Celosia Argentea Research Articles

Transfer of heavy metals from the polluted rhizosphere soil to Celosia argentea L. in copper mine tailings

Copper mine tailings are often contaminated by a range of heavy metals, which can restrict plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of soil contamination by copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) in a deserted copper mine tailings site, as well as the translocation of these heavy metals into the rhizosphere soil and the root, fibril and shoot tissues of a tolerant plant, Celosia argentea. In order of concentration, the heavy metal concentrations in the soils were Cu ≥ Mn > Zn ≥ Cr > Pb > Cd, and the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the rhizosphere were 1.8, 1.6, 1.5, and 1.2 times greaterthanin the non-rhizosphere soil, respectively. The concentrations of all examined heavy metals except for Pb were higher than the second-level criterion of the Chinese soil environmental quality standard (CSES) (GB15618-1995) in both soil samples. The pollution load indexes of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the rhizosphere were 28.13, 1.69, 0.148, 8.67, and 1.49, respectively, using the CSES. Cu and Cr were mainly stored in the roots of C. argentea, whileCd, Mn, and Zn accumulated in the shoots. The translocation factors of Zn, Cd, and Mn were greater than 1, and the Cd enrichment factor of the C. argentea shoots was close to 1. This indicates that C. argentea is a hyperaccumulator of Cd, and could be used in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Determination of heavy metals in medicinal plants from the wild and cultivated garden in Wilberforce Island, Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Context: Adverse effects from herbal medicines may be partly due to the association of heavy metals with medicinal plants. Aims: To determine residual levels of Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd in nine selected medicinal plant species and the surrounding soils collected from the Faculty of Pharmacy medicinal garden and College of Health Sciences residential quarters, Amassoma, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Methods: Nine plant species: Jatropha tanjorensis, Ipomoea batatas, Celosia argentea, Zea mays, Colocasia esculenta, Corchorus olitorius, Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum and Talinum triangulare were collected with their surrounding soil samples. The samples were dried and subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) to determine the heavy metal concentrations. Results: The detection frequencies of heavy metals in medicinal plants were: Cd – 100%, Pb - 11%, Ni – 0% and Cr – 0%. The residential quarter was more contaminated than cultivated medicinal garden. Order of residual concentration in bulk soils was Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb. Bioaccumulation factor ranged from 0 – 25.93 for foliar tissues. Cadmium in plant species ranged from 0.23 to 2.44 µg/g with > 88% exceeding the WHO maximum limit for medicinal plant materials. Conclusions: The heavy metal concentrations in medicinal plants were dependent on the collection sites, plant species and physico-chemical properties of soil. Cd exhibited the greatest bioavailability in the investigated plants and soils. Cd and Pb found in plant foliage were due to uptake from soil and aerial deposition, respectively.

Effect of Processing on Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Potentials of Leafy Vegetables

Blanching is a primary step in processing of Green Leafy Vegetables. Despite of its preserving advantage, it leads to partial destruction of some nutrients like vitamin C which is heat liable and sensitive to light, oxygen and oxidizing agents. The study was carried out to identify a suitable blanching temperature, time and chemical media for the green leafy vegetables namely, Alternanthera sessilis, Cardiospermum helicacabum and Celosia argentea that ensures enzyme inactivation and maximum nutrient retention. The leaves were processed by the following methods (i) Blanched at 80°C, 90°C and 100°C for 5 min in distilled water (ii) Blanched in water containing chemical media (potassium metabisulphite (KMS), sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride) at 80°C for the 1 min, 2 min and 4 min respectively. Blanching time and temperature increased, there is a reduction in the retention of Vitamin C in all the greens. The statistical analysis (P≤0.05) showed significant retention of vitamin C on blanching the leaves at 80°C for 1 min in potassium metabisulphite. Reduction in the moisture content, fiber, Iron was also found to be statistically significant. Blanching at 80°C for 1 min in potassium metabisulphite was sufficient to inactivate peroxidase in leafy vegetables. The antioxidant properties of the fresh and blanched green leafy vegetables were subsequently determined. The study revealed the presence of phenolics (gallic acid equivalents 3.89-8.55 mg/g), flavonoids (quercetin equivalents 9.47-37.66 mg/g) and tannins (tannic acid equivalents 10.47-13.58 mg/g). Three of the samples were exhibited remarkable DPPH radical scavenging activities (>70%) with significant IC50 values of 653.10 and 760.34 μg/ml respectively. The result showed that blanching at 80°C for 1 min with potassium metabisulphite as a chemical media had a good retention of Vitamin C and least effect on other nutritional content. Hence it is found that blanching is the best method of preserving GLV without compromising its nutritional quality and antioxidant potentials.

Morphological and Phenotypic Effects of Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI) on Lagos Spinach (<i>Celosia argentea</i> L.)

Fast neutrons irradiation is a valuable tool for developing varieties with high agricultural potentials and economic values. Therefore, the research was carried to evaluate effects of fast neutron irradiation on the morphology and phenotype of Lagos spinach, with the aim of inducing useful agronomical traits for selection of desirable genotypes that could be used for large scale production. The <i>Celosia argentia</i> (Red accession) that were used for the experiment were obtained from local far

Phytotoxic activity of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem extracts on some ornamental plants

Tecomella undulata is an ecologically and economically important tree in arid areas of southwestern Asia. It has important ornamental and medicinal uses. In this study, aqueous extracts from roots, leaves, inner stem barks and flowers of T. undulata were studied for their allelopathic effects on seed germination and early seedling growth of four important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous ornamental plants. The flower and root extracts of T. undulata significantly (P<0.05) inhibited germination of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seeds, but leaf and inner stem bark extracts had no significant effects on either of these turf grasses. The allelopathic inhibition was greater for root extracts than flower extracts, and increased with higher root extract concentrations. The germination of cocks comb (Celosia argentea) and rose moss (Portulaca grandiflora) seeds were not inhibited by the application of T. undulata extracts. The results showed that the extracts of T. undulata have allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of the two monocotyledonous plants tested but not with the two dicotyledonous plants tested. T. undulata extracts may have selective potential for natural weed control.

Potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals intake via consumption of some leafy vegetables obtained from four market in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

This work investigated six heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni and Cu) accumulation in five popular leafy vegetables: Telferia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), Talinum triangulare (waterleaf), Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaves), Celosia argentea (plumed cockscomb), and Amaranthus viridis (slender amaranth) obtained from 4 popular markets in Lagos metropolis using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), and evaluate the human health risks of their consumption. Heavy metals content in vegetables across the markets ranged as follow; Cd (0.05 – 0.20 mg/kg); Pb (0.34 – 5.44 mg/kg), Zn (4.21 – 20.80 mg/kg), Cr (0.25 – 1.51 mg/kg), Ni (0.13 – 2.91 mg/kg) and Cu (2.34 – 14.08 mg/kg). The concentrations of all metals are quite generally lower than the permissible levels by FAO/WHO in vegetables except for Pb. Statistical analysis of levels of the studied metals in A. viridis , T. occidentalis , C. argentea , and O. gratissimum in all the markets sample showed significant differences in levels of Zn, Cr, Cu and Ni (p Cu > Cd > Ni > Zn > Cr. The THQ in all metals is less than 1 in all the vegetables species; therefore, it does not pose serious health risk concern. However, vegetable consumption was just one part of food consumption, the potential health risks for residents might actually be higher than in this study when other routes of heavy metals intake are considered. Keywords: Heavy Metals, leafy vegetable, daily intake of metals, health risk index, target hazard quotient (THQ), zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel, copper

Marketing Analysis of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables in the Tropics

ABSTRACTThere is economic potential for production of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs); however, there has been limited information with regard to their marketing in the tropics. This study examined marketing of ILVs. A total of 250 marketers formed the sample size and questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to explain the data. Almost all of the marketers were female and between 31 and 50 years old with some degree of formal education. Lagos spinach (Celosia agentea L.), Jute mallo (Corchorus olitorus L.), and Amaranth (Amaranthus hybidus L.) were highly preferred by consumers; Crassocephalum rubens S. Moore was highly demanded and brought a high price but was not readily available. Leaves of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.), Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], African basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.), Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa L.), Malabar spinach (Basella alba Boiss), and Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.) were consumed but were not displayed for sale because they do not have market value. Average gross margin of N6476.27 (N is the Naira, Nigerian currency; US$1 = N168) was realized per week and marketing efficiency was less than 1. Multiple regression indicated that purchased price of vegetable, marketing experience, and transportation cost affected gross margin of ILVs at P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.10, respectively. The major marketing problem identified was inaccessible road networks. Accessible road networks and encouragement of market information could improve marketing of ILVs in the region.

Growth Parameters, Protein Digestibility And Health Status Of Rabbit Oryctolagus Cuniculus Fed With Palatable Leafy Vegetables

This study focused on using vegetable leaves for rabbit feeding. Rabbit fed with leaves of Abelmoschus esculentus, Corchorus olitorius, Ipomea batatas, Vigna unguiculata, Solanum melongena showed positive growth and high feed intake, while rabbits fed with leaves of Amaranthus hybridus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Manihot esculenta, Celosia argentea, Myrianthus arboreus, Basella alba, Talinum triangulare, Colocasia esculenta showed low feed intake and weight loss. The digestibility of treatments supplemented with concentrate was better than that of the diet without fodder. Feed intake (157.62 g / day) and average weight (2081.87g) of rabbits fed with leaves of Ipomea batatas, were the highest while average daily gain (24.38 - 27.29 g/day) remained similar. The feed conversion ratio of the control treatment (3.51) was better than those obtained for treatments supplemented with concentrate (5.31 - 5.71). Urea and creatinine values were similar in all groups. Blood glucose (0.94 ± 0.04 g/L) and total protein (68.40 ± 0.14 g/L) of rabbit fed with leaves of Solanum melongena were the highest. Total cholesterol of rabbit fed with leaves of Ipomea batatas and control diet were the highest. The blood triglycerides of rabbit fed with control diet was the highest and differed to other treatments (p &lt; 0.05).

Oligopeptides in plant medicines cited in Chinese Pharmacopoeia

In total, 23 plant plant medicined containing oligopeptides were cited in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1 part) of 2015 version including Rubia cordifolia, Linum usitatissimum, Aster tataricus, Psammosilene tunicoides, Pseudostellaria heterophylla, Stellaria dichotoma, Vaccaria segetalis, Dianthus superbus, Celosia argentea, Lycii Cortex, Citrus medica, C. aurantium, Panax ginseng, Parmx notoginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Sparganium stoloniferum, Euryale ferox, Ophiopogon japonicas, Pinellia ternate, Achyranthes bidentata, Physalis alkekengi, Polygonatum odoratum, and Leonuri Fructus. There were 187 oligopeptides in plant medicines above as reported. Oligopeptides consisted mainly of linear peptides and cyclic peptides. The linear peptides included dipeptides, tripeptides and pentapeptides, and cyclic peptides included cyclic, bicyclic and tricyclic peptides. The number of residues of single cyclic peptides ranged from two to twelve. Bicyclic peptides were isolated mainly from R. cordifolia and C. argentea. Modern pharmacological study showed that oligopeptides had many pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anticoagulant, antibacterial, immune suppression and so on.

Review on research of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Celosia argentea

Celosia argentea L., Amaranthaceae, is widely used as traditional medicine with a long history in China. It is a unique source of Semen Celosiae whose contributions include purging the hepatic pathogenic fire, improving eyesight, and treating other eye diseases. Over 79 compounds from this plant were isolated and identified, mainly including saponins, peptides, phenols, fatty acids, and amino acids, of which saponins have been considered as the characteristic and active constituents of Celosia argentea. Experimental evidences manifested that Celosia argentea, with its active compounds, possesses wide-reaching biological activities such as hepatoprotection, tumor treatment, anti-diarrhea, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, and for treatment of a number of eye diseases. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the ethno-pharmacology, chemical constituents, pharmacology, and related clinical applications of Celosia argentea, and to reveal their therapeutic potentials, and secure an evidence base for further research works on Celosia argentea.

Gibberellic Acid Shows Promise for Promoting Flower Stem Length in Four Field-grown Cut Flowers

Increasing cut stem length and reducing crop production time are producers’ goals for numerous cut flower species. One or both of these aims was met in several field-grown cultivars through foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA3), but effectiveness varied by cultivar, application rate, and timing. Of the 13 cultivars tested, stem length was increased in nine cultivars [Toreador Red celosia (Celosia argentea), Camelot White foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Imperial Giants Pink Perfection larkspur (Larkspur hybrids), Compliment mix lobelia (Lobelia hybrids), Nippon Taka ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum), Amazon Neon Duo and Bouquet Purple sweet william (Dianthus hybrids), Summer Pastels yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and Benary’s Giant Scarlet zinnia (Zinnia elegans)], and time to harvest was decreased in four cultivars [High Tide White ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), lobelia, ornamental pepper, and zinnia], when GA3 was applied as a foliar spray. Concentrations of 400, 800, and 1600 mg·L−1 GA3 were most effective. Application of GA3 resulted in malformed or smaller flowers or lighter green foliage in foxglove, lobelia, sweet william, and zinnia. In most cases, only one application was tested, and greatest response to GA3 was observed during 3–6 weeks post application. Gibberellic acid did not influence stem length in three cultivars [High Tide White ageratum, Aurora Deep Purple delphinium (Delphinium hybrids), and Column Lilac Lavender stock (Matthiola incana)], and decreased flower stem length in one cultivar (High Tide Blue ageratum). Four cultivars were identified as good candidates for further research given their promising responses to GA3 treatments.

Phytochemical analysis, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves

Background: Celosia argentea, a traditional vegetable in West and Central Africa is widely grown for ornamental purpose in the tropics and subtropics such as in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to determine phytochemicals, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves.Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures, Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while antioxidant potential, free radical scavenging and reducing power scavenging activity were also carried out.Results: The phytochemical composition revealed the presence of active ingredients such as glycosides, steroids, Saponins, Phenols, Flavonoids, and alkaloids while mineral analysis showed higher concentration in calcium (295mg/100g) and least concentration in chromium (0.85mg/100g). Other minerals and their concentrations includes magnesium (122.53mg/100g), potassium (128.33mg/100g), sodium (71.32mg/100g), iron (35.16mg/100g), zinc (5.42mg/100g), copper (2.18mg/100g), manganese (1.86mg/100g). Moreover, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and reducing power activity of Celosia argentea increased as the concentration increases.Conclusion: The present study reveals therapeutic potential of Celosia argentea leaves due to its bioactive compounds and minerals. Also, Celosia argentea possess powerful antioxidant activity and can therefore offer good protection against oxidative damage.

Effect of Heat on Antioxidant Activity of Some Tropical Leafy Vegetables

The present study examined the effect of different cooking times on total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant properties of seven tropical leafy vegetables: Pterocarpus mildbraedii , Gongronema latifolium , Ocimum gratissimum , Solanecio biafrae , Piper guineense , Celosia argentea and Solanum melongena . The thermal treatments employed were both long simmer (20 minutes at 80 o C) and short simmer (5 minutes at 80 o C). The result show that both short and long simmer results to a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the ascorbic acid content in all the vegetables. There was a significant increase in the total phenol, total flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging ability, reducing property, Fe 2+ chelating ability and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability. In like manner, short simmer treatment enhances the total antioxidant activities of all the vegetables. These results suggest that although thermal treatments enhances the nutritional value of vegetables by increasing the bio-accessible phenolic content and total antioxidant activity, long simmer treatment results in the disruption of the phytochemicals constituents present. The study therefore concludes that short time simmer treatment may result to optimum yield of antioxidant activities in leafy vegetables. Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Ascorbic acid, Leafy vegetables, Total flavonoids, Total phenolics

Quality Assessment and Proximate Analysis of &lt;i&gt;Amaranthus hybridus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Celosia argentea&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Talinum triangulare&lt;/i&gt; obtained from open Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

The aim of this research is to determine the quality and proximate composition of Amaranthus hybridus , Celosia argentea , and Talinum triangulare obtained from open markets in Benin City, Nigeria. Microbiological and proximate analysis were carried out using standard methods. Results of the proximate analysis revealed the presence of proteins (12.86 ± 0.19 %; 9.28 ± 0.07 % and 2.82 ± 0.08 %), carbohydrates (9.06 ± 4.19 %; 8.28 ± 0.48 % and 12.22 ± 0.53 %), fibre (10.38 ± 0.25 %; 8.45 ± 0.13 % and 3.55 ± 0.17 %), lipids (0.23 ± 0.13 %; 1.44 ± 0.28 % and 1.06 ± 0.28 %), moisture (62.38 ± 4.05 %; 62.98 ± 0.38 % and 79.65 ± 0.56 %) and ash (mineral content) (5.10 ± 0.14 %; 9.58 ± 0.05% and 0.70 ± 0.12 %) in the green leaf, soko and water leaf respectively, needed for normal functioning of the body. However, microbial contaminants were observed which included bacterial and fungal species. The bacteria isolated were: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter sp, Klebsiella sp, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E scherichia coli , while the fungal species isolated were: Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium notatum, and Penicillium expansum . The bacterial count, coliform count and fungal count of A. hybridus were: 1.19 x 10 5 ± 4.52 x 10 4 cfu/g, 3.30 x 10 4 ± 1.82 x 10 4 cfu/g and 6.50 x 10 3 ± 3.32 x 10 3 cfu/g respectively. C. argentea had 1.56 x 10 5 ± 7.00 x 10 4 cfu/g, 3.88 x 10 4 ± 2.56 x 10 4 cfu/g and 6.00 x 10 3 ± 3.74 x 10 3 cfu/g respectively, while T. triangulare had 1.99 x 10 5 ± 9.31 x 10 4 cfu/g, 4. 93 x 10 4 ± 4.77 x 10 4 cfu/g and 4.78 x 10 3 ± 2.18 x 10 4 cfu/g respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates revealed multi-drug resistance and plasmid-mediated resistance genes among the isolates. Public enlightenment, proper washing and cooking with potable water are therefore recommended to avoid the menance of these multi-drug resistant microbial contaminants. Keywords: Amaranthus hybridus , Celosia argentea , Talinum triangulare , Microbial analysis, Proximate composition

Characterization of Anticancer Principles of Celosia argentea (Amaranthaceae).

Background:An Indian origin, Celosia argentea is a weed growing during rainy season traditionally claimed for treating several ailments. Early researches on C. argentea were focused on the anti-cancer screening of seeds, with few reports on aerial parts.Objective:To isolate and characterize bioactive compounds of aerial parts of C. argentea and evaluate their anticancer potential.Materials and Methods:The methanolic aerial part extract was fractionated on column chromatography using chloroform: methanol mixture. The fractions; 80:20 and 95:5 were purified on MCI-HP20 HPLC column. Chromatographically pure compounds were pooled, concentrated and characterized spectroscopically. The compounds were further screened for anti-oxidant and cytotoxic potential.Results:Isolated compounds were confirmed as: (1) Luteolin-7-O-glucoside and (2) phenolic, 1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-dione. Both exhibited significant antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 20.80 and 21.30 μg/ml for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (***P < 0.001) and significant Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values for 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (*P < 0.05) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay (****P < 0.0001). In 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide assay, Compound 1 and 2 showed potent cytotoxicity against SiHa, HCT, MCF-7 cancer cell lines at 20 μg/ml (****P < 0.0001) and 18 μg/ml (**P < 0.01), respectively, without affecting the normal Vero cells. Both compounds enabled maximum reduction in cell viability at 50 μg/ml against HT-29 (***P < 0.001) and MCF-7 cell lines (**P < 0.01) in try pan blue viability assay. Apoptosis occurred at concentrations of 47.33 ± 0.8 μg/ml and 56.28 ± 1.2 μg/ml for Compound 1 and 35.15 ± 0.4 μg/ml and 28.05 ± 0.3 μg/ml for Compound 2 for HT-29 and MCF-7 respectively.Conclusion:A novel anticancer phenolic compound; (1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-dione), isolated from aerial parts of C. argentea was a valuable finding of the research.SUMMARY The present study validated the potential of the plant C. argentea as an antioxidant, and anticancer remedy with two valuable isolations. Although one of them is a known compound: Luteolin 7-0 glycoside, the other isolated phenolic compound;-{1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-dione}, is the first to be reported and thus can be considered as a valuable outcome of this research work

Growth Response of Three Leafy Vegetables to the Allelopathic Effect of &lt;i&gt;Vitellaria paradoxa&lt;/i&gt;

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth response of three leafy vegetables (Celosia argentea, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochodriacus) to the leaf extract of Vitellaria paradoxa. Forty-five (45) experimental plastic containers were filled with 5 kg of loamy soil each and randomly allocated to the following regimes: control, 20 g, 40 g, 60 g and 80 g of powdered leaves of V. paradoxa, in three (3) replicates for each test crop respectively. It was observed that the response of the three leafy vegetables, grown within different composition of V. paradoxa leaves, are concentration dependent with respect to the studied growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth). This indicated that V. paradoxa has allelopathic potential on the studied vegetables and therefore it could be used for natural weed control.

Growth Response of Three Leafy Vegetables to the Allelopathic Effect of &lt;i&gt;Vitellaria paradoxa&lt;/i&gt;

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth response of three leafy vegetables (Celosia argentea, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochodriacus) to the leaf extract of Vitellaria paradoxa. Forty-five (45) experimental plastic containers were filled with 5 kg of loamy soil each and randomly allocated to the following regimes: control, 20 g, 40 g, 60 g and 80 g of powdered leaves of V. paradoxa, in three (3) replicates for each test crop respectively. It was observed that the response of the three leafy vegetables, grown within different composition of V. paradoxa leaves, are concentration dependent with respect to the studied growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth). This indicated that V. paradoxa has allelopathic potential on the studied vegetables and therefore it could be used for natural weed control.

Comparative Study of in Vitro and in Vivo Inflorescence of Feathered Amaranth

This study aimed to compare the inflorescence, florets and pollen formed by the plantlets of feathered amaranth [Celosia argentea var. plumosa (Burvenich) Voss] developed and grown under in vitro conditions with those formed by the plants grown under in vivo conditions. Plantlets were first derived from nodal explants of feathered amaranth cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) semi-solid medium under in vitro aseptic conditions, and then the plantlets produced in vitro inflorescences, florets and pollen. In parallel, inflorescences, florets and pollen of plants raised from feathered amaranth seeds under in vivo conditions were obtained for the comparative purpose. The results revealed that florets from both sources were largely similar except the size. The in vitro florets were mainly smaller than those of the in vivo ones. Also in vivo pollen exhibited a higher germination percentage and average pollen tube length than in vitro pollen when cultured on a pollen germination medium.

&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; inhibitory potential of methanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;Celosia argentea&lt;/i&gt; var. &lt;i&gt;cristata&lt;/i&gt; on tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes

&lt;p&gt;In the current study, methanol extract of &lt;em&gt;Celosia argentea&lt;/em&gt; var. &lt;em&gt;cristata&lt;/em&gt; was tested for its inhibitory potential against tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes at the concentration of 0.5 mM by ELISA microtiter plate assays. A significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity (63.6%), acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (80.3%) and butyrylcholinesterse inhibitory activity (68.24%) was shown by crude methanolic extract of &lt;em&gt;C. argentea&lt;/em&gt; var. &lt;em&gt;cristata&lt;/em&gt; with respective IC&lt;sub&gt;50 &lt;/sub&gt;values of 268.5 ± 0.2 µg/mL, 73.6 ± 0.1 µg/mL and 132.8 ± 0.9 µg/mL. The result of this study reveals the use of &lt;em&gt;C. argentea&lt;/em&gt; var. &lt;em&gt;cristata&lt;/em&gt; in skin hyperpigmentation, Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.&lt;/p&gt;

English

Salinity refers to the salt content of any given system. By nature, arid soils are naturally saline. Soils could also acquire salinity due to some agricultural practices like irrigation. There is need therefore for search on halophytes that could adapt to such soils and be used to reclaim soils contaminated with salts. Thus, this present study focused on investigating Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea with respect to their potentials and suitability for use in saline environments. This study was conducted in two phases; germination (laboratory-based) and seedling tests (field-based). Shoot length, root length, root/shoot ratio, total length, fresh weight, dry weight, dry matter content, leaf area index, leaf number as well as relative water content were parameters used for assessing results for the field-based test. Germination results showed that only the control (0 mM) showed 100 % germination in both species. Germination percentages decreased steadily with increasing NaCl concentrations in both species. Growth was steadily stimulated in both species at lower NaCl levels with best growth stimulation at 50 mM NaCl but was adversely affected by higher NaCl concentration levels (75, 100 and 150 mM). Both species showed almost the same phenomenon for fresh weight, dry weight, dry matter, leaf area index, number of leaves as well as relative water concentration. These show that both species would best be cultivated under moderate than low or high saline concentration. The findings in this study showed that it is best for seedlings of both species of plants to be raised in nurseries free of NaCl to attain 100% germination and after which, the seedlings could then be transplanted to moderately saline soils for maximum growth and development. This has strong implications for maximizing food productivity and ensuring food security. Key words: Germination, early seedling growth, NaCl, salinity, Amaranthus hybridus, Celosia argentea.