Pharmacological and other beneficial effects of antinutritional factors in plants - A review

The health and other benefits of plant’s secondary metabolites, also known as antinutritional factors are reviewed. Examples of these natural compounds of plant origin are saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids,tannins, oxalates, phytates, trypsin (protease) inhibitors,  phytohaemagglutinins (lectins), just to mention a few. Emphasis has always been laid on the toxic and anti-nutrient effects of thesecompounds in the natural state even though many of them are detoxified by several processing methods such as soaking, germination, boiling, autoclaving, fermentation, genetic manipulation and other processing methods. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest by researchers in the use of naturally occurring biologically active compounds of medicinal value (phytomedicines). The plant kingdom still contains many species of plant-containing substances of pharmacological and other benefits. In the search for new drugs to combat the problem of drug resistance, natural products ofplant origin play a vital role. This review is an attempt to redefine the importance of these natural compounds as a possible solution to the problem of drug resistance and to explore their potentials forthe benefit of humans and animals

Evaluation of haematological and plasma biochemical effects of aqueous extracts of Parkia biglobosa seeds in rats

The effects of sub-acute exposure to aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa seeds on haematology and plasma biochemical parameters were studied. Twenty eight male Wistar albino rats were orally ingested with 0, 200, 400 and 800 mgkg-1 dose of the extract for 21 days and were sacrificed. Haematological parameters were assessed: red blood cell counts, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration significantly (p<0.05) increased at the 800 mgkg-1 dose. We also observed significant increases in white blood cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils at this dose. Evaluation of effect of seed extract on plasma biochemical values revealed significant increase in total protein, albumin and aspartate amino transferase. However, the extract caused significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Changes observed in plasma levels of globulin, alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control at all treatment doses.Key words: Haematology, biochemistry, aqueous extract, Parkia biglobosa seed

The importance of genetics in the diagnosis of animal diseases - A review

Genetic diseases have always been present in the animal population but their significance has increased in recent decades. The wealth of knowledge on genomic information, systems biology and mechanisms of diseases provide great opportunities to elucidate the genetic bases of diseases. The use of recombinant DNA techniques in conjunction with conventional genetic methods have led to a rapid increase in knowledge of the genetic map. Many animal genes have been mapped to chromosomes. A detailed genetic map has become of great value in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and in the development of potential cures through gene transfer therapy. In view of the emerging animal diseases like avian influenza, swine influenza among others with serious health implications for humans, this review aims at highlighting the association between diseases and genes in animals. The information derived could assist in the prevention and management of emerging animal diseases and in future drug discovery processes

A review of the biochemical, biotechnological and other applications of enzymes

Enzymes are proteins evolved by the cells of living organisms. Their specific function is to catalyse chemical reactions. Enzymes increase the rate at which reactions approach equilibrium. Enzymes have found wide and diverse applications in different disciplines and fields of human endeavours. Enzymesplay critical role in the metabolic activities of all living organisms, whether humans, animals, plants or microorganisms and are widely applied in agriculture, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, genetics, industries, human and veterinary medicine, pharmacy, research, etc. The differentapplications of enzymes abound in the literature. The aim of this review is to discuss the diverse applications of enzymes for the purpose of teaching, education and research

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of saponins extract of Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench

The n-butanol purified saponin extract of sorghum bicolor were screened for anti-bacterial activity against three pathogenic microbes; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The extract inhibited the growth of the S. aureus. It was concluded that the saponins have inhibitory effect on gram-positive organism but not on gram negative organism and the fungi

Levels of awareness and concentrations of heavy metals in the blood of electronic waste scavengers in Nigeria

Background - Electronic waste (e-waste) contains both valuable and hazardous materials. E-waste scavengers specialize in the collection and crude recycling of waste electronics to retrieve valuable metals, which are then sold. These activities provide an income for scavengers, but also expose them to toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and copper (Cu). Objectives - The aim of the present study was to investigate the level of awareness and concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn)) in the blood levels of e-waste scavengers at Jakande dumpsite, Alaba International Market, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods - Material and data were collected by empirical survey with the use of a questionnaire to obtain information from e-waste scavengers. Blood samples of the scavengers in the present study (30 adult males exposed to recycling processes) were collected and concentrations of heavy metals were determined through acid digestion and the use of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AGILENT 55B AA, 2010). Results - The geometric means of blood levels of Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn were 11.0, 33.85, 126.15 and 19.38 µg / dL, respectively. High concentrations of Pb and Mn (11.0 and 19.38 µg / dL) were found in the blood samples, while Zn and Cu (126.15 and 33.85 µg / dL) showed low concentrations. The maximum blood level of lead (BPb) (24.0 µg / dL) was extremely high compared to the maximum BPb of occupationally exposed males. Statistical analysis of the questionnaires showed that all of the respondents were male, and more than half (56.7%) were between 21-30 years of age and had been involved in recycling of e-waste for 1-5 years. The results showed that 83% of the respondents were aware that hazardous fractions in e-waste require special treatment, while 76.7% were aware of the possible negative impact on their health. Conclusions - Lack of education, poverty and lack of effective enforcement of e-waste management and regulations are the major contributors to the current situation and thus scavengers carry on with their activities unhindered. The authors recommend the use of protective clothing, sensitization visits and awareness campaigns on the safe disposal of hazardous components

The dynamic and ubiquitous nature of biotechnology

The beneficial and multidisciplinary nature of biotechnology is highlighted. Contrary to the general belief that the impact of biotechnology is mainly limited to agricultural science in the area of animal, plant breeding, and tissue culture and the medical sciences in the area of gene therapy, production of bioactive products for the quick diagnosis and treatment of diseases, this paper discusses the use of biotechnology in other areas of human endeavours like computer science, physics, mathematics, law/legal studies, forensics, environmental sciences and toxicology, tourism, sociology and psychology, international relations, botany, technology and economics just to mention a few. In Nigeria and other developing countries where the application of biotechnology to our everyday living is still inthe early stage, this paper aims to emphasize the fact that biotechnology can be beneficial to all fields of life. This will further encourage multidisciplinary approaches and research collaborations inbiotechnology for the rapid development of our nation

Utilization of noodle waste as replacement for maize in the diets of growing snails

Maize is a major source of energy. It is expensive because of competition between man, animal and a strong demand for it by the manufacturing/industrial sector. Noodle waste (NW) (a by-product from the wheat noodle processing industry) which attracts little/ almost zero cost was used to replace the maize fraction of the diet of snails with the intent of reducing feed cost. A total of 120 growing snails (Archachatina marginata) of mean weight 73.42 ± 2.5g of about 3 months of age were used for the feeding trial. Four diets were formulated to contain NW at 0% (N1) as the Control, 50% (N2), 75% (N3) and 100% (N4) as replacement for maize in the diet of growing snails. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the trial and each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 snails per replicate. The diets were formulated to contain about 24% crude protein and energy of 2400 kcal/kgME. Feed intake and weight gain were calculated. Shell length, thickness and width were measured. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the ratio of feed intake to weight gain. Feed cost and cost per weight gain were also calculated. Carcass analysis was carried out at the end of the feeding trial. Significant differences were observed in the mean total feed intake of the snails fed diets containing varied levels of NW (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was not significantly different (P>0.05) across the treatments. The dressing percent of the snails was relatively the same in all the treatments (P>0.05). The results of cost analysis showed that cost /kg feed and total feed cost reduced as the level of NW in the diet increased. The lowest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 75% NW as replacement for maize while the highest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 100%NW. It was concluded that NW could replace maize fraction of the diet up to 75% without any adverse effect on performance. This replacement reduced cost markedlyKey words: Dressing Cost/weight gain, dressing percentage, feed efficiency, rice noodle waste, snails