Scientia Africana最新文献

{"title":"Physico-chemical characterization of shea butter from Kaima, Western Nigeria","authors":"O. Kolawole, R.O. Usifo","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.18","url":null,"abstract":"The characterization of Shea butter is important to enable it meet the standard required for certification. This study aimed at evaluating the quality and physico-chemical characteristics of extracted Shea oil obtained from different types of shea kernels harvested in Kaima local government area of Kwara state with the view to assist local and international producers on the ideal shea kernel for production. The Shea kernels obtained were classified into three; intact and whole (Shea kernel in good condition, microbial and pest-infested Shea kernels and wounded Shea kernels). Moisture content, color, specific gravity (density), acid value, peroxide value, Saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, Anisidine value, iodine value, total lipid content (oil content), free fatty acids profile (using the PORIM test method 2004) were carried out on each sample.Our results showed significant differences (p< 0.0001) between the various Shea butters with the microbial and pest-infested Shea butter having the highest contribution in lowering the quality of the Shea butter. Study revealed that intact and whole Shea kernel butter had good physico-chemical characteristics when compared to the wounded and microbial and pest-infested Shea kernel butter. Free fatty acid (7.13±0.00 %, 10.66±0.03 %, 13.51±0.20 %), Acid value (14.25±0.00 mg/g ,21.32±0.07 mg/g27.01±0.40 mg/g), Peroxide value (6.06±00meq/kg, 15.19±0.03meq/kg, 31.47±0.17meq/kg), PAnisidine value( 18.37±0.07, 15.50±0.00, 13.47±0.17), Total oxidation value (24.26±0.00, 30.24±0.10, 44.08±0.17), Saponification value (227.49±4.46 mg, 164.99±0.00 mg, 181.99±5.00 mg), Unsaponifiable matter (4.51±0.00%, 4.67±0.02 %, 3.06±0.00 %), Iodine value (9.04±0.05 g, 8.74±0.02 g, 8.42±0.01 g), Moisture content (1.00±0.44 %, 0.50±0.29%, 1.00±0.29 %) respectively. This study recommends that Shea butter processors should sort the kernels into categories and process them accordingly to yield different grades for local and international market","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"90 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127312992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Studies on the effect of solvents on the electronic absorption spectra of 4-phenylmorpholine and 1-phenylpyrrole","authors":"S. D. Oladipo, N. Obi-Egbedi, M. Adeoye, N. Ojo, A. A. Badeji","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.21","url":null,"abstract":"The Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) spectra of 4-phenylmorpholine and 1-phenylpyrrole in different solvents have been studied. The molar absorptivities and oscillator strengths were determined. Also, quantum chemical calculations were carried out using time-dependent density functional theory with Beck-3-Lee-Yang-Parr exchange-correlation functional with a 6-31G* basis set (TDDFT/B3LYP/6- 31G*) for the optimized structures of the compounds. On the basis of this, the dipole moment, dihedral angle, oscillator strength, and singlet excited state of these compounds were determined in different solvents of different polarities. It was found that the bands are both n→Π* and Π→Π* transitions for the compounds. The value of the dipole moment and dihedral angles of the compounds increase with increasing polarities of solvents, and it could be predicted theoretically that 4- phenylmorpholine is more planar and reactive than 1-phenylpyrrole. There is a strong agreement between the experimental and theoretical results obtained for 4-phenylmorpholine, while there is a slight disagreement between the experimental and theoretical results in the number of transitions observed for 1-phenylpyrrole due to the collapsing of bands in the excited state in the experimental section.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"130 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133733620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postharvest rot and efficacy of different plant leaves on the preservation of Okra","authors":"C. Ikechi-Nwogu, B. Z. Barimue, V. Chukwudi","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.15","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed the preservative efficacy of some plant species in order to enhance the shelf of Okra pods. Okra is a multiuse crop appreciated for its tender and delicious pods subjected to rapid deterioration due to its high moisture contents. Freshly harvest ‘Star of David Okra’ variety were wrapped in Colocasia esculenta (Cocoyam), Musa sapientum (Plantain), Carica papaya (Pawpaw), Persea americana (Avocado) and Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) leaves respectively for comparism against storage rot for a period of 28 days. At seven (7) days intervals, soft, rotten and wilted Okra pods were pick out, counted, and the leaves replaced with fresh ones. The Okra pods were visually observed and the results obtained from the observation showed that C. esculenta had 58%, M. sapientum 42%, P. americana 34%, V. amygdalina 22%, C. papaya 20%, Control 14% survival rate by the end of the 28 days treatment. Some organisms accountable for Okra pod deterioration were isolated and finally identified as: Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus niger and Mucor irregularis organisms. As time duration stretches and due to lack of good refrigeration facility, food spoilage is eminent nevertheless these findings showed that Colocasia esculenta leaves enhanced the shelf life of Okra pods and reduced storage rot creating an alternative storage method that can be used when there is power outage.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129061795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and antibacterial activity of stem bark of Terminalia glaucescens on some multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria","authors":"G. C. Agu, A. M. Onabanjo, O. Efuntoye, A. O. Banjo, I. T. Sossou","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.6","url":null,"abstract":"Frequent antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens has led to a search for plant origin to synthesize new drugs. Hence, the antibacterial potential of the stem bark part of Terminalia glaucescens plant needs to ascertain. The 162 pure bacteria isolated from the patient’s clinical samples were confirmed using standard procedures to be Escherichia coli (65), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (52), and Klebsiella pneumonia (45). The isolates were tested against seven commonly available antibiotics and the extracts. The identified bark of T. glaucescens was prepared for qualitative analysis using standard methods and also analyzed quantitatively using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, steroids, tannin, terpenoid, and phenol were identified. The GC-MS analysis revealed 13 bioactive constituents with Neophytadiene, Squalene, 3, 7, 11, 15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol and 9-eicosyne as active components. Antibiogram study revealed that most isolates, especially E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were 100% resistant to more than two antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of the stem bark of T. glaucescens was reflected by inhibition zones, ranging from 5.5 mm to 12.5 mm; Escherichia coli had the highest zone of inhibition (12.5 mm). The presence of phytochemicals and bioactive components in this stem bark suggests its effectiveness in treating infections and producing pharmaceutical products.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121764633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and health risk assessment of consumed herbal and energy drinks in some south-west states, Nigeria.","authors":"T. Osobamiro, Mayowa S. Adebisi, P. Mensah","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.9","url":null,"abstract":"This study determines the physicochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals in eighteen energy drinks (ED) and twelve herbal mixtures (HM) purchased from two markets in South-West, Nigeria. Physiochemical properties and metal contents were determined using standard methods and Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) respectively. The health risk was estimated by calculating the Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR). The result of physiochemical properties are as follows: pH ≤ (5.53, 6.09), TDS ≤ (95.2, 846) and EC ≤ (194, 787). The concentrations of As and heavy metals (mg/L) in ED and HM were ≤; As (0.006, 0.001), Cd (0.008, 0.007), Co (0.007, 0.004), Cr (0.008, 0.052), Cu (0.061, 0.007), Fe (15.0, 7.28), Mn (2.03, 2.29), Ni (0.010, 0.004), Pb (0.016, 0.005) and Zn (8.86, 4.02). Levels in ED were higher than HM except for Cr and Mn and all were within the permissible levels except Co, Fe, Mn and Zn in some ED and HM samples. The HQ and total HQ for all the metals in ED and HM are less than 1.00 except Mn and Zn while, total HI was 5.21. Carcinogenic risk of Cd and Pb in most of the HM were above the acceptable limit so, long term consumption should be discouraged.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131173228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatoprotective potentials of aqueous leaf and seed extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus on testosterone propionate induced prostatitis in Wistar rats.","authors":"L. U. Okolo, A. Uwakwe, F. Anacletus, K. Nwauche","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.27","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.27","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potentials of aqueous leaf and seed extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus on testosterone propionate induced prostatitis in Wistar Rat. Male Wistar rats of 100- 125g and 100 in number were obtained from the Department of Pharmacology, University of Port Harcourt animal house and was grouped into 10 of 10 rats each. The various groups were fed and administered with various concentrations (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 200mg/kg combined extract) of the leaves and seeds extracts of A. heterophyllus. The hepatoprotective potentials was studied by evaluating the liver function parameters on the male Wistar rats by day 21, 42 and 63 of the experiment using standard laboratory methods. The results obtained showed significantly (p< 0.05) increased ALP levels (401.57±0.85) on administration of testosterone propionate in group 2 (induced not treated group) day 21, as against the normal control group (294.57±0.06), while group 5 (Rats induced with TP (4 mg/kg) and administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of A. heterophyllus leaves) revealed minimal level of ALP 293.47±0.006 by day 63. Minimum values for AST 23.00±0.51 was seen in group 8 day 21) with maximum activity 76.82±0.09 seen in group 1 day 21, ALT minimum level 7.67±0.33 was observed in group 4 day 21, while maximum levels 38.41±0.51 was seen in group 2 day 21, Albumin minimum level 17.87±0.09 was seen in group 2 day 63, with maximum level 31.13±0.18 observed in group 8 day 63, while minimum Total Protein 26.31±0.84 was shown in group 2 day 63 and maximum 64.63±0.49 in group 8 day 42. Obtained values from groups 5, 6, 9 and 10 were shown to be significantly different when compared with the negative control in group 2 but not significantly different with control group 1 and 3, hence depicting a more stabilized and hepatoprotective system in the plant extract treated groups compared to the negative control (group 2) at day 21. However, group 5 was shown to have higher hepatoprotective potentials by day 42 followed by group 10.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"134 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127360193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera Africana","authors":"C. Obia, B. Onyegeme-Okerenta, C.C. Monago-Igorodje","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.16","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the bioactive compounds present in the dichloromethane leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana and also assessed the antioxidant activities of the same leaf extracts. The plant materials were washed under running water to remove foreign matters, air-dried at ambient temperatures under a shade for up to 2 weeks, and afterwards pulverized into coarse powders. The bioactive compounds were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) while the antioxidant activities were assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, and hydroxyl radical assay. The results of phytochemical content showed that the leaves are rich in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and non-flavonoid phenolics. Quantitatively, alkaloids were the most abundant secondary metabolites (55.73%) present in the leaf of F. trichocarpa. On the other hand, terpenes were the most abundant secondary metabolites present in the leaf of L. Africana (55.45%). The results of antioxidant assay revealed that both F. trichocarpa and L. africana leaves exhibited high antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner: 69.52% and 52.08% respectively at 100 μg/ml for DPPH scavenging activities; 73.18% and 65.65 % respectively at 200 μg/ml for FRAP assay; and (86.25% and 67.08 % respectively at 200μg/ml for hydroxyl radical activities. In conclusion, the dichloromethane leaf extracts of F. trichocarpa and L. africana are rich in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and non-flavonoid phenolics. The leaf extracts also have high antioxidant property.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125331056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of mixed powder of chilli pepper (Capsicum annum) and bitter leaf powder in control of Callosobruschus maculatus in stored cowpea (Vigina unguiculata (L) Walp)","authors":"H.U. Wintola, M. Okpanachi, S. Umar, K. U. Ogbe","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"A mixture of two edible plant product powders chilli pepper (Capsicum annum) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (MEPPP) were studied for the effectiveness in suppressing ovipositor, and progeny emergence against Callosobruschus maculatus (f). Pulverized MEPP at the rate of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0g/20g of cowpea seeds were applied as to pre-treated product powder significantly (P≤0.05) reduced oviposition by C. maculatus when tested as pre-treated application, compared with oviposition in control treatments. Consequently, F1 progeny emergence was significantly (P≤05) suppressed compared with emergence in control. In the treatment after infestation, egg mortalities were highest in treatment with at 2g, 2.5g and 3.0g.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122627390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aspartame induced dyslipidemia and plasma hyperviscosity in Albino Wistar Rats","authors":"B. Eiya, J. O. Osunbor, Eiya Bibiana Omozee","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.24","url":null,"abstract":"Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that has been used for decades in place of sugar. However, there has been conflicting reports on the use and safety profile of aspartame associated with several diseases especially cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study therefore aims to determine the effects of aspartame on some cardiovascular indices. Thirty seven (37) young Albino Wistar rats weighing between 110g-140g were used for this study. The rats were divided into five groups; control (5) received 5 ml of distilled water. Group 1 (n=8) received 5 ml of diet soda, group 2 (n=8) received 5 ml diluted (1:1) diet soda, Group 3 (n=8) received 5 ml aspartame 45 mg/kg b.w, Group 4 (n=8) received 5 ml of aspartame 22.5 mg/kg b.w. The various doses of aspartame and diet soda were administered orally daily for ten weeks. Weight of the rats were taken weekly, at the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected into plain sample bottles and tri sodium citrate bottles. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride) were analyzed spectrophotometrically, fibrinogen and blood viscosity were also measured. Results showed that the aspartame and diet soda significantly increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fibrinogen and plasma viscosity and significantly decreased HDL cholesterol. In conclusion, consumption of aspartame as a sweetener can impact negatively on cardiovascular haemodymic factors. Therefore, its intake should be discouraged.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114144167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health risk assessment of some heavy metals in twenty one wheat products sold in Nigeria","authors":"F. O. Oladapo, J. O. Awokoya, H. Ojuolape","doi":"10.4314/sa.v22i1.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v22i1.20","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed some heavy metals in twenty one wheat products originating from Nigeria and six other countries sold in local markets in Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan and Lagos cities in Nigeria and their possible health risks were also evaluated. Wheat-based food samples were digested and analyzed using Microwave Plasma coupled Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) technique. The heavy metal contents in local and foreign wheat products ranged as follows: As (0.014-0.033 mg.kg-1), Cd (0.067-0.330 mg.kg-1), Ni (-0.002-0.104 mg.kg-1) and Pb (0.166-0.655 mg.kg-1). The mean contents of Cd and Pb exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by FAO/WHO while those of As and Ni were below permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO. The health hazard indices for the four heavy metals, reported as follows: Ni (0.005), As (0.201), Pb (0.211), and Cd (0.490), fall within the low hazard range except for Ni whose hazard index could be regarded as negligible. The health hazard risk, which may be posed by each metal, occurred in a sequence of HQ (Ni) < HQ (As) < HQ (Cd) < HQ (Pb) <1, with each occurring within the safe limit set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The combined non-carcinogenic risk of the four heavy metals (ΣHQ = 0.906) occurred at the low-risk index. The carcinogenic risk index was below 1x 10-4 threshold recommended by USEPA, which indicates that the combined concentrations of the four metals possess a weak potential to modulate lifelong carcinogenic ailments for consumers of such wheat products.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126513011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}