Assessment of onions contamination by pesticides residues and characterization of market gardeners’ cultural practices in the region of Boucle du Mouhoun (Burkina Faso)

This study was initiated in order to study cultural practices and assess levels of contamination in pesticide residues of onion samples produced in the region of Boucle du Mouhoun, Burkina Faso. A collection of samples was carried out at three gardening sites. A survey was also carried out to list the various pesticides used on market gardening sites and the practices for using pesticides. The QuEChERS method allowed the quantification of pesticides. The results show that 93% of the market gardeners were men, and more than 67% were between 25 and 35 years old. Nearly 55% of market gardeners are illiterate and do not have adequate means of protection when applying pesticides. A total of 16 pesticides have been accounted and most of them are Category II which are dangerous for human health and environment. 12 pesticide residues were quantified. Most of the active substances detected above the MRL (set by Codex Alimentarius and EU) were from the organochlorine family. These results reveal a fairly high level of contamination for pesticide residues. The study revealed that cultivation practices in market gardening sites as well as the consumption of onion pose numerous health risks for humans and the environment

ANTIMICROBIAL PROFILES, ANTIDIARRHEAL AND ANTIPYRETIC CAPACITIES OF PHENOL ACID RICH-FRACTIONS FROM XIMENIA AMERICA L., (OLACACEAE) IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Objective: The present study aim to evaluate antimicrobial and antidiarrheal activities of phenol acid-rich fractions of roots from Ximenia americana L., in animal models in order to confirm the ethnomedicinal use of Ximenia Americana L., roots.Methods: In vitro antibacterial (Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill studies) of phenol-rich fractions of roots from Ximenia americana L., was assessed using eight bacteria strains (Gram-negative). The anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated using castor using castor oil induced diarrhea whereas Anti-secretory activity was investigated using castor oil-induced enteropooling assay examined in animal models respectively.Results: All test bacteria were susceptible to the phenol-rich fractions. Time-kill results showed that after 5 h exposition there was no viable microorganism in the initial inoculum. Moreover, phenol acid-rich fractions of roots (100-200 and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) produced dose-dependent and significant (p<0.05-0.001) protection of rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea, and delayed gastric emptying. Phenol acid-rich fractions of roots, dose-dependently and significantly (p<0.05-0.001) delayed the onset of castor oil induced diarrhea, decreased the frequency of defecation, and reduced the severity of diarrhea in the rats. Phenol acid-rich fractions caused dose-related inhibition of castor-oil-induced enteropooling in rats.Conclusion: The data analysis indicates that the tested of phenol-rich fractions has significant effects when compared with the standard antibiotic. These results, therefore, justify the traditional use of Ximenia americana L. About antidiarrheal activity, the findings of this study indicate that phenol acid-rich fraction possesses antidiarrheal property in rats. These findings confirm the ethnomedicinal use of Ximenia americana L., roots valuable natural remedy for the treatment, management and/or control of diarrhea

Etude de l’évolution des éléments précurseurs d’eutrophisation des eaux du Barrage n°3 de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Dans le cadre du suivi de la qualité des eaux de surface destinées à la potabilisation, l’évolution des éléments précurseurs d’eutrophisation (matières azotées et phosphorées) du barrage n°3 de Ouagadougou a été investiguée durant la période de septembre 2012 à décembre 2012. Les paramètres chimiques ont été déterminés par spectrophotométrie d’absorption moléculaire et les paramètres physiques par la méthode électrochimique. Les analyses physicochimiques ont mis en évidence des corrélations entre la teneur en nitrates et la chlorophylle A (r = 0,715) et entre la température et la chlorophylle A (r = 0,838). La teneur en orthophosphte est faiblement corrélée avec la teneur en chlorophylle A du barrage (r = 0,171). Il n’a été observé aucune différence significative entre les concentrations en orthophosphates des quatre mois de la période d’étude (p<0,05). La plus forte valeur (1,3 mg/l) a été observée au cours du mois de septembre et la plus faible valeur (0,14 mg/l) au cours du mois de novembre. Cependant, les teneurs en nitrates, température et chlorophylle A des eaux étaient plus fortes au cours du mois d’octobre (respectivement, 6,6 mg/l; 29,14 °C ; 0,04 μg/l) et plus faibles en décembre (respectivement, 3 mg/l ; 23,25 °C ; 0,02 μg/l). Ces résultats indiquent que les mois d’octobre et novembre sont des périodes à risque d’eutrophisation du barrage n°3 de Ouagadougou. Il ressort des résultats que l’eau du barrage est de bonne qualité au plan physico-chimique et revêt un état trophique oligo-mésotrophe.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Eutrophisation, chlorophylle A, état trophique, nitrates, température, barrage n°3 de OuagadougouEnglish Title: Study of eutrophication’s precursors items of Ouagadougou’s 3rd dam’s waters, Burkina FasoEnglish AbstractIn a framework of monitoring the quality of surface water intended for drinking, the evolution of eutrophication’s precursors (nitrogenous substances and phosphorus) of Ouagadougou’s third (rd) dam has been done in the standard base period from September 2012 to December 2012. The chemical measures have been determined by molecular absorption spectrophotometry method and the physical parameters by electrochemical method. The physicochemical tests underlined interrelated the relationship between nitrate content and the chlorophyll A (=0.715) and between the temperature and chlorophyll A (r=0.838).The content of orthophosphates is feebly correlative with the chlorophyll A content of dam (r=0.171). Any significant distinction hasn’t been observed between the orthophosphates’ mergers of four months’ studying (p=0.05).The strongest value ( 1.3 mg /l) has been checked in the course of the month of September and the weakest value (0.14 mg/l) during the month of November. Meanwhile, the nitrate’s content, temperature and chlorophyll A of waters were strongest in the course of October (respectively, 6.6 mg /l ; 29.14 °C ; 0.4 ug /l) and lowest in December ( respectively, 3 mg/l ; 23.25 °C ; 0.02 ug/l).These results showed that October’s and December’s months are periods that cover the eutrophication’s risk of Ouagadougou’s third dam. It comes out from the results that, water from the dam of good quality from the physicochemical stand point and covers with the statement of trophical mesotrophy’s traces.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Eutrophication, chlorophyll A, trophical statement, nitrate, temperature, Ouagadougou’s 3rd da

Correction: Hibiscus sabdariffa: Genetic variability, seasonality and their impact on nutritional and antioxidant properties.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261924.]

Evaluation of phytonutrients composition and nutraceutical potential of tomato by-products

ABSTRACTThis study aims to evaluate the phytonutrient composition, antioxidant activity and nutraceutical potential of peels and seeds of two tomato cultivars. Levels of phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, chlorophyll, salicylic acid and vitamin C were assessed. Potential in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated. Tomato has quite interesting levels of phenolic compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, whose contents varied from 78.41 ± 1.52 to 272.17 ± 53 mg GAE/100 g DM and 13.35 to 139.89 mg QE/100 g DM, respectively. They also contained chlorophyll, which was concentrated in the peels (39 to 78 mg/100 g DM). β-carotene and lycopene contents ranged from 4.63 to 105 mg/100 g DM and 7.51 to 32.45 mg/100 g DM, respectively. Vitamin C level was high in peels with an average content of 27.82 mg/100 g DM. Tomato by-products showed high antioxidant activity with 61% DPPH inhibition and 108.55 to 120.86 µg EAA/g with FRAP method. With this richness in phytonutrients and their strong antioxidant power, tomato by-products have important nutraceutical potentials to be valorized with in vivo experiments

In Vivo Diuretic Activity and Anti-Hypertensive Potential of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> Extract by Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Hypertension Precursor Enzymes

Aqueous extracts of calyx from Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) (roselle) are highly appreciated for their nutritional and therapeutic effects, especially as anti-hypertensive substances. This study aimed to evaluate their anti-hypertensive potential through an in vitro inhibition assay of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and hypertension precursor enzymes and to assess the in vivo diuretic activity of HS. Results showed that HS extract inhibited enzymes belonging to several classes, such as α-amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. In particular, enzymatic kinetics of ACE indicated a competitive inhibition fashion of HS extract. Furthermore, the extracts showed remarkable diuretic and natriuretic effects at doses of 50 mg/kg/bw, 100 mg/kg/b.w, and 200 mg/kg.b.w. These activities can be explained by the high content of phenolic compounds and essential amino acids. Roselle could be a potential source of nutraceuticals and anti-hypertensive bioactive compounds

Ascorbic acid, pigments, anti-nutritional factors, and nutraceutical potential of Anacardium occidentale fruits as affected by temperature

ABSTRACTCashew tree has two parts of food industry and nutrition interest, i.e the nut and the juicy apple. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical characterization, determine the antioxidant properties and evaluate the influence of temperature on the phytonutrient composition of cashew fruits. The contents of ascorbic acids, phytates, and tannins, of various pigments were determined. Antioxidant activities were determined by four methods using standard methods. The apples presented the best antioxidant activities for FRAP, SOD, and LPO 98.54 ± 5.48, 834.12 ± 13.47, and 84.9 ± 4.15, respectively; while walnuts showed the best antioxidant activities for free radical scavenging which was 26.14 ± 3.21. Tannin, phytate, and anthocyanin contents decreased by more than 50% when increasing temperatures between 50 and 100°C. Ascorbic acid tends to disappear completely in fruit at temperatures of 100°C. Extractable lycopene increased by about 25% with increasing temperature. β-carotene was found to be insensitive to temperature increase. These results provide valuable information that can help in the control of cashew fruit processing in the food industry. They also provide important information on the nutraceutical potential of cashew fruit

Tomato By-Products, a Source of Nutrients for the Prevention and Reduction of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a global phenomenon that mainly affects children under five years old, the elderly and food insecure people. It can be linked to undernourishment or overnutrition. To prevent it, a healthy and balanced diet, rich in energy and micronutrients, is necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and contribution of tomato by-products to prevent and reduce malnutrition. Thus, standard methods were used for proximate composition and bioactive compounds. Results showed that tomato by-products are rich in macronutrients and micronutrients capable of preventing undernutrition and reducing the incidence of the effects of overnutrition. The average carbohydrate, protein and lipid contents were 15.43%, 11.71% and 5.4% (DM) in peels and for seeds the contents were 58.75%, 15.4% and 22.2%, respectively. The average energy values were 280.47 kcal/100 g and 472.8 kcal/100 g DM for peels and seeds, respectively. The main minerals found were, in decreasing order, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc. High contents of phenolic compounds, lycopene, &beta;-carotene and vitamin C were also found in these by-products. They also presented important antioxidant activities. Due to their nutritional and bioactive compounds, tomato by-products may be included in functional food formulation programs to reduce the incidence of nutritional diseases