Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Toxicity Test of Red-Shoot Leaves (Syzygium myrtifolium Walp.) Extract as Biolarvicide on Filariasis Vector Mortality

The Control of Culex sp. using synthetic larvicides is harmful to the environment and human health. Biolarvicide from red shoot leaves (Syzygium myrtifolium) is a safe alternative for the environment and human health. This study aims to determine the effect of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves extract with ethanol solvent and water solvent on larval mortality and the LC50 values of these extracts. ANOVA test results (α = 0.05) on the mortality of Culex sp. larvae exposed to the ethanol extract and aqueous extract of S. myrtifolium leaves consecutively showed F-calculated (287)>F-tabulated (3,11) and F-calculated (153)>F-tabulated (3, 11). The treatment of S. myrtifolium leaves extract with ethanol and water solvents had a significant effect on the mortality of Culex sp. larvae. The LC50 value of the ethanol extract and the aqueous extract of S. myrtifolium leaves are 1659 ppm and was 2053.7 ppm. It can be concluded that S. myrtifolium leaves extracts with ethanol solvent and water solvent have an effect on the mortality of Culex sp. larvae, but are not yet effective as biolarvicide

Antifungal efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on selected crop seed-borne fungi

This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effectiveness of garlic products on fungi associated with cowpea, sorghum, maize, and groundnut seeds. The in-vivo evaluation involved a seed culture bioassay treated with garlic aqueous extract, while the in vitro antifungal activity of the extract on the radial growth of isolated fungi was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The treatments included garlic powder, garlic paste, garlic powder + molasses, garlic aqueous extracts at 100%, garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant, and Thiram® (a synthetic fungicide). On untreated cowpea seeds, Aspergillus niger was the most frequently isolated fungal species, with an incidence of 61.5%. Cowpea seeds treated with 100% garlic extracts showed zero incidence of fungal colonies, whereas sorghum seeds + garlic aqueous extract displayed only A. niger. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory effect of 100% garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant on the radial growth inhibition of A. niger, A. flavus, and P. chrysogenum was 78.86%, 70.40%, and 67.36%, respectively. In contrast, the inhibition by garlic powder + molasses and the control was significantly lower (p≤0.05) than other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that garlic extracts could be a potential source of organically-based natural fungicides for safeguarding crop seeds.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, FTIR CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DOUM PALM (HYPHAENE THEBAICA)

The doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica), a native of northern Africa, is an oval, edible fruit that grows on desert palm trees. It grows extraordinarily well in the northern part of Nigeria as well. It is a member of the palm family Arecaceae. The optimal process for making an aqueous extract from raw doum fruit was determined using the extraction methods. The crushed doum fruit is soaked for 12 days at room temperature in a solution of methanol and ethanol. The plant's crude pericarp powder was used in the new study's phytochemical screening procedure using conventional phytochemical techniques. Tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, and terpenoids were found in the extract in low and moderate concentrations, according to the phytochemical examination. To get high-spectral-resolution data over a broad spectral range, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized. Doum palm plants are a highly significant source of bioactive components that may be helpful in the creation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs. The results of FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, C-O, and C-H functional groups. The result shows the frequencies of 3268 cm-1,  2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1607 cm-1, 1443 cm-1 and 1287 cm-1  from Methanol extract and 3283 cm-1, 2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1611 cm-1, 1104 cm-1 and 992 cm-1 from Ethanol extract. The microbial activity of the doum palm fruit extract has shown a greater effect on Salmonella typhi and Escheria coli at high concentration of about both microbial organism but no effect at lower concentration of...

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition, Antioxidant Activities, and Molecular Docking Study of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, a Thai Traditional Remedy.

Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak remedy (KKR) has traditionally been used as an alternative treatment, particularly for hyperglycemia; however, its therapeutic efficacy has not been scientifically validated. Thus, this study aims to investigate the potential inhibitory and antioxidant effects of α-glucosidase enzyme and characterize the chemical profile of KKR extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The investigation highlights both KKR extracts as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase, with the ethanolic extract of KKR (KKRE) displaying an IC50 value of 46.80 µg/mL and a noncompetitive mode of action. The combination of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of KKR (KKRE and KKRA, respectively) with acarbose exhibited a synergistic effect against the α-glucosidase. The KKRE extract displayed strong scavenging effects in the DPPH assay (IC50 156.3 µg/mL) and contained significant total phenolic (172.82 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (77.41 mg QE/g extract) contents. The major component of KKRE is palmitic acid (15.67%). Molecular docking revealed that the major compounds interacted with key amino acid residues (ASP215, GLU277, HIS351, ASP352, and ARG442), which are crucial for inhibiting α-glucosidase. Notably, campesterin had a more significant influence on α-glucosidase than acarbose, with low binding energy. These findings underscore the significance of KKR in traditional medicine and suggest that it is promising treatment for diabetes mellitus. Further studies using animal model will provide valuable insights for advancing this research.

Evaluation of the Mutagenic Potential of Artavol® Using the Ame’s Test

Background: The worldwide increase in the use of herbal medicinal - products calls for their safety testing to protect the public from unintended hazardous effects. However, most are not tested, putting the public at risk. The modified Ames ISO test is a useful resource for determining the mutagenic potential of medicinal products and was used in this study to determine the safety of an herbal tea like Artavol®. Methods: This study used Ame's Modified ISO test to analyze aqueous extract of Artavol®, in a Level II biosafety cabinet. Artavol® was extracted using the infusion method 1,2, freeze dried, diluted to concentrations of 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg and used in the study. Mutagenicity was tested by culturing Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Results were considered by observing colour change in the wells of the microtitre plates from purple to yellow indicating mutation. Valid results were determined by comparing negative and positive control plates after 3 days of incubation, with positive results showing a color change from purple to yellow. Results:  Colour changes were not observed in all wells containing 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg of Artavol® up to day 3, while negative control showed color changes equivalent to 80% for TA98 and 70% for TA100. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Artavol® is not mutagenic. Further safety test such as sub-chronic toxicity study ad teratogenicity studies are recommended to provide more safety data on the product.

Subacute Use of Aqueous Extract of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds Mitigates against Pyramidal Neuronal Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction:  Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function As a reported bio-toxic environmental and industrial pollutant, Lead (Pb) do accumulates in almost all body tissues to cause health complications with the cerebellar region of the central nervous system reported to be more susceptible to cellular distortions. As a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is associated with numerous medicinal properties. Aim: This study aim to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of citrulus lanatus seed on lead acetates-induced neurotoxicity in the Cerebral cortex of adult Wistar rats. Place of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy adult female wistar rats weighing 150±50g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5). The Control group received 2mls/kg of distilled water, Treatment group (T1) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate, Treatment group (T2) was administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus and Treatment group (T3) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus concomitantly orally for fourteen (14) days. H&E and Cresyl violet histological stains and Biochemical assays for SOD, CAT activities and MDA concentration was determined. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and subjected to Turkeys post hoc test from the multiple comparison. Results: Revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in body weight and brain weight changes across groups relatives to the control group while SOD and Catalase activities were increased significantly in the Treatment groups compared to control group. Histological findings in control group and T2 showed normal histoarchitectural appearance of cerebral cortex Pyramidal neurons while the lead exposed group (T1) revealed features of neurodegenerative changes evident by nuclear shrinkage with pyknosis and karryorrhexis. while T3 revealed near normal presentations. Conclusion: In summary, Citrullus lanatus mitigates against pyramidal neuronal cells distortions following lead acetate induced toxicity in Wistar Rats and also further affirms its antioxidative potential.

A Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol Utilizing Bimetallic CuO-Co3O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Wrightia tinctoria Extract: A Green Approach

In this investigation, copper oxide (CuO), cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and bimetallic copper oxide-cobalt oxide (CuO-Co3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaves and characterized through UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM and zeta potential analyses. The FT-IR analysis identified that specific phytoconstituents are responsible for the reduction and capping agents in nanoparticle synthesis. TEM analysis determined size and shape and zeta potential analysis assessed stability. The CuO and Co3O4 NPs, synthesized through an eco-friendly approach, were employed for 4-nitrophenol reduction with sodium borohydride. The reaction rate, was computed at 1 × 10-4 s-1, which indicated the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The synthesis of 4-aminophenol was also successfully acheived demonstrated that the excellent catalytic activity of CuO, Co3O4 and CuO-Co3O4 nanoparticles as catalysts.

Inhibition Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract and Orange Peel Extract on E.Coli Bacteria Growth from Chees

The fruits of different plant species (pomegranates and oranges) were collected from the local markets of the city of Nasiriyah and dried their crusts and attended alcoholic and aquatic extracts of these fruits and studied the effectiveness of inhibition in the growth of E.coli bacteria. A moral difference (P≤0.05) was observed between the effect of the alcoholic and watery extract of pomegranate peels compared to the effect of the alcoholic and watery extract of orange peels as well as the inhibitory effect of antibiotics. The effect of the pomegranate peel alcohol extract on E.coli bacteria was found to be more effective in inhibition if the high inhibitory concentration (30mm) followed by the hydropode extract of pomegranate peels if the inhibitory concentration (25 mm) the inhibitory concentration extracted was orange peel (18 mm) and the water extract For orange peels it was (9 mm) and if compared with the antibiotics used where it was observed that the highest efficacy of antibiotics (Gentamycin) where the diameter of inhibition (18 mm) and the least inhibition was for the antibiotic (Trimethoprim) where the diameter of inhibition (7 mm)was approximate.

Safety assessment of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark: acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.

Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.

Green synthesis of FeO nanoparticles from coffee and its application for antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidation activity

Abstract This study presents a sustainable method for producing iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using aqueous extracts from coffee seeds. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed non-spherical NPs ranging from 30 to 50 nm. The XRD analysis confirmed that the face-centred cubic structure and the Debye–Scherrer’s crystalline size support the FeO particle size confirmed from TEM. The synthesized NPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Additionally, they exhibited potent antioxidant properties, effectively inhibiting DPPH, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase compared to acarbose and coffee extract. The findings suggest that these FeO NPs hold promise as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and potentially antidiabetic agents.

Aqueous Extract of Terminalia bellirica Fruits Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Controls Hyperglycaemia and Improves SIRT1 
Expression in High-fat Diet and Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats

Background: Plants from the genus “Terminalia” are well known for their various pharmacological and medicinal properties. Terminalia bellirica is considered a vital medicinal plant from the genus Terminalia. It has been reported for its astringent, antipyretic, and purgative effects. It is also used to treat dyspepsia, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, allergic eruptions, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and leprosy. The present research study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of T. bellirica in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: In rats, type 2 diabetes was induced by the alteration in the diet by administration of a high-fat diet for 15 days, followed by the administration of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.). The experimental animals were given 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of T. bellirica aqueous fruit extract for six weeks. Liver enzymes and lipid parameters, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glycohemoglobin, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at the end of the study. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for the SIRT1 expression of pancreatic tissue were also performed. Results: The selected doses of the aqueous extract of T. bellirica (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose ( p < .05). The 1,000 mg/kg dose of T. bellirica notably decreased glucose tolerance ( p < .001) in experimental animals. A high dose of T. bellirica significantly reduced resistance ( p < .001). The lipid profile was improved significantly ( p < .01) at both the selected dose levels. Glycohemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in experimental animals ( p < .001) at both dose levels. The extract treatment increased the expression of SIRT1 in the pancreas. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the extract has significant effects on the management of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Aquatic Extracts of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on the Level of Blood Sugar in Healthy and Diabetic Rats

In this investigation, the effectiveness of aquatic extracts of Cyperus rotundus tubers was examined. The aerial parts of the curly plant (Teucrium polium) and the fruits of the carob plant (Prosopis farcta) help reduce levels of glucose, cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels of healthy male rats and those with induced diabetes. With alloxan and compared with the effect of insulin. It has been shown that aqueous extracts of saad, jaada, and carob caused the levels of the blood sugar decreasing significantly. In healthy plus rats with diabetes. The results of this study show that the aqueous extract of Saad tubers caused a significant decrease in the lipid and cholesterol content of all but the aquatic extract of carob fruits prompted a notable drop in the quantity of triglycerides only, while the aqueous extract did not change the aerial parts of the increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in rats with diabetes.

Development of metabolome extraction strategy for metabolite profiling of skin tissue.

Changes in skin phenotypic characteristics are based on skin tissue. The study of the metabolic changes in skin tissue can help understand the causes of skin diseases and identify effective therapeutic interventions. We aimed to establish and optimize a non-targeted skin metabolome extraction system for skin tissue metabolomics with high metabolite coverage, recovery, and reproducibility using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The metabolites in skin tissues were extracted using eleven different extraction systems, which were designed using reagents with different polarities based on sequential solid-liquid extraction employing a two-step strategy and analyzed using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. The extraction efficiency of diverse solvents was evaluated by coefficient of variation (CV), multivariate analysis, metabolites coverage, and relative peak area analysis. We identified 119 metabolites and the metabolite profiles differed significantly between the eleven extraction systems. Metabolites with high abundances in the organic extraction systems, followed by aqueous extraction, were involved in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, while metabolites with high abundances in the aqueous extraction systems, followed by organic extraction, were involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. MeOH/chloroform-H2O and MeOH/H2O-chloroform were the extraction systems that yielded the highest number of metabolites, while MeOH/acetonitrile (ACN)-H2O and ACN/H2O-IPA exhibited superior metabolite recoveries. Our results demonstrated that our research facilitates the selection of an appropriate metabolite extraction approach based on the experimental purpose for the metabolomics study of skin tissue.

Determination of Antifungal Activities on Some Plant Extracts on Alternaria alternata

To increase yield and quality in agricultural production, it is necessary to perform management against diseases and pests. Alternaria, which causes several diseases in many economically important plants, is the most common species and widely distributed in nature. One of the important species reported in sweet cherry in recent years is Alternaria alternata. Many studies have emphasized the necessity of effective control with Alternaria species and examined the use of environmentally friendly methods against fungal diseases. In recent years, the use of plant extracts has increased due to their antimicrobial properties. Antifungal effects of Datura stramonium L., Vitex agnus-castus L., Xanthium strumarium L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Viscum album L., Echinophora tenuifolia L. subsp. sibthorpiana (Guss.) Tutin, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., Tribulus terrestris L., Solanum nigrum L., Nerium oleander L., Circium arvense (L.) Scop. and Brassica oleracea L. aqueous extracts were determined against Alternaria alternata. At the end of the 7-day incubation period, the mycelial growth of the fungi was measured and the antifungal effect of plant extracts was determined. As a result, the extracts were determined to inhibit mycelial growth compared to control. The plant water extracts used in the study were determined to inhibit the mycelial development of the pathogen by 20.20% to 77.12%. It is considered that different solvents and concentrations should be addressed to guide further studies. It was also concluded that potential plant species that may show anti-fungal properties should be evaluated.

Metabolomic Profiling and DNA-Fingerprinting of Newly Recorded White-Flowered Populations of Salvia lanigera Poir. in Egypt.

Salvia lanigera Poir. is a small herbaceous perennial species with violet flowers that grows in low-altitude deserts, and sandy loam. During the collection of S. lanigera,unusual populations with white flowers werefound. Therefore, the two populations (violet- and white-flowered) were subjected to comparative investigations, including DNA fingerprinting, chemical composition, and biological evaluation. The two populations showed DNA variations, with 6.66% polymorphism in ISSR and 25% in SCoT markers. GC/MS and UHPLC/HRMS of aqueous methanol extracts, led to the tentative identification of 43 and 50 compounds in both populations. In addition, the structures of nine compounds, including four first-reported compounds in the species, were confirmed by NMR. Furthermore, the total extracts exhibited weak radical scavenging activity against DPPH and a lower inhibitory effect towards acetylcholinesterase. In conclusion, the obtained data suggested that the white-colored flower could be an additional important character record for the Egyptian S. lanigera.

Antibacterial, Phytochemical and Toxicological Activities of Garcinia kola Extracts against Multidrug Resistant Clinical Bacteria

Objective: The rise in multiple antibiotic resistant microorganisms has led to a decline in the efficacy of many antibiotics, prompting the investigation of alternative solutions such as medicinal plants. To tackle this concerning issue, this study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, and toxicological characteristics of Garcinia kola extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria commonly found in clinical settings. Material-Method: The cold maceration technique was employed to extract the root and leaf of Garcinia kola using water and methanol. The extracts were then subjected to phytochemical screening. To evaluate the extracts' potential to inhibit bacterial growth, five multidrug-resistant isolates were utilized in this study. Agar well assay was used to determine the zones of inhibition. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using the broth macro dilution technique. Additionally, Brine shrimp lethality assay was conducted to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) of the extracts. The extracts were also combined for synergism. Results: The investigation found that the root extract in methanol had the highest yield at 25.58%. All four extracts contained ten out of the fourteen tested phytochemicals. The methanol leaf and root extracts exhibited the highest and lowest inhibition zones of 20mm and 9mm against Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 250 to 600 mg/ml, indicating broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The cytotoxicity test showed a range of 33.03 to 126.3µg/mL for the aqueous and methanol extracts. Conclusion: Although Garcinia kola shows potential as a source of antibacterial compounds, caution should be exercised due to its toxic effects.

Antibacterial Screening of Medicinal Plant Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Herbal remedies are crucial for treating bacterial infections due to antibiotic resistance, with numerous studies demonstrating their antibacterial properties against various harmful species. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of an aqueous extract from 40 medicinal plants in vitro, assessing their effectiveness against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The well diffusion method was employed to assess the antibacterial activity. Six plants exhibit antibacterial properties against the two bacterial strains among these extracts. Guava (Psidium guajava) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)cold water extracts were the most effective plant extracts against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zones of 6.2 mm and 5.2 mm, respectively. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) leaves and Sana makki (Cassia angustifolia) leaves cold water extracts were the most effective plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibitory effect with inhibition zones of 6.9 mm and 5.9 mm respectively. The plant extracts differ in antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli. However, Extracts of Senna alata, Tamarindus indica, Psidium guajava, Syzygium aromaticum, and Cassia angustifolia showed inhibitory activity against both of the microorganisms tested. These potentially useful plant extracts can be utilized as natural alternatives to preventive measures for food poisoning and preservation, thereby avoiding the health risks associated with chemically antibacterial agents. These antibacterial properties encourage future research into new chemical compositions that can help treat or cure some diseases.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Conventional Plastics – Finger Millet Based Soluble Food Folds

Introduction: Plastics are rendered as a symbol of this disengagement – a psychological and physical barrier between us and what we consume. People have been involved in preparing and consuming food folds since the 1900s. From the method of making a particular traditional sweet from Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this study attempted to create folds from ‘Ragi’. The main objective is to create soluble food folds that serve as a versatile bio-packaging unit that is 100% consumable and contributes to zero wastage, which the common womenfolk of community can prepare. Methods: Raw and germinated millets were processed to create edible folds. Subsequently, phytochemical and antioxidant analyses were conducted to evaluate the potential health benefits of the folds. Results and Discussion: Both the folds were relatively compatible to hold the dry contents inside. The highest percentage of scavenging activity is observed for aqueous extract of Germinated ragi fold (G), which scavenged 79.13 % radicals at a 100 μg/ml concentration. The low absorption percentage was expressed by an aqueous extract of Non- Germinated ragi fold (NG), which scavenged 5.22 % radicals at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. However, there is no significant difference between the phytochemical components between folds made from germinated ragi and non-germinated ragi. Conclusion: Edible food folds present a novel strategy for diminishing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly food habits. Continued research could facilitate widespread acceptance, encouraging a greener approach to food packaging and consumption.

Aphrodisiac and androgenic effects of the aqueous extract of the roots of Vepris afzelii on cyproterone acetate-induced hypogonadism in rat.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Vepris afzelii roots on a rat model of hypogonadism. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity of the extract were performed using different procedures. Hypogonadism was induced orally in adult Wistar rats using cyproterone acetate (30 mg/kg) for ten days. Besides six normal rats (10 ml/kg of distilled water, normal control), 30 hypogonadal rats were subdivided into five groups of six animals each, receiving for 14 days: distilled water (10 ml/kg, hypogonadal control), testosterone (4 mg/kg/3days) and the extract of V. afzelii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testes function and structure were assessed. Compared to the normal controls, significant (p = 0.0000) increases in mount (24 ± 0.94 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) and intromission (49.16 ± 10.85 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) latencies, and post-ejaculatory interval (381.72 ± 37.55 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) were observed in all groups receiving cyproterone acetate on day 0. Total inhibitions of mounts (63.50 ± 8.91 vs. 00 ± 00), intromissions (36.66 ± 3.51 vs. 00 ± 00) (p = 0.0000), ejaculations (2.83 ± 00 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0002) frequencies and mean copulatory interval (627.30 ± 81.80 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Moreover, decreases in daily sperm production (2.65 ± 0.19 vs. 1.17 ± 0.08, p = 0.0498), percentage of sperm mobility (78.64 ± 8.41 vs. 10.12 ± 2.32), serum testosterone level (8.39 ± 0.63 ng/dl vs. 1.68 ± 0.19 ng/dl), diameter of seminiferous tubules (111.97 ± 0.51 µm vs. 94.51 ± 0.57 µm) and height of germinal epithelium (46.58 ± 0.34 µm vs. 33.74 ± 0.66 µm) (p = 0.0000) associated with increases in sperm transit (3.13 ± 0.45 vs. 11.07 ± 1.45, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Interestingly, compared to hypogonadal control and day 0, the administration of V. afzelii extract induced significant (p = 0.0000) improvements in all these altered parameters with 400 mg/kg being the most active dose. These results, attributed to saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and triterpenes detected in this plant's extract confirm its traditional usage and could be useful for the management of patients suffering from hypogonadism.

Nutritional/Chemical Constituents and Free Radical Scavenging Potentials of the Aqueous Extract of Phoenix dactylifera Fruit

Aims: Phoenix dactylifera fruit, grown majorly in northern part of Nigeria is acclaimed to possess numerous nutritional and medicinal properties. The study was carried out to investigate the nutritional/chemical constituents and the free radical scavenging potentials of the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit. Methods: The aqueous extract of the fruit was subjected to standard analytical test to assay for the amino acids, phytochemicals and free radical scavenging potentials: Phytochemicals and amino acids screening was carried out via High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analyses. The antioxidant effects of the extract on free radicals were determined on radicals 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) , 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl , Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical. Results: Results revealed the presence of seven secondary metabolites with a high steroid and flavonoid content and low Coumarins, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Saponin, and Terpenoid concentration. The HPLC analysis of the phytochemical showed that it contained fifteen phytocompounds, seventeen amino acids while GCMS analysis reveals eleven fatty acids. For the free radical scavenging activity, it was able to inhibit ABTS, DPPH, NO, and OH-, in a concentration dependent manner. Conclusions: The results indicate that the fruit possess good nutritional properties and abundant secondary plant metabolites constituents and this might provide evidence which corroborates with the free radical scavenging potentials of the fruit.