Elaesis Guineensis Research Articles

Valorisation and Thermal Responsiveness of Lignin from Elaesis guineensis

In recent years, advancement in material technology and a better understanding of material propertiescoupled with the quest for bio-compactible materials has driven research towards valorisation of agro-waste like empty palm fruit bunch (EPFB). Elaesis guineensis was a potential source of biomass and was classified as an environmental pollutant and disposal burden. In this study, the valorisation of Elaesis guineensis and its thermal responsiveness as lignin for use as a filler in polymer composites are examined. Lignin from EPFB was extracted via acid hydrolysis, using Di ethyl ether ((C2H5)2O) and HCl as the pretreatment solvent. The thermal stability, crystallinity, heat flow, chemical composition, and functional group of the extracted lignin were studied for treated and untreated EPFB samples using techniques like; Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X- ray diffrraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The percent yield of 23% obtained in this work is within the range specified in literature (20.1-23.8%) using sodium hydroxide(NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) for alkali treatment. Results of the FTIR analysis of all samples in reference to the wave numbers of lignin are in good agreement with those stated in the literature. The stretching patterns alsoindicate the presence of compounds like phenols, hydroxides, and methyl groups, which are characteristics of lignin compounds. By comparing with the cellulose standard available in the database of the XRD system, two main peaks were observed from the XRD patterns at 2θ = 22.3 and 2θ = 26.7 representing peak 002 for hemicellulose and 011 for lignin, respectively corresponding to the amorphous region of hemicellulose and lignin while peaks I002 represent the crystalline region of cellulose. From the study, it was inferred that the thermal stability of extracted lignin with a Tg of 400C is higher compared to the samples treated with di ethyl ether and untreated EPFB having a Tg of 200C. The extracted lignin has a maximum decomposition temperature of 400oC, which makes it suitable as a filler in polymer composites.

Respon Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq) Akibat Pemberian Zat Pengatur Tumbuh Growtone Di Pre Nursery

This study aims to determine the effect and obtain the best dose of ZPT Growtone on the growth of oil palm seedlings (Elaesis guineensis Jacq) in pre-nursery. This research was carried out experimentally using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications namely G0 (without treatment), G1 (ZPT Growtone 2 gr/l), G2 (ZPT Growtone 4 gr/l), G3 (ZPT Growtone 6 gr/l), G4 (ZPT Growtone 6 gr/l). The number of experimental units was 20 plots consisting of 16 plants and 4 plants as samples, the parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and leaf area. The results of this study were that the administration of ZPT Growtone had a very significant effect on the growth of oil palm seedlings on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and leaf area. The best growth of oil palm seedlings was found in the G3 treatment with a concentration of 6 g/l.

Formulation of Drying and Non Drying Oil Alkyd Resin from Palm Oil (Elaesis guineensis jacq.) and Tuna Fish Oil (Thunnus sp.) toward Acid Number Value and Non Volatile Content as Surface Coating Resin

Resin is a polymer chemical substance that is made up of monomers from carbon and nitrogen. Alkyd resin, a surface coating resin, produced by polycondensation reaction between polybasic and polyhydric alcohols, modified with monobasic acids or their anhydrides, and drying oil at controlled temperatures. Alkyd resin is widely used in the paint and surface coating industries. The advantages of this resin are its strong chemical and thermal resistance, quick drying power, and inexpensive cost. Alkyd resins can be produced from natural oil (palm and tuna fish oil). Oil derived from palm and tuna fish is known as natural oil. Tuna fish oil includes 40.04 % oleic acid. The oleic content is suitable for use in the alcoholysis process in the production of alkyd resins. The major ingredients in this study were tuna fish oil and palm oil. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of a combination of palm oil:tuna fish oil ratio, amount of pthalic anhydride, and temperature of alcoholysis process on the value of acid number and non-volatile content of alkyd resin was investigated using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Effect of Fermentation Time and Weight of Bread Yeast on Bioethanol Content from Glucose Hydrolysis of Cellulose Empty Bunches Palm Oil (Elaesis guineensis Jacq.) with HCl 30%

Research about the effect of fermentation time and weight of yeast bread on bioethanol concentration from the fermentation of the glucose from hydrolysis of cellulose oil palm empty fruit bunches (Elaeis guineensis Jack ) with HCl 30% has been done. From the research, it found that oil palm empty fruit bunches contained cellulose of 24.1298 %. The cellulose was isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches. It was hydrolyzed by HCl 30% to yield glucose and was analyzed by Nelson-Somogyi Method and the rate of the glucose was 17,1051 %. The fermentation of glucose used various periods of fermentation were 2 days, 4 days, and 6 days and various added baker yeast were 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g. The percentage of bioethanol was analyzed by using potassium dichromate titrations of the oxidation volumetric method. The result of the analysis shows that the highest percentage was 7.3922% with a period of fermentation was 6 days and baker yeast of 6 g.

Design and development of a palm kernel nut cracking unit

The object of this research is the cracking of the nuts of oil palm (Elaesis guineensis). The oil palm tree is one of the greatest economic assets a nation can have, provided its importance is realized and fully harnessed. After the oil extraction of palm oil from the palm fruits, virtually all methods involved in palm kernel nut cracking both in traditional and small-scale exist in scattered or separate units of operations. Hence, this research focused on designing a palm nut kernel cracking unit incorporating a separator in form of a screen to separate cracked palm kernel nut shell from kernel. The result shows that there were significant difference (p≤0.05) among the moisture content of the palm nuts, shaft speed of the machine and weight (feed rate), having a significant difference between: – moisture content of the palm nut and the shaft speed of the cracker; – moisture content and feed rate; – shaft speed and feed rate. There exist interaction between cracked, uncracked shell, damaged, undamaged kernel, and palm kernel nut breakage ratio. While, there was no significant difference among interaction between moisture content, shaft speed and feed weight. The result also indicated that for the highest speed of 1,800 rpm at a feed rate of 700 kg/h for all moisture contents, the cracking efficiency was between10 to 90 %, which implies that the kernel cracking efficiency increases with an increase in machine speed. However, it was observed that higher cracking efficiency was at the cost of higher kernel damage for all cracking speeds and feed rates, which is a problem. The kernel breakage ratio ranged from 1.040–7.85 for all feed rates and moisture contents. The kernel breakage ratio increased with moisture content and cracking speed but decreases with feed rate weight.

Valorization of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> Seed Oil in Soap Production

The present study was conducted with the aim of extracting and characterising Cucurbita pepo seed oil and then producing soap with important dermatological properties. The physico-chemical results of the Cucurbita pepo seed oil after extraction were satisfactory and indicate that the oil obtained contains long-carbonaceous fatty acids. The production of the soap was based on the realisation of a saponification reaction by reflux heating between the extracted oil and a solution of soduim hydroxyde 7M for one hour. The soap obtained is characterised by the following physico-chemical parameters: salt content, alkali content, pH, and humidity; which meet ISO 684-1974 standards. The antibacterial parameters of the soaps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 were determined by the Agar Diffusion test using the well method and these soaps showed an interesting antibacterial activity against the germs pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus. Soaps based on Raffia sese oil (kolo oil) and Elaesis guineensis oil (palm oil) have also been synthesized for comparison with soap obtained from Cucurbita pepo seed oil.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Elaesis guineensis (Jacq) Oil in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure in Drosophila melanogaster

Elaesis guineensis, a plant whose oil extract (palm kernel oil) is medicinal, is reported to treat a wide range of disorders, including seizures. However, the anticonvulsant activity of this oil extract has not been exhaustively studied. This study aimed at evaluating the anticonvulsant activity of Elaesis guineensis oil in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit-fly). Pentylenetetrazol (50 mg/5 g diet) was used to induce seizure in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were exposed to different concentrations (0.5-5%) of the oil and phenytoin for 28 days in a survival assay to determine the safety in the fruit flies. Five replicate of fifty files each were exposed to diet containing the LC50 of phenytoin and other groups were exposed to different concentrations of the extract for 7 days. Seizure was then induced with Pentylenetetrazol. The Trikinetic system was used to monitor activity and the DAMSystem3 data collection program to collect, process and store data. The results showed that the extract increased the latency of seizures and improved survival in the flies and suggest that the extract possesses anticonvulsant properties.

Further observations and implications of Oil Palm Elaesis guineensis fruit consumption by Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus in coastal Gambia.

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Protective Role of Elaesis guineensis Leaves against Crude Oil Tainted Diet–induced Hematotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: Crude oil is a very toxic chemical. Recently, the search for protective substances is attracting attention. This study aimed to investigate the hematoprotective potentials of oil palm leaves against the toxicity induced by crude oil. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (n=36) were divided into six groups of rats (n=6). Group 1 (controls) were fed with normal rat food. Groups 2 and 3 were fed with diets combined with a predetermined quantity of Elaesis guineensis (E. guineensis) leaves. Group 4 were given crude oil contaminated diet. Groups 5 and 6 were fed with tainted diet, mixed with a predetermined quantity of powdered E. guineensis leaves. Results: Pre-treatment of the diet with oil palm leaves restored lipid peroxidation, the activities of various types of superoxide dismutases (SODs), and catalase compared to those obtained for the control group. Treatment of crude oil-tainted diet with oil palm leaves significantly increased hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell indices, and significantly decreased white blood cell count compared to those noted for the rats fed crude oil-tainted diet. Conclusions: This study found that the treatment of crude oil contaminated diet with oil palm leaves reduced the hemotoxicity as experimented in Wistar albino rats.

Ligninolytic Activity of Fungi Isolated from Empty Fruit Bunch of Oil Palm (Elaesis guineensis Jacq.)

Lignin is a natural polymer and plays an important role as a compound of plant cell wall constituent. A study about the degradation of lignin in the environment has been receiv ing considerable attention because the complex structure and difficult to be degraded compared to the degradation of others plant cell wall constituent. A study to determine the activity of the ligninolytic enzyme ( l ignin p eroxidase, m anganese p eroxidase and l accase) of fungi isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch . This study ha s been done with a screening of ligninolytic activity using potato dextrose agar supplemented with tannic acid (0,1%) , showed that two out of five fungal isolates have ligninolytic activit y. The highest activity of lignin peroxidase was produced by SN2 isolate s i.e. 9.677U ml -1 , whereas the highest activity of manganese peroxidase and laccase was produced by SN3 isolates i.e. 1.942 U ml -1 and 1.846 U m -1 respectively.

Tree Species for bio-monitoring and Green Belt Design: A Case Study of Ota Industrial Estate, Nigeria

Bio-chemical and physiological parameters of plants have been employed in the screening of suitable bio - monitors via the estimation of air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). In the present study, five plant species, Elaesis guineensis, Mangifera indica, Terminate catappa, Musa spp and Araucaria heterophylla within high concentrated industrial areas of Ota industrial estate were evaluated based on these two indices. APTI for all plant species ranged from 3.43 to 10.1 signifying their bio-monitoring status. Out of five species, Terminate catappa was identified as the most sensitive. Following API classification, Mangifera indica was graded as a good performer while Elaesis guineensis and Terminate catappa were grouped as moderate performers for green belt development. Further evaluation of screened trees for high grade tolerant species and carbon sequestration potential is recommended.

In vitro Investigation of the Anti-sickling and Erythrocyte Membrane Stabilizing Potentials of Elaesis guineensis Jacq Flower

Anti-sickling activity of Elaeis guineensis jacq flowers was investigated to determine the capability of the plant to inhibit the polymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin, maintain membrane osmotic fragility and recover the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio. Spectrophotometric technique was employed to determine the rate of sodium metabisulphite provoked HbSS erythrocytes polymerization. The profile for HbSS erythrocytes polymerization of test and control specimens demonstrated growing level of polymerization at three investigational concentrations (20mg/ml, 40mg/ml and 60mg/ml) while (80mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 120mg/ml) concentrations of the extracts showed pronounced anti-sickling activity through inhibition of HbSS gelation. The estimation of mean corpuscular fragility (MCF), which is the concentration of saline causing 50% hemolysis of the erythrocytes, revealed that the plant extract decreased the MCF values of the HbSS erythrocytes at all concentrations in comparison to the control. The Fe2+/Fe3+ investigation revealed an increase in the test groups when compared to the control. The aqueous extracts of Elaeis guineensis jacq flowers demonstrated towering potency in altering the polymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin at increased concentration, enhancement in Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio and maintaining erythrocyte membrane integrity.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Palm Kernel Shells Fueled Stove Converting Waste to Energy

Oil palm (Elaesis guineensis Jacq.) is an indigenous forest product of West Africa. The natural groves usually have palms that bear ordinary fruits. These fruits emerged hard-kernelled shell (dura) and thin-kernelled shell (tenera). These kernels were found useful as fuel by researcher due to its high calorific value. The existing fuels such as kerosene, gas, are out of reach to an average Nigerian due to its scarcity and high cost. Other means of fuels like charcoal, wood are not hygienic and also not easy to get due to high rate of deforestation, hence the development of kernel-fuel stove. This was possible after preliminary investigation of its calorific value which was found to be 16.9 MJ. The major components of the kernel-fueled stove are the: frame, blower, miner plate, pot carrier and burning chamber. The capacity of the stove is 22.4 kg of kernel shell; its performance evaluation was carried out by comparing the developed stove with other stoves fueled by sawdust, charcoal, gas, kerosene and electric cooker, and it was discovered it got the shortest time for boiling 3 liters of water in 2.30 minutes.

Bioadsorption of Multiple Heavy Metal Ions by Rhizophora Apiculate sp. and Elaesis Guineensis sp.

Heavy metal ions contamination has become more serious which is caused by the releasing of toxic water from industrial area and landfill that are very harmful to all living organism especially human and can even cause death if contaminated in small amount of heavy metal concentration. Currently, peoples are using classic method namely electrochemical treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, chemical precipitation and reverse osmosis to eliminate the metal ions from toxic water. Unfortunately, these methods are costly and not environmentally friendly as compared to bioadsorption method, where agricultural waste is used as biosorbent to remove heavy metals. Two types of agricultural waste used in this research namely oil palm mesocarp fiber (Elaesis guineensis sp.) (OPMF) and mangrove bark (Rhizophora apiculate sp.) (MB) biomass. Through chemical treatment, the removal efficiency was found to improve. The removal efficiency is examined based on four specification namely dosage, of biosorbent to adsorb four types of metals ion explicitly nickel, lead, copper, and chromium. The research has found that the removal efficiency of MB was lower than OPMF; whereas, the multiple metals ions removal efficiency decreased in the order of Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ > Cr2+.

Bioadsorption of Multiple Heavy Metal Ions by Rhizophora Apiculate sp. and Elaesis Guineensis sp.

Heavy metal ions contamination has become more serious which is caused by the releasing of toxic water from industrial area and landfill that are very harmful to all living organism especially human and can even cause death if contaminated in small amount of heavy metal concentration. Currently, peoples are using classic method namely electrochemical treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, chemical precipitation and reverse osmosis to eliminate the metal ions from toxic water. Unfortunately, these methods are costly and not environmentally friendly as compared to bioadsorption method, where agricultural waste is used as biosorbent to remove heavy metals. Two types of agricultural waste used in this research namely oil palm mesocarp fiber (Elaesis guineensis sp.) (OPMF) and mangrove bark (Rhizophora apiculate sp.) (MB) biomass. Through chemical treatment, the removal efficiency was found to improve. The removal efficiency is examined based on four specification namely dosage, of biosorbent to adsorb four types of metals ion explicitly nickel, lead, copper, and chromium. The research has found that the removal efficiency of MB was lower than OPMF; whereas, the multiple metals ions removal efficiency decreased in the order of Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ > Cr2+.

Complementary Foods from Rice and Six Other Ghanaian Food Ingredients Provide Sufficient Macro and Micronutrients for Infants 6-12 Mo of Age

Food base approach is considered to be a more viable and sustainable method of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. A study to develop suitable micronutrient-rich complementary infant foods was carried out and characterized using rice (Oryza sativa, var. Togo Marshal) and six other Ghanaian food ingredients; soybean (Glycine Max var. Afayak), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, var. Bengpla), mango (Magnefera indica, var. Kent), red palm (Elaesis guineensis. var. Dura) oil, groundnut (Arachis hypogea, var. Otuhia) and eggs. The complementary foods were initially developed from six blends, LR-1 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% groundnut, 5% dried mango), LR-2 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% groundnut, 5% egg yolk), LR-3 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% cowpea, 5% dried mango), LR-4 (65% rice, 25% soybean, 5% palm oil, 5% egg yolk), LR-5 (70% rice, 20% cowpea, 5% groundnut, 5% egg yolk), LR-6 (70% rice, 25% soybean, 5% dried mango). Sensory evaluation of these initial blends was conducted and the three most preferred blends were selected for further acceptability studies as well as the nutritional analyses using standard methods. The most desirable product based on sensory attributes was the formulation containing mango flour and soybeans (LR-6) followed by formulation containing soybean, groundnut and mango (LR-1). However there were no significant differences ( p = 0.05) observed among the overall acceptability of the three best formulated products (LR-6, LR-1, LR-4). LR-4 had the highest amount of energy (427.6Kcal/100g), protein (15.82g/100g), fat (12.2g/100g), beta-carotene (5106.7 µg/100g) and iron (6.6mg/100g). LR-6 came out as the most preferred weaning food based on sensory evaluation. This study revealed the potential of using local ingredients including rice to produce micronutrient-rich complementary infant foods in developing countries. This will be of tremendous help to the less endowed households where the problem of infant malnutrition is most rife.

Effect of low temperature stress on physiological changes in oil palm (Elaesis guineensis Jacg.) seedling under different time.

Effect of low temperature stress on physiological changes in oil palm (Elaesis guineensis Jacg.) seedling under different time.

Air Pollution tolerance indices (apti) of some plants around Otorogun Gas Plant in Delta State, Nigeria.

The study examined the air pollution tolerance indices (APTI) of six plant species around Otorogun gas plant in Ughelli-South Local Government Area of Delta State. Four physiological and biochemical parameters, which are leaf relative water content (RWC), Ascorbic acid content (AA), total leaf chlorophyll (TCh) and leaf extract pH were used to compute the APTI values. The result showed order of tolerance as Emilia Samtifolia(1.49%)> Manihot esculenta (2.19%)> Elaesis guineensis (2.41%)> Impereta cylindrical (25.56%)> Eupatorium Odoratum (35.17%)> Psidium guayava (45.11%).

Polyphenol-enriched extract of oil palm fronds (Elaeis guineensis) promotes vascular relaxation via endothelium-dependent mechanisms.

Plant-based polyphenolic compounds have been reported to possess cardiovascular health benefits. Several dietary sources, including herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, and tea and wine, contain an array of biologically active compounds that have been shown to be effective in retarding oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and promoting vascular relaxation. In the present study four different plant sources, both edible and non-edible, were evaluated for potential activity. Organic extracts enriched in polyphenols were prepared from palm fronds (Elaesis guineensis); lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates); papaya shoots (Carica papaya) and green chilli (Capsicum frutescenes) and tested for their ability to prevent in vitro oxidation of LDL, and for potential vascular relaxation actions. Rings of rat thoracic aorta and isolated perfused mesenteric vascular beds were mounted in organ baths, contracted using a half-maximal dose of noradrenaline and exposed to cumulative additions of test extracts. Palm frond extract resulted in considerable relaxation (>75%) in both preparations and was found to be endothelium-dependent as removal of endothelium or inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) led to a total loss in relaxant activity. Lemongrass extract caused a greater relaxation action in the mesenteric preparation compared to aortic rings, and appears to be mediated via NO-independent and non-prostanoid mechanisms. Of the extracts tested, palm fronds also demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity, as determined by the ferric reducing activity/potential assay, and resulted in a significant delay (P < 0.05) in the oxidation of LDL. Collectively, these preliminary findings lend further support to the potential cardiovascular actions of plant polyphenols and also identify oil palm fronds as containing constituents that promote vascular relaxation via endothelium-dependent mechanisms.

Influence of palm oil (Elaesis guineensis) on health.

In recent times there has been a growing research interest in palm oil, one of the major edible plant oils in the tropical countries, because of the link between dietary fats and coronary heart disease. Obtained from a tropical plant, Elaesis guineensis, it has a polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio close to unity and a high amount of antioxidant vitamin A precursors and vitamin E. Palm oil is consumed in the fresh state and/or at various levels of oxidation. Feeding experiments in various animal species and humans have highlighted the beneficial role of fresh palm oil to health. These benefits include reduction in the risk of arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis, inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and platelet aggregation, and reduction in blood pressure. However, a considerable amount of the commonly used palm oil is in the oxidized state which possesses potential dangers to the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. Oxidation is as a result of processing the oil for various culinary purposes. Studies have revealed that relative to fresh palm oil, oxidized palm oil induces an adverse plasma lipid profile, free fatty acids, phospholipids and cerebrosides. Additionally, oxidized palm oil induces reproductive toxicity and organotoxicity particularly of the kidneys, lungs, liver and heart. Available evidence suggests that at least part of the oxidized oil impact on health reflects generation of toxicants due to oxidation. The reduction of the dietary level of oxidized oil and/or the level of oxidation may reduce the health risk associated with consumption of oxidized fats.