Evaluation Of The Quality Of Locally Manufactured Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Discs Used In South Eastern Nigeria

Locally manufactured antimicrobial susceptibility discs are becoming increasingly used in both private and government hospital laboratories in Nigeria. Data on the quality of these locally manufactured antimicrobial discs are not available. In order to provide some data, we evaluated the quality of three brands of locally manufactured antimicrobial susceptibility discs in common use in southeastern Nigeria. The three brands are Brodisk, Jirehdisk and Optudisc. The performances of these brands in agar disc diffusion assay against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were compared with that of Abtek, the imported brand. Un-interpretable zones of inhibition defined as large zones of inhibition that merged together or complete wiping out of bacterial growth at the time of reading of the plate, were common with Optudisc and Jiredisk brands. The imported brand, Abtek, did not produce any such results. While Gentamycin on Abtek produced a mean diameter of zone of inhibition of 15mm, 19mm and 16mm against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli respectively, the same antibiotic disc with the same stated potency on Brodisk an Jiredisk produced no zone of inhibition against the test bacteria. Amoxylin and Augmentin discs on Abtek produced zones of inhibition of 13mm and 21mm against S. aureus respectively. Amoxylin disc on Brodisk did not produce any zone of inhibition against the bacterial strain while Augmentin disc on Jirehdisk produced un-interpretable result. Of the three locally made brands, Brodisk is the only one that conformed to the international standard of not having more than eight discs per 90mm plate. In our opinion, Brodisk can be recommended for clinical use in Nigeria with further improvement. The outcome of this study indicates the need for improved standardization in the production of these locally manufactured susceptibility discs. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 122-12

Antimicrobial effects of aqueous and ethanolic fractions of two spices, Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia aethiopica

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and xylopia aethiopica were analyzed for their antimicrobial activities against five pathogenic organisms; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus fecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Lactobacilli. Ethanolic extracts of O. gratissimum had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 30 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and lactobacilli while for S. fecalis the MIC was 15 mg/ml. Aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum had an MIC of 12.5 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and S. fecalis, while for P. aeruginosa and lactobacilli the MIC was 6.25 and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of X. aethiopica showed an MIC of 10 mg/ml in the five organisms tested. While its aqueous extract gave an MIC of 30 mg/ml for S. aureus and Lactobacilli, and 15 mg/ml for E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. fecalis. Our findings suggest that the anti-microbial activity of these spices reside in their aqueous fractions and also indicate that very low concentrations are required to achieve antimicrobial effects

Evaluation of antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic effect of ethanol seed extract of Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) in albino rat

The medicinal properties of plants have been investigated in the recent scientific world because of their potent antioxidant activities, mild side effects and economic viability. This study  evaluated the antioxidant property and  antidiabetic effect of ethanol seed extract of G. kola (bitter kola) on alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. The in-vitro antioxidant assay was done using standard methods. Thirty (36) albino rats were used for the in-vivo study and fasted for 16-18hours and thereafter induced diabetes with 150mg/ kg b.w. of alloxan monohydrate via intraperitoneal injection. The animals were divided into six groups of six (6) rats each. Group A was the normal control, group B was the positive control (treated with 5mg/kg b.w of glabeclamide), Group C was the negative control (untreated) and groups D through F were administered 500mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 125mg/kg of the extract respectively. The results showed 49.70% reduction in blood glucose level of the 500mg/kg extract treated group compared to the positive control (45.03 %) on the day 7. The antioxidant results showed a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent increase in its ability to scavenge free radicals. The results of this study suggested the use of G. kola seed for the treatment of free radical mediated diseases and management of diabetes

Sensory evaluation of amala from improved water yam (Dioscorea alata) genotypes in Nigeria

Production of improved water yam (Dioscorea alata) genotypes that are suitable for the preparation of amala (a popular darkish Nigerian food) would likely enhance the economic importance of the crop inNigeria. Fermented flour (oven dried and sun dried) made from tubers of eight improved D. alata genotypes (TDa 00/00364, TDa 00/00194, TDa 00/00103, TDa 00/00104, TDa 99/00240, TDa 99/01176, TDa98/01166, Um 680) and two landraces (TDa 92-2, Ominelu) were reconstituted into amala, and organoleptically evaluated. Relevant characteristics of the experimental yam tubers, and theirintermediate products (chips and flour), were also evaluated for desirable qualities. Results showed that the tubers shape could affect the percentage peel loss of the tubers during processing. The drymatter content of the experimental fresh tubers varied from 20.05 to 45.63%, while the moisture content of the oven dried fermented (pH 5 - 6) yam flour (elubo) samples (used for the amala preparation)ranged from 8.30 to 9.80%. The colour observed in the amala samples varied from light brown to black. Though most of the experimental genotypes could be used in preparing amala, only TDa 00/00194 andTDa 00/0364 were highly rated (in relevant sensory parameters) for the preparation of the foodstuff (which is traditionally made from processed tubers of some Diosocrea rotundata cultivars)

EFFECT OF FUSARIUM NYGAMAI INFECTION ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FLOUR FROM TWO YAM VARIETIES

Yams (Dioscorea spp) are among the oldest food crops. It is estimated that after six months of storage up to 56% of the crop is lost to rot.  In Nigeria, fresh yam tubers are used for production of Elubo (yam flour) for preparation of amala, as it is called among the Yoruba in Western Nigeria, and akwunaji in the east of the River Niger. Many researchershave emphasized the importance of microbial rotting in causing storage losses. This study evaluated the effect of yam rot on the nutritional values of Fusarium infected yam tubers.Tubers from two yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.)varieties-Nwopoko and TDr95/19177-were infected with Fusarium nygamai pure culture and stored for 12 weeks, after which the tubers were used to produce yam flour and were analyzed for their nutrient composition comprising: dry matter/ moisture content, ash, total sugar, starch, amylose, vitamin C, protein and tannins. Wholesome yams of the same varieties were also used to produce yam flour and equally evaluated for the same nutrients. Infection with Fusariumnygamai led to a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the nutrient composition of the infected yam flour compared with those ofwholesome samples. Vitamin C content reduced from 41.10 to 27.26 (mg/100g) in variety Nwopoko and 36.30 to 30.53 (mg/100g); in variety TDr95/19177. Corresponding values for protein content was from 5.05 to 4.60% and 4.93 to 4.62%; Ash Content from 1.32 to 1.30% and 1.36 to 1.24%; Total Sugar Content from 5.34 to 5.20% and 5.21 to 5.02%; Starch 78.71 to 77.61 and 89.28 to 81.53%; Amylose from 29.95 to 28.87% and 30.01 to 27.95%. However, an increase in the tannin content – (1.84 and 1.94 mg/g) as against (0.31 and 0.26 mg/g) in Nwopoko and TDr 95/19177 varieties respectively was observed. The increase in the tannin content implies an increase in the antinutrient composition. The tendency to produce Elubo used for preparation of amala with rotten yam (possibly Fusarium infected) should be discouraged

Evaluation of sub-chronic toxicity, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect of ethanol leaves extract Ficus capensis in albino rat

Ficus capensis is highly medicinal in nature and has been reported to possess pharmacological properties. Ethanol leaves of extract of F.  capensis were evaluated for its sub-chronic impact on the hepatic biomarkers as well as anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity in male albino rat. Fifty four albino rats were randomly divided into six treatment groups of nine rats per group. Group A - received normal saline  (normal control), Group B - received either 40 mg/kg of Furosemide (control for diuretic) or 50 mg/kg of Aspirin (control for anti- inflammatory), Group C - received 200 mg/kg F. capensis extract, Group D - received 400 mg/kg F. capensis extract, Group E - received 600 mg/kg F. capensis extract and Group F received 800 mg/kg F. capensis extract. The anti-inflammatory effect assessed using carrageen  induced paw edema in rat was significantly affected by the extracts. The diuretic activity of the extract screened by quantification of urine volume and electrolyte concentration was significantly affected. The extract of F. capensis showed significant (p<0.05) increase in serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotranferarase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugate bilirubin in the 600 and 800 mg/kg extract treated groups on week 3 when compared to the normal control. The result suggested that ethanol leaves extract of F. capensis could be non-toxic to the liver at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and has potential anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, hence could be utilized at moderate doses in the treatment of inflammation and diuretic related health complications

Sensory evaluation of amala from improved water yam (Dioscorea alata) genotypes in Nigeria

Open Access JournalProduction of improved water yam (Dioscorea alata) genotypes that are suitable for the preparation of amala (a popular darkish Nigerian food) would likely enhance the economic importance of the crop in Nigeria. Fermented flour (oven dried and sun dried) made from tubers of eight improved D. alata genotypes (TDa 00/00364, TDa 00/00194, TDa 00/00103, TDa 00/00104, TDa 99/00240, TDa 99/01176, TDa 98/01166, Um 680) and two landraces (TDa 92-2, Ominelu) were reconstituted into amala, and organoleptically evaluated. Relevant characteristics of the experimental yam tubers, and their intermediate products (chips and flour), were also evaluated for desirable qualities. Results showed that the tubers shape could affect the percentage peel loss of the tubers during processing. The dry matter content of the experimental fresh tubers varied from 20.05 to 45.63%, while the moisture content of the oven dried fermented (pH 5 - 6) yam flour (elubo) samples (used for the amala preparation) ranged from 8.30 to 9.80%. The colour observed in the amala samples varied from light brown to black. Though most of the experimental genotypes could be used in preparing amala, only TDa 00/00194 and TDa 00/0364 were highly rated (in relevant sensory parameters) for the preparation of the foodstuff (which is traditionally made from processed tubers of some Diosocrea rotundata cultivars)

Renal function outcome in isoprenaline induced myocardial Infarction in albino rats and protective effect of methanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis

Chronic kidney disease is prevalent among patients with myocardial infarction. There is positive correlation between renal dysfunction and myocardial infarction which could result to increase mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients. This present study evaluated the renoprotective effect of methanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in albino rats.  Seventy two male albino rats were used for the in vivo study and randomly divided into six groups of twelve rats per group. Group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 was the negative control (administered 85 mg/kg of isoprenaline only), group 3 served as the positive  control (pretreated with 2 mg/kg carvedilol for 28 days, group 4 through 6 were pretreated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract  respectively for 28 days. Myocardial infarction was induced in the rats using subcutaneous injection of 85 mg/kg isoprenaline (ISO) for two consecutive days (26th and 27th) at 24 hours interval. The result of the in vivo study showed that isoprenaline significantly (p<0.05) produced alteration in the renal function integrity because there was significant (p<0.05) increase in urea, creatinine and altered kidney morphology of the negative control group compared to the 400 mg/kg extract treated groups. The extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased the urea and creatinine level and maintained the kidney morphology. This study suggested that the extract at moderate dose could serve as an agent for the prevention of isoprenaline induced renotoxicity followed myocardial infarction