Physicochemical properties of Mucuna pruriens seed oil (MPSO), and the toxicological effects of a MPSO-based diet

The toxicological effects of Mucuna pruriens oil based diet were evaluated and compared with that of palm oil diet for 28 days. The physico-chemical analysis of the Mucuna pruriens oil showed that it has a moisture content of 7.85%, oil yield of 6.00%, pH of 5.65, density of 0.39, iodine value of 24.40/100g fat, acid value of 51.40mg NaOH/g, peroxide value of 0.10mEq/Kg, saponification value of 86.05mg/KOH/g, free fatty acid value of 0.40mg/dl, viscosity of 37.54 and unsaponififiable matters of 46.10. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly (p<0.05) increased in rats fed Mucuna pruriens oil meal compared to the palm oil group. The serum total and conjugated bilirubin, total proteins, albumin, creatinine and urea concentrations were also significantly (p<0.05) increased in the test group. Histological examination of the rat organs revealed the presence of lesions, tubular atrophy and mild oedema on organs from the test group.  This is an indication that Mucuna pruriens oil is not completely safe for consumption.Keywords: Mucuna pruriens, toxicological effect, histology, phytochemical

Characterization of biosurfactant produced from submerged fermentation of fruits bagasse of yellow cashew (Anacardium occidentale) using Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds produced by bacteria and fungi to reduce surface and interfacial tension. This work was designed to produce biosurfactants from the fermentation of submerge cashew bagasse (Anacardium occidentale) using a microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The proximate components of the biosurfactant was determined. Results show that yellow cashew fruit bagasse contains lipid (11.34 ± 0.16%), protein (26.67 ± 0.66%), carbohydrate (49.37 ± 0.60%), moisture (5.78 ± 0.17%), ash (2.70 ± 0.04%) and fibre (2.86 ± 0.09%). Biosurfactants activity was characterized based on emulsification index and oil displacement capacity. The yield of biosurfactants was, 0.71 g; when only cashew was used; 0.93 g for cashew and glucose and nutrient broth 0.12 g respectively. The preliminary biochemical characterization revealed that the biosurfactants contained carbohydrates and lipids designated as glycolipids. The biosurfactants showed antimicrobial activity against a range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria strains with diameters of zone and growth inhibition: Escherichia coli, 38.70 ± 1.30 mm; Staphylococcus aureus, 38.00 ± 2.94 mm; Klebsiella, 31.00 ± 2.20 mm and Bacillus cereus, 28.70 ± 1.70 mm. These results suggest that cashew fruits bagasse serve as cheap carbon source for the production of glycolipid biosurfactants with useful industrial applications. Key words: Biosurfactants, fruit bagasse, yellow cashew, characterization and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Phytochemical Composition and the Effects of Aqueous Extract of Tigernut Tuber on the Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Albino Rats

The phytochemical composition of the tigernut tuber was determined and the effects of its aqueous extract on haematological and biochemical parameters were determined in rats administered different concentrations of the extract. The presence of alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, resins, tannins, sterols, and saponins were observed in the raw tuber, however only alkaloids, sterols and resins were observed in the roasted tuber. Analysis of the antinutrient composition yielded oxalates (0.25±0.65 g/100g), phytate (1.97±0.81 mg/100 g), saponins (0.88±0.02 g/100 g), tannins (9.50±0.46 mg/100 g) and cyanogenic glycosides (1.80±0.69 mg/100g). Roasting numerically decreased the levels of the anti-nutritive factors analysed. At the end of the treatment period, the mean weights of the animals increased. The blood glucose level decreased significantly in concentration dependent manner (p<0.05), while serum albumin level increased significantly in a concentration dependent manner (p<0.05) in the groups administered the different concentrations of the extract. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) on serum cholesterol and protein and on total and differential white blood cell, red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The results therefore indicate the absence of undesirable effect in the use of the tigernut tuber even in the raw form at least at the administered concentration and for the duration of feeding. These findings are of nutritional, health and industrial relevance since the tuber is currently being used as food in many homes in Nigeria.     &nbsp

Anti-fungal activities of pair combinations of extracts from Morinda lucid Benthby decimal additive assay

Interaction between the root, leaf and stem-bark extracts of Morinda lucida were investigated for their antifungal activities against Candida albicans by using pair combinations in an in vitro demical additive assay based on disk diffusion. Additive interactions were observed in each pair of the combinations. Neither synergistic nor antagonistic interactions were recorded. Phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of similar phytochemicals in all the extracts.Bio-Research Vol. 3(1) 2005: 99-10

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF THE LEAVES OF BAPHIA NITIDA, CASSIA ALATA, FICUS EXASPERATA AND GOSSYPIUM ARBOREUM

Ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Baphia nitida, Cassia alata, Ficus exasperata and Gossypium arboreum were analyzed for their antifungal activities against four pathogenic fungi namely: Trichophyton rubrum; Epidermophyton floccosum, Basidiobolus haptosporus and Candida albicans. None of the extracts from the four plants showed any inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans. B. nitida, C. alata and G. arboreum extracts inhibited the growth of the other three fungal pathogens more than did F. exasperata. Keywords: Baphia nitida, Cassia alata, Gossypium arboreum, Ficus exasperata, Trichophyton rubrum; Epidermophyton floccosum, Basidiobolus hapatosporus and Candida albicans. Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.5 2001: 59-6

The Role of Rubber Seed Lipoxygenase in the Quality Restoration of Stored Lesser Yam

Partially purified rubber seed lipoxygenase was used to bleach lesser yam tubers (Dioscorea esculenta) that were browned by storing the cut yam tubers at room temperature. There was increase in the bleaching of polyphenols extracted from the browned yam tubers as the enzyme concentration and time of the incubation of the enzyme were increased. Moreover, there was increase in the bleaching of the browned yam tubers as the enzyme concentration was increased. The browned yam tubers were completely bleached to their original yellow colour at the enzyme concentration of 15 unit /ml. Key Words: Rubber seed, lipoxygenase, lesser yam Bio-Research Vol.2(2) 2004: 15-1

Physicochemical properties of lignocellulosic biofibres from South Eastern Nigeria: Their suitability for biocomposite technology

Five plant raw materials collected from South Eastern part of Nigeria were used for biofibre extraction and analysis to assess their suitability for biocomposite production. Lignocellulosic biofibres were extracted from young stems of Adenia lobata, Ampelocissus leonensis, Cissus palmatifida, Morinda morindoides and Urena lobata through natural water retting process for a period of 14 - 16 days and the resulting fibres were uniform with almost flat or circular cross sections. Phytochemical contents and extractives were determined on the untreated and treated fibres respectively. The %w/w cellulose contents of the pretreated biofibres were found to be 48.97± 1.33% for A. leonensis and 43.22±0.95% for A. lobata. The cellulose content of M. morindoides and C. palmitifida were found to be 55.76±1.40% and 55.20±1.59%, respectively. In all the plants studied, U. lobata had the greatest %w/w cellulose content of 58.94±1.05% while A. lobata had the least cellulose content of 43.22±0.95%. Estimation of %w/w hemicellulose contents showed A. leonensis to be 21.22±0.89% whilst the hemicelluloses content in A. lobata and U. lobata were observed to be 18.22±2.18% and 12.38±0.33% in that order. Lower hemicelluloses contents were obtained in C. palmitifida and M. morindoides as 10.32±1.27, 9.32±0.58 and 8.62±1.67%, respectively. The klason lignin contents were found to be 31.33±1.05% for C. palmitifida, 31.22±0.97% for M. morindoides, 28.22 ± 1.96% for A. lobata, and 24.91±0.61% for A. leonensis. The lignin content of U. lobata was found to be the least at 22.26±0.55%. Acid soluble lignin (ASL) content was greater in A. lobata (2.17±0.08%) while A. leonensis had the least value of 1.74±0.34%. ASL-derived products (vanillin, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid) ranged between 0.50±0.12% and 1.41±0.02% for vanillin; 0.03± 0.02% and 0.65±0.14% for p-coumaric acid; and ferulic acid was only detected in A. leonensis as 0.41±0.11%. The mechanical properties of most fibres used in this study are comparable to those of other biofibres already used in manufacturing and can even match those of some synthetic fibres. Results obtained revealed that fibres used in this study had comparable properties with those already established for manufacturing in biofibre industries.Keywords: Biofibre, biocomposite, cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses.African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(20), 2050-205

Hypoglycaemic and Haematinic properties of ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Background: Anaemia is known to be associated with diabetes; moreover, with the increasing cases of diabetes there is need for the use of more affordable alternative herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes and anaemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and haematinic properties of Artocarpus heteropyllus on diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heteropyllus was screened for phytochemicals and its acute toxicity was tested on mice. Induction of diabetes was done at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (with exception of the control group). The extract was administered to rats for a period of 7 days at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively, following induction. Blood samples of rats were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, neutrophil lymphocyte and eosinophil counts.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus showed no mortality up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the FBS of diabetic rat, and significant increases (p< 0.05) in RBC, PCV, WBC and haemoglobin levels.Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus increased the haematological indices of diabetic rats. Our findings support the use of this plant as an herbal alternative in the treatment of diabetes and anaemia associated diabetes.Key words: Diabetes, Hypoglycaemia, Haematology, Alloxan, Oxidative stress

Potentials of non-edible Abrus precatorius seed oil towards biodiesel production

Abrus precatorius seed oil is not edible and possesses lethal toxicological properties; hence, alternative use as low cost feedstock for biodiesel production was investigated. The n-hexane extracted oil was characterized for its chemical and physical properties, and subsequently transesterified using 1% sodium hydroxide at 60°C to produce biodiesel. The biodiesel produced had acceptable quality following characterization of its fuel properties. The relative density was found to be 0.889 with kinematic viscosity of 3.34 mm2/s within limits of Thailand biodiesel fuel standard. The acid value was 0.281 mg KOH/g, iodine value 52.43 mgI2/g, peroxide value 3.45 mEq/kg, saponification value 227.8 mg KOH/g and 2.87% free fatty acid content. The flash point and the cetane number were 137°C and 58.3, respectively while the heat of combustion was 38.28 MJ/Kg. The low temperature operability properties of A. precatorius seed biodiesel determined by parameters such as cloud point, pour point and cold-filter plugging point were - 2, 1 and - 4°C, respectively. The sulfated ash value and refractive index were found to be 0.09% and 1.457, respectively. GC analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters profile revealed 50.86 and 49.1%, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), respectively. A percentage FAME yield of 86.1%; with higher content of methyl palmitoleate (31.94%) and a lowest value for methyldecanoate (1.27%) was obtained. Although a n-hexane oil yield was low (2.52% w/w), the results show that Abrus seed oil derived biodiesel has commercially acceptable fuel properties and may be suitable as fuel for internal combustion engine.Keywords: Biodiesel, Abrus precatorius, oil, non-edible oil, fatty acid methyl esterAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(44) 4226-423