Africana Seeds Research Articles

Exploring the Small-Molecule Composition of Voacanga africana Seeds Using LADI-MS: An Interview with Rabi Musah

Plant seeds are a source of medicinal components used in human therapeutics. As a result, it is important that extraction methods are developed that can remove the bioactive compounds used for these therapeutics without damaging the plant tissue. In this “Focus on Environmental Analysis” column, LCGC sat down with Dr. Rabi Ann Musah from the University of Albany, who is currently researching methods to protect seed viability while isolating specific compounds. Musah's team used a technique called laser ablation direct analysis in real-time imaging–mass spectrometry (LADI–MS) to analyze the distribution of molecules, such as alkaloids, in Voacanga africana seeds.

Phytonutrients and Anti-Nutrient Composition of Aqueous Extract of Fermented Seeds of Prosopis africana

Prosopis africana is a perennial leguminous plant in the genus Prosopis. The seeds are used as food condiment. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical, proximate, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions of aqueous extract of fermented seeds of Prosopis africana. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. Assessment of the bioactive constituents was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed quantifiable levels of Steroid, phenols, triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponin. The result of the proximate analysis showed that fermented seeds of Prosopis africana contains moisture (50.51 ± 0.01%), ash (3.78± 0.004%), crude fat (4.45 ± 0.03%), crude fibre (2.49 ± 0.01%), crude protein (25.27 ± 0.07%) and Carbohydrates (13.56 ± 0.003%). The energy value was 195.37 Kcal/100g. Vitamins A (6.38 ± 0.001), vitamin C (36.77 ± 0.004), Vitamin D (0.43 ± 0.003) and vitamin E (0.84 ± 0.001) were present in the extract. The anti-nutrients detected were tannin (12.27 ± 0.06 mgGAE/kg), Phytate (3.68 ± 1.18 mg/kg), oxalate (44.36 ± 14.16 mg/kg), trypsin (4.72 ± 0.46 mg/kg) and cyanide (0.47 ± 0.14 ppm). A total of seventeen (17) bioactive constituents were found using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer which include 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3-amine, 2,5-Dihydroxyacetophenone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propionic acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene, Cycloheptasiloxane, 2-bromobutyloxychalcone, Cyclooctasiloxane, Fumaric acid, 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 4-(acridin-9—ylamino)-phenyl)-acetamide, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene), 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 1,2-Benzisothiazole-3-propanoic acid, 1,4-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene and Cyclotrisiloxane. This study showed that aqueous extract of Prosopis africana seed contains various compounds which are found useful for nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Investigation of Small-Molecule Constituents in Voacanga africana Seeds and Mapping of Their Spatial Distributions Using Laser Ablation Direct Analysis in Real-Time Imaging-Mass Spectrometry (LADI-MS).

Plant seeds are a renewable resource that can furnish access to medicinal natural products that can only otherwise be isolated from aerial or root parts, the harvest of which may be destructive to the plant or threaten its viability. However, optimization of the isolation of such compounds from seeds would be greatly assisted if the spatial distribution of the molecules of interest within the plant tissue were known. For example, iboga alkaloids that hold promise for the treatment of opioid use disorder are typically isolated from the leaves, bark, or roots of Tabernanthe or Voacanga spp. trees, but it would be more environmentally sustainable to isolate such compounds from their seeds. Here, we leveraged the unique capabilities of the ambient mass spectral imaging technique termed laser ablation direct analysis in real-time imaging-mass spectrometry (LADI-MS) to reveal the spatial distributions of a range of molecules, including alkaloids within V. africana seeds. In addition to six compounds previously reported in these seeds, namely, tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and Δ14-vincamine, an additional 31 compounds were newly identified in V. africana seeds. The compound classes included alkaloids, terpenes, and fatty acids. The ion images showed that the fatty acids were localized in the embryo of the seed. The alkaloids, which were mainly localized in the seed endosperm, included strictamine, akuammidine, polyneruidine, vobasine, and Δ14-vincamine. This information can be exploited to enhance the efficiency of secondary metabolite isolation from V. africana seeds while eliminating the destruction of other plant parts.

Optimum production of biodiesel by ultrasonication from novel candidature Kigelia africana seeds: A comparison of RSM and ANN expert systems

ABSTRACT Biodiesel production by ultrasonication was carried out from non- edible Kigelia africana oil using a novel heterogeneous base catalyst by the calcination of Pyrgostylus striatulus shells. A comparative study of expert optimization systems namely Response surface methodology (RSM) and Artificial neural intelligence (ANN) was executed on optimization of the process parameters for the transesterification process. The process parameters considered were alcohol to oil ratio (9:1 to 15:1 mol/mol), catalyst weight (3–5 wt.%) and ultrasonication time (30–60 min) on methanolysis process. Statistical error analysis was performed. Quadratic regression model with R2 value of 0.9854 and 0.9788 was observed for ANN and RSM, respectively. The results of the current work indicated ANN model was a cut above RSM. The physio-chemical properties of biodiesel produced were assessed and found to be within the standard ASTM limits indicating the bio-fuel to be suitable.

Physicochemical Characterization of Cellulose and Microcrystalline Cellulose from Cordia africana Lam. Seeds

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore Cordia africana seeds as an alternative source of cellulose and MCC due to depletion of the major commercial sources such as wood pulp, and cotton. Cellulose was extracted from Cordia africana seeds employing a chlorine-free treatment approach, followed by partial depolymerization using acid hydrolysis to obtain microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The untreated seeds, as-extracted cellulose, and MCC were investigated for yield, chemical composition, functionality, crystallinity, morphology, diameter, and thermal stability. The cellulose content increased from 30% (w/w) in the untreated seeds to 80.2% (w/w) in cellulose and 88.1% (w/w) in the MCC. The removal of non-cellulosic constituents was confirmed by the results obtained from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The crystallinity index of as-obtained cellulose and MCC increased from 32.38% (untreated seeds) to 68.28 (cellulose) and 73.19% (MCC) with chemical treatments. The extracted samples exhibited characteristic peaks of Cellulose I at around 15°, 16°, 22°, and 34°. Th e TGA/DTG results confirmed the cellulose and MCC had higher thermal stability than the untreated seeds. This study shows that cellulose and MCC can be obtained from unexploited source, Cordia africana seeds, for promising applications in various industries.

Breaking Seed Dormancy of Prosopis africana Seeds and its Effects on Seedlings Growth under Two Different Savanna Soils Conditions

Forest trees across the tropics can be effectively domesticated and conserved for afforestation programmes after successful overcoming by breaking the dormancy of their seed coats. The study was conducted at Forest Nursery Unit of Federal University Dutsin-Ma to assess the breaking dormancy of Prosopis africana seeds and its effects on seedlings growth under two different savanna soils conditions. A 2x5 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design was used for this experiment in four replicates. The factors were savannah soils locations; (ZA: Zaria soil and DS: Dutsin-ma soil) and pre-sowing treatments; Seeds soaked in 60% diluted Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) (A); seeds soaked in hot water at 1000C (HW); seeds soaked in water for 24 hours (W); mechanical scarification (MS); control (C). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance at (P=.05). Zaria soil had significantly higher values (8.55cm, 12.65cm and 17.65cm, 0.15cm and 0.17cm, and 262.05, and 0.12) on seedling heights (SH) at 4-8 weeks after sowing (WAS), collar diameters (CD) at 4-6 WAS, and leaflet areas (LA) at 4 WAS respectively. Mechanically scarified seeds (MS) had consistent significantly higher values (6.54cm, 13.79cm, 19.90cm, 25.13cm and 29.15cm, 0.15cm, 0.19cm, 0.21cm, 0.25cm and 0.29cm, and 0.14, 0.16, 0.19, 0.20 and 0.23) on SH, CD, and LA at 2-10 WAS respectively. It is concluded that seeds sowed in Zaria soil performed better than Dutsin-ma soil, while, mechanical scarification was the best pre-sowing treatment for improved seedlings growth of P. africana seeds.

In-Situ Transesterification of Biodiesel Synthesized from Ampelocissus Africana Seed Oil Using (MgO/Al2O3) Catalyst

Biodiesel is an unconventional fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters also achieved essentially from the base catalyzed transesterification reaction of oils or fats. It is utilized clean haven’t require single alteration in the diesel engine and also biodiesel does not contain in consequential amount of sulphur. Consequently, biodiesel is presently the preeminent alternate for petro diesel. Biodiesel was synthesized using one step trasesterification reaction using magnesium oxide over aluminum oxide (MgO/Al2O3) at different ratio 5%, 10% and 15%. Moreoverthe biodiesel were analyzed using 6890N network GC/MS and physicochemical analysis cared out are compared according to international standardvia American Society of Testing Material (ASTMD-6751) the results obtain were: Acid value (0.1, 0.1, 0.2mgKOH/g), Density(0.64, 0.82, 0.71g/cm3) Iodine value (0.70, 0.52, 0.70mgI2/100g), Saponification value (0.10, 0.28, 0.63mgKOH/g), and Water & Sediment level (0.002, 0.002, 0.002) for sample A, B, and C, more ever the percentage yield obtained were (51%, 50%, 50.5%) for A, B, and C.

Influence of various temperatures, seed priming treatments and durations on germination and growth of the medicinal plant Aspilia africana

For millennia, Aspilia africana has been used across Africa to treat various diseases including malaria, wounds, and diabetes. In this study, temperature influenced the in vitro germination of A. africana with highest final germination percentage (FGP) and germination index (GI) of 65.0 ± 7.64% and 2.26 ± 0.223, respectively, at 19.8 °C. Priming seeds with H2O, KNO3, and GA3 (gibberellic acid 3) improved both in vitro germination and ex vitro emergence of A. africana seeds. Seed priming with 1.44 times 10^{ - 3 } M GA3 produced overall highest in vitro FGP (from 90.0 ± 4.08% to 100 ± 0.00%) and GI (from 2.97 ± 0.385 to 3.80 ± 0.239) across all priming durations. Seeds primed with KNO3 had better germination parameters for 6 and 12 h compared to 18 and 24 h. Furthermore, the highest in vitro FGP (100 ± 0.00%) was observed in seeds primed for 12 h with 1.44 times 10^{ - 3 } M GA3. Ex vitro A. africana seed emergence was significantly enhanced by GA3 priming. Priming A. africana seeds with H2O, KNO3, and GA3 improved their growth after 3 months, with the overall best growth for seeds primed with 2.89 times 10^{ - 4 } M GA3. Seed priming of A. africana is a feasible approach for improving germination and seed emergence, and enhancing plant growth.

Seed dispersal phenology of encroaching woody species in the Free State National Botanical Garden, South Africa

AbstractWe investigated seed dispersal phenology of bird‐dispersed and encroaching woody species in the Free State National Botanical Garden (FSNBG), South Africa, over a 12‐month period. Results from defecated seeds' collection in 17 roosting sites show that a total of 22,161 seeds belonging to 14 woody species under 11 families were eaten and dispersed by foraging birds with seeds of six species being frequently dispersed. The native species had a larger number of dispersed bird‐ingested seeds than the alien and invasive species. Seeds' collection suggested that out of five fruiting species, birds mostly preferred the red (Ziziphus mucronata, Ehretia rigida and Viscum rotundifolium) and black fruits (Olea europaea subsp. africana and Diospyros lyciodes). Ziziphus mucronata and O. subsp. africana seeds were dispersed in significantly higher numbers between March and July (mean ± SE: 47.1 ± 11.6; 51.4 ± 9.0), while Searsia lancea and E. rigida were mostly dispersed between August and December (221.6 ± 74.1; 373.6 ± 91.5)—a dichotomy that could minimise competition for dispersal agents while sustaining the resident bird species. Over 480 h of camera trapping, 22 bird species were captured, of which seven displayed high foraging frequency, and were resident in behaviour, while six species were migratory and colonial avian frugivores, including two alien bird species. We conclude that the reported bush encroachment is a likely result of high propagule pressure by resident frugivorous birds and colonial wintering birds in FSNBG, together with low fruit diversity in the grassland habitat.

Ameliorative Effect of Prosopis africana Seed Extract on Cobalt Chloride Induced Cerebellar Toxicity: Neurobehavioural, Histomorphological and Biochemical Findings

Cobalt toxicity from industrial exposure and medical metal prosthesis has been linked to neurological problems such as motor dysfunction. The goal of this study was to find out whether Prosopis africana (PA) seed extract had ameliorative effects on the cerebellum of adult Wistar rats exposed to cobalt chloride (CoCl2). 60 male Wistar rats were grouped into 4 (n=15). Rats were treated with CoCl2 or CoCl2 in combination with PA seed extract (PAE) at 50mg or 100mg orally for 14 days. Control rats received distilled water for the same period. The findings showed that CoCl2 caused neurobehavioural impairment in rats by reducing exploratory activities, increasing anxiety, and significantly (p<0.05) reducing hanging latency along with a low limb impairment score. Co-treatment with PAE on the other hand, enhanced these parameters to levels comparable to control, reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cerebellar tissues, while also improving superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Furthermore, PAE50mg or 100mg significantly (p<0.05) reduced proinflammatory biomarkers such as Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). In the histology and immunohistochemistry, CoCl2 treated groups showed severe cytoplasmic vacuolations and nuclei fragmentation in Purkinje neurons, as well as elevated astrocytic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which was alleviated by PAE therapy. Thus, when PAE was administered, cerebellar Purkinje cell integrity was improved, antioxidant status was boosted, and lipid peroxidation in the cerebellum was suppressed. Hence, PAE ameliorated CoCl2 induced alterations by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing anti-oxidant enzyme status and decreasing inflammation.

Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Some Edible Wild Seeds and Stem in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Benue State is endowed with numerous varieties of useful plants whose fruits, seeds, roots, stems and leaves serve important roles in nutrition but unfortunately many of these plants have not been put to maximum use. The neglect of these forest food plants is attributed to inadequate information on their nutritional potential to serve as food. The broad objective of the study was to examine the nutritional composition of Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds. Carbohudrate content was found to be the most abundant nutrient in all the plant species studied when compared with other nutrients. The highest carbohydrate content (58.22±0.2%) was found in Cissus populnea stem followed by carbohydrate content in Afzelia africana seeds (51.36±0.01%). The least carbohydrate content of 35.68±0.06% was found in the fruits of Vitellaria paradoxa. There were significant variations in the concentrations of nutrients screened from the 5 selected plants at p>0.05 level. Proximate analysis showed that Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds were good sources of minerals such as Calcium,Magnesium, Potassium, iron and Chlorine. Potassium had the highest concentration in all the plant species when compared with other nutrients. The highest Potassium content (32.92±0.59%) was found in Vitellaria paradoxa fruits followed by Potassium content of 25.15±0.07% in Afzelia africana seeds. However, Potassium content between Prosopis africana seeds (15.77±0.81%) and Cissus populnea stem (15.77±0.61%) were not significantly different. The least concentration of Potassium was found in Parkia biglobosa seeds (8.03±0.11%). The mean quantities of minerals found in the plant species that were screened differ significantly at P<0.05 level. It was concluded that Vitellaria paradoxa fruits, Cissus populnea stem, Afzelia africana seeds, Parkia biglobosa seeds and Prosopis africana seeds were good sources of nutrients and major minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and chlorine. Diabetic persons need to be careful about the consumption of these plant species. It was recommended that efforts should be made to conserve and protect these plant species through domestication as they are rich sources of nutrients.

Germination and seedling growth in Afzelia africana Sm. ex. Pers.

This study determined the best pre–treatment regime required for germination of the seeds of Afzelia africana Sm.Ex.Pers. and also provided information on the early growth parameters of the plant seedlings. Seeds of A. africana were collected from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife (Lat 7° 32'N, Long 4° 31'E) and authenticated at the IFE-herbarium. One hundred and twenty five (125) seeds were sown per treatment (n=5 with 5 replicates and 5 repeats). Five (5) seeds each were sown in small petri dishes, without pre–treatment (control), or treated by subjecting to mechanical scarification and chemical scarification using Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H SO ) and Trioxonitrate (V) acid (HNO3 ) for germination studies. Germination counts were made at an interval of 2 days. For the six different pre–treatments, five seedlings per plastic bowl were transferred into soil in a total of twenty plastic bowls laid out in a randomized design and their growth monitored for 40 weeks. Results showed that pre–treatment of seeds with mechanical scarification gave the highest percentage germination. Significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) occurred in the shoot height and in the number of leaves between 4 and 12 weeks of growth. The study established that pre–treatment with mechanical scarification was the best for uniform germination of seeds of the plant. This study has provided alternative means of pretreating A. africana seeds apart from using H2SO4 – the first to subject seeds to mechanical scarification and 2 4 chemical scarification using HNO3 , in addition to providing information on the germination parameters and the seedling growth rate of Afzelia africana.
 Key words: Propagation, Growth, Acid, Scarification

Comparative Extraction Performance of Solvent Systems in the Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Prosopis Africana Seed Gum

Pectin was separately extracted in warm water bath from sun-dried and crushed Prosopis africana seed gum, using 0.05 M solutions of HCl, H2SO4, CH3COOH, C6H8O7 and a 3:2 blend of (H2SO4: C6H8O7). The physicochemical properties of pectin extracted from the Prosopis africana seed gum shows the following: colour varied from beige-brown to wheat brown, equivalent weight (1,818.18 mg/mol to 25,000 mg/mol), methoxyl content (0.124 % to 1.705 %), moisture content (12 % to 38 %) and ash content (2 %) for all the solvent system used. Also, the comparative solvent performance shows that the H2SO4:C6H8O7 solvent blend was the most effective for pectin extraction followed by the solvent HCl and H2SO4, while C6H8O7 was the least effective. The comparative pectin yield of Prosopis africana seed gum using selected acid solvent ranged from 6.94 % to 15.28 %. Among the solvents under study, the H2SO4:C6H8O7 solvent blend gave the highest pectin yield (15.28 %) with beige-brown, low methoxyl pectin of high purity and could be used as a functional food ingredient domestically and industrially

Cytotoxic active ingredients from the seeds of Voacanga africana

Voacanga africana is a medicinal tree used in Ghana in West Africa for treatment of various diseases. Using MTT assay-guided separation, 6 compounds were isolated and identified. Compound 1 was a new compound, and the rest 5 compounds were 3-oxo-tabersonine (2), 3α- acetonylvoafrine B (3), lochnericine (4), 17,18-dehydrovincamine (5) and tabersonine (6). Amongst these compounds, tabersonine exhibited a remarkable cytotoxic activity and the IC50 value of tabersonine on 10 types of human cancer cell lines range from 4.8 ± 0.4 µg/mL to 22.5 ± 1.4 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity of tabersonine may be through inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, this study is the first report about the isolation and evaluation of anti-tumor components in Voacanga africana seeds. From these results, the alkaloid compound tabersonine could be considered as a potential anti-tumor agent.

Suitability of bacterial fermentation and foil packaging of condiment from African mesquite (Prosopis africana) seeds for nutritional retention and commercialization

The process for bacterial fermentation and foil packaging of condiment (‘Okpeye’) from African mesquite seeds was described and its nutritional enrichment and packaging improvement for commercialization were verified. The seeds (1 Kg) were cleaned, washed and boiled in autoclave at 121°C for 2 h, cooled, drained, de-hulled and divided into two portions of 300 g each. One portion was placed in sterile paw-paw leaves (BL), inoculated and tightly wrapped with the leaves to ferment for 4 days. The remaining portion was placed in aluminium foil, inoculated and wrapped tightly with the foil (BF). Seeds processed by the traditional method served as control (TL and TF). The condiments were subjected to selected nutritional composition and sensory analyses. Moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) higher for TL product than TF and could indicate that higher moisture was absorbed from the leaves during fermentation of de-hulled seeds than from the foil. Negligible differences were found in the ash and carbohydrate contents of the samples. Crude protein contents were higher for bacterial fermented products (26.70-27.53%) than traditional products (18.07-18.67%). The BL condiment was preferred to others and was overall most acceptable. The study advocates bacterial fermentation for the production of the condiment, its cubing and packaging in the foil; for nutrient retention and income generation. Key words: Mesquite seeds, condiment, Bacillus species, fermentation, foil packaging.

Phytochemical and Antiulcer Activity Screening of Seed Extract of Cordia africana Lam (Boraginaceae) in Pyloric Ligated Rats.

IntroductionPeptic ulcer disease represents a worldwide health problem because of its high morbidity, mortality and economic loss. It is a very prevalent condition affecting around 10%–15% of the general population worldwide. Most of the available antiulcer drugs are costly and have an incidence of relapse, drug interactions and several side effects upon chronic usage. Hence, the use of herbal medicine may be safe, economical and effective in such cases when drugs are used for long periods. Ethnobotanical reports showed traditional claims on the use of Cordia africana seeds for the treatment of gastric ulcers. However, the safety and efficacy of these remedies are not well known. The aim of this study is, therefore, to evaluate the antiulcer activity and safety of a crude extract of C. africana seeds in animal models.MethodsShade-dried seeds of C. africana were extracted by 80% methanol and dried by the rotator evaporator and lyophilized. The crude extract was used to evaluate antiulcer activity in vivo with pylorus ligation method, on Wistar albino rats weighing 230–250g. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using a standard procedure. Acute toxicity study was carried out in Swiss albino mice before antiulcer activity tests.ResultsNo sign of toxicity was observed upon the administration of 2000 mg/kg of the crude extract to mice. Single-dose administration of 400 and 600 mg/kg extract showed a significant reduction in the volume of secretion and acidity of the stomach (p <0.01). The doses 400 and 600 mg/kg have reduced the ulcer score by 83.58% and 88%.ConclusionThe result of this study showed that the hydromethanolic crude extract of C. africana has strong antisecretory and ulcer protective activities against ulcers produced by pylorus ligation.

Influence of Pre-sowing Treatments on the Germination of Prosopis africana (Guill. and Perr.) Taub. Seeds

Aims: The application of pre-sowing treatment has greatly improved the germination of seeds of tree species used in afforestation programmes all over the world. This study aimed to determine the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Prosopis africana seeds.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from 11th November to 30th December 2019atthe Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Ten seeds each were soaked in ten treatments: tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) for 10, 20 and 30 minutes; hot water for 6, 12 and 24 hours; and cold water for 3, 5 and 7 days. Ten seeds from each of the treatments were sown in a germination box containing sterilized river bank sand and each replicated five (5) times. Percentage germinations for each treatment were arcsine transformed, subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% probability level.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in germination. The seeds treated with acid for 30 minutes had the highest mean (51.405) and standard deviation (8.983), seeds soaked in cold water for 3 days and 7 days had no germination.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that soaking Prosopis africana seeds for 30 minutes in H2SO4 breaks its dormancy, hence, was recommended for improved seed germination.

Characterization of Malaria Preventive Extracts from Myrsine africana Seeds

Introduction: The use of pharmaceutical anti-malaria drugs in many rural areas is not common. Various plant extracts have been used as anti-plasmodial agents. Myrsine africana seed extracts are common anti-malaria agents amongst the Maasai community of Kenya.&#x0D; Aims: This study aimed at characterizing the chemical constituents of methanolic, aqua and n-hexane extracts of Myrsine africana seeds.&#x0D; Study Design: An independent measures design was used.&#x0D; Methodology: The extracts were obtained by maceration of the seeds before subjecting to physical-chemical analysis, functional groups, bio-metal concentrations and phytochemicals screening. Antibacterial studies were conducted using E. coli and S. aureus. The extracts were thereafter screened for presence of quinine and chloroquine by UV VIS spectroscopy.&#x0D; Results: The results indicated the extracts were weakly acidic with moderate solid content. The FT-IR peaks of the extracts indicated abundance of carboxylic acids and benzylic groups. The extracts had a moderate iron concentration with mild copper, cobalt and zinc concentrations. The extracts were also rich in tannins, phenols, saponins, alkaloids and steroids. The antibacterial proficiency of both stains used increased with concentration of extracts and were highest at 50.0 mg/mL. Methanolic and water extracts of the seeds also showed appreciable quinines and chloroquinines concentrations.&#x0D; Conclusions: M. africana seed methanolic and water extracts can be used as anti-plasmodial drugs to help curb malaria in rural tropical regions.

Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage and Effect of Prosopis africana Seeds Extract on Liver Marker Enzymes of Wistar Albino Rats

This study was carried to determine the effect of Prosopis africana seed extract after induction of paracetamol in Wistar albino rats to ascertain its ameliorating capacities in terms of liver damage. The assay was done on alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and hematological parameters. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats with an average weight of 120-180 g were used for this investigation. The P. africana seeds were extracted by maceration after 24 h fermentation in chloroform-methanol ratio 2:1. The animals were administered 2500 mg/kg of paracetamol upon 24 h starvation to induce liver damage. After administering 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW), the extract showed no acute toxicity. Serum alanine phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels decreased in all the test groups as compared to paracetamol group. The results depicted that P. africana seeds extract are effective in the regeneration of the damaged liver cells by averting enzyme leakage into the bloodstream.&#x0D;

Improved germination of threatened medicinal Prunus africana for better domestication: effects of temperature, growth regulators and salts

Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon. However, the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 months. This study aimed to improve seed germination of P. africana by germinating at different temperatures (4 °C, 28 °C) using different concentrations of growth stimulators (sodium nitrate and gibberellic acid) and different concentrations of salts. P. africana seeds had 91.7% germination at 4 °C after 1 month of storage. Growth regulators considerably influenced germination after 6 months and reached 66.0% with 10 mM gibberellic acid and 100% with 10 mM sodium nitrate. Approximately three shoots per seed were developed, an indication of polyembryony. Histochemical analyses revealed the presence of protein-like bodies close to the embryo axis and accumulations of starch after 7 days of germination. After 14 days, amyloplasts and dark protein bodies of various sizes were observed. The outcome of this study will contribute to improve the germination of P. africana for better domestication and conservation.