Inhibitory activity of Detarium microcarpum extract against hepatitis C virus

Bioassay guided fractionation of the methanolic extract of Detarium microcarpum Guill using VLC and activity against hepatitis C virus in the Huh-7 Replicon assay was done. The active fraction MTH-1700 which demonstrated good inhibitory and selective potency (83.87%) against Hepatitis C Virus and comparable with 86.76% of the control; RS-446(2-Me-C) at a concentration of 10 µM was further fractionated by HPLC. Keywords: Detarium microcarpium; Anti-viral activity; Hepatitis; Cytotoxicity

ANTI-INFECTIVE AND WOUND HEALING PROPERTIES OF FLABELLARIA PANICULATA

The methanol leaf extract of Flabellaria paniculala was studied for its potency on normal wounds and infected wounds in rats. Wounds were inflicted on Wistar rats using excision model. Local infection was introduced into rat abdominal wounds using a 108 bacteria/ml inoculum. Two groups of infection were used: Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Rate of wound healing was assessed by contraction and p of epithelisation. Crude extract of F. paniculala demonstrated sic wound contraction and decrease in epithelisation period (p <0.05). On day 14, extract achieved 100% wound contraction in non-infected and Staphylococcus aureus while 100% wound contraction was recorded in Pseudomonas aeruginosa group on day 18. This drug is anti-infective as well as wound healing agent thus justifying the local uses of the plant for the treatment of skin diseases and sores. Key Words: Flabellaria paniculala, infected wounds, wound contraction, wound healing

Physico-chemical and Sensory Evaluation of Market Yoghurt in Nigeria

This study examined the quality of some yoghurts made and sold in the Nigerian market. Nine commercially available brands of yoghurt drinks which represent seven different manufacturers were randomly selected. The samples included seven plain yoghurt and two fruit yoghurt samples. All yoghurt samples were analyzed for chemical properties (moisture%, ash %, total solids, SNF, fat, pH and titratable acidity) and the organoleptic tests (color, thickness, appearance, body, texture, taste, smell, flavor and over all acceptability). The results of the study showed that the physico-chemical composition of the manufactured yogurts was different. The pH values of the samples ranged between 3.70-4.33 which were reasonably suitable for yoghurt marketed in tropical areas. No direct relationship was observed between pH values and titratable acidity. There was marked variation in the % fat content of the products. The results of the sensory evaluation revealed that flavor with respect to taste and smell had significant influence (p<0.05) on overall acceptability of yogurt product. So, the yogurt manufacturers need to improve on the sensory properties in particular flavor and taste for better consumer acceptability. Also, they may improve on packaging by labeling to specifications that precisely represent the content and type

AntiMtb activity of triterpenoid-rich fractions from Spondias mombin L.

Spondias mombin L. used in traditional medicine because of its antimicrobial properties was found to contain cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and anthraquinones in the stem bark. Bioassay-directed fractionation of the methanol extract of Spondias mombin was carried out with VLC and HPLC. Isolates were evaluated for antimtb activity which led to the isolation of a series of potential molecules. A semi pure triterpenoid that demonstrated potency of 92.8% inhibition against Mycobaterium tuberculosis (Mtb) at a concentration of 64μg/ml was further purified by HPLC. Keywords: Spondias mombin; Mycobaterium tuberculosis; Triterpenoid

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL STUDIES OF EXTRACTS OF FLABELLARIA PANICULATA

The phytochemical and antibacterial studies of the leaf extracts of Flabelleria paniculata cav, have been investigated. Antibacterial activity was investigated using Staphylococcus. aureus, Pseudomonas aerugniosa, Eustaricia coli and Klabellia pneumoniae. The petroleum ether extract was completely inactive. At the concentration of 50mg/ml aqueous extract produced zone of inhibition of 3mm (S. aureus,) and 2mm (Ps. aerugniosa) but was inactive against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. At 10mg/ml chloroform extract produced zone of inhibition of 3mm (S. aureus), 2mm (Ps. aerugniosa), 2mm (F. coil) and 3mm (K. pneumoniae). Chloroform extract showed MIC values of 1 .75 mg/ml and 2mg/ml for Ps. aerugniosa and S. aureus respectively. Saponins, cardenolides, alkaloid and tannins were detected in the leaf. This study justifies the local uses of the plant for the treatment of skin diseases and wounds. Key words: Flabelleria paniculata, antibacterial phytochemicals

Study of Influence of Zinc Plated Mild Steel Deterioration in Seawater Environment

The corrosion resistance of electrolytic zinc-coating on mild steel in seawater was investigated. Mild steel samples were zinc electroplated at voltage varied (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 V) and for plating time also varied (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes). Focused ion-beam scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface morphology of the plated surface. The visual observation of plated samples revealed that samples plated at 0.6 V for 20 and 60 minutes; 0.8 V for 30 minutes and 1.0 V for 40 minutes showed the best physical properties such as colour, brightness, fineness, streak and strong adhesion. The plated samples were then subjected to seawater environment for 30 days. The electropotentials mV (SCE) was measured daily. Weight loss was determined at intervals of five days for the duration of the exposure period. Experimental result showed little corrosion attack on the zinc-plated samples on the fifteenth and twenty-fifth day’s exposure. The severity of attack decreases with increasing weight of zinc coated on substrate. Significant increases in the corrosion resistance were achieved for the plated samples compared with that of the substrate. The pH of the seawater became more alkaline at the end of the thirty days test

Relationship between Viable Bacterial Counts and Physicochemical Properties of Cocoa Powders and Powdered Cocoa Beverages purchased in Nigerian Supermarkets

Cocoa powders (CPs) and powdered cocoa beverages (PCBs) are largely consumed as health and vitality drinks in Nigeria. In view of the recent reports that these food products supported bacterial growth, this study determined whether there could be definite relationship between viable bacterial counts and physicochemical properties of five brands of CPs and PCBs purchased from supermarkets in Ibadan and Lagos in South West, Nigeria. The pH and titratable acidity of the products were measured by using pH meter and colorimetric acidity titration respectively. The moisture contents were determined by drying method at 105ºC in oven and ash by mineralization at 550ºC using furnace. No definite type of relationship was established between viable bacterial counts and pH, titratable acidity (lactic acid, acetic acid), moisture and ash contents vis-à-vis powdery and granular natures of the cocoa food products. Only the two PCBs tightly packed in the polythene sachets had acceptable mean viable bacterial counts, which did not exceed 5.0 x 103 cfu/ml specified for cocoa powders in food industries. Also, only two of the five brands had acceptable moisture contents, which did not exceed the national specification of 3.10% for cocoa powders. Furthermore, the ash contents of all the brands exceeded the acceptable national specification of 2.60%. Significant variations (P<0.05) were obtained in the mean pH, titratable acidity, viable bacterial counts, moisture and ash contents within and between products containing only cocoa powders and those containing additives. In conclusion, the results from this study showed that the physicochemical properties of cocoa powders and powdered cocoa beverages could not be used to predict the viable bacterial counts of these food products. Key words: Cocoa Powders, Powdered Cocoa Beverages, Physicochemical Properties, Viable Bacterial Counts

Photo Degradation in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Mesoporous TiO2 of 20nm diameter is prepared in-tandem with organic dyes and based on Fluorine – doped SnO2 (FTO), conducting base is produced by hydrothermal process. The prepared mesoporous Cola Acuminata (C.acuminata), Lupinus Arboreus (L.arboreus) and Bougainvillea Spectabilis (B.spectabilis) films (0.16 cm2) are applied; individually and in combination as interfacial layer in-between nanocrystalline TiO2 (NC- TiO2) and the FTO anode in the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Absorbance index (A.I) of all three dyes was studied within wavelength range 200-900 nm for a period of 11 months, equivalent to 352 sun exposure. C.acuminata had A.I value 4.00 that decreased to 2.32 under exposure to AM1.5 global conditions. B.spectabilis A.I was 1.19 but decreased to 0.520 within same period of study. Combination of C.acuminata and B.spectabilis gave A.I value 1.40, dye cocktails of C.acuminata, B.spectabilis and L.arboreus gave 2.00 A.I value for same wavelength range. A UV/Vis photo spectrometer was used to determine the prominent peaks and absorbance at such wavelengths. This exponential relationship is subject of our explorative study

In vitro Activities of Methanol Extracts of Some Plants Used as Herbal Remedies

Seven different plants from Nigerian herbs were investigated for antiinfective properties. The plant crude extracts, obtained by maceration with methanol, were subjected to array of antimicrobial screening tests. Antimycobacterial susceptibility of M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain) was performed by Alamar Blue Assay. The results showed Spondias mombin and Anacardium occidentale to have 68 and 63% inhibition respectively against P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The secondary test on the S. mombin extract against P. aeruginosa had IC50 of 37.32μg/ml. Two EtOAC-MeOH soluble fractions of exhibited good antimicrobial activities. One fraction (AOF9) exhibited antifungal activity against Candida glabrata with IC50 value of 9.0µg/ml while the other fraction (AOF8) showed antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with IC50 value of 28.3µg/ml. The result of the antimycobacterial screening tests proved Spondias mombin most potent for providing antiturbercular compounds and was further investigated by HPLCbased activity profiling. The HPLC fractions revealed SM8-9, SM14 and SM15 to be effective (94.9, 98.3 and 92.8% Inhibitions respectively) against M. tuberculosis H37RV as compared with reference drugs. The findings show Spondias mombin and Anacardium occidentale to possess good anti-infective potentials and these support the folkloric uses of the plants for the treatment of infectious disease

Anti-Tubercular Compounds from Spondias Mombin

Spondias mombin is a widely cultivated edible plant used in folkloric medicine for the treatment of severe cough and other respiratory disorders. This study evaluated the anti tubercular property of the stem of S. mombin against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv and EJA-2011) using agar proportion assay on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. Four new compounds were isolated from the stem of Spondias mombin and they were identified as mombinrin (1), mombincone (2), mombinoate (3) and mombinol (4) respectively. Compound 1 is a coumarin, 2-4 are flavonoids. At 40 µg/mL concentration, the four compounds exhibited significant inhibitions (p < 0.05) against M. tuberculosis. At a lower dose of 25 µg/mL, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited significant antimycobacterial inhibitions (96.0 % and 97.6 % respectively; p < 0.05) while compounds 2 and 4 showed moderate inhibitions (85.0 % and 88.0 % respectively). The findings show that Spondias mombin accumulates antimycobacterial compounds that may serve as an important potential source for anti-tubercular agents