, with a concomitant increase in total protein concentration suggest that the plant has a hepatic cell protection function and enhancement potential. The high saponin and tannin, potassium and sodium, and carbohydrate and fibre contents of the plant explain its use in folk medicine for the treatment of liverproblems, oedema and use as tonic, respectively

A comparative study of the antimicrobial properties of the ethanolic extracts of Landolphia owariensis leaf and root

The leaf ethanolic extract (LEEX) and root ethanolic extract (REEX) of Landolphia owariensis were comparatively subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial screening. Susceptibility of some clinicalisolates (Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and Escherichia coli) to the extracts was determined using dehydrogenase assay method. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids,flavonoids, saponins and tannins in both the leaf and root extracts with cyanogenic glycosides present in the root extract only. The response of the bacterial strains to the leaf and root extracts was concentration dependent. Dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited by the root extract at a higher concentration range (150 – 2500 ìg/ml) than the leaf extract (20 – 2000 ìg/ml). LEEX gave an IC50 of 20, 200, and 550 mg/ml against Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and E. coli, respectively, while REEX gave an IC50 of 340, 320, and 1560 mg/ml against the organisms, respectively. The LEEX exhibitedhigher antibacterial activity than the REEX. Susceptibility of the organisms to the extracts showed: Staphylococcus spp. > Proteus spp. > E. coli. The observed antimicrobial properties could be due to thepresence of alkaloid, flavonoids and tannins, which were identified in both extracts. The findings may be of clinical relevance and further substantiates the traditional use of L. owariensis leaves and rootsas antimicrobial agents

Phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Landolphia owariensis leaf

Ethanolic extract of the leaves of Landolphia owariensis were subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. and Proteus sp. using dehydrogenaseassay method. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The bacterial isolates were exposed to different extract concentrations (20 – 2000 mg/ml)of the extract in nutrient broth, and their response was concentration dependent. In all three bacteria, dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited at concentrations of about 20 mg/ml, with total inhibition observed with 700 mg/ml for Staphylococcus sp., 1000 mg/ml for Proteus sp. and 1800 mg/ml for E. coli

Oncoplastic breast surgery: A guide to good practice

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery has become standard of care in the management of Breast. Cancer Patents. These guidelines written by an Expert Advisory Group; convened by the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), are designed to provide all members of the breast cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) with guidance on the best breast surgical oncoplastic and reconstructive practice at each stage of a patient's journey, based on current evidence. It is hoped they will also be of benefit to the wide range of professionals and service commissioners who are involved in this area of clinical practice

Effect of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) wastes on the quality of Nworie river, Owerri, Nigeria

Analysis of S. officinarum (sugar cane) rinds–contaminated water sample and its effect on the quality of Nworie River (West-end) Owerri, Nigeria, was investigated. The results of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters were compared to those of two other samples: the free flowing point of the same river three hundred meters before the dumping point and treated tap water which serves as control. In almost all the physicochemical parameters analyzed, the S. officinarum rinds-contaminated water sample gave the highest value compared to the other samples, although some of the values were within WHO/FEPA accepted water standard. The total microbial loads are 4.5x105 cfu/ml for S. officinarum rinds-contaminated sample, 2.8x105 cfu/ml for sample upstream before the dumping point and 0.8 x 102 cfu/ml for treated tap water. The study shows that the indiscriminate discharge of sugar cane rinds by the Hausa sugar cane sellers into Nworie River at west end Owerri, could be a potential threat to the quality of the river if not properly and timely checked.Keywords: Saccharum officinarum rinds, water contamination, physicochemical, microbiological parameters

Evaluation of the toxicity of cyanogens in a commonly consumed Nigeria legume pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed and its biochemical effects in rabbits

The effect of a commonly consumed Nigeria legume pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds with high cyanogen concentration on some important biochemical parameters and haemoglobin concentration in newZealand rabbits was investigated over a period of 72 hours. Quantitative analysis of the legume seed revealed that it has in mg/100g dry weight 39.3+1.30 cyanogenic glycosides, 11.57+1.20 phytate, 28.58+1.02 oxalate and 3.80+0.01 Tiu/100g dry weight typsin inhibitor respectively. Analysis of the serum and urine samples from test and control rabbits indicated that there was no significant difference (p£ 0.05) in the concentrations of total protein, bilirubin, inorganic phosphate and creatinine. There was a slight decrease in the activities of alkalinephosphatase. However, the activities of serum transaminases: alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) as well as cyanide concentration increased significantly (P£±0.05). Cyanide concentration in the serum increased from 5 to 27 mg/l and that in the urine from 3.5 to 26mg/l in the rabbits fed with commercial feed when compared to those fed with Cajanus cajan formulated feed. The study revealed that consumption of Cajanus cajan seed made pulses occasionally would not result to cyanide toxicity

Studies on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of amaranthus hybridus leaves

No Abstract. Bio-Research Vol. 4(1) 2006: 28-3