Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230601
H. A. Akinnibosun, C. Onyekwere, E. Ebun-Igbeare, P.O Ekevwo
Air pollution assessment was carried out using chlorophyll concentration reduction criterion of some higher plants leaves such as (Masquerade tree) Polyathia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites, (Mango) Mangifera indica Linn. (Guava) Psidium guajava Linn. and (Indian Almond) Terminalia catappa Linn. as the bio-indicator species. The study was carried out at three (3) different locations namely polluted area (Ring Road, Benin City), slightly polluted area (Ekosodin Gate) and unpolluted area (Professor’s Staff Quarters) inside University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Chlorophyll content of intact matured leaves of study plants were measured in situ using a hand-held digital chlorophyll content meter CCM 200 Plus. The study revealed that there were significant reduction (P < 0.05) of chlorophyll concentration at Ring Road area and Ekosodin Gate area when compared with plants at Professors’ Quarters. The percentage chlorophyll reduction at Ring Road and Ekosodin Gate in Polyathia longifolia, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa leaves in relation to the Professors’ Quarters were 46.63 %, 45.08 %, 45.03 %, 31.79 % and 23.85 %, 25.46 %, 23.94 %, 25.71 % respectively. These results confirmed that Ring Road is highly polluted than the other study areas. This study revealed that changes occurred in chlorophyll content of plants due to air pollution and that plant act as a sink for air pollutant which deteriorates their photosynthetic pigments which invariably leads to reduction in plant productivity. This study, therefore shows that plants chlorophyll content can be used as bio-indicator of pollution.
{"title":"Assessment of Air Pollution Using Plant Chlorophyll Concentration Reduction Criterion in Benin City, Edo State","authors":"H. A. Akinnibosun, C. Onyekwere, E. Ebun-Igbeare, P.O Ekevwo","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230601","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230601","url":null,"abstract":"Air pollution assessment was carried out using chlorophyll concentration reduction criterion of some higher plants leaves such as (Masquerade tree) Polyathia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites, (Mango) Mangifera indica Linn. (Guava) Psidium guajava Linn. and (Indian Almond) Terminalia catappa Linn. as the bio-indicator species. The study was carried out at three (3) different locations namely polluted area (Ring Road, Benin City), slightly polluted area (Ekosodin Gate) and unpolluted area (Professor’s Staff Quarters) inside University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Chlorophyll content of intact matured leaves of study plants were measured in situ using a hand-held digital chlorophyll content meter CCM 200 Plus. The study revealed that there were significant reduction (P < 0.05) of chlorophyll concentration at Ring Road area and Ekosodin Gate area when compared with plants at Professors’ Quarters. The percentage chlorophyll reduction at Ring Road and Ekosodin Gate in Polyathia longifolia, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa leaves in relation to the Professors’ Quarters were 46.63 %, 45.08 %, 45.03 %, 31.79 % and 23.85 %, 25.46 %, 23.94 %, 25.71 % respectively. These results confirmed that Ring Road is highly polluted than the other study areas. This study revealed that changes occurred in chlorophyll content of plants due to air pollution and that plant act as a sink for air pollutant which deteriorates their photosynthetic pigments which invariably leads to reduction in plant productivity. This study, therefore shows that plants chlorophyll content can be used as bio-indicator of pollution.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"51 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132113389","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306018
A. T. Dania, john Aroye Okhouya
The study was carried out to determine the effect of honey, palm oil and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jack.) Kumm. on Celtis zenkeri Engl. sawdust. Composted sawdust was supplemented with honey, palm oil and NPK fertilizer at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% on the dry weight basis and inoculated with 5% spawn. The substrate amended with 4% palm oil was fully colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus and P. pulmonarius after 26.0±2.1 and 32.2±1.3 days, respectively. The mushroom took shorter time (43 days) for primordial emergence at 6% palm oil. Average of 55 fruitbodies of P. ostreatus was harvested from 4% palm oil supplemented sawdust. The best mushroom yield was recorded from 8% palm oil (278.5 ±5.0 g) and 8% honey (270.1±2.7 g). The highest biological efficiency was observed at 8 % palm oil (77.36±1.5 %) and 8 % honey (75.03±2.5 %) for P. ostreatus. The two mushrooms species performed significantly (p=0.05) with palm oil and honey supplementation. The best performance was observed at 6% and 8% supplementation with palm oil and honey. The research has shown that supplementation of sawdust substrate with honey and palm oil at 4 - 8% can be a good formulation for commercial cultivation of oyster mushrooms.
{"title":"Effect of Honey, Palm Oil and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth of Oyster Mushrooms Cultivated on Sawdust","authors":"A. T. Dania, john Aroye Okhouya","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306018","url":null,"abstract":"The study was carried out to determine the effect of honey, palm oil and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jack.) Kumm. on Celtis zenkeri Engl. sawdust. Composted sawdust was supplemented with honey, palm oil and NPK fertilizer at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% on the dry weight basis and inoculated with 5% spawn. The substrate amended with 4% palm oil was fully colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus and P. pulmonarius after 26.0±2.1 and 32.2±1.3 days, respectively. The mushroom took shorter time (43 days) for primordial emergence at 6% palm oil. Average of 55 fruitbodies of P. ostreatus was harvested from 4% palm oil supplemented sawdust. The best mushroom yield was recorded from 8% palm oil (278.5 ±5.0 g) and 8% honey (270.1±2.7 g). The highest biological efficiency was observed at 8 % palm oil (77.36±1.5 %) and 8 % honey (75.03±2.5 %) for P. ostreatus. The two mushrooms species performed significantly (p=0.05) with palm oil and honey supplementation. The best performance was observed at 6% and 8% supplementation with palm oil and honey. The research has shown that supplementation of sawdust substrate with honey and palm oil at 4 - 8% can be a good formulation for commercial cultivation of oyster mushrooms.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129403658","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230603
O. Oyelowo, G. Oludare, Patrick Onyeyiriuche
Male reproductive processes are impacted by edible fats. The present work studied the effect of the consumption of a sunflower-enriched diet on sperm variables and reproductive hormones in male rats. A total of twenty male Wistar rats were used in this study. The Control group received the regular rat chow while the Treated group received the regular rat chow supplemented with 25% linoleic sunflower oil. After 28 days sperm variables, and reproductive hormones were assessed. There was no significant difference in the serum testosterone and prolactin levels in the group fed sunflower-enriched diet compared to the control group. The serum LDH and the seminal vesicle fructose levels were significantly increased in the animals fed sunflower enriched diet compared to the control animals. The sperm count and sperm motility levels were significantly higher in the rats fed sunflower enriched diet compared to the control rats. The current findings imply that while 25% linoleic sunflower oil might increase sperm characteristics, it might not have the same effect on testosterone levels.
{"title":"Normal Diet and Linoleic-Enriched Sunflower Oil Improved Sperm Variables but Not Reproductive Hormones in Male Wistar Rats","authors":"O. Oyelowo, G. Oludare, Patrick Onyeyiriuche","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230603","url":null,"abstract":"Male reproductive processes are impacted by edible fats. The present work studied the effect of the consumption of a sunflower-enriched diet on sperm variables and reproductive hormones in male rats. A total of twenty male Wistar rats were used in this study. The Control group received the regular rat chow while the Treated group received the regular rat chow supplemented with 25% linoleic sunflower oil. After 28 days sperm variables, and reproductive hormones were assessed. There was no significant difference in the serum testosterone and prolactin levels in the group fed sunflower-enriched diet compared to the control group. The serum LDH and the seminal vesicle fructose levels were significantly increased in the animals fed sunflower enriched diet compared to the control animals. The sperm count and sperm motility levels were significantly higher in the rats fed sunflower enriched diet compared to the control rats. The current findings imply that while 25% linoleic sunflower oil might increase sperm characteristics, it might not have the same effect on testosterone levels.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122728989","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306016
Israel O. Efejene, O. Orororo, O. Odeghe, Efetoboh Ejevwo
This study determined the effects of Zinger officinale Rhizome ethanolic extract on blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male Wistar (150±8 g) with an average blood sugar level of 145 mg/dL were used for the study. They are divided into five treatment groups: Group A (Glucose Control – 1 g/kg bwt), Group B (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract low dose - ZOREL – 100 mg/kg bwt), Group C (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract medium dose -ZOREM – 250 mg/kg bwt), and Group D (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract high dose – ZOREH – 500 mg/kg bwt). Rats in groups B through D also received glucose (as in Group A) to cause hyperglycemia. The extracts were administered within an interval of 1-2 h for a period of ten days. Oral glucose tolerance and fasting blood glucose levels were assessed. Plasma glucose levels increased as a result of experimentally creating hyperglycemia by ingesting glucose orally. However, when the extract was given to the rats, their blood glucose levels significantly dropped. Rats administered ZOREH (Group D) on a 360-minute schedule showed the greatest decrease. At 370 minute into the experiment, ZOREL induced a reduction in blood glucose levels of 17.039%, whereas ZOREM and ZOREH generated reductions of 18.03% and 16.07% respectively. Similarly, rats given the extract (Groups B-D) had considerably lower fasting blood 5 to 10 days of glucose induction indicating that the extract enhanced the utilization of glucose. The findings suggest that ingesting Zingiber officinale rhizome extract in sufficient amounts can stabilize blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic rats.
{"title":"Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Zingiber Officinale Rhizome on Blood Glucose Level in Glucose-induced Hyperglycaemic Wistar Rats","authors":"Israel O. Efejene, O. Orororo, O. Odeghe, Efetoboh Ejevwo","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306016","url":null,"abstract":"This study determined the effects of Zinger officinale Rhizome ethanolic extract on blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male Wistar (150±8 g) with an average blood sugar level of 145 mg/dL were used for the study. They are divided into five treatment groups: Group A (Glucose Control – 1 g/kg bwt), Group B (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract low dose - ZOREL – 100 mg/kg bwt), Group C (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract medium dose -ZOREM – 250 mg/kg bwt), and Group D (Zinger officinale Rhizome extract high dose – ZOREH – 500 mg/kg bwt). Rats in groups B through D also received glucose (as in Group A) to cause hyperglycemia. The extracts were administered within an interval of 1-2 h for a period of ten days. Oral glucose tolerance and fasting blood glucose levels were assessed. Plasma glucose levels increased as a result of experimentally creating hyperglycemia by ingesting glucose orally. However, when the extract was given to the rats, their blood glucose levels significantly dropped. Rats administered ZOREH (Group D) on a 360-minute schedule showed the greatest decrease. At 370 minute into the experiment, ZOREL induced a reduction in blood glucose levels of 17.039%, whereas ZOREM and ZOREH generated reductions of 18.03% and 16.07% respectively. Similarly, rats given the extract (Groups B-D) had considerably lower fasting blood 5 to 10 days of glucose induction indicating that the extract enhanced the utilization of glucose. The findings suggest that ingesting Zingiber officinale rhizome extract in sufficient amounts can stabilize blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic rats.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129158238","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230602
R. Oladunjoye, O. Fafioye, Adeleke, Mistura Temitope, Asiru, Raheem Adekunle, Yetunde Adebukola Odufolakun, Tade Paul Ayodele,
Diets composition and dynamics of Eugerres plumieri, Gobioides broussonnetii, Elops aurus, Oreochromis niloticus and Heterotis niloticus in Ogun Coastal water were examined. The fish species were obtained from local fishermen fortnightly between August and October, 2021. The fishes were immediately placed on iced chess after collection and identification before transporting to the laboratory for further examination. All the stomachs of the fishes examined and the contents were analysed using numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. Results indicated that O. niloticus and E. aurus fed on analogous foods which were principally macrophytes, Chlamydomonas species and Spirogyra. Other food items observed in all the fish species includes detritus, sand grains and insect parts. High similarity in the diets dynamics of E. aurus and E. plumieri indicated food competition between the fish species which they both showed high level of trophic flexibility and probably possess same ecological niche.
{"title":"Diet Composition and Dynamics in Fish Species of Ogun Coastal Water, Southwest, Nigeria","authors":"R. Oladunjoye, O. Fafioye, Adeleke, Mistura Temitope, Asiru, Raheem Adekunle, Yetunde Adebukola Odufolakun, Tade Paul Ayodele,","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.20230602","url":null,"abstract":"Diets composition and dynamics of Eugerres plumieri, Gobioides broussonnetii, Elops aurus, Oreochromis niloticus and Heterotis niloticus in Ogun Coastal water were examined. The fish species were obtained from local fishermen fortnightly between August and October, 2021. The fishes were immediately placed on iced chess after collection and identification before transporting to the laboratory for further examination. All the stomachs of the fishes examined and the contents were analysed using numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. Results indicated that O. niloticus and E. aurus fed on analogous foods which were principally macrophytes, Chlamydomonas species and Spirogyra. Other food items observed in all the fish species includes detritus, sand grains and insect parts. High similarity in the diets dynamics of E. aurus and E. plumieri indicated food competition between the fish species which they both showed high level of trophic flexibility and probably possess same ecological niche.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117087349","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306017
Lawson Onojake, Kingsley E. Apuyor, Stanley E. Apuyor
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative utilized as a thickener in food processing, as well as in non-food items including paints and detergents. In this study, CMC was produced from cellulose which was obtained from rubber seed shells (RSS). The CMC was produced from cellulose by mercerization with 30% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and etherified using monochloroacetic acid. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the CMC produced therein. The amount of cellulose extracted from RSS was 55.15 %. The broad spectrum of the FTIR indicated the presence of hydroxyl, ether and carboxyl functional groups at 3442.00 cm-1, 1420 cm-1, and 1625 cm-1 respectively. These results showed favourable comparisons with the commercial CMC, which demonstrates that RSS is a promising raw material for the manufacture of CMC.
{"title":"Production of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) From Rubber Seed (Hevea brasiliensis) Shells","authors":"Lawson Onojake, Kingsley E. Apuyor, Stanley E. Apuyor","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202306017","url":null,"abstract":"Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative utilized as a thickener in food processing, as well as in non-food items including paints and detergents. In this study, CMC was produced from cellulose which was obtained from rubber seed shells (RSS). The CMC was produced from cellulose by mercerization with 30% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and etherified using monochloroacetic acid. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the CMC produced therein. The amount of cellulose extracted from RSS was 55.15 %. The broad spectrum of the FTIR indicated the presence of hydroxyl, ether and carboxyl functional groups at 3442.00 cm-1, 1420 cm-1, and 1625 cm-1 respectively. These results showed favourable comparisons with the commercial CMC, which demonstrates that RSS is a promising raw material for the manufacture of CMC.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"405 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122790166","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202363019
A. O. Chime, R. Aiwansoba
The study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against fungal phytopathogens isolated from diseased tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) fruit. Diseased tomato fruits were obtained and to establish a mixed culture. Two distinctive fungi were identified on the mixed cultures and subculture into freshly prepared potato dextrose agar medium. The fungal isolates were identified using the cultural characterization. Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves were obtained and used to prepare water extract. The antifungal activity of the neem leaf extract was evaluated using the poison plate method. Mycelial growth was measured and recorded. The results showed that two fungal pathogens were isolated from the diseased tomato fruit. The cultural characterization of the two isolates revealed the identity of the fungal isolates to be Diaporthe and Xylaria species. There was a significant reduction in the mycelia growth of Diaporthe species with values of 2.210±0.34, 1.42±0.37, and 0.61±0.16 cm for the 25, 50, and 100% neem leaf extract, respectively, compared to the control (3.67±0.34 cm), indicating antifungal activity of the neem leaf extract. Conversely, only the 25 and 50% neem extract showed antifungal activity against Xylaria species. The findings of the present study suggest that neem leaf extract could be used to preserve tomato fruits from fungal pathogens causing spoilage.
{"title":"Antifungal Activity of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract against Pathogens Associated with Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fruit Spoilage","authors":"A. O. Chime, R. Aiwansoba","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202363019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202363019","url":null,"abstract":"The study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against fungal phytopathogens isolated from diseased tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) fruit. Diseased tomato fruits were obtained and to establish a mixed culture. Two distinctive fungi were identified on the mixed cultures and subculture into freshly prepared potato dextrose agar medium. The fungal isolates were identified using the cultural characterization. Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves were obtained and used to prepare water extract. The antifungal activity of the neem leaf extract was evaluated using the poison plate method. Mycelial growth was measured and recorded. The results showed that two fungal pathogens were isolated from the diseased tomato fruit. The cultural characterization of the two isolates revealed the identity of the fungal isolates to be Diaporthe and Xylaria species. There was a significant reduction in the mycelia growth of Diaporthe species with values of 2.210±0.34, 1.42±0.37, and 0.61±0.16 cm for the 25, 50, and 100% neem leaf extract, respectively, compared to the control (3.67±0.34 cm), indicating antifungal activity of the neem leaf extract. Conversely, only the 25 and 50% neem extract showed antifungal activity against Xylaria species. The findings of the present study suggest that neem leaf extract could be used to preserve tomato fruits from fungal pathogens causing spoilage.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"205 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123051338","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}
Pub Date : 2023-06-30DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306013
N. Olise, I. B. Enweani-Nwokelo
Plants contain variety of bioactive compounds known to have chemotherapeutic value some of these plants also have dyes. Against the background, this study is aimed at determining the nutritional composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and staining properties of Cnestis ferrugenea fruit. Plant fruits were collected and processed using soxhlet extraction technique. Phytochemical analysis was determined using standard laboratory method. Phenolic content estimation of plant fruits was determined using folin-ciocalteu (F.C) method. Antioxidant was estimated using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) . Cnetis ferrugenea fruit extract had anti-fungi activity but low antibacterial activity. Phytochemical analysis of plant fruit shows the presence of alkaloid, saponin, tannin, flavonoid and cardiac- glysoside. Nutritional compositions are total ash, moisture, crude fibre, lipid, carbohydrate and protein. MIC of fruit extract is 6.25 and has IC50 value 15966.02 with pH of 4.6. Cnetis ferruginea ethanoic fruit extract stained fungal isolates but didn’t stain bacteria isolate. Studied fruit extract is a good source of carbohydrate, crude fibre and moisture content, it has antioxidant, antifungal and staining properties but low antibacterial properties. Free radicals are central cause of disease, knowledge of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of plants extract will help pharmaceutical company formulate products that will combat the menace of free radicals. Some medicinal plants possess natural dyes.
{"title":"Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and the Staining Property of Cnestis ferruginea Ethanoic Fruit Extract","authors":"N. Olise, I. B. Enweani-Nwokelo","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.2.202306013","url":null,"abstract":"Plants contain variety of bioactive compounds known to have chemotherapeutic value some of these plants also have dyes. Against the background, this study is aimed at determining the nutritional composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and staining properties of Cnestis ferrugenea fruit. Plant fruits were collected and processed using soxhlet extraction technique. Phytochemical analysis was determined using standard laboratory method. Phenolic content estimation of plant fruits was determined using folin-ciocalteu (F.C) method. Antioxidant was estimated using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) . Cnetis ferrugenea fruit extract had anti-fungi activity but low antibacterial activity. Phytochemical analysis of plant fruit shows the presence of alkaloid, saponin, tannin, flavonoid and cardiac- glysoside. Nutritional compositions are total ash, moisture, crude fibre, lipid, carbohydrate and protein. MIC of fruit extract is 6.25 and has IC50 value 15966.02 with pH of 4.6. Cnetis ferruginea ethanoic fruit extract stained fungal isolates but didn’t stain bacteria isolate. Studied fruit extract is a good source of carbohydrate, crude fibre and moisture content, it has antioxidant, antifungal and staining properties but low antibacterial properties. Free radicals are central cause of disease, knowledge of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of plants extract will help pharmaceutical company formulate products that will combat the menace of free radicals. Some medicinal plants possess natural dyes.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122137726","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230307
Osemudiamen O. Anao, O. Edene
The extent of illumination within work places contributes to the productivity and wellbeing of the employees. Due to its relevance, health and safety organizations around the world have continued to instruct and enlighten employers on the necessity to place satisfactory lighting equipment’s and mechanisms in place to guarantee the constant safety and wellbeing of their employees. This research is aimed at accessing the illuminance levels in office work stations in the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Survey method was used to obtain primary data on the perception of the employees about illumination levels within their work environment and associated health risk. Illumination levels were measured within the work environment using a digital lux meter. The values obtained were compared with standards as set by the Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). The surveys conducted revealed that majority of the workers were unsatisfied with the lighting conditions. Illuminance readings taken shows that majority of the workstations had levels below (194.0-453.0Lux) the recommended standard of 500Lux, while others were above (524.4-666.9Lux). Health risks associated with bad illumination includes: eyestrain, stress, teary eyes and headaches. It is recommended that illumination levels be adjusted in areas where they are considered lower or higher than the set standards within the work stations. Workers should also be enlightened on the possible health risks associated with poor lightening conditions together with regular checking of illumination levels in all work stations of the institute.
{"title":"Illuminance in Office Workstations and Related Health Risks in a Tertiary Institution within Edo State, Nigeria","authors":"Osemudiamen O. Anao, O. Edene","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230307","url":null,"abstract":"The extent of illumination within work places contributes to the productivity and wellbeing of the employees. Due to its relevance, health and safety organizations around the world have continued to instruct and enlighten employers on the necessity to place satisfactory lighting equipment’s and mechanisms in place to guarantee the constant safety and wellbeing of their employees. This research is aimed at accessing the illuminance levels in office work stations in the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Survey method was used to obtain primary data on the perception of the employees about illumination levels within their work environment and associated health risk. Illumination levels were measured within the work environment using a digital lux meter. The values obtained were compared with standards as set by the Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). The surveys conducted revealed that majority of the workers were unsatisfied with the lighting conditions. Illuminance readings taken shows that majority of the workstations had levels below (194.0-453.0Lux) the recommended standard of 500Lux, while others were above (524.4-666.9Lux). Health risks associated with bad illumination includes: eyestrain, stress, teary eyes and headaches. It is recommended that illumination levels be adjusted in areas where they are considered lower or higher than the set standards within the work stations. Workers should also be enlightened on the possible health risks associated with poor lightening conditions together with regular checking of illumination levels in all work stations of the institute.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115936250","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303016
F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, M.D Ogbu, R. C. Nnamani, L. Ugwu
Cola rostrata and Cola parchycarpa are under-utilized indigenous kola plants, known as achicha by the Igbo natives in Nigeria, whose fruit pulps are edible and tasty. The proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals constituent of the fruit epicarp, fruit pulp and seed of C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa were evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The results revealed that C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa fruit pulps contained high moisture contents (56.56 % and 58.83 %) and carbohydrates (31.30 % and 55.39 %) respectively. They also contained vitamins and minerals that are required for nutrition in humans and animals. However, C. rostrata fruit pulp had higher concentrations of magnesium (80.36 mg/100g), calcium (170.31 mg/100g), vitamin A (54.53 mg/100g), vitamin C (21.41 mg/100g) and vitamin E (4.25 mg/100g), while C. parchycarpa had higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals screened. These phytochemicals, if explored further, can be implored in the treatment of certain ailments. The fruit pulp can be recommended for individuals who suffer from calcium deficiency while the seed and fruit epicarp could be used in the formulation and fortification of animal feeds due to the substantial nutrient deposits in them as revealed by this study.
{"title":"Comparative Proximate, Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Analysis of Cola rostrata K. Schum. and Cola parchycarpa K. Schum.","authors":"F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, M.D Ogbu, R. C. Nnamani, L. Ugwu","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303016","url":null,"abstract":"Cola rostrata and Cola parchycarpa are under-utilized indigenous kola plants, known as achicha by the Igbo natives in Nigeria, whose fruit pulps are edible and tasty. The proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals constituent of the fruit epicarp, fruit pulp and seed of C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa were evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The results revealed that C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa fruit pulps contained high moisture contents (56.56 % and 58.83 %) and carbohydrates (31.30 % and 55.39 %) respectively. They also contained vitamins and minerals that are required for nutrition in humans and animals. However, C. rostrata fruit pulp had higher concentrations of magnesium (80.36 mg/100g), calcium (170.31 mg/100g), vitamin A (54.53 mg/100g), vitamin C (21.41 mg/100g) and vitamin E (4.25 mg/100g), while C. parchycarpa had higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals screened. These phytochemicals, if explored further, can be implored in the treatment of certain ailments. The fruit pulp can be recommended for individuals who suffer from calcium deficiency while the seed and fruit epicarp could be used in the formulation and fortification of animal feeds due to the substantial nutrient deposits in them as revealed by this study.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"30 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133204219","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}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：