Oyelola B. Oloyede

Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of three spices – Allium sativum L. Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Capsicum frutescens L. commonly consumed in Nigeria

The beneficial health effects of spices against common chronic systemic diseases have been well documented. Comparative study of the proximate, mineral and phytochemical components of three spices namely garlic ( Allium sativum L. ), ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.) were investigated. Analysis of the proximate composition revealed that the spices had considerable carbohydrate and crude protein content, but low ash, fibre, moisture and fat except pepper which has high crude fat content. The spices were also characterized by the presence of mineral elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, copper and zinc which are very important to human nutrition. Phytochemical screening indicated that these spices are also rich in phytonutrients including alkaloid, tannin, carotenoids, saponin and flavonoids. The spices had low concentrations of steroids and cardenolides. Overall, the findings indicate that the spices are good sources of nutrients, mineral elements and phytochemicals which could be exploited as great potentials for drugs and/or nutritional supplements. Key words : Comparative, nutritional, supplements, spices.

Potassium bromate content of selected bread samples in Ilorin, Central Nigeria and its effect on some enzymes of rat liver and kidney

Bread samples from five different locations (Gaa-Akanbi, Saw-Mill, Oloje, Fate-Basin and Zango) in Ilorin metropolis, Central Nigeria were analyzed for their potassium bromate content before they were employed as a source of carbohydrate in the formulation of diet for albino rats. A total of sixty (60) albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were grouped into six (6) of ten (10) rats each. The rats in the first group served as control and they were placed on diet formulated with bromate-free bread. Animals in Groups 2-6 were placed on diet formulated with bread samples obtained from the five different locations in Ilorin metropolis. At the expiration of thirty (30) days feeding period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples, liver and kidney tissues were collected for the assay of ALP, AST and ALT activities. The results showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the activities of these enzymes in the tissues when compared with the control. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the activities of the selected serum enzymes. Overall, the data indicate adverse effects on the liver and kidney of rats fed on diet containing potassium bromate.

Toxicological evaluation of the effect of water contaminated with lead, phenol and benzene on liver, kidney and colon of Albino rats

The effect of water contaminated with phenol, benzene and lead on rats cellular system was investigated. Selected enzyme activity of the kidney and colon of rats was carried out. Standard enzyme assays were also conducted for selected liver enzymes such as alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Serum indices of liver and kidney function were also determined. The direct bilirubin of test rats were observed to be 3.2+/-0.2U/mol/l while that of control rat was 1.2+/-0.003 U/mol/l. The total bilirubin of test rats was found to be 8.4+/-0.8 U/mol/l while that of the control was 5.6+/-0.5 U/mol/l. Generally, enzymes activity in the tissues of test rats were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower relative to control, while the enzyme activity of the serum of test rats was significantly (p<0.05) higher than control. It could be inferred that experimental data suggest possible damage to the tissues and that consumption of polluted water may account for increasing cases of renal and hepatic failure among people in developing countries.

Blighia sapida leaves halt elevated blood glucose, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Blighia sapida leaves are used in the management of diabetes in Nigeria. Thus the antidiabetic activity of methanolic Blighia sapida leaf extract and its capability to halt oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. METHODS In vitro antioxidant activity of the extract (0.2-1.0mg/mL) was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical and ferric ion reducing system. Antidiabetic was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS The methanolic extract of Blighia sapida leaves at 1.0mg/mL scavenged DPPH, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical at 80.34%, 57.39%, 72.36% and 77.0% respectively, while ferric ion was significantly reduced. Single oral dose of the extract significantly reduced blood glucose level in a dose dependent manner with highest dose producing 18.6% reduction after 240min. Similar reduction was produced after 28 days of extract administration with the highest dose producing 65.65% reduction which compared significantly (P<0.05) with the control group and glibenclamide treated groups. Alloxan-induced diabetic mediated alterations in liver and serum cholesterol, triacylglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc) were significantly (P<0.05) restored by the extract. Methanolic extract of Blighia sapida leaves significantly attenuated the decrease in the activities of reactive oxygen species detoxifying enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) in the liver and pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Elevation in the concentrations of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, protein carbonyl, and fragmented DNA was significantly (P<0.05) lowered by Blighia sapida leaves extract. CONCLUSION Overall, methanolic extract of Blighia sapida leaves at all doses used reduced blood glucose level and prevented oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Performance and haematological indices in rats exposed to monocrotophos contamination

Monocrotophos is an organophosphate pesticide used in agriculture to control insect pests. Changes in performance and haematological parameters (such as packed cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes) were used to assess the effect of the pesticide on rats chronically exposed to 12.5 parts per million (ppm), 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm for 10 days, while the control rats were placed on borehole water. Administration of the pesticide to the animals resulted in several physical deteriorations including appearance and agility. A significant reduction (p < .05) was observed in the weight gained by rats while the liver-to-body weight ratio increased significantly (p < .05) as the level of exposure to monocrotophos increased. Whereas packed cell volume, white blood cells and lymphocytes increased significantly (p < .05), neutrophils and eosinophils counts reduced significantly (p < .05) as the concentration of monocrotophos in the drinking water increased. Overall, the data indicated that exposure to monocrotophos portends serious consequences on the performance and haematological parameters of rats.

Effect of water contaminated with phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane on Clarias gariepinus’ cellular system

This study evaluates the effect of water contaminated with phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane (major components of municipal waste in Nigeria) on the cellular system of Clarias gariepinus. Standard enzyme assays were conducted for alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase of selected tissues of C. gariepinus cultivated in contaminated water over a period of 56 days. Generally, a significant decrease in the activity of the enzymes of the tissues of C. gariepinus cultivated in contaminated water was observed relative to the control (p<0.05). Particularly, activity of alkaline phosphatase of liver of C. gariepinus cultivated in phthalate contaminated water was found to be 8.26+/-1.42 while that of control was 14.42+/-1.09. The activity of serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase of serum of the same group of fish was found to be twice that of control. It could be inferred that membrane integrity of the tissues studied are compromised and that tissue dysfunction may result. Consumption of C. gariepinus cultivated in water contaminated with phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane could pose threats to public health.

Inhibition of Bacillus spores by combinations of heat, potassium sorbate, NaCl and pH.

Viability of spores of Bacillus cereus was totally inhibited at 85°C over 30 min by adding 0.4% (w/v) potassium sorbate with 6% (w/v) NaCl at pH 4.5. Viability of B. stearothermophilus spores was totally inhibited at 95°C for 45 min in a buffer at pH 4.2 containing 0.8% (w/v) potassium sorbate and 8% (w/v) NaCl. A synergistic inhibitory effect was demonstrated in some of the combinations. The inhibition may be due to interference with the heat-resistance apparatus of the spores.

Effects of Aspergillus niger-fermented Terminalia catappa seed meal-based diet on selected enzymes of some tissues of broiler chicks

Effects of Aspergillus niger-fermented Terminalia catappa seed meal-based diet on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamate transferase (gamma-GT) in the crop, small intestine, gizzard, heart, liver and serum of broiler chicks were investigated. Milled T. catappa seed was inoculated with spores of A.niger (2.21 x 10(4) spores per ml) for 3 weeks. Forty-five day-old broiler chicks weighing between 27.62 and 36.21 g, were divided into three groups. The first group was fed soybean-based (control) diet; the second on raw T. catappa seed meal-based diet; and the third on A. niger-fermented T. catappa seed meal-based diet for 7 weeks. The results revealed a significantly increased (p<0.05) activity of ALP in the tissues. Contrarily, there were significant reductions (p<0.05) in the activities of ALP, ALT, AST and gamma-GT in the liver and heart of the broilers fed the raw T. catappa seed meal-based diet while there were significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of these enzymes in the serum of the broilers in this group. The data obtained showed that A. niger-fermented T. catappa seed meal reduced the toxic effects of the raw seed meal on the tissues of broiler chicks.

Nutritional and antioxidant dispositions of sorghum/millet-based beverages indigenous to Nigeria

Sorghum/millet-based beverages, Obiolor and Pito, were evaluated for their nutritional and antioxidant dispositions. Analyzed Obiolor and Pito contained 96% and 97% moisture; 7.8% and 3.7% crude protein; 8.9% and 5.6% available carbohydrate; 0.39% and 0.31% crude fat; 0.3% and 0.2% crude fiber; 2.4% and 1.5% ash; and 459.3 and 164 kJ/g energy value, respectively. Obiolor and Pito (1.0 mL) scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl by 87% and 81%; superoxide ion by 65% and 59%; hydrogen peroxide by 79% and 76%; and hydroxyl radical by 82% and 85%, respectively. The beverages significantly reduced ferric ion. Aflatoxin B1-mediated increase in lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, and malondialdehydes) and protein carbonyl in the microsomes were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the beverages. The data obtained from this study show that the sorghum-based beverages (Obiolor and Pito) can serve as functional foods, as evident from their antioxidant capabilities in addition to their gross energy content.

Biochemical evaluation of leachate-contaminated groundwater on the kidney of Albino rats.

The effect of leachate-contaminated groundwater on the cells of the kidney was evaluated. Serum Na(+) concentration of control rats was observed to be 120+/-1.0 nmol/l while that of rat placed on simulated leachate was 180+/-4.0 nmol/l. Serum K(+), urea and creatinine concentrations of rats placed on simulated leachate and leachate-contaminated groundwater were significantly higher(p<0.05) than those of control rats. The activity of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the kidney and serum, respectively, observed for the control rats were (237+/-3.70 and 0.37+/-0.01)nmol/min/mg protein while (116+/-4.20 and 3.17+/-0.20)nmol/min/mg protein was the ALP activity of kidney and serum, respectively, observed for the rats placed on simulated leachate. Histological examination of the kidney of the control rats showed no visible lesion while that of rats placed on simulated leachate showed extensive necrosis of muscle fibres and cellular infiltration by macrophages. It is viewed that leachate-contaminated groundwater may damage kidney cells and impair renal function.