Brachystegia Eurycoma Research Articles

Assessing the Rheological and Filtration Loss Control Potential of Selected Plant-Based Additives in Oil-Based Mud

In drilling operations, chemical additives pose environmental concerns during mud disposal. This study evaluated three plant-based additives, namely rice husk (RH), <i>Detarium microcarpum</i> (DM), and <i>Brachystegia eurycoma</i> (BE), in oil-based mud at low-pressure, low-temperature conditions. The mud’s rheological profile followed Herschel Bulkley’s model. With 8 g additive content, RH increased the mud's apparent viscosity (AV), plastic viscosity (PV), and yield point (YP) by 62.5%, 51.25%, and 34.38%, respectively. DM showed higher increases of 200.0%, 195.0%, and 162.5%, while BE exhibited the most significant improvements of 287.5%, 272.5%, and 250.0%. The filtration tests indicated that RH reduced spurt loss and fluid loss volumes by 83.33% and 62.35%, while DM decreased by 82.41% and 47.94%, as BE had the highest reduction of 94.44% and 51.18%. Again, the filter cake thickness of RH, DM, and BE muds increased by 210.29%, 273.53%, and 79.41%, respectively, with permeabilities of 8.90×10<sup>-3</sup> mD, 11.87×10<sup>-3</sup> mD, and 7.35×10<sup>-3</sup> mD. Furthermore, the mud susceptibility to NaCl showed that AV decreased for RH, DM, and BE, while YP decreased significantly. The filter cake thickness and permeability increased by 62.38 and 359.55% for RH, as the DM decreased by 93.80% and 84.37% and the BE by 96.68% and 96.62%, which indicates that RH is more susceptible to NaCl than DM and BE in the mud. Also, these plant-based additives in mud exhibited fragile gel strength and commendable cake characteristics: firm, smooth, and soft/slippery, which make them potentially suitable for oil well drilling.

Investigation of the uterine modulating activities and mechanisms of Brachystegia eurycoma Harms (Leguminosae) methanol stem bark extract and fractions

Dysfunctional labour (DL) is a major cause of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. The only clinically available drug is oxytocin which is about 50% effective. Therefore, the development of new effective drugs for DL is a necessity. The medicinal plant Brachystegia eurycoma Harms (synonym B. spiceaformis) is used for labour management in ethnomedicine. In the search for new lead compounds for DL therapy, the stem bark of B. eurycoma was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation procedures to elucidate its uterine-modulating activities and active compounds. B. eurycoma stem bark extract (BE) was fractionated via vacuum liquid chromatographic techniques. The fractionation process was guided by ex vivo uterine contractility assays on the mouse uterus, performed using spontaneous, oxytocin, and high KCl-induced contractility assays. Furthermore, the characterization of the chemical constituents was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). BE produced dual effects on uterine contractility which was dependent on the reconstitution period. The freshly prepared crude extract (BEF) inhibited uterine contractility (IC50 amplitude = 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/ml; IC50 frequency = 1.4 ± 0.2 mg/ml). However, contractility was augmented when the reconstituted extract was stored for 24 h and beyond (BES) (EC50 amplitude = 0.2 ± 1.2 mg/ml; EC50 frequency = 0.91 ± 1.2 mg/ml). In addition, the compounds caffeine, genistein, and prunetin were identified from the potent BE fractions via the different spectroscopic and spectrometric tools. This study demonstrated a storage-dependent dual effect of BE where BEF induced inhibition and BES augmented uterine contractility. Findings from this study also suggest that caffeine and phytoestrogens contributed to the uterine-modulating activities of BE. Thus, further investigation of these compounds in combination and as separate lead compounds is required for DL therapeutic management.

Application of legumes in the formulation of gluten-free foods: functional, nutritional and nutraceutical importance

This study presents a review of the application of legumes in the formulation of gluten-free foods (GFFs), with emphasis on their functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical importance. Consumption of GFF and abstinence from gluten-containing foods are the only options for managing celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Its formulation has also increased due to the increasing desire for healthy food by consumers. Recently, legume crops, such as Phaseolus vulgaris (bean), Brachystegia eurycoma (bean pod), Detarium microcarpum (sweet detar), Cetatonia siliqua (carob fruit), Cicer arietinum (chickpea), Pisum sativum (pea), Lens culinaris (lentil), and Vigna subterranean (Bambara nut) have been used in the production of GFFs. They belong to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), grown for their high protein content, and are the most important crop after cereals. Using legume flours as ingredients in GFFs formulation provides functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical benefits. They enhance the functional properties of GFFs, including volume, crumb, texture, and sensory qualities. They also improve the GFFs’ nutritional properties, especially protein and dietary fiber, as well as their nutraceutical properties, such as laxative, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties. Hence, adding legumes to GFF formulations might be a good way to enhance their functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties.

Pro-vitamin A content of red palm oil emulsions formed with malted bambara groundnut, Brachystegia eurycoma (achi) and cowpea

This research determined the effect of red palm oil emulsification with malts of Brachystegia eurycoma, bambara groundnut and cowpea on the pro-vitamin A content of the emulsions. Bambara groundnut, B. eurycoma (“achi”) and cowpea seeds were processed by malting for 96 hours and oven dried at 50 oC before milling into flour. The malted flours were used to form emulsions with red palm oil. Pro-vitamin A contents of the emulsions were determined using standard methods and the results were as follows: B. eurycoma was in the range of 33.30 – 400.00 IU; bambara groundnut (66.67 – 333.33 IU) and cowpea (66.70 – 233.33). Emulsion stability tests indicated that the 72 and 96 hour malts gave stable emulsions after 3 hours. The emulsions obtained with the control, 72 and 96 hour malt were analyzed for anti-nutrient contents. Tannin ranged from 0.01 – 0.10 mg/100 g for achi, 0.03- 0.12 mg/100 g for bambara groundnut and 0.02 – 0.05 mg/100 g for cowpea malts, phytate was in the range of 0.03 – 1.09 mg/100 g for achi, 1.04 – 4.26 mg/100 g for bambara groundnut and 0.40 – 2.80 mg/100 g for cowpea. Malting of the achi seeds may have reduced the components that bind pro-vitamin A in the unmalted samples. Hence, malted achi is recommended for food fortification of plant based complementary foods to increase their pro-vitamin A content.

Investigation Into Local Additives as Substitute to Standard Viscosifier; Advances in Drilling Technology

In Nigeria, drilling companies import a bulk of drilling fluid materials that they use to carry out their respective operations. This has been a major concern to oil and gas industries since these drilling fluid materials cannot be recycled, are highly expensive in terms of foreign exchange, are not environmentally friendly, not very effective, and non-biodegradable. This work presents an experimental investigation into the reliability of the use of local materials as a substitute to conventional viscosifiers. Local materials used in the analysis are mucuna solannie (Ukpo), brachystegia eurycoma (Achi), and detarium microcarpium (Ofo). The results obtained from the experimental analysis show that they compared closely to the standard viscosifer formulated with Pac-R. The results showed that the density, specific gravity, pH, yield stress, gel strength, plastic viscosity, and yield point of mud formulated from local materials compared favorably with that of the imported viscosifier. An increase in concentration of the local sample also favoured its potential to replace the Pac-R. In terms of cost, cutting carrying ability, and positive environmental impacts, the local materials could serve the Nigerian drilling company better.

Evaluation of timber trees producing valuable fruits and seeds in cross river state

The study assessed two rain forest reserves in Cross River State for timber trees producing economically valuable fruits and seeds. The reserves are Afi River and Oban West forest reserves. A total of 18 and 42 tree species were enumerated in Afi River and oban West respectively. In Afi River forest, Brachystegia eurycoma had the highest population of 5 per hectare while Canarium schweinfurtii, Dacroydes edulis, Garcinia kola, Irvingia gabonensis, Parkia bicolor, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Recinodendron heudelotii, Tetrapleura tetraptera and Vitex species had the least of 1 each per hectare. In Oban West forest reserve, Allanblakia floribunda had the highest population of 11 per hectare, while Brachystegia eurycoma, Chrisophyllum albidum, Recinodendron heudelotii, Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica had the least of 1 each per hectare. It is observed that most of the timber trees producing valuable fruits and seeds have low frequency of occurrence due to timber exploration thereby calling for their conservation and protection.

Evaluation of physicochemical, in vivo analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of Brachystegia eurycoma gum-based naproxen loaded niosomal gels

Protracted oral Naproxen administration for acute and chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis treatment, may cause peptic ulcers. The topical application of Naproxen will circumvent this effect. This research aims to assess the physicochemical, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Naproxen-loaded niosomal gels formulated using Brachystegia eurycoma gum (BEG) as the gelling polymer. BEG was isolated by acetone precipitation of filtrate produced by cold maceration of Brachystegia eurycoma seeds powder. Naproxen and BEG compatibility was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared FTIR) spectroscopy. Naproxen-loaded niosomes were produced with cholesterol, surfactant (tween 80) and water using a modified ethanol injection method. Theformulated niosomes were incorporated into either BEG (5, 7.5 or 10%) or HPMC (1.5, 5%) gel base to produce the respective Naproxen-loaded niosomal gels. The niosomal gels were assessed for their physicochemical, antiinflammatory and analgesic properties using a commercially available gel as a positive control. There was no incompatibility between BEG and Naproxen. The formulated gels’ pH ranged from 6.4 to 7.3, while the viscosity ranged from 1476.2 to 2980 mPas. The formulated gels had good extrudability and spreadability compared to the commercially available gel (1%). In-vivo studies using white albino rats showed that gels from the optimized formulation (F1) had comparable anti-inflammatory (26.5% inhibition) and analgesic properties to the commercially available gel (31.3% inhibition). Naproxen-loaded niosomal gels having good physicochemical, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties were successfully formulated using BEG as a gelling agent.

The Antinociceptive Property of Brachystegia eurycoma (Fabaceae) Partly Involves Stimulation of Opioid Pathways and Mitigation of the Action of Reactive Radicals

Introduction: Brachystegia eurycoma (Fabaceae) has been reported to mitigate peripheral and centrally mediated nociception. However, the probable mechanisms involved in this antinociceptive effect have not been investigated. This study evaluated the possible mechanisms involved in the antinociceptive effect of Brachystegia eurycoma (BE). Methods: Mice were selected according to standard protocols. They were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, per oral of BE. One (1) hour post-treatment, 0.6 %v/v acetic acid (10 ml/kg, ip) was administered, and the number of writhes was recorded every 5 mins for 30 mins. To investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the antinociceptive effect of BE, mice (n = 5) were pretreated with atropine (1.0 mg/kg, ip), naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, ip), haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, ip), and ondansetron (1.0 mg/kg, ip), followed by treatment with BE (100 mg/kg, po) after 15 mins. 1-hour post-treatments, 0.6 %v/v acetic acid (10 ml/kg, ip) was administered, and the number of writhes was recorded for 30 mins. In vitro radical activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents were also determined. Results: BE reduced writhing at all doses, exerting peak reduction at 100 mg/kg compared to control (130.3 ± 3.1 vs 64.8 ± 3.5, p < 0.05). Naloxone caused a 24 % reversal in the antinociceptive effect of BE (p < 0.05). BE exerted a concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity with an IC50 (2.4 µg/kg) higher than ascorbic acid. The total phenol content of the BE extract was estimated to be 156.1 ± 1.4 µg/ml GAE/g extract, while the total flavonoid content was determined to be -11.9 ± 3.2 mg QE/g extract. Conclusion: The antinociceptive effect of BE partly involves the stimulation of opioid receptors and reduction in radical-induced nociception. However, further investigation would be needed to elucidate the mechanism involved with its antinociceptive activity. Keywords: Brachystegia eurycoma, antinociceptive, acetic acid, opioid, radical scavenging

Investigation into spatial distribution of Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) In Mbe Mountain Corridor of Cross River National Park

Background: This study assessed the distribution of Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) in Mbe Mountain Corridor of Cross River National Park with a view to estimate its spatial distribution, population structure and vegetation distribution for a period of four months (September to December 2020). Method: The sites were visited from 7.00 am- 10.00 am in the morning and 4.00pm to 6.00 pm in the evening. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The spatial distribution of Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) revealed that Obue trail had the highest percentage of 56.3%, follows by Mbe trail with 31.2% and the least was sighted in Mbep trail with 12.5%. The highest number of observations was recorded in the month of December with 9 sighting, followed by October with 3 observations while the month of September and November recorded 2 observations each. The sex distribution of pangolin revealed that females were the higher in the observations with 11 sighting than the male with only 5 observations. The populations structure of pangolin (P. tetradactyla) shows that sub-adult was the highest in observation (7) while adult and juvenile recorded 5 and 4 observations respectively. 56.3% of the observations were sighted at Diospyros mistiliformis vegetation, Terminalia superba with 31.2% while 12.5% were observed at Brachystegia eurycoma vegetation. P. tetradactyla were seen running more than feeding with sleeping being the least activity observed. Conclusion: The study revealed the presence of P. tetradactyla (Pangolin) in all the three trails in the study area. This study has confirmed the presence of Pangolin in Mbe Mountain Corridor of Cross River National Park and their preferred vegetation.

Diversity and Population Status of Tree Species in Bakin-Dutse of Ardo-Kola LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria

Nigerian forest resources are constantly threatened due to many anthropogenic activities and considering their importance in recycling oxygen, preventing erosion, biodiversity habitats etc. This study was carried out to determine the diversity and population status of trees. A 50km2 plot was studied using the line transect method, and the Point Centered Quartet technique was deployed to enumerate standing tree biomass. Total Height, Diameter at Breast Height and Crown cover were also measured and recorded. The results showed that 200 trees spread across fifteen (15) families and forty (40) species were identified. The Fabaceae Family had more representatives 12 (30%) while Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Sapotaceae, Rutaceae and Olecaceae had 1 (2.5%) representation each. Parkia biglobosa had highest abundance 37 (18.5%) while Anacardium ocidentale, Brachystegia eurycoma, Ceiba pentandra, Cocos nucifera, Combretum molle, Ficus thoninngii, Khaya senegalensis, Haematostaphis barterii, Lannea microcarpa, Limonia. acidissima, Mangifera indica, Mitragyna inermis, Nauclea latifolia, Newbouldia laevis, Psidium guajava and Tamarindus indica all recorded the least abundance of 1 (0.5%). Diversity indices of Hʹ=2.65 (North), Hʹ=2.49 (South), Hʹ=2.72 (East) and Hʹ=2.37 (West) were recorded. The results also showed that 90% of the tree species enumerated are in need of serious conservation efforts. Parkia biglobosa had the highest Importance Value (46.84%) while Psidium guajava recoded the least (2.21%). It was then concluded that trees in Bakin-dutse community of Ardo-kola LGA needs conserving, hence, we suggest that a concerted effort from Governmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organization and the Local Community to curtail the rapid decline in the population of these important biodiversity resources.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SAWDUST FROM THREE HARDWOOD SPECIES AS LOW-COST ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF CADMIUM FROM CONTAMINATED WATER

A lot of wastes are generated in the wood industries which constitute series of negative environmental effects. Nevertheless, sawdust has some organic compounds which can remove heavy metal ions from an aqueous solutions using the adsorption procedure. This investigated the potentials of three hardwood species for the removal of cadmium ion from contaminated water. The wood species utilized in this study include Triplochiton scleroxylon, Brachystegia eurycoma, and Blighia sapida sawdust. The sawdust samples were sieved before the pretreatment to remove both impurities and extractives. The experiments were conducted in batches for adsorption in order to determine the effect of pH solution, contact time, on adsorption of cadmium ions. The experiment was laid out in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial experimental design. The results revealed that the adsorption capacity for (treated and untreated species, Triplochiton scleroxylon, Brachystegia eurycoma and Blighia sapida (treated and untreated) were 92.40±6.42% and 82.66±13.25%, 85.43±17.21%, and 78.00±24.15%, 78.00±20.08% and 80.75±17.07% respectively at the different pH levels (1-4). The results at the optimum pH (2) also revealed that the adsorption capacity for treated and untreated species of Triplochiton scleroxylon, Brachystegia eurycoma and Blighia sapida were 96.99±1.76% and 96.99±1.68%, 97.94±1.20% and 98.48±0.66%, 97.73±1.59% and 99.10±0.81% respectively at the different contact time (30, 60, 90 and 120). This research revealed that pre-treated sawdust adsorbed metal ions faster even at a low time interval compared to untreated samples. Also, it was observed that the highest adsorption capacity (%) of cadmium took place at pH 2 for all samples of sawdust both (treated and untreated). Hence, the selected wood species were found appropriate for the extraction of cadmium from contaminated water and therefore recommended for use.

Numerical Modelling and Optimization of Bioethanol Concentration Produced from Local Sawdust following Response Surface Methodology

This work studies the modelling and optimization of bioethanol production from locally sourced saw dust waste. The saw dust samples are obtained from common wood species in the Nigerian tropical rain forest. Nigeria is one of the producers of wooden products in the world. Many species of wood can be found in Nigeria’s tropical rain forest. Some of the most common wood species include; Astonia boonei (duku), Bombax bounopozense (West African bombax), Brachystegia eurycoma (Okwen), Terminalia superba (White afara). Sawdust samples were obtained from a local saw mill in Edo State, Nigeria. The samples were pre-treated, hydrolyzed, fermented and the bioethanol distilled out. Optimization of bioethanol was performed by using Central Composite design of response surface methodology. Four variables such as acid concentration, hydrolyzing time, hydrolysis temperature and fermentation time were considered as influencing factors on the yield of bioethanol. The optimization of ethanol was investigated in this study under the following conditions: acid concentration (0.5-2.5 %w/w), hydrolysis temperature (100-130 °C), hydrolysis time (10-50 minutes) and fermentation time (2-6 days). It was observed from the statistical analysis that the maximum ethanol yield of 24.85 % (g/L) was obtained at optimum acid hydrolysis of acid concentration 2.0 %w/w, Hydrolysis time 40 minutes, Hydrolysis temperature 122.50 °C, and Fermentation time 5 days.

Management of Post-Prandial Blood Glucose Level Using Some Common Nigerian Thickeners

This study investigated the effect of the consumption of soups made from some Nigerian soup thickeners such as Brachystegia eurycoma (achi)

EN 338 Strength Characterization and Grading of Four Less-used Timber Species Grown in Nigeria for Structural Uses

In Nigeria recently, less-used timber species have been introduced into the main stream of timber markets, as a relief for over-exploitation of well-known species that are going into extinction due to over-exploitation for construction purposes. This study successfully classified four timber species grown in Nigeria into different strength classes in accordance with EN338, such as Ako-(Brachystegia eurycoma), Ara-(Pterocarpus erinarceus), Obobo-(Guarea cedrata) and Epuu-(Ricinodendron heudelotii) timber species. These timbers were obtained from famous timber market in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. All timber specimens used for physical and mechanical tests were prepared and tested in accordance with EN 13183-1 and EN 408 for structural timber. Four- point bending test was used for determining the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of each specimen using Universal Testing Machine. Characteristic values of the bending strength, modulus of elasticity and density were determined. The average moisture content of Ako, Ara, Obobo and Epuu were 11.78, 12.71, 23 and 24 %, respectively. Timber classification was conducted after properties values adjusted to 12 % moisture content as specified by EN 384. For density, Ako had the highest of 747.26 kg/m3 density followed by Ara and Obobo and Epuu had the lowest density of 481.71 and 477.15 kg/m3and also assigned to strength classes D 50, D 24, D 18 and C 16 respectively, in accordance with EN 338.

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Effect of Brachystegia Eurycoma Flour Addition on the Physicochemical Properties of Whole Millet Flour and the Sensory Attributes of its Gluten-Free Bread

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of addition of Brachystegia eurycoma flour (BEF), a natural source of hydrocolloids, on the physicochemical properties of whole millet flour (WMF) and the sensory attributes of its gluten-free bread. BEF and sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose (a reference hydrocolloid) were added to WMF at 1.5 and 3% proportions, and breads were baked from the blends. Wheat flour (100%CWF) bread served as the control. Amylose level decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while water absorption capacity, peak and final viscosities of the blends increased with increasing proportion of BEF. The 100%CWF bread had better sensory qualities than WMF-BEF breads. Hence, BEF improved the physicochemical properties of WMF-BEF blend, but did not alter the sensory qualities of its gluten-free bread.

Synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of a novel sodium carboxymethyl starch obtained from matured seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma

Background and objective Brachystegia eurycoma is an indigenous but underutilized legume crop in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to extract, purify, chemically modify, and characterize for its material and functional properties the starch from matured seeds of B. eurycoma and determine its suitability as an excipient in solid oral dosage formulations.Materials and methods Starch was extracted, purified, and subjected to carboxymethylation using modified methods. Micromeritic and rheological properties of the starch products were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, powder radiograph diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques, which were used to characterize the preparations. Granules were prepared using the method of wetting and massing. The bulk properties, solubility, and the disintegrant properties were evaluated in isoniazid capsules and tablets.Results and discussion The results show good compressibility and excellent flow of the modified starch. The solubility of the modified starch was increased by 2–10 folds, whereas the swelling capacity of the native starch was increased up to 9.0–16 times. Both differential scanning calorimetry and XRD results have shown a reduction of crystallinity, whereas the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated formation of carbonyl functional group and absence of interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed eruption and coalescence of starch granules after modification. XRD showed decreased thermal stability, and thermogravimetric analysis showed product decomposition at lower temperatures than the native starch. Disintegration was found to be faster with lower concentration of carboxymethylated starches.Conclusion The study concludes that derivatization of carboxymethylated starch from B. eurycoma seed yielded starch products with unique functional properties that could be explored for the formulation of controlled-release systems.

In Vitro Element Bioavailability Studies of Some Underutilized Seeds in Southeast Nigeria.

Elemental and antinutritional compositions of three underutilized seeds (Mucuna sloanei, Brachystegia eurycoma and Detarium microcarpum) were analysed to elucidate their safety and wholesomeness as human food supplements or condiments using standard analytical methods. Results showed that there were significant differences in the concentration levels of the elements and the antinutrient contents of the seeds. The toxic element concentration levels clearly indicated that they exhibited acceptable values when compared with the recommended standards. There existed correlation between the contents of potassium, manganese, selenium and lead of the samples; calcium had inverse relationship with the oxalate contents, while lead and manganese had perfect association in all the samples. The results of elemental ratios showed synergistic interactions with exception of iron to zinc ratio in all the seeds. Element bioavailability in the presence of oxalate and phytate were all in tandem with the standard values. The results further revealed that zinc in all the seeds and selenium in Mucuna sloanei and Brachystegia eurycoma were overloaded in the samples, while the elemental safety index values for the other elements indicated that the seeds were safe. Overall, the findings of this study have strongly confirmed the nutritional potentials of these seeds and its safety and wholesomeness as human food condiments.

Physical properties of Irvingia gabonensis, Detarium microcapum, Mucuna pruriens and Brachystegia eurycoma seeds

A culinary enhancer is a substance that enhances the flavor and other properties of soups, stews and foods. Normally in flour form, culinary enhancers are used to enhance the proximate composition, viscosity, flavor and some other rheological and functional properties of soups and convenience foods. Physical properties of culinary seeds are utilized in the development of their handling, storage and processing facilities. The unit operations in the process of converting culinary seeds into flour include handling or conveying, cleaning, drying, storage, cracking, and separation of chaffs and shells before milling of the kernels or endosperm into flour. The aim of this study was to determine some postharvest physical properties of four African culinary enhancers, namely Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono), Detarium microcapum (Ofor), Mucuna pruriens (Ukpo) and Brachystegia eurycoma (Achi) seeds. Ogbono seed had the highest dimensions (Length, L = 3.91, Width, W = 3.13, Thickness, T = 2.34 cm, Geometric mean diameter, Dg = 3.06, Arithmetic mean diameter, Da = 3.13 cm, Equivalent mean diameter, De = 2.87 cm and Square mean diameter, Ds = 1.02 cm), followed by Ukpo, Ofor and Achi seeds. The average sphericity, surface area and 1000-unit mass were 0.6, 25.61 cm2 and 11130 g; 0.95, 13.24 cm2 and 4019 g; 0.94, 17.79 cm2 and 7720 g and 0.48, 3.11 cm2 and 8960 g for Ogbono, Ofor, Ukpo and Achi seeds respectively. These properties are useful baseline data required for further research studies on rational development of handling and processing systems for the products. The seeds' dimensions, size, and shape will be useful in the design and development of their cleaning, sorting, and grading machines and in the analyses of their drying behavior. The seeds’ densities and porosity values will be used to develop their conveying and storage facilities. The angles of repose and coefficient of friction will be used to design their conveying chutes and hoppers of their cracking machines and storage facility outlets.

Physicochemical, Sensory and Microbial Qualities of Ice Cream Stabilized with Hydrocolloids from Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) and Ofor (Detarium microcarpum)

Aims: To investigate the physicochemical, sensory and microbial qualities of ice cream stabilized with hydrocolloids from Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) and Ofor (Detarium microcarpum.
 Study Design: A 4×5 split-plot in completely randomized design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria between August 2018 and July 2019.
 Methodology: Raw seeds of Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) and Ofor (Detarium microcarpum) were purchased from Ekeonunwa market, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria and processed into flours. Hydrocolloids from flours of Achi and Ofor were defatted with n-hexane (50 g/250 ml at 26±2°C) dispersed in distilled water (10 g/250 ml), centrifuged (1250 rpm/30 mins and 1500 rpm/30 mins for achi and ofor respectively). The supernatants obtained were dissolved in isopropanol, decanted dried in a hot air oven (60°C, 10 h), pulverised using a blender and stored in air –tight containers. Twenty (20) litres of ice cream samples were produced. Four (4) litres of the mix was measured out as control (i.e. plain ice cream without any stabilizer). Sixteen (16) additional ice cream mixes were produced in the same way by the addition of CMC, achi hydrocolloids, ofor hydrocolloids and a mixture of hydrocolloids from both achi and ofor as stabilizers, each at 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% concentrations. The physicochemical, sensory and microbial properties of the ice cream samples formulated were carried out.
 Results: The outcome of physicochemical analysis revealed that viscosity (31.65 ± 0.17 cP – 82.50 ± 0.00 cP), overrun (19.30 ± 0.00% - 98.73 ± 0.00%), total solids (24.36 ± 0.33% - 54.00 ± 1.55%) and melting resistance (36.50 ± 0.58% - 92.50 ± 0.58%) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the type of stabilizers as well as their concentrations. The total titratable acidity (0.02 ± 0.00% - 0.02 ± 0.00%) and pH (6.74 ± 0.00 - 7.05 ± 0.05) of the ice cream samples showed no appreciable significant (P > 0.05) difference. The overall acceptability (5.80 ± 1.99 - 7.65 ± 1.00), aftertaste (5.45 ± 2.28 – 7.20 ± 0.89), mouthfeel (5.85 ± 1.79 - 7.25 ± 1.37) and homogeneity (5.20 ± 1.96 - 7.60 ± 1.39) were significantly (P< 0.05) influenced as deduced from the sensory result.
 Conclusion: The incorporation of local stabilizers significantly improved the physicochemical, sensory and microbial qualities of ice cream produced. Hydrocolloid extracts of Detarium microcarpum (Ofor), plant-based natural stabilizer is a capable replacer of CMC in ice cream production because of its higher viscosity than other stabilizers and CMC, agreeable consistency, better consumer preference than other stabilizers, enhanced qualities – slow melting rate i.e. high melting resistance, commendable pseudo-plasticity, effectual overrun which will yield more profits for ice cream manufacturers, bring about a new variety of ice creams that are safe for consumption. Hydrocolloid extracts of Detarium microcarpum, at 0.3%, showed more desirable similar effects on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial qualities of ice cream samples formulated compared to CMC and could, therefore be recommended as a replacer of CMC in ice cream production.