20 research outputs found

    Biochemical response of sweet potato to bemul-wax coating combined with calcium chloride treatment during ambient storage

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    Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Linn) tuber is a very nutritious but highly perishable crop that is subject to high wastages due to non-availability of appropriate storage techniques. This work assessed the effectiveness of treating the tubers with calcium chloride dip (CCD), bemul-wax (B-wax) and their combinations (CCD/B-wax) at ambient storage conditions (24.9 ± 4.0°C and 44.6 ± 18.4% RH). Some biochemical parameters of each treated sample were assessed and compared with the control for 20 days storage period. There were significant reductions (P < 0.05) in weight loss by B-wax and CCD/Bwax. CCD and CCD/B-wax caused significant reductions in pH, total amino acid and pectin esterase. Also, all the treatments caused significant reductions in ascorbic acid, phenylalanine ammonia lyase,�A-Amylase and alcohol dehydrogenase activities. There were significant reductions in polyphenol oxidase activity by B-wax. In conclusion, while all the treatments proved to be effective to varying degrees,CCD/B-wax seemed to be the most effective in preventing spoilage in the tuber

    Biochemical response of sweet potato to bemul-wax coating combined with calcium chloride treatment during ambient storage

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    Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Linn) tuber is a very nutritious but highly perishable crop that is subject to high wastages due to non-availability of appropriate storage techniques. This work assessed the effectiveness of treating the tubers with calcium chloride dip (CCD), bemul-wax (B-wax) and their combinations (CCD/B-wax) at ambient storage conditions (24.9 ± 4.0°C and 44.6 ± 18.4% RH). Some biochemical parameters of each treated sample were assessed and compared with the control for 20 days storage period. There were significant reductions (P &lt; 0.05) in weight loss by B-wax and CCD/Bwax. CCD and CCD/B-wax caused significant reductions in pH, total amino acid and pectin esterase. Also, all the treatments caused significant reductions in ascorbic acid, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, α- Amylase and alcohol dehydrogenase activities. There were significant reductions in polyphenol oxidase activity by B-wax. In conclusion, while all the treatments proved to be effective to varying degrees, CCD/B-wax seemed to be the most effective in preventing spoilage in the tuber.Keywords: Biochemistry, storage, bemul-wax, calcium chloride dip, combined agent, sweet potat

    Effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin on Archachatina marginata haemolymph coagulation system

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    The effect of _E. coli_ endotoxin on the heamolymph coagulation response of _Archachatina marginata_ was studied. Heamocyte Lysate(HL), Haemocyte Lysate Supernatant(HLS) and Haemocyte Lysate Debris (HLD) were exposed to _Escherichia coli_ endotoxin. Controls were prepared with endotoxin-free water(&#x3c;0.025 EU/ml). The differential protein coagulation was estimated in each mixture. Fractions of the haemolymph exposed to endotoxin produced higher protein coagulates than endotoxin-free fractions when incubated at 37 &#xb0;C for 1 h (p&#x3c;0.05). The results showed significantly higher (p&#x3c;0.05) concentrations of protein coagulated when HL/plasma mixture were used than when either fraction was used. At a ratio 1:1 of HL:Plasma, highest protein coagulation was recorded. This study revealed that maximum protein coagulation in response to endotoxin was elicited by a synergy between plasma and haemocyte lysate(HL). From this research haemolymph fractions of Archachatina marginata may provide an alternative test material for endotoxin in medical preparations in the future

    Improvement of Oral Glucose Tolerance and Total Lipid Profile of Diabetic Rats Treated with Ficus exasperata Leaf-Based Diet

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    The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ficus exasperata leaf-based diet (FELD) on oral glucose tolerance and total lipid profile of type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-eight wistar rats were randomly selected into 8 groups of 6 animals each. All experimental animals apart from the positive control group were administered with 10 % fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks, while those in the negative control group received distilled water. The remaining groups were diabetic rats treated with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % FELD for 16 days. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) were assayed for. Result of OGTT before commencement of treatment showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in the blood glucose concentration after 30 mins of oral glucose load which was not restored back to the basal level after 2 hours. OGTT result by the 13th day of treatment showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose concentration of FELD-treated diabetic rats 2 hours after glucose load. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in HDL concentration of FELD-treated diabetic rats. In conclusion, incorporation of 30, 40 and 50 % F. exasperata leaf into diet and consumed for 16 days improved glucose tolerance and total lipid profile of diabetic rats

    In vitro antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves against some selected organisms

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    The in vitro activity of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves against some selected organisms was investigated. The aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves was subjected to phytochemical screening. In addition, its antibacterial activity against clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus was determined at 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 mg/ml body weight in albino rats. Phytochemical screening revealed amongst others the presence of cardenolides (0.33%), cardiac glycosides (0.51%), flavonoids (0.16%), saponins (1.21%), tannins (0.68%), phenolics (0.55%) and terpenoids (0.08%). Antibacterial study revealed that the aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves was bacteriostatic for about 15 hours on all the tested organisms except Proteus mirabilis which showed growth at all the concentrations used. Consequently, the data in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves possessed antibacterial properties, being most effective at 50.00 mg/kg body weight

    Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of three spices – Allium sativum L. Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Capsicum frutescens L. commonly consumed in Nigeria

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    The beneficial health effects of spices against common chronic systemic diseases have been well documented. Comparative study of the proximate, mineral and phytochemical components of three spices namely garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) were investigated. Analysis of the proximate composition revealed that the spices had considerable carbohydrate and crude protein content, but low ash, fibre, moisture and fat except pepper which has high crude fat content. The spices were also characterized by the presence of mineral elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, copper and zinc which are very important to human nutrition. Phytochemical screening indicated that these spices are also rich in phytonutrients including alkaloid, tannin, carotenoids, saponin and flavonoids. The spices had low concentrations of steroids and cardenolides. Overall, the findings indicate that the spices are good sources of nutrients, mineral elements and phytochemicals which could be exploited as great potentials for drugs and/or nutritional supplements.Key words: Comparative, nutritional, supplements, spices

    Amelioration of radiation-induced cellular alterations in rats administered with solvent fractions of methanol leaf extracts of Adansonia digitata and Corchorus olitorius

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    Exposure of rats to radiation results in an increase of free radical level from subtoxic (24 μg/mol) to a toxic concentration (120 μg/mol) in the system of rats. Free radical level above 120 μg/mol, leads to dysregulated Nf-kB and Nrf-2, thus exacerbating oxidative stress and cellular alterations in rats. This study investigated the effects of solvents (n-hexane, ethylacetate and n-butanol) fractions of Adansonia digitata and Corchorus olitorius leaves in radiation-induced Nf-kB and Nrf-2 dysregulation in Cellular System of Rats. A total of 48 rats (198 ± 5.00g) were used in this study and were distributed into 8 groups of 6 each. Group I were fed with rat chow and distilled water only, all other groups were irradiated, such that groups II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX were administered distilled water, n-hexane fractions of A. digitata and C. olitorius, ethylacetate fractions of A. digitata and C. olitorius, n-butanol fractions of A. digitata and C. olitorius and Vitamin-C at 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively. Secondary metabolites screening of A. digitata and C. olitorius revealed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenol, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. irradiation significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased Nf-kB, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced Nrf-2 and antioxidant capacity. Administration of solvents fractions at 1000 mg/kg bwt significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced Nf-kB, ALP, ALT and significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased Nrf-2 and antioxidant capacity of rats in the treated groups, such that, n-butanol fraction is the most effective. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and Duncan multiple range test at p&lt;0.05. n-butanol fractions, can therefore be explored as oral remedy against cellular alterations in rats

    In vitro antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves against some selected organisms

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    ABSTRACT The in vitro activity of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves against some selected organisms was investigated. The aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves was subjected to phytochemical screening. In addition, its antibacterial activity against clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus was determined at 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 mg/ml body weight in albino rats. Phytochemical screening revealed amongst others the presence of cardenolides (0.33%), cardiac glycosides (0.51%), flavonoids (0.16%), saponins (1.21%), tannins (0.68%), phenolics (0.55%) and terpenoids (0.08%). Antibacterial study revealed that the aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves was bacteriostatic for about 15 hours on all the tested organisms except Proteus mirabilis which showed growth at all the concentrations used. Consequently, the data in the present study indicates that the aqueous extract of P. muellerianus leaves possessed antibacterial properties, being most effective at 50.00 mg/kg body weight. Citation: Bamisaye FA, Oloyede OB and Yakubu MT (2015). In vitro antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves against some selected organisms

    Mosquito-repellent activities of a north central Nigeria local Hyptis suaveolens Essential oil and its toxicity evaluation in mice

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    Aim: Mosquito-repellent activities of Hyptis suaveolens essential oil (EO) obtained from Kwara State, north central Nigeria; and its toxicity in mice were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Hyptis suaveolens plants were collected from University of Ilorin premises. Fresh leaves were weighed, pound, hydrodistilled and the EO characterised using GCMS. Mosquitoes (female anopheles and culex) 150 were bred from larva stage in the laboratory against which the repellency activities were determined. Fifteen (15) adult mice with the average weight of (25 ±2.21 g) were randomly assigned into three (3) groups (A-C), of five (5) mice each. Daily administration of distilled water, EO 100 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight were done oropharyngeally for seven days to groups A, B and C respectively. The mice were sacrificed, and the blood, liver and kidney of the animals were collected. Blood, tissues, and serum parameters were assayed for in the mice. Results: Caryophyllene oxide, caryophyllene, spathulenol, alloaromadendrene, benzaldehyde and bornanone were some of the compounds confirmed present in the EO. The EO in water (1:99) is 100% efficacious, for up to 60 minutes. The EO induced significant increase (p&lt;0.05) the blood levels of WBC, RBC, HCT, HGB in all treated groups. Serum albumin, total and direct bilirubin, and the total protein in all the treated groups were significantly reduced while no significant difference in the activities of ALP, ALT and AST in the liver, kidney and serum of treated groups occurred when compared with the control. The levels of the serum urea and creatinine, increased significantly in all the treated groups (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The Hyptis suaveolens essential oil possesses mosquito-repellent activities but may cause adverse on the enzymatic and haematological, liver and kidney functions at 500 mg/kg body weight in mice

    The effects of combined preservative systems on bacterial spores and non-sporeformers

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    The effects of the combination of heat, chemicals and pH on Staphylococcus aureus (NCIB 6571), Escherichia coli (NCIB 8114) and particularly Bacillus cereus (NCIB 6349,7464) and B. stearothermophilus (NCIB 8919,8920) spores were studied in five test systems. The systems contained (a) potassium sorbate (0 - 1%) or (b) sodium chloride (0 - 10%) or (c) sodium benzoate (0 - 3%) or (d) combination of (a) and (b) or (e) combination of (a) and (c) at varying pH levels (4.2 - 7.1). The test systems were heated at varying temperatures ranging from 500 - 95°C at different times. In general inhibition of all tests strains by all systems increased with increasing levels of chemicals used and with decrease in pH. Low temperature heat treatment in the presence of sorbate at low pH caused almost total inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli but had marginal to moderate inhibition on bacterial spores. In the presence of either sodium chloride or benzoate at low pH temperatures of 85° - 95°C provided marginal to moderate inhibition of these spores. Total inhibition of the spores and synergistic inhibitory effects were obtained only with combination of sorbate and sodium chloride or combination of sorbate and benzoate at low pH with low heat treatment. The recovery of surviving spores was slightly inhibited by incubation temperatures of 37° and 60°C for B. cereus and B. stearothermophilus respectively wheras 44°C markedly inhibited both spores after exposure to selected combination treatments. The potential of the Direct Fluorescence Microscopy technique for the enumeration of spores after exposure to combination preservative systems was indicated. Evidence from Direct Fluorescence Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and spore extraction studies revealed changes in spore wall structure. Possible mechanisms explaining the observed inhibition of spores by the combination treatments are postulated. A computer program is described for the presentation of data generated from exposure of spores to combination treatments in the form of 3D-histograms.The effects of the combination of heat, chemicals and pH on Staphylococcus aureus (NCIB 6571), Escherichia coli (NCIB 8114) and particularly Bacillus cereus (NCIB 6349,7464) and B. stearothermophilus (NCIB 8919,8920) spores were studied in five test systems. The systems contained (a) potassium sorbate (0 - 1%) or (b) sodium chloride (0 - 10%) or (c) sodium benzoate (0 - 3%) or (d) combination of (a) and (b) or (e) combination of (a) and (c) at varying pH levels (4.2 - 7.1). The test systems were heated at varying temperatures ranging from 500 - 95°C at different times. In general inhibition of all tests strains by all systems increased with increasing levels of chemicals used and with decrease in pH. Low temperature heat treatment in the presence of sorbate at low pH caused almost total inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli but had marginal to moderate inhibition on bacterial spores. In the presence of either sodium chloride or benzoate at low pH temperatures of 85° - 95°C provided marginal to moderate inhibition of these spores. Total inhibition of the spores and synergistic inhibitory effects were obtained only with combination of sorbate and sodium chloride or combination of sorbate and benzoate at low pH with low heat treatment. The recovery of surviving spores was slightly inhibited by incubation temperatures of 37° and 60°C for B. cereus and B. stearothermophilus respectively wheras 44°C markedly inhibited both spores after exposure to selected combination treatments. The potential of the Direct Fluorescence Microscopy technique for the enumeration of spores after exposure to combination preservative systems was indicated. Evidence from Direct Fluorescence Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and spore extraction studies revealed changes in spore wall structure. Possible mechanisms explaining the observed inhibition of spores by the combination treatments are postulated. A computer program is described for the presentation of data generated from exposure of spores to combination treatments in the form of 3D-histograms
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