Antioxidant activities of Parquetina nigrescens

The antioxidant activities of different extracts (aqueous, methanol and flavonoid) of Parquetina nigrescens and butylated hydroxyl anisole, as reference compound, were evaluated in terms of scavenging effect, reducing power and inhibition of Fe2+/ascorbate-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Extracts of P. nigrescens scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) generated radicals in the increasing order of flavonoid > methanol > aqueous > BHA at 1000 g/ml. The reducing power followed a similar trend as observed with scavenging activities. Extracts of P. nigrescens, at 50 mg/ml, exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effects on  Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. These results showed that P. nigrescens contains antioxidants that could be useful in attenuating reactions which generate free radicals in the body.Key words: Parquetina nigrescens, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation

Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on cadmium toxicity

Thirty six Winstar rats were divided into six equal groups and investigated for induced cadmium toxicity, and the detoxicating action of ginger on liver-accumulated cadmium. Group 1, the control, werefed with normal rat chow and water for six weeks. Group 2 were fed with normal rat chow and cadmium water (200 ppm Cd in water). Group 3 were fed with rat chow-ginger concentrate (95:5, w/w ratio) andwater, while Group 4 were fed with rat chow-ginger concentrate and cadmium water, all for six weeks. Group 5 were fed with normal rat chow and cadmium water initially for one week, followed by rat chowgingerconcentrate and water for five weeks; while Group 6 were fed with rat chow-ginger concentrate for one week, followed by normal rat chow and cadmium water for five weeks. Cadmium accumulated highly in rat livers without ginger administration, and raised serum glutamate oxaloacetatetransaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), while ginger lowered these parameters. Ginger had better therapeutic than prophylactic detoxication effects on liver cadmium accumulation, especially as further cadmium intake was stopped. It was concluded that cadmium detoxication by ginger was more effective therapeutically, than prophylactically, as further cadmium intake was avoided

Haematological, serum and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed `graded levels of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) used as phytobiotic

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) used as phytobiotic or herbal natural additives on biochemical and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Five diets with different levels of inclusion of the kola were fed to a total of 150 Marshal day- old broilers. There were three replicates of ten birds per replicate. The five diets were made of control diet; diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm and 2000ppm of G. Kola respectively. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using completely randomized design. The results of haematological parameters examined show that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the haematological indices measured, the values however, did not follow any particular pattern. Highest haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cells (RBC) values were recorded for birds on 1500ppm compared to other birds with values ranging between 8.40-10.00, 25.00-29.50 and 2.47- 2.77 for Hb, PCV and RBC respectively. The least haemoglobin and PCV values were recorded in diet containing 2000ppm. Dietary supplementation of G. kola revealed significant (P<0.05) effects in the values of albumin and serum aspartate aminotransferase (SAST) with fluctuating values. The albumin level increased from 0ppm to 1500ppm G. kola inclusion levels and later dropped at 2000ppm inclusion level. Birds fed bitter kola had higher values SAST than the control group. Results of carcass analysis study revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in the values obtained for live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Birds fed with 0ppm of Garcinia kola had the highest live weight (2066.70g) while those on 1500ppm had the lowest. The same trend was observed in the mean values obtained for dressed weight. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) for all the organ weights observed except kidney which was found to show improvement with increased bitter kola level. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of broiler chicken with bitter kola produced haematological and carcass results that did not follow any definite pattern.Key word: Garcinia kola, haematology, serum, carcass, broiler chicken, phytobioti

Antioxidant activities of Parquetina nigrescens

The antioxidant activities of different extracts (aqueous, methanol and flavonoid) of Parquetina nigrescens and butylated hydroxyl anisole, as reference compound, were evaluated in terms of scavenging effect, reducing power and inhibition of Fe 2+ /ascorbate-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Extracts of P. nigrescens scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) generated radicals in the increasing order of flavonoid > methanol > aqueous > BHA at 1000 g/ml. The reducing power followed a similar trend as observed with scavenging activities. Extracts of P. nigrescens, at 50 mg/ml, exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effects on Fe 2+ /ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. These results showed that P. nigrescens contains antioxidants that could be useful in attenuating reactions which generate free radicals in the body

Protective effect of tomato (Lycopersion esculentum) against lead poisoning in wistar rats

No Abstract.International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems Vol. 1 (4) 2007: pp. 335-339Please note: AJOL received the following updates from the IJOTAFS editor:In Volume 1 Number 4 of the International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems, 2007. A. O. Odetola was erroneously rendered A. O. Otedola in the articles Protective effects of tomato (Lycopersion esculentum) against lead poisoning. Pp: 335-339The correct citations for the articles should read as shown below A. O. Ebunlomo, J. N. Egwurugwu, C. R. Nwokocha, C. S. Ufearo, N. N. Obaji, A. O. Odetola, G. S. Adeleye, I. C. Anetor and P. P. E. Mounmbegna (2007). Protective effects of tomato (Lycopersion esculentum) against lead poisoning. International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems, 1(4): 335-339.All inconveniences are regretted, Dr. Emma U. Onweremadu&#160; PhD Editor &#8211; In &#8211; Chief&#160; Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology PMB 1526, Owerri, Nigeria Email: [email protected]

Palm oil as a detoxicant of cadmium in rats

No Abstract.International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems Vol. 1 (4) 2007: pp. 364-368Please note: AJOL received the following notification from the IJOTAFS editor:The correct citations for this article should read as shown below:J. N. Egwurugwu, C. R. Nwwokocha, C. S. Ufearo, N. N. Obaji, A. O. Ebunlomo, F. O. Amromanoh, A. O. Odetola, J. O. Duruibe and P. P. E. Mounmbegna (2007). Palm oil as a detoxicant of cadmium in rats. International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems, 1(4): 364-368. All inconveniences are regretted, Dr. Emma U. Onweremadu&#160; PhD Editor &#8211; In &#8211; Chief&#160; Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology PMB 1526, Owerri, Nigeria Email: [email protected] &#160