Levels of some heavy Metals in Cocoyam (Colocasia esculentum) grown on Soil receiving Effluent from a Paint Industry

The levels of some heavy metals in soil samples and tubers of cocoyam (Colocasia esculentum) grown on  soil receiving paint wastes (PWS) has been investigated using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer  (Unicam 939/959 model). Similar analyses were carried out for the same plant from a control area. The  studies revealed that although the P.W.S contained abnormally high levels of Pb (474.14mgkg-1) and Cu  (137.85mgkg-1). The paint waste tuber (PWT) recorded low levels of these metals: Pb (2.13mgkg-1) and  Cu (13.85mgkg-1) respectively. Correlation analysis tested at 0.05 level of significance show that no significant correlation existed between the metals levels in the soil and the level in the tuber. In all cases the levels of the metals in the tubers were well below the upper limit documented for unpolluted plant. The results however suggest the ineffectiveness of the use of Colocasia esculentum as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution in soil. © JASE

Malaria Treatment Using Oral Medkafin: Changes In Biochemical And Haematological Parameters In Nigerian Adults With Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

Objective: To observe the changes in the biochemical and haematological parameters of patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria after treatment with oral medkafin. Method: The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) E.C.2.6.1.1, alanine amino transferase (ALT) E.C.2.6.1.2, the levels of total and conjugated bilirubin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in the serum of patients with uncomplicated malaria prior to (PT) and after treatment (AT) with oral medkafin, a new antimalarial drug, were assayed in consenting patients with plasmodium falciparum malaria treated at the University of Calabar Medical Centre in June 1997. Result: The activity of ALT and the level of Hb decreased significantly (p< 0.05) after treatment in the serum of male and female patients compared with their pre-treatment values. The activity of AST, total and conjugated bilirubin increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the serum of male and female patients (except that of female total bilirubin) compared with the PT levels. The PCV of males decreased significantly AT (p < 0.05) compared to the PT levels. Conclusion: This study showed that the levels of ALT, Hb and PCV decreased while those of AST, total and conjugated bilirubin increased in males after treatment with oral medkafin. Key Words: Medkafin, Malaria, Falciparum malaria, Treatment of Malaria Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.15(3&4) 2003: 23-2

Comparative effect of carotenoid complex from Golden Neo-Life Dynamite (GNLD) and carrot extract on some haematological parameters of healthy Wistar albino rats

No Abstract. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12 (4) 2006: 505-50