Alchornea Cordifolia Research Articles

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis and Phytochemical Screening of Polyherbal Aqueous Leaves Extract (PALE)

Background: Polyherbal plant extracts which usually comprise of two or more plant parts often contain a wide array of key phytoactive constituents relevant in attaining greater therapeutic efficacy. The active constituents derived from individual plants are insufficient to provide attractive pharmacological action when compared to a combination of multiple herbs.
 Objective: To conduct phytochemical screening of polyherbal aqueous leaf extracts (PALE) and analysis of compounds present in it by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
 Materials and Methods: The polyherbal extract was prepared from the combined aqueous extracts of leaves of Alchornea cordifolia, Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum using ratio 1:1:1 w/v. Phytochemical screening was done via standard analytical methods. The identification and characterization of compounds by GC-MS analysis was performed on gas chromatography system coupled with mass spectrometry.
 Results: The phytochemical analysis of PALE revealed the presence of phenols, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins in varying quantities. GC-MS analysis of the extract depicts the presence of key bioactive compounds. Thirty-two bioactive compounds were identified with various retention time and % peaks. The major compounds identified in terms of % peak area are n-Hexadecanoic acid (6.72), Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (7.28), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (16.54) and 9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (12.92). Disulfide, dimethyl (0.04), 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (0.28), 1-Dodecanol (0.85), 10-Phenyldecanoic acid (0.12), 1-Hexadecanol (0.75), Methoxyacetic acid, pentadecyl ester (0.27), 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, phenylmethyl ester (0.16), Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) (1.09), were among the minor compounds identified in the extract. From the study, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid indicated the highest peak with a retention time of 20.556 minutes and % peak area of 16.54%.
 Conclusion: The presence of the revealed bioactive constituents in PALE may suggest its nutraceutical, pharmacological and therapeutic relevance. Therefore, in view of the medicinal importance associated with the observed bioactive constituents, further studies on the toxicity level of the extract is advised subsequently.

Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants from a Sub-Saharan African Country against Bacterial Pathogens from Post-Operative Wound Infections.

Background: Globally, the application of medicinal plants in the management of acute and chronic wounds can be considered a common occurrence in most traditional medicine practices. In view of this, many plants in the tropical and subtropical regions have been screened for their wound-healing activities. Consequently, plants having antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MD-R) pathogens can be considered great assets. Therefore, this study evaluated ethanolic and aqueous extracts of five medicinal plants (Psidium guajava, Myrianthus arboreus, Alchornea cordifolia, Momordica charantia, and Justicia flava) for their antimicrobial activities against MD-R bacterial pathogens isolated from post-operative wounds; Methods: This involved the aqueous and ethanolic extraction of the selected medicinal plants. Preliminary phytochemical constituents of the plants were examined. The agar well diffusion method was then used to determine the antibacterial activity of the leaves against reference strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain) as well as the MDR clinical isolates (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and CoNS) from the wounds; Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaves showed the presence of saponins, phenolics, and reducing sugars in almost all the plants tested. All plant extracts were observed to have some antimicrobial activity against at least one reference strain. For the clinical MDR isolates, A. cordifolia from this study showed highest inhibition to growth of all bacteria used. Activity of J. flava against S. aureus was highest as compared to that of E.coli and P. aeruginosa. Similar observation was made for M. arboreus, P. guajava and M. charantia where the highest activity was observed against S. aureus; Conclusion: This study has mainly shown that P. guajava, M. arboreus, A. cordifolia, M. charantia, and J. flava exhibits antimicrobial activities against MD-R bacterial pathogens isolated from post-operative wounds. Also, these plants has bioactive phytochemical compounds with potential medicinal values for the treatment of numerous infections. Therefore, these plants may be helpful in the management of acute and chronic wounds, especially in traditional medicine practices.

Ethno - Medicinal Studies of Finima Nature Park - A Protected Tropical Rain Forest

Objective: This study was aimed at conducting a pilot survey of the ethno-medicinal plants in Finima Nature Park (FNP), Bonny, Nigeria, to elicit common medicinal plants and their uses. 
 Method: A set of structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from three key informants (Traditional Medicine Practitioners-TMPs) and 62 household heads on the local medicinal utilization of plants in FNP. Plant utilization and preferences, perceived conservation status and use values were documented.
 Results: Eighty-three (83) plant species belonging to 45 Botanical families were frequently collected from FNP for local medicinal purposes. Rubiaceae was the most abundant (8%) plant family while the plant forms showed trees (46%), herbs (23%), shrubs (21%) and ferns (3%). Plant parts used for local medicine included leaves (44%), stem/barks (21%), roots (16%), whole plant (5%), fruits (5%), seeds (6%), tubers (2%) and flowers (1%). Infectious diseases were the most treated (30%), urogenital and endocrine diseases - such as thyroid (15%) and abdominal diseases (11%). Oral (62%) and dermal (30%) constitutes the main modes of administration. Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. had the highest use value (3.5 - 4) while Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Alchornea cordifolia Schumach. & Thonn had the least (1). Perceived conservation status of medicinal plants by respondents revealed scarce (9%), threatened (31%) and abundance (60%).
 Conclusion: Finima Nature Park (FNP) is a repository of medicinal genetic resource and as such, its conservation should be upheld.

Extracts of endophytic fungi from leaves of selected Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants exhibited antioxidant activity

BackgroundPlants with an ethnobotanical history are known to harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which constitute major natural sources of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi from eight Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of Acalypha ornata, Albizia zygia, Alchornea cordifolia, Chrysophyllum albidum, Ficus exasperata, Gomphrena celosioides, Millettia thonningii, and Newbouldia laevis.MethodsEndophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of selected plants via surface sterilization. Isolated fungi were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence analysis. Pure fungal strains were subjected to fermentation process on solid rice medium and metabolites extracted using ethyl-acetate. Fungal crude extracts were screened for antioxidant activity using 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reduction of ferric ion assays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was used to identify the major chemical constituents in active fungal extracts.ResultsA total of eighteen fungal endophytes with fungal codes CU (061 and 062); ZA (161, 162, 163, and 164); LO (261); CA (041, 042, and 043); FE (081, 082, and 084); GE (091); MO (211 and 212); and NA (021 and 022) were isolated from the eight ethnomedicinal plants A. ornata, A. zygia, A. cordifolia, C. albidum, F. exasperata, G. celosioides, M. thonningii, and N. laevis respectively. ZA 163 and MO 211 fungal extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 50.53 ± 0.01 and 86.69 ± 0.02 μg/ml respectively. Fungal extract CA 041 demonstrated significantly (p < 0.01) higher iron chelating activity than standard gallic acid with absorbance values of 0.803 and 1.107 at 250 and 500 μg/ml concentrations respectively. Pyrogallol, phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-, phytol, dl-alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocospiro, oleamide, methyl stearate, oleic acid, palmitic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, urs-12-en-24-oic acid, 3-oxo-, methyl ester, lup-20(29)-en-3-one, and lupeol were detected in the selected active extracts.ConclusionThese results showed that leaves of the selected Nigerian plants harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which can be potential antioxidant resource.Graphical abstract

Pharmacophore-Guided Identification of Natural Products as Potential Inhibitors of Mycobacterium ulcerans Cystathionine γ-Synthase MetB

Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans) is identified by a pain-free cyst or edema which develops into a massive skin ulcer if left untreated. There are reports of chemoresistance, toxicity, noncompliance, and poor efficacy of current therapeutic options. Previously, we used cheminformatics approaches to identify potential antimycobacterial compounds targeting major receptors in M. ulcerans. In this paper, we sought to identify potential bioactive compounds by targeting Cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS) MetB, a key receptor involved in methionine synthesis. Inhibition of methionine synthesis restricts the growth of M. ulcerans. Two potent inhibitors Juglone (IC50 0.7 +/− 0.7 µmol/L) and 9-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone (IC50 0.9 +/− 0.1 µmol/L) were used to generate 3D chemical feature pharmacophore model via LigandScout with a score of 0.9719. The validated model was screened against a pre-filtered library of 2530 African natural products. Compounds with fit scores above 66.40 were docked against the structure of CGS to generate hits. Three compounds, namely Gentisic 5-O glucoside (an isolate of African tree Alchornea cordifolia), Isoscutellarein (an isolate of Theobroma plant) and ZINC05854400, were identified as potential bioactive molecules with high binding affinities of −7.1, −8.4 and −8.4 kcal/mol against CGS, respectively. Novel structural insight into the binding mechanisms was elucidated using LigPlot+ and molecular dynamics simulations. All three molecules were predicted to possess antibacterial, anti-ulcerative, and dermatological properties. These compounds have the propensity to disrupt the methionine synthesis mechanisms with the potential of stagnating the growth of M. ulcerans. As a result of reasonably good pharmacological profiling, the three drug-like compounds are potential novel scaffolds that can be optimized into antimycobacterial molecules.

Botanical Medicines Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Alchornea cordifolia Demonstrate Inhibitory Activity Against Babesia duncani.

Human babesiosis is a CDC reportable disease in the United States and is recognized as an emerging health risk in multiple parts of the world. The current treatment for human babesiosis is suboptimal due to treatment failures and unwanted side effects. Although Babesia duncani was first described almost 30 years ago, further research is needed to elucidate its pathogenesis and clarify optimal treatment regimens. Here, we screened a panel of herbal medicines and identified Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Alchornea cordifolia, and Polygonum cuspidatum to have good in vitro inhibitory activity against B. duncani in the hamster erythrocyte model. Furthermore, we found their potential bioactive compounds, cryptolepine, artemisinin, artesunate, artemether, and baicalein, to have good activity against B. duncani, with IC50 values of 3.4 μM, 14 μM, 7.4 μM, 7.8 μM, and 12 μM, respectively, which are comparable or lower than that of the currently used drugs quinine (10 μM) and clindamycin (37 μM). B. duncani treated with cryptolepine and quinine at their respective 1×, 2×, 4× and 8× IC50 values, and by artemether at 8× IC50 for three days could not regrow in subculture. Additionally, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta 90% ethanol extract also exhibited no regrowth after 6 days of subculture at doses of 2×, 4×, and 8× IC50 values. Our results indicate that some botanical medicines and their active constituents have potent activity against B. duncani in vitro and may be further explored for more effective treatment of babesiosis.

Antifungal activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants against germination and growth of Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara in culture

Abstract. Authors. 2021. Antifungal activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants against germination and growth of Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara in culture. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 19: 25-29. Cowpea is an important grain and leafy vegetable in many tropical locations. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara is one of the several factors constraining the economic production of the crop in warm humid areas. Use of resistant varieties and synthetic pesticides for control of the disease in the crop are disadvantaged for variability of the pathogen, leading to resistance failure of cultivars in many cowpea growing areas; and pesticide residues in the treated crops which ultimately engender mammalian toxicity respectively. This study evaluated the effects of Alchornea cordifolia, Tabernaemontana pachysiphon and Lantana camara as eco-friendly fungicides against the pathogen in culture. The results showed that the extracts inhibited the fungus in a dose-wise manner. At 75 and100 % concentrations, L. camara strongly inhibited the spore germination and radial growth of the fungus better than all concentrations of T. pachysiphon and A. cordifolia; whereas A. cordifolia extracts exhibited the lowest inhibition at all concentrations. Generally, the fungitoxicity of benomyl was found higher which inhibited 90.15 % spore germination and 96.32 % radial growth of the pathogen. However, at 75%, 100% L. camara and 100% T. pachysiphon which significantly (P?0.05) inhibited (80.02%, 84.21 % and 80.91%) spore germination and (87.33%, 90.87 % and 85. %) radial growth of the fungus respectively compared well with inhibition effects recorded from benomyl. Therefore these plants can be used as viable protectants of cowpea against anthracnose (C. destructivum) in small holder farming systems of the humid tropics; to enhance its production and farm economy.

Evaluation of some Medicinal Plants for Green Belt Development in Rock Quarrying Locations at Lokpaukwu, Abia State, Nigeria

This study evaluated air pollution tolerance plants as well as anticipated performance indices of some medicinal plants growing in the Lokpaukwu rock quarrying area in order ascertain their suitability for green belt development. Two quarry locations A which is older and has a higher level of activity, and B were used for the study with a control location at Abia State University, Uturu. Out of the sixteen dominant plant species identified, five species; Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia pubescens, Napoleona imperialis, Nauclea latifolia and Vitex doniana. were randomly selected for the study. Leaf samples were randomly collected in triplicate from the lowest branch of each selected plants with similar characteristics. Relative water content of plants was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) at the study area suggesting stomatal occlusion by dust while chlorophyll content was significantly lower at the quarry sites, a clear indication of pollution stress. Chlorophyll content was also lower in all plants at site B, being significant in N. imperialis and V. doniana. N. imperialis had the highest APTI of 19.15 at the quarry site suggesting suitability for green belt development at the quarry site. Based on API, V. doniana is the most suitable for green belt development among the five plant species.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of three antimalarial plants of Ivorian floral

In order to identify new antimalarial plants, phytochemical study was carried out on three plant matrices belonging to Euphorbiaceae family. Phytochemical screening mentioned the co-presence of several phytocompounds, which are involved in observed antioxidant potential. These results were confirmed by different dosages (polyphenols, flavonoids and total condensed tannins). In view of the relative similarity of the molecular fingerprints of Alchornea cordifolia (control plant, recognized as an antimalarial) and the stem bark of Ricinodendron heudelotii, we can be affirmed that the latter could be classified in restricted list of antimalarial plants. Therefore, it would be more recommended in malaria access management

Mineral Composition of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in the Kwilu Province (Congo-Kinshasa)

The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of 10 plants especially Alchornea cordifolia, Alternanthera bettzickiana, Annona senegalensis, Cyttaranthus congolensis, Dissotis brazzae, Justicia secunda, Harungana madagascariensis, Hura crepitans, Hypoxis angustifolia and Vigna unguiculata used in the management of sickle cell disease by traditional practitioners in Kwilu Province. The Plants collection was done at Kwilu province, sample were evaluated through fluorescence spectrometric analysis. These plants were harvested in Kwilu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo The mineral composition analysis was carried out using the fluorescence spectrometric method. This study revealed presence of Twenty-three (23) mineral elements, in each of these plants among others: Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl) and trace elements such as: Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Bromine (Br), Molybdenum (Mo), Tin (Sn), Iodine (I), Barium (Ba) and Lead (Pb). Iron, Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Manganese (Mn) are mineral elements that are related to sickle cell disease. Of all these elements, Potassium and Calcium were in a higher content while Lead, Tin, Bromine, Copper and Nickel are in trace amounts. The correlation coefficients obtained between the mineral elements are significant. The presence of some mineral elements like Fe, Zn, mg and Se can be useful for sickle cell disease patients.

Effects of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract on the mechanical properties of mild steel in acidic medium

The effect of Alchornea Cordifolia leaf extract on the mechanical properties of mild steel in acidic medium was studied using weight loss method. The first sample was not introduced to any medium. It served as the control1 sample. The second sample was introduced to a medium containing 0.2M Sulphuric acid solution in the absence of the Alchornea Cordifolia leaves extract for 21 days, while the third sample was immersed in a vessel containing 0.2M sulphuric2 acid and 0.5g/L of Alchornea Cordifolia leaves extract as an inhibitor for 21 days. Results obtained showed a substantial improvement on the mechanical properties of mild steel exposed to the medium with the inhibitor.&#x0D; Keywords: Mechanical Properties, Corrosion, Inhibition, Alchornea Cordifolia, Sulphuric acid

Deeper Insights on Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg Extracts: Chemical Profiles, Biological Abilities, Network Analysis and Molecular Docking.

Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. is a well-known African medicinal plant traditionally used for various healing purposes. In the present study, methanolic, ethyl acetate and infusion extracts of A. cordifolia leaves were studied for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents and screened for their chemical composition. Moreover, the enzyme (acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities on HepG2: human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, B16 4A5: murine melanoma cells, and S17: murine bone marrow (normal) cells of extracts were evaluated. Finally, components-targets and docking analyzes were conducted with the aim to unravel the putative mechanisms underlying the observed bio-pharmacological effects. Interestingly, the infusion and methanolic extracts showed significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared with the ethyl acetate extract (TPC: 120.38–213.12 mg GAE/g and TFC: 9.66–57.18 mg RE/g). Besides, the methanolic extracts followed by the infusion extracts were revealed to contain a higher number of compounds (84 and 74 compounds, respectively), while only 64 compounds were observed for the ethyl acetate extract. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, shikimic acid, rutin, quercetin, myricetin, vitexin, quercitrin, kaempferol, and naringenin were among the compounds that were commonly identified in all the studied extracts. Additionally, the methanolic and infusion extracts displayed higher antioxidant capacity than ethyl acetate extract in all assays performed. In ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, the methanol extract (500.38 mg TE/g for DPPH and 900.64 mg TE/g for ABTS) exhibited the best ability, followed by the water and ethyl acetate extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited differential enzyme inhibitory profiles. In particular, the methanolic and infusion extracts showed better cytotoxic selectivity activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overall, this study demonstrated A cordifolia to be a species worthy of further investigations, given its richness in bioactive phytochemicals and wide potentialities for antioxidants and pharmacological agents.

Nutrient intake and digestibility of selected browse plants fed in combination with Panicum maximum to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks

A study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of Panicum maximum fed in combination with selected browse plants to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Four intact West African dwarf (WAD) bucks of mean body weight 17.50kg were used to conduct digestibility study in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Four forage combinations, diets A, B, C and D were fed to the goats. Diet A, the control, was 100% Panicum maximuni, while diets B, C and D contained 60% Panicum maximum each plus 40% of Alchornea cordifolia, Manniophyton fulvum and Gmelina arborea, respectively. The study lasted 56 days in a 14 day x 4 change over periods. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and digestibility. Simple linear regression and correlation were used to assess the degree of relationship between some of the digestion components. The result of proximate analysis indicated that the diets (P. max + browse) B, C and D had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher dry matter (%DM) contents of 81.12, 81.09 and 80.68%, respectively, than the 75.71% for diet A (sole P.max). Crude protein content of 17.56, 15.62 and 17.52%, respectively were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 8.38%for diet A. There was higher (p&lt;0.05) ether extract content of 2.43, 2.38 and 2.32%, for diets B, C, and D, respectively than the 1.32% for diet A. The ash content of 10.71, 9.78 and 9.76% for diets B, C and D respectively, were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 7.83% for diets A. Metabolizable energy (MJKg-1) values of 1.41, 1.42 and 1.42 for diets B, C and D were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 1.31 for diet A. However, the crude fibre value of the diet A (27.26%) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than the 18.30, 19.30 and 18.58% for diets B, C and D. respectively. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in DMI among treatment means. Vitro significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for animals fed diets B(15.04). C(13.12 ) and D(14.48 ) wherein P.max was fed in combination with browse plants than in the diet A( 6.28) group fed sole Pmax. Faecal nitrogen showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference among treatment means. Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in diet A group (0.39) than in diets B (0.30), C (0.34) and D (0.43) groups. There was positive nitrogen balance for all in the treatment groups. Apparent nitrogen digestibility (%) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in diets B (92.37). C (90.51) and D (97.63) groups than in diet A (79.49). Nitrogen intake (g/d) could not reliably predict faecal nitrogen (g/kgDM) in diets C and D groups. Absorbed nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) in any of the diets. Biological value (BV) of the diets were A (55), B (45), C (81) and D (97). The result of this study shows that the animals fed P. max + browse recorded higher DMI, nutrient intake and digestibility than the sole P.max diet. These evaluation indices were, however, mostly better in the diet B group (60% P.maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia). The combination of 60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia is therefore recommended for West African dwarf (WAD) goats reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria for optimum intake and improved nutrient utilization.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of boiled Christmas bush fruit (Alchornea cordifolia) meal fed to starter broiler chickens

A study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and the nutritive value of boiled Christmas bush (Alchornea cordifolia) for starter broiler chickens. Dried Christmas bush fruits (Capsules + seed) were boiled for 30 minutes, sundried and ground into meal. The meal was analyzed for proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors and incorporated into broiler starter diet at 0%, 15%, 20% and 25% respectively. A total of 120 day old Marshall Strain broiler chicks were divided into 12 pens each containing 10 birds. Three pens were randomly assigned to each experimental diet. The boiled dried and ground Christmas bush (Alchornea cordifolia) fruit contained 19.9% crude protein and 4.7 mg/100 phytic acids which is an improvement when compared with raw Christmas bush fruits. Increase in inclusion level of boiled Christmas bush fruit in the diet caused a progressive reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in final weight gain and feed intake of the birds. Birds on 15 and 20% BCBF had similar (p&gt;0.05) feed conversion ration ratio with birds on control diet. The cost of feed per Kg weight gain and mortality were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different for all the treatments. Apart from Haemoglobin and serum phosphate, all other serum biochemical indices checked were not statistically (p&gt;0.05) different among the treatment groups. It was concluded that boiling of Christmas bush fruits decreased the anti-nutritional factors and improved the nutritive value of the fruit but could not improve the performance of broiler starter chickens.

Effect of Alchornea Cordifolia and Costus afer based diet on gut microbes of male rabbits

Background: The gut microbiome affects the health and performance of the animal. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer leaf meal on gut microbiome of young male rabbits. Methods: Twenty-four 5-6 months old rabbit bucks with an average weight of 5.3 kg were used for this study. The completely randomized design was used and the rabbit bucks were distributed into four feeding /treatment groups (T) designated as T1 (the control fed with regular rabbit feed only), T2 (fed with Alchornea cordifolia), T3 (fed with Costus afer) and T4 (fed with a mixture of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer). The rabbits were fed the experimental diet for eight weeks and samples for microbiological analysis were collected from the different sections of the rabbit gut (stomach, ileum, caecum, and colon) and droppings then analyzed for total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total coliform counts (TCC). Results: The population density of THB was the highest in T4 at the stomach (5.03±0.87 x 105 colony forming units (CFU)/g) and ileum (5.32±1.19 x 105 CFU/g), but in T3 at the caecum (4.83±0.95 105 CFU/g), colon (4.15±0.60 x 105 CFU/g) and droppings (3.35±0.65 x 105 CFU/g. The population of TCC was highest in T4 in the stomach (i.e., 2.72±0.40 x 105 CFU/g) and ileum 2.67±0.53 x 105 CFU/g), in T3 at the caecum (3.53±0.69 x 105 CFU/g) and droppings (2.02±0.37 x 105 CFU/g, but T1 in the colon (2.77±0.60 x 105 CFU/g). The feed intake was the highest in T4, followed by T3 and T1, but the least in T2 (P 0.05) in the average weight gain of the rabbits (1.75 kg). Conclusions: We found that while Alchornea seemed to be reducing the population, Costus afer was enhancing their population and the overall effect on weight gain was insignificant.

Nutrient intake and digestibility of selected browse plants fed in combination with Panicum maximum to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks

A study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of Panicum maximum fed in combination with selected browse plants to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Four intact West African dwarf (WAD) bucks of mean body weight 17.50kg were used to conduct digestibility study in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Four forage combinations, diets A, B, C and D were fed to the goats. Diet A, the control, was 100% Panicum maximum, while diets B, C and D contained 60% Panicum maximum each plus 40% of Alchornea cordifolia, Manniophyton fulvum and Gmelina arborea, respectively. The study lasted 56 days in a 14-day x 4 change over periods. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and digestibility. Simple linear regression and correlation were used to assess the degree of relationship between some of the digestion components. The result of proximate analysis indicated that the diets (P. max + browse) B, C and D had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher dry matter (%DM) contents of 81.12, 81.09 and 80.68%, respectively, than the 75.71% for diet A (sole P.max). Crude protein content of 17.56, 15.62 and 17.52%, respectively were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 8.38% for diet A. There was higher (p&lt;0.05) ether extract content of 2.43, 2.38 and 2.32%, for diets B, C, and D, respectively than the 1.32% for diet A. The ash content of 10.71, 9.78 and 9.76% for diets B, C and D respectively, were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 7.83% for diets A. Metabolizable energy (MJKg-1) values of 1.41, 1.42 and 1.42 for diets B, C and D were also higher (p&lt;0.05) than the 1.31 for diet A. However, the crude fibre value of the diet A (27.26%) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than the 18.30, 19.30 and 18.58% for diets B, C and D. respectively. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in DMI among treatment means. Nitrogen intake (g/d) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for animals fed diets B(15.04), C(13.12 ) and D(14.48 ) wherein P.max was fed in combination with browse plants than in the diet A( 6.28) group fed sole P.max. Faecal nitrogen showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference among treatment means. Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in diet A group (0.39) than in diets B (0.30), C (0.34) and D (0.43) groups. There was positive nitrogen balance for all in the treatment groups. Apparent nitrogen digestibility (%) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in diets B (92.37), C (90.51) and D (91.63) groups than in diet A (79.49). Nitrogen intake(g/d) could not reliably predict faecal nitrogen (g/kgDM) in diets C and D groups. Absorbed 0.75 0.75 nitrogen (g/d/WKg 0.75 ) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg 0.75 ) in any of the diets. Biological value (BV) of the diets were A (55), B (45), C (81) and D (97). The result of this study shows that the animals fed P. max + browse recorded higher DMI, nutrient intake and digestibility than the sole P.max diet. These evaluation indices were, however, mostly better in the diet B group (60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia). The combination of 60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia is therefore recommended for West African dwarf (WAD) goats reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria for optimum intake and improved nutrient utilization.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Raw and Fermented Alchornea cordifolia seed meals on the performance of Broiler Chicks.

Phytochemical and feeding values of raw and fermented Alchornea cordifolia seed meals were investigated. Raw and fermented seed meals were screened for some phytochemical compounds and also tested on the performance of starter broilers. The meals were included in broiler starter diets at 10% raw and, 10 and 20% fermented, respectively. The diets were fed from 0-28 days of age. Raw Alchornea seed meal contains phytic acids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, flavnoids, alkaloids and anthraquinone. Fermenting the seed meal caused 56.2% reduction in the phytic acid content and totally eliminated its anthraquinone content. With 10% raw Alchornea seed meal, broilers grew significantly slower, gained 60.1% of control but feed intake was not statistically different. Inclusion of 10% fermented meal resulted in better weight gain, and feed conversion ratio than the raw seed meal and by 28-days, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not statistically different from the control. At 20% dietary level, fermented Alchornea seed meal, promoted much better growth and efficiency than raw but the values were less (p&lt;0.05) than control. It is concluded therefore that fermentation partially destroyed the anti-nutritional factors present in Alchornea seeds; thus allowing successful use of 10% fermented seed meal in starter broiler rations. Higher level of the fermented seed meal reduced performance although the result was much better than in the raw seed meal.

DRY MATTER DEGRADATION CHA RACTERISTICS OF RICE STOVER WITH DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF Ficus capensis OR Alchornea cordifolia IN RUMEN FISTULATED SHEEP, GOATS OR CATTLE

Rumen dry matter degradation characteristics (soluble fraction, degradable fraction, rate of degradation and effective degradability) of leaves of two browse species (Alchornea cordifolia, Ficus capensis) and rice stover and their varying proportions (10, 20 or 30% of each browse: crop residue mixture) were evaluated in rumen fistulated West African Dwarf sheep and goats and Bunaji cattle. The forages differed (P&lt;0.05) in soluble fraction (a) rate of degradation (c) and effective degradability (ED) but did not differ in the degradable fraction (b). Rice stover bad the highest rate of degradation and F. capensis the least. Effective degradability (ED) was highest in cattle followed by sheep and goats with a high degree of correlation among them. The inclusion of the different proportions of browse in the mixtures show some significance in a, b and ED (P&lt;0.05). Mixture had a depressive effect on the soluble fraction of the feeds in rice stover: A. cordifolia mixtures. Degradable fraction differed mainly in F. capensis mixtures. The rate of degradation was affected mainly in sheep and cattle among the feeds in rice stover: F. capensis mixtures. The different mixtures influenced effective degradability. As with the sole feeds, ED was highest in cattle, followed by sheep and goats.

Assessment of the acute, subacute and Subchronic toxicity of a total aqueous extract of leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach and Thonn) Müll Arg (Euphorbiaceae) on rats Wistar

The leaves of Alchornea cordifolia are traditionally used by African populations for the treatment of several diseases. The acute toxicity study concluded that the total aqueous extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ETAAC) is not toxic by single administration and that its LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg of body weight (bw). Tests carried out by daily administration of ETAAC did not result in any significant change in the body weight of the animals and the weight of vital organs. After 28 days of treatment, no significant difference was observed in the figurative elements of the blood and in the biochemical parameters. Significant decreases were observed in urea and alanine-amino transferase after 60 days of treatment. Alchornea cordifolia does not affect the functioning of the kidneys, liver and heart. It is therefore not toxic at doses of 100 mg/kg of bw, 200 mg/kg of bw and 400 mg/kg of bw in rats.

HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN SURFACE WATER AND SEDIMENT OF THE ABOABO STREAM, AHAFO REGION, GHANA

Activities of illegal small-scale miners promote continual introduction of wide pollutants into the Aboabo stream. Their toxicity poses health threats to the inhabitants of Krapoo village in the Ahafo Region, Ghana. The study assesses the impacts of illegal small-scale mining activities on the water quality of the stream. Levels of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were determined using standard methods. Samples of sediment, water and plant were acid-digested with aqua-regia. Total Arsenic and Total Cadmium were analysed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FLAAS) whiles Total Mercury was analysed using Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (CV-AAS). Turbidity, faecal coliforms and E-coli readings exceeded permissible limit of 5NTU and 0MPN/100ml respectively by Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (GS 1212) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Temperature, Electrical Conductivity and pH values were within the limit of &lt;30oC, 1500μs/cm and 6.5-85 respectively at both seasons. Total suspended solids readings at the midstream were higher than the permissible limit. However, levels of total dissolved solutes and dissolved oxygen recorded, were below the limit. The sediments were also heavily polluted with Mercury, Arsenic and Cadmium. Alchornea cordifolia, Chromolaena odorata and Spigella anthelmia growing within the stream were taken to assess their efficiency in removing the heavy metals from the stream. It was observed that the plants species had bioaccumulation factor (BF) greater than 1 for cadmium. Alchornea cordifolia was the only plant with BF greater than 1 for mercury. The plants species are potential hyper accumulators for mercury and cadmium hence are suitable for phytoremediation.