Edward O. Ayalogu

Effect of processing on flatus producing oligosaccharides in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and the tropical African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

The effect of dehulling, soaking and soaking/cooking on sucrose, raffinose and stachyose in mature dry seeds of nine varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and one variety of tropical African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) were investigated. The results showed a progressive decrease in sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose contents. Soaking for 12 hours and cooking for 30 min eliminated most of the sucrose, raffinose and stachyose. The sugar contents in whole raw cowpea were sucrose 0.73–4.58%, raffinose 0.71–6.86% and stachyose 2.38–3.87%, and for tropical African yam bean sucrose 4.08%, raffinose 1.08% and stachyose 4.14% while the seeds soaked for 12 hours and cooked for 30 min had for cowpea sucrose 0.03–0.81%, raffinose 0.04–0.20% and stachyose 0.12–0.72%, and tropical African yam bean sucrose 0.70%, raffinose 0.40% and stachyose 0.41%.

Induction of hepatic microsomal CYP4A activity and of peroxisomal β-oxidation by two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs fenbufen and ibuprofen on hepatic cytochrome P450 activities and peroxisomal proliferation were investigated in the rat, following intraperitoneal administration at three dose levels. At the two highest doses, 30 and 150 mg/kg, ibuprofen stimulated lauric acid hydroxylase activity but no other dose-dependent effects on cytochrome P450 activities were evident. Fenbufen, at the highest dose of 150 mg/kg, decreased cytochrome P450 content and related activities, and this effect was attributed to the toxicity of the drug at this dose. Immunoblot studies employing solubilized microsomes from ibuprofen-treated rats revealed that ibuprofen increased the apoprotein levels of CYP4A1, at the two higher doses. The same treatment with ibuprofen, at the highest dose only, increased the β-oxidation of palmitoyl CoA, determined in liver homogenates, and immunoblott analysis showed an increase in the apoprotein levels of therans-2-enyol CoA hydratase trifunctional protein. Fenbufen did not influence palmitoyl β-oxidation. Computer graphic overlays with clofibric acid showed that ibuprofen, when compared with fenbufen, displayed a better overall fit to clofibric acid. Finally, interaction energies between the two drugs and the putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor lignad domain revealed that ibuprofen had a higher affinity for the receptor than fenbufen, but the difference was modes. It is concluded that ibuprofen, at doses far exceeding those employed clinically, is a weak inducer of both CYP4A1 activity and peroxisomal proliferation and these effects may be attributed to the presence of an aryl propionic acid moiety. These results are discussed with reference to the role of CYP4A induction and peroxisomal proliferation in the hepatotoxicity of this class od drugs.

Evaluation of the nutritive value of some lesser known protein sources in Nigerian peasant diets.

The nutritive values of some lesser known protein sources in Nigerian peasant diets were evaluated by in vitro enzyme digestion studies and by in vivo studies with rats. Snail (Vivapara quadrata), periwinkle (Littorina littorea), dried crayfish (Palamonetes varians) and locally smoked fresh water fish (Tilapia melanopleura) had a range of digestibility of 57–75 percent with pepsin/trypsin hydrolysis. The digestibility of smoked fresh water fish and crayfish in rats ranged between 91.2 percent and 89.5 percent while that of periwinkle and snail was 80.4 percent and 85.9 percent respectively. Crayfish gave the highest PER (1.8) while the others had values ranging from 0.7 to 1.5. These values were considerably lower than that of whole hens egg (3.5). These protein samples had high biological values (70.8–81.6) which were, however, still lower than whole hens egg (92.0) and fairly high NPU values (60.3–73.0). In general, these lesser known protein sources if consumed in adequate quantities would alleviate ...

Evaluation of acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity study of Baker Cleansers Bitters - a polyherbal drug on experimental rats

Baker Cleanser Bitters (BCB) - a polyherbal formula commonly used in the treatment of diabetes, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, rheumatism and arthritis was evaluated in an acute and sub-chronic toxicity study in Wistar albino rats. A single administration of BCB was given orally at the highest dose level of 2000 mg/kg body weight in the acute toxicity study. Signs of toxicity were observed every hour for the first 6 h and every day for 7 days. In the sub-chronic oral toxicity study, BCB was administered to rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Mortalities, clinical signs, body weight changes, biochemical and haematological parameters were monitored during the study period. There were no mortalities or clinical signs observed in rats in the acute toxicity study. In the sub-chronic study in rats, daily oral administration of BCB at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight resulted in a drop in percentage increase in body weight at the end of the 4th week. Alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), fasting blood sugar and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased significantly (p≤0.05) whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and platelets increased significantly (p≤0.05) when compared to control. The high no-observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) value of 2000 mg/kg body weight implies that the drug could be safe. The study also revealed that the polyherbal drug may have good hypoglycemic effects and favourable reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors and explains the basis for the continual use of this plant by traditional medical practitioners.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN-A ON RAT HEPATIC MIXED-FUNCTION OXIDASES, GLUTATHIONE TRANSFERASE-ACTIVITY AND GENERATIONS OF OXYGEN RADICALS

Rat hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase activities were not significantly affected by vitamin A deficiency. Similarly cytosolic glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities as well as total glutathione levels were unaffected by the vitamin A status. Induction of the mixed-function oxidases by 3-methylcholanthrene or phenobarbitone was independent of the vitamin A status. No significant differences in microsomal chemiluminescence, before and following challenge with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, were evident between the vitamin-A-deficient animals and those maintained on vitamin-A-supplemented diets. The present findings indicate that the protective action of vitamin A against chemical carcinogens is unlikely to involve modulation of the enzyme systems responsible for their metabolism.

Effects of different levels of palm oil and sulphur in cassava-based diets

Abstract The effects of different levels of palm oil and sulphur on the nutritive value of a cassava leaf protein diet was investigated using rats. With 40% cassava and no palm oil, the protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein utilisation (NPU) were very low (0·3 and 23·8, respectively) but the true digestibility was the same as that of the casein control (95·0%). With 5% palm oil there was no improvement in PER but both the NPU and biological value (BV) were increased appreciably (38·1 and 40·3, respectively). The best result was obtained with 10% palm oil, with which the PER was more than doubled (0·7) and there were similar increases in both the NPU and BV (46·6 and 48·9, respectively). Cassava at the 40% level was supplemented with various sources of sulphur—i.e. methionine, sodium thiosulphate, elemental sulphur, sodium sulphate and ferrous sulphate. With methionine, the PER, compared with the control (0·7), was more than trebled (2·2) and the NPU and BV were also significantly increased (72·6 and 83·3, respectively). Elemental sulphur gave a PER of 1·8 whilst sodium sulphate and ferrous sulphate gave 1·9. The lowest PER was obtained from sodium thiosulphate (1·1). The importance of palm oil and sulphur donors in cassava-based diets is discussed.

Total amino acid profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines.

Total amino acid (AA) profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines were studied. Heating their fresh wines to 85°C, cooling and diluting to original volumes distilled off ethanol, but did not change their moisture and nitrogen contents. R. hookeri wine contained more (p<0.05) Phe, Val, Ala, Gly, Pro, Asp, Asn, His and Lys than E. guineensis wine which contained more (p<0.05) Met, Cys, Glu, Gln, Ser and Arg. Tyrosine, Leu, Ile and Thr contents did not vary (p>0.05). Glycine and Pro contents were low suggesting high globular protein concentrations. ∑basic AA/∑acidic AA ratios were >1 suggesting high basic protein contents. The E. guineensis and R. hookeri wines contained 58.25 ± 0.56% and 56.79 ± 0.4% essential AAs, respectively. Essential AA scores suggested Leu as their limiting AA. In conclusion, the wines can adequately meet daily nitrogen and essential AA needs when a 70 kg adult drinks 1425.45 ml.

Influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) flour on the growth and organ weights of rats

The influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed flour on the growth and organ weights of rats was studied. Body weight change, feed utilization and feed conversion ratio were improved by heat processing. All rats significantly (p≤0.05) gained weight except those fed raw African yam bean and basal diets (diets 3 and 1 respectively). Raw African yam bean diet decreased the growth of rats and had negative effect on the organ weights especially the pancreas which was enlarged. The results indicate that heat processing improved the growth of rats and organ weights due to heat inactivation of toxic factors especially trypsin inhibitors.