In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Estimation of Total Phenolic Content in Ethyl Acetate Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum

Antioxidants play an important role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, thus providing protection to human against degenerative diseases. Current research is now directed towards natural antioxidants originated from plants due to safe therapeutics. Ocimum gratissimum is used in traditional medicine for a wide range of various ailments. To understand the mechanism of pharmacological actions and investigate the antioxidant activity of the plant. The antioxidant properties of the Ocimum gratissimum ethyl acetate extract were tested using standard in vitro models and total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity of the extract increased in a dose dependent manner as well as the reducing power indicating some compounds in Ocimum gratissimum is both electron donors and could react with free radicals to convert them into more stable products and to terminate chain reactions. The extract had IC50 values for chelating effect of to be 5.51 mg/ml. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 value was 1.58 mg/ml. The extract was found to inhibit the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside, the IC50 values for nitric oxide scavenging ability was 13.17 mg/ml. However, it was also found to inhibit the hydroxyl radical generated by the deoxyribose method, the IC50 values was 6.48mg/ml. The total phenolic contents of Ocimum gratissimum determined in this study were 10.34±0.47 mg GAE/g.This study suggests that the extract of Ocimum gratissimum have potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against oxidative damage

Effect of training on knowledge, attitude and practice of safety measures among battery chargers in Ilorin metropolis

Objective: Good knowledge of safety measures against hazards of lead-acid battery work is important in the control of the work-related health problems. The study assessed the effects of training on knowledge, attitude and practice of safety measures among battery chargers in Ilorin, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental (non-randomized) study with pretest and post-test design. A total of 107 battery chargers were recruited each for intervention and control group. The study group was offered training on occupational safety measures while the control group did not have training at this stage. Post intervention data was collected 12 weeks after the pre-intervention. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 214 registered battery chargers working in Ilorin in to the study. Data obtained through interviewer-administered questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 16 software.Results: Less than one-fifth (15.9%) of the study group had good knowledge of hazards relating to battery which increased significantly to more than three-quarters (76.2%) post-intervention. The majority (85.0%) of the study group and (86.0%) of the control group had positive attitude towards safety measures pre-intervention. There was no significant improvement in attitude post intervention. The safety practice of less than one-tenth (6.5%) of the study group was rated good pre-intervention which increased significantly to almost one-fifth (17.8%) post-intervention. There was no significant improvement in the Kwowledge, attidude or practice of safety measures among the control group post intervention.Conclusion: Association of the battery chargers should organize in conjunction with the health institutions training of their members on hazards prevention and safety practices.Keywords: Training, battery, safety measures, workers, Ilori