Cucumeropsis Mannii Research Articles

Assessment of Nutraceuticals Potentials of Protein Isolates from Seed Coat of Four Melon Species

Recently, there has been more attention on the bioactivity of phytochemicals and other metabolites in agro-food by-products for the management of oxidative stress–related conditions. Hence, the objective of this paper is to assess the nutraceuticals potential by investigating antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory potentials of seed coat protein isolates from four melon species namely: Citrullus colocynthis, Citrullus mucosospermus, Cucumeropsis mannii and Lagenaria siceraria using appropriate standard methods. At highest concentration, Lagenaria siceraria had the strongest free radical scavenging activity (38% inhibition). The strongest chelating effect was exhibited by C. mannii (IC50 = 0.59 ± 0.08 mg/ml), which also showed highest ferric reducing potential at all concentrations. At 0.05 mg/ml, C. colocynthis, C. mucosospermus, C. mannii, and L. siceraria seed coat protein extracts inhibited alpha-amylase activity by 43.2%, 16.76%, 2.6% and 22.3%, respectively, and inhibition of 60.9%, 28.6%, 38.3% and 29.5% were recorded for the seed protein extracts respectively, at 0.5 mg/ml. In conclusion, the various melon seed coat protein isolates showed appreciable levels of antioxidants and possessed inhibitory activity against α-amylase. Hence, the seed coats of the four melon varieties assessed in this study are promising potential sources of antioxidants for the supplementary treatment of oxidative stress–induced conditions.

Investigating the Potential of “White-Seed Melon” (Cucumeropsis Mannii) oil as a Biodiesel Feedstock

Investigating the Potential of “White-Seed Melon” (Cucumeropsis Mannii) oil as a Biodiesel Feedstock

Non-destructive authentication of melon seed (Cucumeropsis mannii) powder using a pocket-sized near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer with multiple spectral preprocessing

Increasing demand for plant-based proteins has elicited suspicions of fraudulent practices among some producers of melon seed powder. The powder is suspected to be adulterated with carbohydrate-rich foods including maize, dried-milled cassava (gari) and soy flour to boost its quantity for increased profit. This study aimed to develop robust models using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid authentication of melon seed powder. Melon seed powder samples containing 0–50 %w/w maize, gari and soy were prepared in triplicates and scanned using a handheld NIRS device. Proximate composition and color were significantly (p<0.05) affected by adulterant presence in melon seed powder. Classification models using linear discriminant analysis yielded accuracies of adulterant classification that were further confirmed by the high sensitivity, specificity and precision of the models (higher than 80 % in all cases). Low errors (RMSEC 3.28, RMSECV 3.92, RMSEP 6.87) % w/w, limits of detection and quantification and high coefficients (R2 0.96, R2CV 0.94, R2PRED 0.81) % w/w, indicative of reliable partial least squares models were obtained for the prediction of adulterants, protein, carbohydrate, total colour change, fat and lightness. Overall, Savitisky-Golay smoothing filter yield the best results in all LDA analysis. NIRS is a viable option for rapid non-invasive authentication of melon seed powder. The handheld device presents an added advantage of remote analysis. Instruments with other wavelength ranges can be explored in a similar approach study but with a higher sample size for more rigorous applications.

Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil protects against bisphenol A-induced hepatotoxicity by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in rats

Abstract Objectives This study looked at how Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) affected male Wistar albino rats’ liver damage caused by bisphenol A (BPA). Methods The standard HPLC method was used to assess the CMSO’s phenolic content. Then, six (n = 8) groups of 48 male Wistar rats (150 20 g) each received either CMSO or olive oil before being exposed to BPA for 42 days. Groups: A (1 ml of olive oil, regardless of weight), B (BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)), C (CMSO 7.5 mg/kg BW), D (CMSO 7.5 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW), E (CMSO 5.0 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW), and F (CMSO 2.5 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW). Key findings A surprising abundance of flavonoids, totalling 17.8006 10.95 g/100 g, were found in the HPLC data. Malondialdehyde, liver enzymes, reactive oxygen species, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were all significantly elevated by BPA (P = 0.05). Additionally, nuclear factor-B, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor, and histological alterations were all considerably (P = 0.05) caused by BPA. The altered biochemical markers and histology were, however, noticeably recovered by CMSO to a level that was comparable to the control. Conclusions Due to the abundance of flavonoid components in the oil, CMSO protects the liver from BPA-induced hepatotoxicity by lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

Carbon steel behavior towards Cucumeropsis mannii shell extract as an ecofriendly green corrosion inhibitor in chloride medium

This study advanced on previous studies by investigating the hardness and tensile strength of carbon steel under different loads after determining the corrosion rate at different temperature, immersion time and corrosion inhibitor concentration in a chloride medium using Cucumeropsis mannii shell extract (CMSE) as an eco-friendly green corrosion inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency was evaluated by weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Adsorption behavior and material characterization were investigated. The result revealed maximum inhibition efficiency of 92.2% and 91.2% could be attained by EIS and PDP techniques respectively. The corrosion rate decreases as the inhibitor's concentration increases and vice versa for temperature and immersion time. The Young modulus and hardness of carbon steel decreased at higher load under corrosion attack in the absence of CMSE. The green corrosion inhibitor exhibited a mixed-type with a spontaneous physisorption behavior on carbon steel surface. Material characterization revealed presence of active functional groups in the extract with formation of uniform and pitting corrosion on carbon steel surface. In conclusion, Cucumeropsis mannii shell extract behaved excellently as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in chloride solution.

Impact of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) leaves-based biopesticides on major insect pests and predators associated with white-seed melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin)

Impact of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) leaves-based biopesticides on major insect pests and predators associated with white-seed melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin)

Biodiesel potential of Cucumeropsis mannii (white melon) seed oil: A neglected and underutilized resource in Nigeria

A major challenge in the biodiesel industry is the availability of high-quality vegetable oil feedstocks. Thus, there is a continuous search for quality biodiesel feedstock whose production will trigger economic impact on the agricultural sector, minimize land degradation and without significant disruption to the food chain. In this work, we extracted and analysed oil from neglected and underutilized Cucumeropsis mannii seeds for their potential in biodiesel production. The oil content of C. mannii seed was 40.8 ± 0.56%. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 47.0% saturated fatty (predominantly palmitic acid, stearic acid) and 53.0% of unsaturated fatty acids (predominantly oleic, linoleic and erucic acids). The physicochemical properties were determined and values were as follows: iodine value (111.07 ± 0.15 g/100 g), saponification value (192.03 ± 0.37 mg/kg of oil), peroxide value (2.60 ± 0.10 meq/kg), acid value (4.20 ± 0.02 mgKOH/g) free fatty acid (2.51 ± 0.02%), relative density (0.93 ± 0.02), the refractive index at 28 °C (1.46 ± 0.04) and viscosity at 30 °C (3.00 ± 0.10 mm2/s). The fuel properties namely, cloud point, pour point, flash point and caloric value were determined and the values were 3.03 ± 0.11 °C, 1.00 ± 0.10 °C, 279.04 ± 0.99 °C and 31.10 ± 0.11 MJ/kg, respectively. In addition, the protein content of the defatted seed was found to be 47.4 ± 0.61 g/100 g. The defatted protein-rich cakes can be upgraded as a food additive; thus the C. mannii seed oil can serve as biodiesel feedstock without altering the food chain. These characteristics demonstrate the potential of C. mannii oil as a high-quality feedstock for biodiesel production. We envisage that its utilization as biodiesel feedstock will improve the market value of these seeds, thus supporting the economic development of local farmers in rural areas.

Flour nutritional profile, and soxhlet-extracted oilphysicochemicalbreakdown-storage performance ofwhitemelon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) seed varieties from Southeast Nigeria.

White melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin), is among common and yet underutilized oil seed crop within the West African region, does not have sufficient information specific to its nutrient composition for foreign consumers. To supplement existing information, therefore, we investigated the nutritional profile of defatted and full-fat flour, alongside physicochemical breakdown and storage performance of soxhlet-extracted oil from two white melon (C. mannii) seed varieties found in Southeast Nigeria. Nutritional profile involved the determinations of proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, functional properties as well as amino acid profile. Physicochemical breakdown involved the determinations of fatty acid profile, lipid breakdown parameters, as well as associated physical attributes. Results showed defatting of flours increased the protein (69.04%), carbohydrates (16.26%), crude fiber (2.68%), ash (11.9%), mineral (Na ranging from 223.92-246.99 mg/100g), and vitamin contents (Vit B1 ranging from 0.453-0.712 mg/100g). Total amino acid differed slightly when comparing miniature (30.36 g/100g) and large (22.36 g/100g) seeds. Soxhlet-extracted oil possessed low thiobarbituric acid, acid, and peroxide values (0.030 and 0.038 mg MDA/kg, 1.08 and 1.27 mg KOH/g, and 2.95 and 3,94 mEqO2/kg, for large and miniature seeds respectively), and peak linoleic acid (5 and 6.45 mg/ml, for miniature and large seeds respectively). During storage, the thiobarbituric acid and peroxide values of soxhlet-extracted oil increased yet within acceptable limits.

Kinetics and Thermodynamic Study of the Acetylation of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cucumeropsis mannii &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Seed Shell

The use of lignocellulosic materials for oil sorption from aqueous medium has directed attention to acetylation as a means of increasing the hydrophobicity of these materials. In this paper, acetylation of <i>Cucumeropsis mannii </i>seed shell, a readily available agricultural waste, was studied. Effects of different acetylation conditions on the extent of acetylation of the seed shell was investigated. The kinetics of the acetylation process was studied using pseudo first order, pseudo second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The thermodynamics of the acetylation process was also studied. FTIR analysis provided evidence of successful acetylation of the seed shell. The extent of acetylation increased with increase in acetylation duration, temperature and catalyst concentration. Pseudo second order kinetics best described the acetylation process, with minimum extent of acetylation and rate constant values of 0.317 and -0.0148 min^-1, respectively. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the acetylation process was endothermic in nature. The critical extent of acetylation, heat capacity at constant pressure, and change in entropy values were 1.002, 0.162 kJ.mol^-1.K^-1, and 0.020 kJ.mol^-1.K^-1, respectively. The acetylation process was spontaneous at temperatures of 328 K ‒ 348 K, but non-spontaneous at lower temperatures (308 K and 318 K). The critical temperature of acetylation was 419 K, which shows that acetylation of CMSS can easily take place at mild conditions.

Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil protects against Bisphenol A-induced testicular mitochondrial damages.

There has been increasing search for the ameliorative properties of seed oils against toxicants. bisphenol A acts as an estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemical capable of causing male infertility. This study aimed to explore Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil effects against mitochondrial damage in rats using bisphenol A. Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6) of eight rats each and fed the same food and water for 6 weeks. The group A rats were given 1 mL olive oil, while the ones in group B were given bisphenol A at 100mL/kg body weight via oral route. Group C received C.mannii seed oil 7.5 mL/kg body weight C.mannii seed oil, while group D, group E, and group F were pre-administered bisphenol A at 100mL/kg body weight, followed by treatment with C.mannii seed oil at 7.5, 5, and 2.5 mL/kg body weight, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, reactive oxygen species, testicular volume, malondialdehyde, body weight, and testicular studies were done using standard methods. The results of the bisphenol A-administered group showed a significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, body weight, and testicular volume with elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and testicular indices. BPA + CMSO-treated group showed a significant increase in GPx activity compared with BPA-exposed rats. CMSO treatment significantly increased catalase activity in comparison with that of rats exposed to BPA. Remarkably, C.mannii seed oil and bisphenol A co-administration significantly reversed the abnormalities observed in the dysregulated biochemical biomarkers. Our findings suggest that C.mannii seed oil has considerable antioxidant potential which can be explored in therapeutic development against systemic toxicity induced by exposure to bisphenol A. Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil protects against bisphenol A-induced testicular mitochondria damages.

Impact of extraction methods on the quality, physicochemical, and functional properties of white melon (Cucumeropsis mannii) seed protein concentrates

Protein concentrate extracted from Cucumeropsis mannii using acid precipitation, salt solubilization, and alcohol wash methods were analyzed for the amino acid profile, fluorescence intensity, functional properties such as solubility, water, and oil absorption capacities, and swelling index. Salt solubilized protein concentrate (SSPC) had higher protein content and better yield compared to alcohol-washed and acid precipitated protein concentrates. Fluorescence spectra showed the least intensity for acid precipitated protein concentrate (APPC), indicating that the structure was unfolded compared to others. Glutamic and aspartic acid were the major amino acids in the protein concentrates. The SSPC had the highest amount of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids. The solubility profile of the concentrates indicated that SSPC had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest solubility over a wide pH range (pH 3.0-9.0) in comparison to the APPC and alcohol washed concentrates (AWPC). In contrast, AWPC had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest water and oil absorption capacities compared to those extracted using other solvents. The foaming capacity of AWPC was significantly lowered, whilst its solubility index increased with temperature compared to others. Higher percent whiteness and swelling power were recorded in SSPC The Melon protein concentrate could be applied to the food system.

Electrochemical, Isotherm, and Material Strength Studies of Cucumeropsis mannii Shell Extract on A515 Grade 70 Carbon Steel in NaCl Solution

In this study, corrosion inhibition efficiency of Cucumeropsis mannii shell extract (CMSE) was tested on A515 Grade 70 carbon steel in 1.0 M NaCl solution. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss (WL) measurements were used to investigate the inhibition efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic adsorption spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the carbon steel and extract. PDP and EIS measurements revealed maximum inhibition efficiency of 91.2% and 92.2%, respectively. Tafel plot confirmed inhibitor to be a mixed type. A monolayer adsorption of CMSE molecules occurred spontaneously by physisorption. Polarization resistance increased with increasing inhibitor concentration. WL measurement revealed decrease in corrosion rate with increasing concentration of corrosion inhibitor. Maximum Young modulus and hardness of 202.4 GPa and 112.3 BHN, respectively, were recorded for the carbon steel at a minimum corrosion rate and load. Pitting and uniform corrosion were formed on the carbon steel in the absence of CMSE. CMSE contains –OH, –OCH3, and –C-NH3 as active functional groups. In conclusion, Cucumeropsis mannii shell extract acted excellently as corrosion inhibitor for A515 Grade 70 carbon steel in 1.0 M NaCl.

Comparative Chemical Evaluation of Three Species of Melon (Cucumis melo, Cucurbita moschata and Cucumeropsis mannii) Seeds

Aim: This study evaluates the nutritional composition of three species of melon seeds (Cucumeropsis mannii, Cucumis melo, and Cucurbita moschata). The seeds were obtained from Nasarawa State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Phytochemical constituents and proximate composition was determined by the method of Association of Official Analytical Chemists method (AOAC). Vitamins, amino acids and minerals were determined by standard methods. Oils were extracted from the samples using soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane.&#x0D; Results: The result of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenol, alkaloids, terpenes, triterpenes, cardiac glycoside, sterols, terpenoids and tannins in the three species. The proximate composition revealed that crude fat is high in all the samples with C. moschata having the highest (41.23%) while C. mannii have the highest crude protein (26.31%). The result also reveals that all the samples have low carbohydrate (11%, 14% &amp;13%) for C. mannii, C. melo and C. moschata respectively. The result of mineral composition reveals that potassium is high in all the samples with C. moschata having the highest (84.62 mg/100g) while Cadmium is the lowest (0.06mg/100g). The varieties also contain β-carotene, α-tocopherol and Ascorbic acid where β-carotene is the most abundant in the three varieties. The amino acid composition revealed leucine, alanine, phenylalanine, arginine, glutamic acid serine and aspartic acid to be the highest in all the samples. The percentage oil yield from the seeds were 32.90%, 31.38%, and 37.28% for C. mannii, C. melo and C. moschata respectively. The physicochemical properties of the oil obtained revealed acid value (mgKOH/g) in the range of 0.38-0.53. Saponification value (mg/KOH/g) 152.5-168.3, Iodine value (g/I2/100g) 92.7-119.5 free fatty acid (%Oleic) 2.34-3.66. Peroxide value (meqKOH/g) 4.56-6.38 and the pH in the range of 6.09-6.18 for C. mannii, C. melo and C. moschata respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The three melon seeds species contain almost similar nutritional composition. This justified the use of the melon seeds for industrial, food, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Protective Roles of Adansonia digitata (African Baobab), Cucumeropsis mannii (Melon), and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro) Supplemented Diets against Cadmium-Induced Lipotoxicity, Bone Demineralization, and Cytotoxicity in Rabbits

The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective roles of Adansonia digitata (African baobab) Cucumeropsis mannii (Melon), Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro), on lipid profile, bone health, and selected organs (liver, kidney, brain, and testis) against cadmium-induced toxicity in rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were grouped into five with four rabbits in each group. Group 1 served as positive control and received standard feed and 1.5 mg/kg body weight normal saline, group 2 served as negative control and were exposed to 1.5 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride, group 3 received 1.5 mg/kg body weight cadmium Adansonia digitata supplemented feed, group 4 received 1.5 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride and Citrullus lanatus supplemented feed, while group 5 were given 1.5 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride and Abelmoschus esculentus supplemented feed. All administrations were orally and lasted for 28 days. At the end of the administration, blood, liver, kidney, brain, and testes were harvested from the rabbits for biochemical and histological analysis. One-way analysis of variance followed by Turkey’s test was used to analyze the results with p &lt; 0.05 considered significant. The results revealed that cadmium exposure caused a significant increase in serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, and atherogenic index in rabbits exposed to cadmium. Cadmium exposure also reduced bone calcium concentration. Adansonia digitata maintained the atherogenic index of plasma at 2.67 compared with the positive control group (2.66). The three vegetables reversed the cadmium-induced up-regulation of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol in the liver, kidney, and brain but not in the testis. All the vegetables also restored bone calcium. Citrullus lanatus and Abelmoschus esculentus prevented organ damage induced by cadmium exposure. These vegetables however play different protective roles against cadmium exposed rabbits.

Processed white melon seed flour: Chemical composition, antioxidant, angiotensin-1-converting and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes inhibitory properties

White melon seed (Cucumeropsis mannii) contain essential nutrients and medicinal properties. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the chemical composition, angiotensin-1-converting, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory properties of undefatted (UMF), defatted (DMF) and protein isolate (MPI) of white melon seeds. Protein content of the seed flour varied from 38.2±0.12 to 85.6±0.61 g/100g, and the samples contain appreciable amount of mineral elements. The essential amino acid profile of the samples ranged between 19.9 and 30.1%. The MPI exhibited higher antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, iron chelation and hydroxyl free radicals compared to UMF and DMF samples. The inhibitory potential (%) of melon seed flour samples against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin1-1-converting enzymes varied from 10.5±0.45 - 93.8±0.40, 4.4±0.38 - 91.8±0.04 and 65.4±0.23 - 90.0±0.18%, respectively. In conclusion, MPI had highest antioxidant and inhibitory activities against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin-1-converting enzymes. Hence, the MPI may be applicable in functional food production for the management of diabetes and hypertension.

Physicochemical characteristics, protein analysis, and antioxidant properties of defatted Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley and Cucumeropsis mannii (Naudin) seed kernel flours

Defatted Lagenaria siceraria seeds and those of Cucumeropsis mannii, obtained after lipid extraction using food-grade hexane, were converted into flours (defatted Lagenaria siceraria seeds flours, LSDSF; defatted Cucumeropsis mannii seed flours, CMDSF), and analysed for their chemical and amino acid (AA) compositions, protein fractions, protein molecular weight distribution, granular surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, their antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and phosphomolybdate reducing power assays. LSDSF and CMDSF contained mainly globular shaped proteins with high thermal stability. Composition wise, these proteins primarily consisted of globulins, glutelins, and albumin. AA analysis of the total protein identified 18 amino acids including all the essential AA. These flours thus could be potential sources of antioxidant compounds with higher activity in aqueous than in methanolic extract. Based on their composition and physicochemical characteristics, LSDSF and CMDSF are potentially good ingredients usable in food systems with low lipid oxidation.

Evaluation of the nutritional and anti-nutritional factors composition of the seed coats of two species of Cucurbitaceae (cucumis melo L. and Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) for their possible use in animal feed formulation

Seed coats wastes produced during processing of Cucurbitaceae seed for human diet could be used in animal feed, and their value relies on their nutritional content. High dry mater (86.60 ± 0.54-87.26 ± 0.30%), carbohydrate (23.32 ± 0.36-25.19 ± 0.78%), protein (10.06 ± 0.01-18.81 ± 0.01%), lipid (14.51 ± 0.28-18.86 ± 0.86%), fibers (51.48 ± 0.24-60.87 ± 1.51%) and glutamic acid (5.65 ± 0.00-6.44 ± 0.00) were found in the seed coat of cucumis melo and Cucumeropsis mannii. Moreover, the high level of total phenolic content (150.30–207.36 mg GAE/100 g) may reveal important antioxidant properties of the seed coat. Levels of macro-elements such as Phosphorus (326.66 ± 15.27-400.00 ± 10.00 mg/100g), potassium (1931.44 ± 2.64-2206.00 ± 2.64 mg/100g), calcium (2941.00 ± 1.00-3596.00 ± 0.57mg/100g) and magnesium (54.50 ± 1.00-329.33 ± 0.57 mg/100g), and also micro-elements such as Iron (8.35 ± 0.00-9.50 ± 0.00 mg/100g), copper (4.54 ± 0.00-5.14 ± 0.00 mg/100g), manganese (5.71 ± 0.00-5.87 ± 0.00 mg/100g), sodium (14.21 ± 0.00-17.93 ± 0.00 mg/100g) and zinc (19.11 ± 0.00-24.57 ± 0.00 mg/100g) displayed the potential of the seed coats as mineral source. The presence of anti-nutrient like tannins (43.63 ± 0.48-57.73 ± 0.97%) and phytate (15.51 ± 0.51%) may be reduced to safe level through fermentation, autoclaving and soaking before feeds formulation. This study displayed the variability in the nutritional and anti-nutritional factors contents of the seed coats obtained from the cucumis melo and Cucumeropsis mannii. Vegetable waste, when properly managed, could provide a source of feed for animal thus reducing feeding cost and in this regards seed coat of Cucurbitaceae seed might be an alternative.

Comparison of the Effects of Cucurbitaceae Seeds Oils and Refined Palm Oil in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Palm oil, the most oil consumed in the world, because of its high saturated fatty acid content, is nowadays recognized to enhance Cardiovascular disease risk (CVD). In this study, we sought to propose Cucurbitaceae seeds oils (CSO) as reducing CVD risk and a good source of income. Then, physicochemical parameters, composition and nutritional value of Citrullus lanatus seeds oil (HCL), Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil (HLS), Cucumeropsis mannii seeds oil (HCM) were compared to that of Refined palm oil (RPO) and among them. Four diets, conformed to that proposed by AIN-93G but differing to the oil, were formulated by using one of the CSO extracted or RPO. These diets served to feed four homogeneous groups of young rats (six per group) during 45 days. Diets consumption and efficacy were evaluated. Blood sample, collected at the end of the experimentation, were used to measure out heamatological parameters, glyceamia, urea, creatinine, lipids parameters, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminine Transferase, sodium and calicium. Peroxide index and specific gravity were in accordance to the norm. Free fatty acid content of RPO and HLS were in the norm but acid values of the fourth oils were lower than the safe limit for consumption. Grading of most unsaturated fatty acid content was HCL, HCM, RPO and HLS respectively. Plasma parameters, organ weight and the coefficients calculated were not different (p &gt; 0.05) to each other, but according to atherogenicity index, the grading of high inducing cardiovascular disease was HCM, RPO, HCL and HLS respectively. Without no technological treatment CSO compete with RPO. There are possibility that refined CSO reduced CDV than RPO. Keywords: Citrullus lanatus seeds oil ; Refined palm oil ; Physicochemical parameters ; Composition ; Nutritional value ; Cardiovascular disease risk; Rat Abbreviations CVD: Cardiovascular Disease Risk ; CSO: Cucurbitaceae Seeds Oils; RPO: Refined Palm Oil; HDI: Refined palm oil « Dinor »; HLS: Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil ; HCL: Citrullus lanatus seeds oil; HCM: Cucumeropsis mannii seeds oil; RHDI: Diet in which oil used is refined palm oil; RHCL: Diet in which oil used is Citrulus lanatus oil; RHLS: Diet in which oil used is Lagenaria siceraria oil; RHCM: Diet in which oil used is Cucumeropsis mannii oil; RHDI: Diet in which oil used is refined palm oil; RHCL: Diet in which oil used is Citrulus lanatus oil; RHLS: Diet in which oil used is Lagenaria siceraria oil; RHCM: Diet in which oil used is Cucumeropsis mannii oil; ASAT: Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALAT: Alanine Aminine Transferase

Novel evaluation of flammability attenuation and thermal characteristics elevation potential of polymer composites reinforced with cucumeropsis mannii shell granules

In recent times, effort has been made by researchers all over the world to develop composite materials that will be eco-friendly and affordable. Based on this, this study focused on the development of improved thermal and fire properties of the polymer (epoxy) using Cucumeropsis mannii shell granules (CMSg). Epoxy + 20wt% CMSg composite was produced by solution casting method. The thermogravimetric (TGA) and cone calorimetry were used to determine the relevant characteristics of the composite. The temperature of thermal maximum decomposition was shifted to a higher temperature for the composite. The epoxy released 6.63% heat during burring and 6.73% mass loss over that of the developed composite. About 58.93% delayed time was obtained for the composite before burning commenced. The results show that the tested material can be used for increasing the thermal and fire properties of epoxy matrix composites for engineering application.

Soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) influenced by combined soil amendments in Ile-Oluji, Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted to study the effects of crop residues in combination with NPK fertilizer (NPKF) on soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon at Ile-Oluji, Ondo State Nigeria. The experiment involved applications of cocoa bean husk (CBH), cocoa pod husk (CPH), cocoa pod waste (CPW), kola pod husk (KPH), Tithonia diversifolia (weed much (WM) in combination with NPK 15:15:15 Fertilizer to produce twelve treatments at 4 t ha-1 CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CBH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 KPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 KPH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 2 t ha-1 WM + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 2 t ha-1 WM + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 300 kg ha-1 NPKF and control, all the amendments tested significantly improved soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon relative to control. Three cocoa plants residues in combination with NPKF at reduced rates 4 t ha CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF and 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF respectively significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved soil pH, organic matter (OM), available P, exchangeable k, Ca and Mg, Na, Fe, Al and ECEC among the amendments tested. All treatments increased number of leaf, branches and vine length of white seed melon compared to control. 4 t ha-1 CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, had highest value of crop branches.