ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF BLOOD TREE (HARUNGANA MADAGASCARIENSIS LAM EX. PIOR) ON SOME HUMAN PATHOGENS

Okoro, I.S.

Department of Chemistry

University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

E-mail: ijdivinefavour1@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT.

In developing countries like Nigeria, it is important that serious attention be given to most human pathogens. Five pathogens were used for the study of the antimicrobial effect of Harungana madagascariensis leaf extract on some human pathogens. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Kleibsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the bacteria isolates used. Solvents used for the extraction of active ingredients of the medicinal plant leaf were, ethanol, chloroform, methanol and petroleum ether (organic solvents). The antibacterial effect of the plant extract showed that the organic solvents extracts were inhibitory to S. typhi and S. aureus, while E. coli, K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa showed resistance to all the extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of the extracts on the organisms ranged between 0.0625-0.125mg/ml for S. typhi and 0.125-0.25mg/ml for S. aureus. Static effects varied with solvent type of extracts, concentrations of the leaf extracts and the organisms.

 KEYWORDS:  Antimicrobial, human pathogen, medicinal plant, Nigeria

INFLUENCE OF ALKALINE-COOKING ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF UNDER-UTILISED SEED OF OIL

BEAN (HEXALOBUS CRISPIFLORUS) FLOUR

Adebola Ajayi ¹, Oluwagbemiga K. Sokeye¹ Basheer F. Umar ² and Olalekan J. Adebowale¹

¹Department of Food technology

²Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, Oja-Odan Road, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria

E-mail address: jimiolalekan@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The effect of alkaline-cooking on the proximate composition and functional properties of two under-utilised seeds flour were studied using a 2 x 4 factorial experimental design with cooking time (0, 30 min) and lime concentrations (0, 0.33, 0.5 and 1.0%). Proximate composition (crude protein, crude fat, moisture, ash and crude fibre), pH, energy value and the functional properties (Bulk density, water absorption, oil absorption, foaming capacity and swelling power) were determined using standard methods. The cooking time and lime concentration significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the moisture, pH, ash, protein and crude fat of the samples. Nixtamalization significantly (p≤0.05) increased the foaming capacity (1.0 – 2.4%) and swelling power (2.9 – 3.7%). Conversely, there were decrease in the values obtained for the bulk density (0.7 – 0.5g/cm³), water absorption (5.2 – 4.2ml/g) and oil absorption capacity (6.0 – 5.6ml/g). The effect of lime concentration on the foaming capacity, swelling power, ash and protein were not too significant (p≤0.05); however, a slight increase in protein content with pronounced fat contents were observed.

Keywords: Hexalobus crispiflorus, alkaline-cooking, nixtamalization, lime concentration proximate composition, functional properties.

VIRUS FREE PLANTLETS PRODUCTION OF SUGAR (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (L)) THROUGH INVITRO MICROPROPAGATION OF SHOOT TIP CULTURE

¹Benisheikh, A. A. G, ² Mala Modu ³ Ahmadu Umoru ⁴ Fatima, B. K. Kolo ⁵Zainab Mudi Aliyu

¹North East Zonal Biotechnology Centre of Excellent P.M.B 1069 University of Maiduguri, Borno State

²Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Maiduguri

³Department of Science laboratory Technology, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri

⁴Department of S.L.T Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri

⁵Dept. of Biology, Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education

E-mail: abbabenisheikh@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Standardization of protocol for virus-free sugarcane production were investigated through shoot tip culture of sugarcane was isolated from grown sugarcane tip of explants and cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog (M&S 1962) medium containing auxin (2, 4-D) and cytokinins (KN, BA, BAP) was used to cultivate shoot tip of sugarcane (L) in vitro. Concentration of sucrose was at 3% W/V level, the PH media was adjusted to 5.6 prior to the addition of agar 8% W/V. young shoot tip were cut into thin smaller pieces of 1.0 to 1.5cm length-and inoculated to the media (various levels of hormones and in different combinations), then incubated at 27 ± 2⁰C under light intensity of 2000 – 3000 Lux in the culture room. Treatments 2, 4 – D and BA at levels of 0.8mg/L and 0.25mg/L respectively with GA₃ (0.1mg/L) produce optimum multiplication. After having DAS-ELISA test the invitro grown plantlets were being used for massive micro propagation. Visual evaluation of the morphological trials of the shoot tip culture. Derived plants showed normal and free from various diseases. Gross yield was obtained in shoot tip derived plants over their source plants.

Key Words: shoot tip, virus free, plantlets production, sugarcane, invitro micropropagation, culture.

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF DIOSCOREABULBIFERA ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ALLOXAN- INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

¹Luka, C.D and ²Mohammed, A

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos

²Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Wukari

Email:carrll42@yahoo.com,

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Dioscoreabulbiferatuber on blood glucose, protein, albumin, bilirubin, total cholesterol;triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and enzymes activities on normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract was administered orally at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups of five rats each, two groups were made diabetic and the other two groups were non diabetic. One of the diabetic groups was treated with the extract and the second serves as diabetic control. The alloxan was administeredintraperitoneal at a dose of 150mg/kg per body weight. The administration of the extract lasted for 14 days. Effect of the extract on blood glucose, protein, albumin, bilirubin, total cholesterol; triglyceride and high density lipoprotein concentrations were analysed.The toxic effect of the extract was determined using biochemical enzyme markers. The photochemical screening of the aqueous, ethanol and chloroform extracts showed the presences of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, resins, terpenes and steroids. Treatment with the extract showed significant (P<0.05) reduction on the blood glucose level and other biochemical parameters. Theextract possesses no toxic effect as indicated by the lowering of ALP and ALT levels and may be used for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Dioscoreabulbifera,Alloxan, Photochemical, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycaemic.

HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS ON THE LIVER AND KIDNEY IN ADULT WISTAR RATS

Chris-Ozoko L.E, ¹Ekundina V.O and Opute R

¹Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Delta State University Abraka

E-mail: kayvic30@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Cassia occidentalis is a plant found mostly in the southern, middle belt and northern parts of Nigeria. It is a herb that belongs to the family of plants called leguminosae. It is commonly known as “coffee senna” and used widely for the cure of many ailments. In this research, the histological effects of cassia occidentalis extract on the liver and kidney of wistar rats as well as its effect on the organs weights were carefully studied. The rats (n=24) with an average weight of 150g were randomly placed into 4 groups. Each group consisted of six (6) rats. Group one served as the control group while groups 2, 3 and 4 were given 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg of cassia occidentalis extract respectively for 29 days. The rats were fed with growers mash and given water liberally. On the thirtieth day, the rats were sacrificed and the kidneys and livers were carefully harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological examination. Weight measurement showed non-significant increase in organ weight in the treated groups compared to control animals. Histological examination revealed some changes in the livers and kidneys of treated rats. The changes are vascular congestion and dilatation and infiltrates of mild chronic inflammatory cells leading to an activation of the immune cells of the liver. The results from this research showed that cassia occidentalis extract had a hepatoprotective function. Conclusively from this research, the consumption of cassia occidentalis could have a possible positive effect on the liver and kidney.

KEYWORDS–Cassia occidentalis, Wistar rats, histology.

METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA DEL. AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM IMPROVEDS LIVER FUNCTION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Agbai,¹ E. O, Njoku, G. O . Mounmbegna, P. P. E.² and Ofoego, U. C.³

¹Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria

²Department of Biochemistry, Madonna University, Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria

³Department of Human Anatomy, Madonna University, Elele campus, Rivers State Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the combined effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on some liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST), serum albumin, bilirubin and total protein in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Experiments were performed in 36 adult male Wistar rats weighing 150-270 g. Thirty rats received 65 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin (i.p). They were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C) of 10 each. Six non diabetic rats served as control (CONT). Group A rats received 6 I/U insulin injection per day. Group B received methanolic extract (100mg/dl Vernonia amygdalina and 200mg/kg Ocimum gratissimum) per day. Group C did not receive treatment. Data showed that AST and ALT were markedly decreased only in insulin treated diabetic rats and methanolic extract treated diabetic rats respectively. Serum albumin decreased significantly in group C rats with increased bilirubin leve. The total protein did not differ significantly among groups. The haematoxylin and eosin-stained section showed a lymphocytic infiltration in the hepatocytes with the presence of haemorrhage, improved hepatocytes plates and absence of necrosis in group B. Results indicate that methanolic extract may restore liver enzymes; AST and ALT, serum albumin, serum bilirubin, total protein; although the hepatocytes plates are altered and marked lymphocytic infiltration, hence effect of the extract may be time-dependent.

Keywords: vernonia amygdalina. ocimum gratissimum. alanine aminotransferase. aspartate aminotransferase. bilirubin. albumin

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) LEVEL IN DIABETIC, HYPERTENSIVE AND DIABETIC-HYPERTENSIVE

Joseph Chukwufumnanya Mordi

Department of Medical Biochemistry,

Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in both developing and developed countries. This may be due to its association with increased risk of coronary heart diseases. One of the major complications of diabetes mellitus is hypertension. In order to investigate the prevalence of these diseases, the C-reaction protein level of diabetic, hypertensive, diabetic-hypertensive individuals were estimated from patient at Eku Baptist Hospital, Delta State, Nigeria. Eighty subjects were assessed comprising of both male and female within the ages of 27 and 67. Their C – reactive protein levels were determined using standard techniques and the data obtained were analysed using student t-test. The result obtained showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in mean C – reactive protein value of hypertensive (1.57 + 0.18) and diabetic-hypertensive (2. 06­ + 0.03) respectively, when compared to normal control (0.60 + 0.04).  Results obtained from diabetic patients alone revealed a higher mean value which was not statistically significant (1.06 + 0.12, p>0.05) from the control. From this finding, it was observed that hypertensive and diabetic-hypertensive subject had higher C – reactive protein levels which thus suggest risk of subjects developing cardiovascular diseases.

Key words: Diabetic, hypertensive, diabetic-hypertensive and C – reactive protein (CRP)

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBESITY AND LEIOMYOMAS AMONG GHANAIAN WOMEN

(RUNNING TITLE: OBESITY AND FIBROID AMONG GHANAIAN WOMEN)

Eric Kwasi Ofori ¹, Matilda Asante ², William Kwadwo Antwi ³, Jerry Coleman ⁴; Edmund Kwadwo Brakohiapa ⁵, Dzefi-Tettey, Klenam ⁶, Hewlett Kwaku Vincent ⁷, Addo Patience ⁸

^{1, 3, 8} Department of Radiography, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu-Accra, Ghana

²Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana

⁴ Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

⁵Department of Radiology, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana

^{6, 7} Department of Radiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Email: erikof2001@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leiomyomas (uterine fibroids), the most common benign tumours affecting premenopausal women are often associated with considerable hospitalization and morbidity.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Obesity and fibroid among Ghanaian women.

METHOD: A prospective cross sectional study was carried out using 584 women, who presented for trans-abdomino pelvic ultrasound examination in a Diagnostic Centre in Accra, Ghana between June and December, 2012. The ultrasound images and their corresponding reports were produced by a Consultant Radiologist and further confirmed by an independent Consultant Radiologist. Demographic and anthropometric data (weight and height) were obtained from the women. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and obesity was determined using World Health Organization classification.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the women was 35.42yrs ± 9.34 (range, 20-74 years). The ultrasound images revealed that 37.0% (216/584) of the women had fibroids. Out of this number, (216) 37.0% and 45.4% were overweight and obese respectively. The highest prevalence (43.1%) of fibroid cases was found among women aged 30-39. A significant relationship was found between BMI, Level of Education and development of fibroid (R= -0.196; χ² value= 29.618; p = 0.001) and (R= 0.399, χ² value= 92.923;         p = 0.001) respectively. There was also a significant relationship between BMI and Level of Education (R = -0.150; χ² value= 33.556; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The study showed that obesity is a major risk factor for leiomyomas among Ghanaian women. Health intervention programmes should focus on strategies on weight management in this population.

Keywords: Obesity; leiomyomas; Ghanaian women.

NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF DIABETIC PATIENTS IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

¹Bello M.T,²Nupo  S.S , ³Ajayi J O, ⁴Adenekan M.K , ,⁵Ilori O.O.

^{1 &3}Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta

^2&4Department of Food Science and Technology, Moshood, Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta

 E- mail: sundaynupo@yahoo

ABSTRACT

Objectives 

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional knowledge, nutrients intake and nutritional status of the diabetic patients in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 104 diabetic patients were recruited from Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta and Sacred Heart Hospital Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun state. Structured pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio demographic characteristics and nutritional knowledge of the respondents. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist, and hip measurements were used to determine the Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) and Waist to Hip Circumferences (WHR) which were used to classify nutritional status. Information on food intake was obtained from 24hours dietary recall techniques and compared with WHO 2000 standard. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Statistical package for social scientists version 15.0.

PREVALENCE AND QUANTITATIVE FAECAL ANALYSIS OF EQUINE GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODOSIS IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

^1*Biu, A.A., ² Olatunde, K.T., ³Konto, M. ⁴Paul, B.T., and ⁵Ya’uba, A.M

^1-5Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail Address: biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A study on the prevalence and quantitative faecal analysis of equine nematodes was conducted in Maiduguri. A total of 153 faecal samples were examined, and 35(23.1%) prevalence was recorded, revealing 33(22.8%) and 02(28.6%) for male and female horses (p< 0.05); 3-10 year horses had 15(45.5%), 11-21 year horses had 18(17.3%) and 22-35 year horses had 02(13.3%) (p< 0.05). For body coat colour, brown horses had 08(28.6%), black horses had 05(26.3%), white horses had 0(0%), brown white horses had 09(18.4%) and black white horses had 13(25.0%) (p>0.05). Intensively managed horses had 24(20.3%) while semi intensive horses had 11(32.4%) (p< 0.05). Parascaris equorum, Strongyle and Trichonema ova were isolated at 17(48.6%), 15(42.9%) and 03(8.6%) prevalence respectively (p< 0.05) with a mean ± SD (range) egg per gram of faeces (describing the intensity of infection) as 217.7±80.9 (100-500), 200.0±106.9 (100-400) and 116.7±57.7 (100-200) respectively (p<0.05).

Keywords: Prevalence, Quantitative analysis, Equine nematodosis, Nigeria.