A comparative study of the antimicrobial properties of the ethanolic extracts of Landolphia owariensis leaf and root

The leaf ethanolic extract (LEEX) and root ethanolic extract (REEX) of Landolphia owariensis were comparatively subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial screening. Susceptibility of some clinicalisolates (Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and Escherichia coli) to the extracts was determined using dehydrogenase assay method. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids,flavonoids, saponins and tannins in both the leaf and root extracts with cyanogenic glycosides present in the root extract only. The response of the bacterial strains to the leaf and root extracts was concentration dependent. Dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited by the root extract at a higher concentration range (150 – 2500 ìg/ml) than the leaf extract (20 – 2000 ìg/ml). LEEX gave an IC50 of 20, 200, and 550 mg/ml against Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp. and E. coli, respectively, while REEX gave an IC50 of 340, 320, and 1560 mg/ml against the organisms, respectively. The LEEX exhibitedhigher antibacterial activity than the REEX. Susceptibility of the organisms to the extracts showed: Staphylococcus spp. > Proteus spp. > E. coli. The observed antimicrobial properties could be due to thepresence of alkaloid, flavonoids and tannins, which were identified in both extracts. The findings may be of clinical relevance and further substantiates the traditional use of L. owariensis leaves and rootsas antimicrobial agents

Modulation of biochemical stress initiated by toxicants in diet prepared with fish smoked with polyethylene (plastic) materials as fuel source

This study investigated the oxidative modulation potentials of diets supplemented with Solanum lycopersicum and Allium cepa against biochemical changes initiated in rats fed diet prepared with fish smoked with polyethylene material (FSP) and fish smoked with firewood (FSF). Thirty male Wistar albino rats were randomly grouped into six with five rats in each group. The biochemical parameters analyzed indicated significant (p < 0.05) increases in the activities of liver enzymes [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST)] and concentration of total bilirubin and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats maintained on diets prepared with FSF and FSP only when compared to rats maintained on rats pellets only and rats maintained on the supplemented diets. These groups of rats also presented significant (p < 0.05) fluctuations in activities of glutathione peroxidise (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and concentrations of total protein, albumin, total cholesterol and glutathione (GSH). However, the S. lycopersicum and A. cepa treated groups showed significant restoration towards their respective normal control values. These results indicate that smoking as a food processing method (especially using polyethylene materials) generates oxidants that may induce oxidative damage. The antioxidative role of A. cepa and S. lycopersicum in the diets of treated animals emphasized their hepatoprotective potentials.Keywords: Smoked fish, polyethylene, S. lycopersicum, A. cepa, oxidants, antioxidative, toxicant

Calcium, Zinc and Phytate Interrelationships in Four Lesser-Known African Seeds Processed into Food Condiments

The calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and phytate contents of raw, boiled, and boiled plus 72 h fermented samples of four lesser-known African seeds – Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumeropsis edulis, Ricinus communis  and Prosopis africana – locally used for production of condiments in Nigeria were evaluated. Zinc bioavailability of the samples were also estimated using molar ratios per kg dry weight of [phytate]:[Zn], [Ca]:[phytate] and [phytate][Ca]:[Zn]. The levels of phytate, Zn and Ca of the raw seed samples varied from 150.01 ± 11.00 mg/100g (C. colocynthis) to 170.10 ± 10.01 mg/100g (C. edulis), 1.22 ± 0.10 mg/100g (C. colocynthis) to 4.79 ± 0.14 mg/100g (R. communis), and 28.33 ± 2.58 mg/100g (C. colocynthis) to 98.24 ± 15.19 mg/100g (R. communis) respectively. The calculated values of [phytate]:[Zn], [Ca]:[phytate] and [phytate][Ca]:[Zn] molar ratios for the raw seeds indicated that the samples have low Zn bioavailability. However, a combined processing technique of boiling and fermentation together, unlike boiling alone, significantly (p<0.05) improved these molar ratio markers, indicating high Zn bioavailability in condiments produced from these seeds.  The implications of these findings with regards to management of Zn deficiency and the superabundance of these seeds are enormous

Toxicological Impacts of Gas flaring and Other Petroleum Production Activities in Niger-Delta Environment

In this study, the concentrations of inducers of environmental toxicity such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and biomarkers of environmental toxicants such as oxidative stress enzymes/compounds and liver function enzymes were determined. These parameters were used to assess the pollution status of some Niger-Delta areas; Ebocha/Omoku, Abacheke/Egbema, and Okwuzi/Ohaji, with the aid of two indicator species: cat fish (Ictalurus punctatus) and snakehead fish (Channa argus) from three different water sources; Ebocha/Omoku river, Abacheke river and Okwuzi creek all of which are within the area of oil exploration and production activities in Nigeria. The control fish and water samples were collected from Otamiri River within the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, with no known oil exploration and production activity. The results obtained indicated significant (p < 0.05) differences between the exploited and the unexploited environment and the need to incorporate biochemical markers in environmental impact assessment of aquatic environments to complements the classical chemical monitoring.Â

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) seeds

The Chemical composition and the effect of heat treatment on seeds of Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) were studied. In the proximate analysis, the moisture (42.63 - 48.05%) and carbohydrate (35.94 - 38.35%) values were the highest. The values of the tannins (21.80 - 25.77%), alkaloids (10.40 - 10.60%) and saponins (5.92 - 6.72%) were higher than the other phytochemicals measured. Potassium (9.0 ± 0.005 - 11.00 ± 0.10 mg/100g), calcium (2.23 ± 0.006 - 5.88 ± 0.005 mg/100g) and phosphorus, (1.09 ±0.05 - 2.01 ± 0.5 mg/100g) were the predominant elements present in the seeds. Sodium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and iron were present in appreciable amounts but manganese was not detected. The ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were (18.79 ± 0.81 - 25.76 ± 1.51 mg/100 g) and (1.12 ±0.04 - 1.64 ± 0.01 mg/100g) respectively. The results of this study showed that D. edulis seeds are potential source of essential nutrients to man and animal when properly processed.© 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Food, phytochemical, chemoprotective, antioxidant, cofactor, deficiency, radical

Effects of Potassium Iodate Application on the Biomass and Iodine concentration of Selected Indigenous Nigerian Vegetables

Iodine is a trace element in soil and water that is involved in some important metabolic functions in human development. In many areas of the world, the surface soil becomes progressively poorer in iodide through accelerated deforestation, flooding and soil erosion. Hence, the food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine for the people and livestock living there. This study was aimed at increasing the level of iodine in commonly consumed vegetables by iodination of irrigation water with potassium iodate. The results obtained showed that, the increase in iodine concentration in fluted pumpkin ranged from 89.02 ± 0.31 to 140.36 ± 1.08 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 102.86 ± 0.60 to 115.89 ± 0.05 ìg/100g in week 6. The increase in iodine concentration in the vegetable marrows ranged from 60.879 ± 0.32 to 76.786 ± 0.16 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 62.078 ± 0.09 to 107.679 ± 0.24 ìg/100 g in week 6. The increase in iodine concentration in water leaf ranged from 61.59 ± 0.24 to 73.41 ± 0.83 ìg/100 g in week 4 and 62.06 ± 0.09 to 96.25 ± 0.025 ìg/100 g in week 6. From the results, the vegetables treated with 40 ìg/l potassium iodate showed the highest iodine level in week 4. These results from this iodine biofortification studies, suggest that the iodine added to the soil increased iodine uptake by the vegetables. Suggesting that iodination of irrigation water is an advantageous and cost-effective method of supplying iodine, since it requires simple technology.Key words: Fortification, iodine deficiency disorders, iodination, irrigation, potassium iodate

Lead-induced Oxidative Stress and Chemoprotective Role of Dietary Supplements on Wistar Albino Rats

The heavy metal lead (Pb) is a common environmental pollutant with widespread distribution, and oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of its toxicity. The ameliorative effect of nutritional contents of palm oil and cod liver oil (dietary supplements) following exposure to sublethal concentration of Pb on adult Wistar albino rats was studied. Toxicity was induced by administering intraperitoneally, 30 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate at alternate days for 21 days. Groups treated with supplements received daily oral dose of 2.5 ml palm oil or cod liver oil or 1.25 ml palm oil and 1.25 ml cod liver oil (synergy). Increased activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and increased concentrations of total bilirubin and lipid peroxidation product were observed in Pb exposed rats without nutritional supplement treatment. However, these negative oxidative states were ameliorated in rats by the concomitant administration of nutritional supplements, singly and in combination. Furthermore, non-significant changes were observed in the haematological parameters determined. These observations indicate potential therapeutic benefits in the use of palm oil and cod liver oil in the management of lead-induced toxicity

Characterization of oils from Duranta repens

The knowledge of the chemical composition of unpopular sources of edible oils has become paramount to supplement the usage of widely known vegetable oils. In this study, the gas chromatographic quantification of fatty acids and phytochemicals was carried out, and the physicochemical and micronutrient composition of Duranta repens leaf and seed oil were evaluated using standard methods. The leaf oils contained significantly higher (p  oleic > myristic > stearic > capric > linoleic > lauric > palmitoleic for the seed oil, while for the leaf oil linoleic > palmitoleic > oleic > stearic > palmitic > myristic > capric > lauric > myristoleic. The major phytochemical constituents of the seed oils were catechin (68.12 ug/ml), saponin (44.03 ug/ml), rutin (32.89 ug/ml), linamarin (22.66 ug/ml) and tannins (19.62 ug/ml), while kaempherol (84.05 ug/ml), rutin (62.26 ug/ml) and saponins (45.63 ug/ml) were mostly predominant in the leaf oil. Spartein, anthocyanins and phytates were among the least phytochemicals in composition, for both samples. These chemical properties evaluated, suggest that Duranta repens seed oil is more suitable for industrial and therapeutic purposes

Undermining Patriarchal Ideology in African Literature: A Study of Ngozi Chuma-Udeh’s Echoes of a New Dawn

In a patriarchal society, women are faced with all sorts of dehumanisation ranging from deprivation, negligence, maltreatment, marginalisation, oppression, subjugation, exploitation, humiliation and even isolation, all of which emanate from aspects of the people’s culture. As a result, women now cry out for such aspects of the culture that undermine their wellbeing and emancipation to be eradicated. They, therefore, struggle for equality and emancipation in the male dominated society, especially the African society under study here. In this direction, literature becomes a tool for them to create awareness that the modern African woman through educational attainments is not just fighting for rights and privileges but also for something that must let the society understand that the women demand equal opportunities as human beings. Literature has, therefore, become a tool used to reflect the harsh realities of human lives, especially by the female writers like Ngozi Chuma-Udeh and some others concerning the socio-political, economic and religious realities of the womenfolk. Since literature has been found a veritable source of inspiration for national consciousness, it has become part of human life and existence, offering light, giving meaning and interpretation to man and his society as he struggles and aspires for a desired and cherished future. In the African society, for instance, women are seen not heard. They live under the shadows of men form their maiden homes to their matrimonial homes hence, they are regarded as second class citizens. They are usually neglected as their opinions are never sought before decisions are taken even in matters that directly affect them. In marriage, proposals are made to their fathers, or other male members of the family in the event of the father’s death. In fact, in the African society, which is under study here, women are seen as mere tools of necessity-housewives, child bearers, gratifiers of men’s sexual passion; and worst of all, not consulted in the decision making processes in their communities. The women as wives are expected to be submissive, obedient, unquestioning and servile while any challenge to these attributes attracts social disfavour. So the clearly defined roles for women are passed on to the girl-child as she grows. As soon as she is able to do things for herself, she starts assuming the roles society has mapped out for her: learning how to cook, care for the home, helping with everything else the mother does, and preparing for womanhood and matrimony. This paper, therefore, takes a critical look into Ngozi Chuma-Udeh’s novel that advocates a new dawn for the women. The novelist wants the men to reconsider their negative notions about women and to also appreciate their contributions in the well-being of their societies, their families and the upbringing of the children.

Effect of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on the nutritional value of ripe guava (Psidium guajava) fruits grown in Imo State, Nigeria

The effect of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on the nutritional value of two varieties of ripe edible guava (Psidium guajava) fruits harvested from a petroleum hydrocarbon–polluted locality, Umudike, in Egbema were investigated. The results obtained were compared to identical guava fruits from an unpolluted area of Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise which served as control. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) observed in the proximate compositions from the two guava fruit varieties and from the two localities respectively. The proximate compositions include ash, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fibre, fats and moisture content. Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution did not affect significantly the mean values of mineral elements in the guava fruits from the two localities. The mineral elements were calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The glucose concentrations in Psidium guajava fruit samples from both environments were essentially similar. However, the mean value concentrations in mg/100g and iu/100g for ascorbic acid and β-carotene respectively from Umudike in Egbema were lower 173.28 + 0.77 for red variety and 164.75 + 0.89 for white compared to those from Uvuru Mbaise which gave 189.20 + 1.23 for red and 180.29 + 1.18 for white variety respectively. The β-carotene concentrations of 204.60 + 7.92 for red and 173.47 + 8.80 for white compared to those from Mbaise which gave 249.60 + 13.19 and 228.54 + 23.57 for red and white varieties respectively. The results revealed that ascorbic acid and β-carotene proved responsive to pollution due to petroleum hydrocarbon found in Egbeme. The biochemical implications of these findings were discussed. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Ascorbic acid, glucose, b-carotene, environment, biochemical, proximate, mineral compositions