Chemical Evaluation of African Palm Weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis, Larvae as a Food Source

The chemical properties of the African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae were evaluated using standard methodology. The chloroform-methanol extract yielded 37.12% on a dry basis. The oil was liquid at room temperature with a flash point of 36.0 °C. Analysis of the physical constants indicated values of 192.25 Wijs and 427.70 mg KOH/g as iodine and saponification, respectively. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids at low levels. Palmitic acid and stearic acid constituted 35.3 and 60.5% of the oil, respectively. The usual behaviour of the oil at room temperature, irrespective of the level of unsaturation of its constituent fatty acid was noted. The total protein content of the defatted palm weevil larva (dry basis) was estimated at 66.3%. The amino acid values compared favourably to FAO reference protein, except for tryptophan, which was limiting. All the other essential amino acids were adequate. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of potassium (1025 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (685 mg/100 g). The dried and defatted palm weevil lava represents a very good source of protein, and a good complement of essential amino acids

Short-Term Feeding of Fibre-Enriched Biscuits: Protective Effect against Hepatotoxicity in Diabetic Rats

The effects of fibre-enriched biscuit on biomarkers associated with hepatotoxicity in diabetic rats were investigated. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Treatment lasted for 14 days after which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum was analyzed to determine hepatic function enzymes. The liver was also analyzed to determine hepatic lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes. Induction of diabetes led to elevated levels of ALP, AST, and ALT. These were, however, significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the fibre-enriched biscuit fed (treated) group. There was no significant difference in the serum bilirubin and total protein levels of the studied groups. Reduced albumin level was observed in the diabetic group; this was further lowered on feeding with fibre-enriched biscuits. Induction of diabetes led to increased hepatic level of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and lipid peroxidation and decreased activities of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and HDL level. These were significantly (p<0.05) reversed on feeding with fibre-enriched biscuit. This study portrays the protective effect of fibre-enriched biscuit on increased oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Efecto de los aceite de soja y de cáscara de naranja (Citrus sinensis) y sus mezclas sobre fosfolípidos totales, peroxidación lipídica y el sistema de defensa antioxidante, en tejidos cerebrales de normo ratas

Soy and orange peel (C. sinensis) oils were fed to albino male rats to determine their effects on malondialdehyde (MDA), total phospholipid (TP) content and oxidative stress biomarkers of brain tissue. Beside mouse chow, four diets were designed to contain 50% of their energy as carbohydrate, 35% as fat, and 15% as protein, and one lipid-free diet which had distilled water substituted for fat. Groups of five rats were each fed one of these diets, while a fifth group was fed pelletized mouse chow. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the TP of the mouse chow group. The TP was highest (p < 0.05) in those fed the soy and orange peel oil blend as compared to those fed these oils separately. Feeding soy oil led to decreased MDA in brain tissues and influenced the TP content. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) GSH and SOD activities were observed in the groups fed soy oil+orange peel oil, and soy oil diets respectively. Higher significant (p < 0.05) activities were observed in the orange oil fed group. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) catalase activity was observed in the lipid free diet fed group, which was followed by orange peel oil, and soy oil+orange peel oil diets, respectively. A combination of both oils may be useful in the management of certain neurological diseases or illnesses and protect against other oxidative stress complications.Ratas albinas machos fueron alimentadas con aceites de soja y de cáscara de naranja (C. sinensis) para determinar su efecto sobre el malondialdehído (MDA), fosfolípidos (TP) y el contenido total de biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo de su tejido cerebral. Además de alimento para ratones, cuatro dietas fueron diseñadas conteniendo el 50% de la energía en forma de carbohidratos, el 35% en forma de grasa, y el 15% como proteína, y una cuarta dieta libre de lípidos donde se había sustituido la grasa por agua destilada. Grupos de cinco ratas fueron alimentadas cada uno con estas dietas, mientras que un quinto grupo fue alimentado con alimento para ratones peletizado. Se observó una diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) en TP del grupo alimentado concomida para ratón. Los TP fue mayor (p < 0,05) en los alimentados con mezcla de aceite de soja y de cáscaras de naranja, en comparación con los alimentados con estos aceites por separado. La alimentación con aceite de soja llevó a una disminución del MDA en los tejidos del cerebro e influyó en el contenido de TP. Se observó un descenso significativo (p < 0,05) de las actividades de GSH y SOD en los grupos alimentados con aceite de soja+aceite de piel de naranja, y con las dietas de aceite de soja. Se observaron actividades significativamente más altas (p < 0,05) en el grupo alimentado con aceite de naranja. Una actividad catalasa significativamente mas alta (p < 0,05) se observó en el grupo alimentado con una dieta libre de lípidos, seguido por grupo alimentado con aceite de la cáscara de naranja y el que incluía en su dieta la mezcla aceite de soja+cáscara de naranja respectivamente. La combinación de ambos aceites puede ser útil en el control de ciertas enfermedades neurológicas y en la protección contra las complicaciones del estrés oxidativo

Cola millenii Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy; Modulatory Effect on Serum Indices and Redox Biomarkers

The ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Cola millenii were investigated for it secondary metabolites as well as its effect on serum indices and antioxidant status in normal male albino rats. Fresh leaves of C. millenii were air dried, extracted with ethyl acetate and concentrated. The extract was analysed for its secondary metabolites using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three concentrates consisting of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) of the extract were prepared. Groups of five rats were intraperitoneally injected with each of the doses, whilst a fourth group was not injected and served as the normal control. After 7 days, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum was analysed for hepatic and renal biomarkers as well as cholesterol level. Hepatic tissue was analysed for malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). FITR spectroscopy revealed the presence of aliphatic, carboxylic acids, esters and alkenes functional groups. Administration of the extract doses led to the increased serum activities of hepatic and renal biomarkers. About 50 mg/kg bw of the extract had the least cholesterol level compared to the other doses. MDA level was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in rats administered with 50 mg/kg bw of the extract. Except for the lowest dose, little or no significant effect was observed on SOD and CAT activities. These results indicate the medicinal potential of ethyl acetate extract of C. millenii leaves as portrayed by the low cholesterol and MDA levels and increased CAT activity with 50 mg/kg bw being the most active concentration

Modulation of lipid peroxidation, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in brain tissues of diabetic rats by fibre – Enriched biscuits

Objective: To investigate the effect of feeding fibre – enriched biscuit on the antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities in brain tissues of diabetic rats. Method: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Treatment lasted for 14 d, after which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Brain tissues were used for the assessment of GSH, catalase, SOD and lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profiles. Result: Induction of diabetes led to a significant decrease in GSH level, elevated SOD and catalase activities. These were significantly modified by the biscuits. There was an elevated level of malondialdehyde in the brain tissues of the untreated diabetic rats; this was significantly reduced by the biscuits. There was a significant decrease in HDL and a significant increase in LDL levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the untreated (diabetic) rats. Feeding with fibre – enriched biscuits led to decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL – cholesterol and caused a significant increase in the levels of HDL. Conclusions: These results suggest a therapeutic and protective effect of the fibre – enriched biscuits against diabetic – induced brain toxicity in rats

Suppressive Effects of Clerodendrum volubile P Beauv. [Labiatae] Methanolic Extract and Its Fractions on Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications

Type 2 diabetes is the most prominent of all diabetes types, contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Availability and cost of treatment with little or no side effect especially in developing countries, remains a huge burden. This has led to the search of affordable alternative therapies especially from medicinal plants. In this study, the antidiabetic effect of the methanolic extract, dichloromethane (DCM), butanol (BuOH) and aqueous fractions of Clerodendrum volubile leaves were investigated in type 2 diabetic rats for their effect on glucose homeostasis, serum insulin level and hepatic biomarkers, lipid profile, pancreatic redox balance and Ca2+ levels, and β-cell distribution and function. The DCM was further fractionated to isolate the active compounds, biochanin and 5,7,4′-trimethoxykaempferol. They were investigated for their toxicity and ADMET properties, α-glucosidase and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities in silico. There were significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, vLDL-C, triglyceride, AST and ALT levels in all treated groups, with DCM fraction showing the best activity. All treated rats showed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved anti-oxidative activities. Treatment with the DCM fraction led to significant (p &lt; 0.05) increased serum insulin and pancreatic Ca2+ levels, as well as improved β-cell distribution and function. DCM fraction also showed improved glucose tolerance. DCM fraction dose-dependently inhibited ACE activity. The toxicity class of the isolated compounds was predicted to be 5. They were also predicted to be potent inhibitors of cytochrome P (CYPs) 1A2, 2D6 and 3A4. They docked well with α-glucosidase and ACE. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of the plant against type 2 diabetes, with the DCM fraction being the most potent which may be attributed to the isolated flavones. It further suggests antihypertensive potentials of the DCM fraction. However, inhibition of CYPs by the flavones may suggest caution in usage with other prescribed drugs metabolized by these enzymes

Modulatory effect of fibre-enriched cake on alloxan-induced diabetic toxicity in rat brain tissues

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia and it is fast becoming a scourge in sub-Saharan Africa. The nutritional properties of developed fibre-enriched cake and its protective potential against diabetic induced neurotoxicity in rats were investigated. Fibre-enriched cake was developed from selected fruits and analysed for its nutritional and sensory attributes. Rats were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan and treated with the formulated cake. After 14 days treatment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Their brain tissues were accessed for reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, protein content and lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profiles which cover for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Induction of diabetes led to significant reduction (p < 0.05) of GSH, catalase, SOD activities and protein content. Feeding on the formulated cake led to their significant increase. Decreased lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, and increased concentration of HDL were also observed on feeding with the cake. These results indicate an antioxidant protective potential of the fibre-enriched cake against diabetic-induced brain toxicity. Thus, it can serve as an adjunct to dietary therapy for diabetes

Comparative alteration in atherogenic indices and hypocholesteremic effect of palm oil and palm oil mill effluent in normal albino rats

The comparative hypocholesteremic effect of feeding palm oil and palm oil mill effluent (POME) was investigated in male albino rats. Diets were prepared and designed to contain 50% of energy as carbohydrate, 35% as fat, and 15% as protein. Groups of six rats were each fed one of these diets, while a group was fed pelletized mouse chow which served as the control. Feeding on palm oil and POME led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and vLDL. Feeding on POME led to significant increase (p < 0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels in brain tissues. Increased hepatic LDL level was also observed in POME fed rats. Except for hepatic triglyceride and tissues HDL level, a rather reduced level of the studied lipids was observed in the serum and tissues of palm oil fed rats compared to POME. These results indicate the protective potentials of palm oil against cardiovascular disease, as well as hyperlipidemia that characterize obesity and hypertension; as compared to its effluent

Ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit peels: Chemical characterization, and antioxidant potentials against free radicals and lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues

The chemical and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit peels were investigated. Dried peels of T. tetraptera fruits were extracted with ethanol. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using standard procedures. GCâMS was used in identifying the secondary metabolites. The antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by its ferric reducing activity, 2,2â²-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals scavenging activities, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues of albino male rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and phlebotannin. GCâMS analysis revealed the presence of D-fructose, piperazine, octodrine, glycidol, glyceraldehydes, 6-octadecenoic acid and 9,12-octadecenoic acid, with Dâfructose being the most predominant compound. The extract exhibited high antioxidant activities both in vitro and ex vivo, as indicated by its ability to scavenge DPPH and nitric oxide as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation. This is further portrayed by its ferric reducing activity. These results suggest an antioxidant protective effect of the extract against oxidative hepatic damage and can be attributed to a synergetic action of the identified bioactive compounds. Keywords: Antioxidant, Lipid peroxidation, Phytochemicals, Secondary metabolite