Gnetum Africanum Research Articles

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Aspergillus flavus and Aqueous Extract of Gnetum africanum, Anacardium occidentale, and Landolphia owariensis: Characterization and the Antimicrobial Evaluation

a peer-reviewed, open access online international journal which publishes original research papers. The journal welcomes submission from scholars and experts for possible publication from all over the world. The scope of the journal includes: Pharmaceutical research, chemistry and biochemistry of naturally occurring compounds, biological evaluation of crude extracts, ethnomedicine, traditional and complementary medicine, ethnopharmacology, biomedical research, Biotechnology, Evaluation of natural substances of land and sea and of plants, microbes and animals, pharmacognosy, bioavailability, clinical, pharmacological, toxicological studies and pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals, Isolation and characterization of compounds, structure elucidation, synthesis and experimental biosynthesis of natural Product as well as developments of methods in these areas are welcomed in the journal.

Socio-economic Contributions of The Retail Sale of Mfumbwa (Gnetum africanum Welw.) Among Traders in the Uíge city, Angola

The trade of non-wood forest products in the town of Uíge, including the Mfumbwa (Gnetum africanum Welw.), is an important activity for the family economy and helps to meet the daily needs of households. The aim of this research was to find out the socio-economic contributions of the retail sale of Mfumbwa among households in the town of Uíge. The socio-economic surveys were based on a semi-structured questionnaire and submitted orally to the informants. The study was based on purposive sampling and took place between March and September of 2021 in the city of Uíge, northern Angola. A total of 56 informants were interviewed, all (100%) women. Mfumbwa retailing is a women's business because the traders interviewed are exclusively (100%) women. The majority (38%) of retailers in Mfumbwa are between 18 and 30 years old. Trade is the main source (97%) of employment and income for the respondents. Mfumbwa retailers in the city of Uíge have an average of 15 years of experience in trading this product. The majority (63%) of retail traders in Mfumbwa have more than 30 years of experience in this activity. The average profit generated by the retail sale of Mfumbwa in the city of Uíge is 85.61 US$ per month/ retailer. The income from the retail sale of Mfumbwa is destined mainly to the strengthening of the household basket (25%), to the schooling of children (21%) and to the health of the household (18%). The retail sale of Mfumbwa in the city of Uíge improves the socio-economic conditions of the trading households, helps to combat unemployment and to supplement the family budget thanks to the income generated by this trade. Finally, to avoid the extinction of this species, it is imperative to develop sustainable conservation strategies.

Lipid Profile, Haematological Assay and Tissue Histology of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Administered Extracts of Vernomia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (okazi leaf)


 
 
 Diabetes mellitus is predominant in numerous nations of the world with millions of deaths directly linked to it. The utilization of plants in providing answers to this pandemic has expanded over the years. This study investigated changes in some haematological parameters and tissue histology of alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats administered combined leaf extracts (CLE) of vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf (BI)) and gnetum africanum (okazi leaf (OK)). Aqueous extracts of bitter leaf and okazi leaf were prepared using the conventional method. Forty Wistar rats were grouped into eight of five rats each. Groups A and B were normal and diabetic control respectively, groups C to G (diabetic groups) were treated with varied mixtures of extracts of vernomia amygdalina and gnetum africanum at (10:90BI/OK), (30:70BI/OK), (50:50BI/OK), (70:30 BI/OK) and (90:10% BI/OK) ratios respectively. Group H, the diabetic control was administered the standard drug (Metformin). The animals were sacrificed on the 28th day, blood samples and liver tissue were collected for biochemical analysis and histological examination. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the lipid profile of the diabetic groups (C-G) especially in triglycerides with the highest reduction in (50:50 BI/OK) combination (0.70±0.07) while the least reduction was seen in (30:70 BI/OK) combination (1.37±0.08). There were time and ratio-dependent variations in the haematological indices. Hepatic histology showed evidence of varying levels of restoration of cellular structural integrity by the combined extracts. These results suggest that the combined extracts of vernomia amygdalina and gnetum africanum could be used to manage diabetes mellitus.
 
 

Floristic Diversity of Edible Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Sold on the Markets of Brazzaville

The Congolese flora abounds in an important reserve of edible non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The present study was conducted to assess the floristic diversity of edible non-timber forest products sold in the markets of Brazzaville. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out using an open questionnaire in the markets of Brazzaville. Data on the floristic diversity of edible NTFPs was collected according to a standardised framework inspired by the resulting NTFP survey database. The identification of the plants mentioned was carried out in the field and at the Brazzaville Herbarium. This study recorded 65 species offering edible non-timber forest products divided into 28 families and 45 genera. The most represented family is the Gnetaceae (24.30%). The most consumed species was Gnetum africanum Welw (15.09%). The most consumed organs were fruits (61.24%). The NTFPs inventoried were much more consumed processed (44.79%). The most dominant phytogeographic type was the Guinean-Congolese type (66.54%). Trees (40.69%) were the dominant morphological type. The majority of NTFPs inventoried orinated from forests (90.24%). This work could constitutes a basic study for further scientific investigation.

Green Synthesis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Using Gnetum africanum Extracts

The synthesis and application of nanoparticles is an important area of research that is gaining attention recently. In this recent project, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, AgNP using aqueous solution of silver nitrate and Gnetum africanum leaf extract (reducing agent). The synthesis of AgNP was achieved by mixing aqueous solution of silver nitrate (70ml, 15.75mM) with a solution of Gnetum africanum leaf extract 100 ml) in a reaction flask and allowed to stand for 24 hours in a dark cupboard. A color change from light brown to yellowish brown was observed which indicated that synthesis of silver nanoparticles took place. The presence of AgNP was ascertained using UV-vis spectra analysis and absorption at 442 nm showed the presence of AgNP. The antioxidant assay of both the synthesized AgNP and the leaf extract was determined using DPPH. Antimicrobial activity was conducted using three different organisms which were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas respectively. The antioxidant results using DPPH scavenging ability of AgNp showed that at concentrations of 2mg/ml,1mg/ml and 0.1mg/ml, the percentage inhibition of DPPH by AgNp was 61.69, 53.06 and 38.31 respectively and that of Gnetum africanum leaf extract was 81.32, 78.49, and 58.29 respectively at the same concentrations using Ascorbic acid as a standard. The antimicrobial activity of both the synthesized AgNps and Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract using one gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas) revealed that the synthesized AgNps showed lesser activity than Gnetumafricanum leaf extract for both the gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas) and (Escherichia coli). From the above findings, it can be observed that Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract reduced Ag+ to Ag0 and also both the synthesized AgNps and the Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract showed reasonable antioxidant activity against DPPH and antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. This implied that both samples have medicinal values.

Livelihood Impacts of Forest Carbon Protection in the Context of Redd+ in Cross River State, Southeast Nigeria

The rate of landcover change linked to deforestation and forest degradation in tropical environments has continued to surge despite a series of forest governance policy instruments over the years. These informed the launch of one of the most important international policies called Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) to combat forest destruction. REDD+ assumes that communities will have increased assets to natural capital which will enhance their livelihood portfolio and mitigate the effects of climate variability and change across biomes. The aim of this study is to ascertain the livelihoods impacts of forest carbon protection within the context of REDD+ in Cross River State, Nigeria. Six forest communities were chosen across three agroecological zones of the State. Anchored on the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, a set of questionnaires were administered to randomly picked households. The results indicate that more than half of the respondents aligned with financial payment and more natural resources as the perceived benefits of carbon protection. More so, a multinomial logistic regression showed that income was the main factor that influenced respondent’s support for forest carbon protection. Analysis of income trends from the ‘big seven’ non-timber forest resources in the region showed increase in Gnetum africanum, Bushmeat, Irvingia gabonensis, Garcinia kola, while carpolobia spp., Randia and rattan cane revealed declining income since inception of REDD+. The recorded increase in household income was attributed to a ban in logging. It is recommended that the forest communities should be more heavily involved in the subsequent phases of the project implementation to avoid carbon leakages.

Nutritional and medicinal values of common green leafy vegetables consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: a review

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) play an important role in human nutrition. In sub-Saharan African countries, GLVs are a vital source of essential micronutrients, and their consumption has long been a part of the cultural heritage of African households. In Nigeria, GLVs are either cooked as a stew or consumed raw and used as a main or a supporting dish. These GLVs have great nutritional and medicinal value. It is hypothesized that providing knowledge about the botanical description, nutritional and medicinal benefits to consumers could improve consumption, but much of existing knowledge is poorly documented and inaccessible. This paper aims to address this gap by collating information on some consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: African jointfir (Gnetum africanum, locally known as Ukazi), jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius, locally known as Malafiya), and cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz), giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and bush buck, (Gongronema latifolium, locally known as Utazi) leaves.

Biochemical effect of varied mixtures of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (Okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in many countries of the world, affecting all ages both in developing and developed nations. The use of plants as remedies or preventive therapies has increased over the years. The study investigated the biochemical changes caused by combined leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats.Aqueous extracts of the leaves were prepared using the conventional method.Forty male wistar rats weighing 150-180g were grouped into eight (five rats each). Group 1 was the normal control while diabetes was induced using alloxan (160mg/ kg)in groups 2-8.Group 2 received no treatment while groups 3-7 received varied ratios of the extracts at (BI/OK|10:90%), (BI/OK|30:70%), (BI/OK|50:50%), (BI/OK|70:30%) and (BI/OK|90:10%). Group 8 was the diabetic control treated with the standard diabetic drug (Metformin). The animals were weighed and blood glucose was determined at 7-day intervals. They were sacrificed on the 28th day and blood samples collected for serum protein, serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine, liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress analyses. The results showed steady increase in the body weights (g) of the rats with (BI/OK|70:30)% treated group showing the highest increase (175.40±1.28). The fasting blood sugar (mg/dl) showed timedependent reduction in all the treated diabeti groups with (BI/OK|90:10)% having the highest (56.20±1.65) reduction. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in total blood protein concentration (g/dl) in all the treated groups. The results of this study showed time and ratio dependent effect on the parameters measured. Since the two plants are staple vegetables in some countries, their utilization particularly in appropriate combinations should be encouraged.
 Key words: Extracts, bitter leaf, waterleaf, diabetes mellitus, biochemical parameters.

Toxicological Evaluation and Possible Reversal of Diabetic Toxicological Complications by PHF5 an Antidiabetic Herbal Formula in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: Medicinal potentials of herbs can be amplified greatly through synergism in a poly-herbal formulations. Toxic propensities of a plant can be masked out in poly-herbal preparations thus enhancing effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential toxicological effect and toxicity ameliorating properties of a poly-herbal formula (PHF5) prepared in a particular ratio from the leaves of Ocimmum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, Gongronema latifolium, Gnetum africanum and Aloe barbadensis against alloxan-induced diabetic male rats.
 Methods: Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats divided into 6 groups with 6 animals per group were used for this study. Group 1 served as normal control animals; group 2 had the diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (75 mg/kg bw); group 3, diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (150 mg/kg bw); group 4, diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (300 mg/kg bw); group 5, diabetic rats not given any intervention, group 6 diabetic animals treated with Glibenclamide (5 mg/kgbw). The induction of diabetes was done intraperitoneally using alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg bw). Administration of PHF5 was done orally for five weeks.
 Results: Acute toxicity studies of PHF5 did not show any toxic symptoms in animals that received the PHF5 at up to 5000 mg/kg bw dose. The elevated liver (TP, AST, ALT and ALP) and kidney (BUN and Creatnine) markers in the diabetic animals were lowered significantly in the PHF5-treated animals.
 Conclusion: The findings of this study suggests that PHF5 possess protective properties against hepatotoxicity and diabetic nephropathy and that the extract is quite safe for consumption

Comparative studies on the effect of processing methods on the nutritional value of Basella alba, Talinum triangulare, Celosia argentea, Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africanum leaves

The nutritional composition of vegetables is adversely affected by the method of processing for storage or preservation. This study was designed to determine the effect of blanching, boiling, and drying on the nutritional composition of selected vegetables using standard analytical methods. Proximate analysis was carried out on the fresh and processed leaf samples. Results obtained revealed that all the vegetables analyzed contained an appreciable amount of moisture, ash, protein, fiber, carbohydrate, β-carotene, and vitamins. Results also showed that all the processing methods employed significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the nutritional compositions of the vegetables studied. However, drying under the shade retained more nutrients compared to the other processing methods. Drying significantly increased (p < 0.05) the carbohydrate and protein contents of all the leaves (79.92 % & 7.51 % respectively in Basella alba, 66.74 % & 12.09 % respectively in Amaranthus hybridus, 82.56 % & 10.07 % respectively in Celosia argentea, 70.77 % & 13.05 % respectively in Gnetum africanum and 89.12 % & 4.70 % respectively in Talinum triangulare) compared to blanching, boiling and the control. Thus, from the three processing methods studied, drying was the most effective processing method that retained nutrients and is, therefore, a good preservation method for the vegetables.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a methanol leaf extract from Gnetum africanum with potential anti-diabetic activity: (-)-Epicatechin as the active principle

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a methanol leaf extract from Gnetum africanum with potential anti-diabetic activity: (-)-Epicatechin as the active principle

Nutritional Composition and Sensory Quality of Packaged Ofe-Owerri: A Major Traditional Soup in Nigeria

Background: Ofe-Owerri is an expensive traditional soup in Nigeria, prepared using Oha (Pterocarpus soyauxi), Ukazi (Gnetum africanum), Uziza (Piper guineense) and cocoyam (Colocasia esculanta) as the major vegetables. The soup is highly celebrated for its traditional therapeutic and nutritional potentials. Objective: In this study, we assessed the proximate and mineral components, sensory and microbial qualities of the Ofe-Owerri soup in a cooked and packaged form. Antioxidant status and phytoconstituents of the major vegetables of the soup were also determined. Methods: Established methods were used as previously reported in the literature. Results: Calcium was the most concentrated mineral, whereas lead was absent. High moisture (63.45%), crude protein (14.60%) and fat (13.27%) were found in the soup. The major ingredients (vegetables) used to prepare Ofe-Owerri contain phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and saponins, and showed potent antioxidant activity in various in vitro models, with uziza displaying the highest scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The vegetables exhibit reductive capacity against oxidants, and chelation of metallic free radicals. There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in the sensory parameters of Ofe-Owerri soup kept frozen in foil and plastic containers, respectively, for 21 days. Conclusion: This study showed that Ofe-Owerri is a good dietary source of nutrients and possesses phytoconstituents with potential beneficial health effects. When properly packaged, the soup can be stored safely for up to three weeks.

Phytopharmacognostic Evaluation of the Leaves OF Gnetum africanum Welw (Gnetaceae)

Background: Gnetum africanum Welw (Gnetaceae) also called African salad and Afang in Ibibio language is an evergreen, perennial, shade-tolerant vine with woody stems which can climb up to 12m or more from a tuberous root-stock. It has culinary and medicinal importance.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacognostic parameters of Gnetum africanum.
 Methods: The leaves were identified, collected, air-dried, pulverized, weighed and subjected to the evaluation of its microscopy, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence, soluble extractive values, moisture content and ash values using standard procedures.
 Results: The results obtained from microscopy revealed that the leaf has brachyparacytic, stomata, 3-5 armed and stellate trichromes on the abaxial surface. The epidermal cell wall pattern was undulate on the abaxial surface and sinuous on the adaxial surface. Stomatal number was found to be 3.1 ± 0.25 on the abaxial surface and Stomatal index was found to be 16.8% on the abaxial surface. The micromeritics analysis of the leaf powder revealed passable flow with the angle of repose of 420. The result of chemomicroscopy of the leaf revealed the presence of mucilage, lignin, calcium oxalate crystals, starch and oil. For water-soluble extractive value, the result was 13.25%w/w, methanol-soluble extractive value 4.25%w/w, ethanol-soluble extractive value 4%w/w, moisture content 10.5%w/w, total ash value was 5%w/w, acid-insoluble ash value 1%w/w, water-soluble ash value 2%w/w and sulfated- ash value 6% w/w.
 Conclusion: The results obtained from the pharmacognostic study provides information for the identity, quality and purity of Gnetum africanum.

Diastereomeric stilbenoid glucoside dimers from the rhizomes of Gnetum africanum

Abstract In a continuing search for neuroprotective stilbenoids, two uncommon diastereomeric stilbenoid glucosides, africanoside A (1) and B (2) as well as fifteen known stilbenes, E-resveratrol, E-gnetifolin E, E-piceid, E-resveratroloside, E-gnetifolin K, E-gnetol, E-isorhapontigenin, E-isorhapontin, E-isorhapontigenin-4′-O-glucopyranoside, E-gnetin C, E-bisisorhapontigenin B, E-gnemonoside A, E-gnemonoside C, E-gnemonoside D, and E-gnetin E, were isolated from rhizomes of Gnetum africanum, using a combination of centrifugal partition chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structure of these two stilbenoids was investigated by NMR, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments. The absolute configurations of 1, and 2 were established by VCD as (7aS,8aS) and (7aR,8aR), respectively. Compound 1 significantly chelated Fe(II) at 100, 250 and 500 μM. The ability of stilbenoids to chelate ferrous ions which are implicated in physiopathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease provides useful data for potential treatment.

English

The effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gnetum africanum was studied in albino rats induced with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The animals (36) were randomly grouped into six with six rats in each group. Testosterone and oestradiol every other day for 28 days was used to induce hyperplasia. The test groups (2 - 4) were treated with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of extract for another 28 days. Group 5 was given the standard drug while group 6 served as negative control. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis. The results showed that in the animals exposed to the inducing agents increased significantly (p 0.05) decrease in the activities of GR, CAT and SOD as compared with the normal control. However, treatment with ethanol leaf extract of G. africanum showed significant (p >0.05) increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and significant (p >0.05) decrease in the level of MDA, ACP and PSA in a dose dependent manner as comparable to the normal control. These findings are indication that the extract of G. africanum has potential remedial effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Key words: Gnetum africanum, oxidative stress, antioxidants, chemopotential, prostate hyperplasia.

Gastroprotective Effect of Gnetum africanum Ethanolic Extract on Acetic acid induced Peptic Ulcer on Adult Wistar Rats

Peptic ulcer disease also known as stomach ulcer is a break in the lining of the stomach, first part of the small< intestine or occasionally the lower esophagus. Twenty five Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 180-250 grams< were purchased, housed in metallic cages and maintained under standard environmental conditions at 27 ± 0.13°C at< 12 hr light/dark cycle and relative humidity of 29 ± 0.22%. They were allowed to acclimatize for one week (7 days)< and were fed on standard rodent diet and have free access to drinking water. However, they were divided into five< groups of five rats per group, labeled A to E. Group A: served as Normal control and received normal feed and< distilled water ad libitium Group B: induced with ulcer and left untreated) Groups C, D and E were induced with< ulcer and treated with 20 mg/kg Omeprazole 200 mg/kg GALE extract, 400 mg/kg dose of GALE extract< respectively. Hence, pretreatment with the extracts showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in pH value coupled with< significant decrease in gastric volume when compared with the ulcerated untreated group. Also from Table 3 below, it< was shown that normal control group (A) showed a 100% protection as no ulcer was inducted into the group. Among< the groups induced with ulcerations, the group that received 20 mg/kg omeprazole as standard drug had the best< protection against ulceration followed by group D (400 mg/kg bw of GALE) while group C (200 mg/kg GALE) had a< 50% protection against severe ulceration. GALE has been observed to possess phytonutrients with excellent< antioxidant properties that play significant role in the management of ulceration or other toxicity related disorders.< Treatment with Gnetum africanum leaf extract significantly reduced these parameters. In fact, the effect elicited by the< extracts compared favorably with both normal control and the omeprazole treated groups.

Correlation of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Spectrophotometric Methods to Assess the Post Harvest Storage and Processing Changes in Total β-carotene Contents in Selected Nigeria Vegetables

The aim of this study was to correlate analytical methods (HPLC and spectrophotometric) in assessing the changes in total β-carotene contents in leafy vegetables during ambient temperature storage (29+2°C) and domestic processing (5 min,100°C.) The vegetables analyzed were: Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranethus hybridus, Talinum triangulare,Pterocarpus mildbraedli and Gnetum africanum. Total–carotene was determined spectrophometrically, while HPLC was used for detailed analysis of carotenoides. Lutein, β -cryptoxanthin and β-carotene isomers were identified and quantified. Results indicated that the raw vegetables were rich in lutein (124.03-655.95 µg/gdwt) and total β -carotene (45.42 – 246.93 µg/gdwt). Beta–cryptoxanthin was detected in small quantity (5.05-11 µg/gdwt). However, spectrophotometric result indicated a total–carotene content range (186.10 – 953.78 µg/gdwt). Cooking increased significantly (P&lt; 0.05), the lutein (382. 92 – 1158.83 µg/gdwt), total β -carotene (738.53 – 1756.51 µg/gdwt) contents of the samples, however, it decreased the % trans–β-carotene contents. Storage conditions in the study increased significantly (P&lt; 0.05) the contents of total β -carotene and total–carotene except in the case of Gnetum africanum leaf. A regression model for the two methods of analysis of β -carotene with a coefficient of correlation r = 0.925 and coefficient of determination r2 = 0.856, which allows for the calculation of total β - carotene from total-carotene content was obtained.

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening, GCMS Studies and In-Vitro Anti-Oxidative Properties of Aqeuous Leaf Extract of Gnetum africanum

This study aimed at carrying out a qualitative phytochemical screening, GC-MS studies and in-vitro antioxidant properties of aqueous leaf extract of Gnetum africanum. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract of Gnetum africanum was done using standard procedures and revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glucosides and phenols. The GC-MS screening revealed the presence of 14 compounds, 6 out of the 14 compounds were most prominent. The compound with the highest percentage peak area was caffeine with peak area of 96.9%, followed by n-Hexadacanotic acid with peak area of 60.9%, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol with peak area of 55.9%, tetradacanoic acid with peak area of 50.3%, cyclopentaneundecanoic acid with peak area of 47.8% and 2-cyclo-penten-1-2-hydroxy with peak area of 43.6% respectively. In-vitro determination of antioxidant property of leaf extract of Gnetum africanum was done photometrically using 2,2-dyhenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The DPPH scavenging ability of the leaf extract (43.2, 60.5, 68.8, and 75.7) was statistically significant at p&lt;0.05 when compared with the standard drug ascorbic acid (81.1, 82.6, 85.1, and 90.4) % at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/l. In conclusion, the leaf extract of Gnetum africanum is loaded with a host of important phytochemicals and has antioxidant properties which increase in potency with increase dose.&#x0D; Keywords: Phytochemical Screening, GCMS Studies, Anti-Oxidant, Gnetum africanum

Profitability and Determinants of the Choice of Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Kinshasa. Case of Salacia pynaertii De Wild, Gnetum africanum Welw, Pteridum centrali-africanum Hieron

The paper presents the result of the profitability and determinants of the choice of commercialization of non-timber forest products in Kinshasa. This was achieved by means of questionnaire survey administered to 207 vendors of Salacia pynaertii, Gnetum africanum and Pteridumcentrali-africanum. The objectives were to identify the factors which determine the choice of commercializing each non-timber forest product (NTFP) and determine their profitability. Descriptive analysis of all variables collected through the questionnaire survey was undertaken followed by logistic regression of selected factors. Age and marital status determine the choice of commercialization of S. pynaertii, experience is the only explanatory factor determining the choice of G. africanum; age, marital status, market access, place of supply and level of income are explanatory factors determining the choice of commercializing P. centrali-africanum. The results of the daily financial calculations gave the profitability of the 3 NTFPs studied as follows: 5300 CDF (5.7 USD) and 41, 7% for S. pynaertii, 9300 CDF (10 USD) and 86.9% for G. africanum; and 320 CDF (0.34 USD) and 32.2 for P. centrali-africanum.

Effect of Fermentation on Some Minerals and Antinutrient Content of Telfaira Occidentalis and Gnetum Africanum Leaves

Antinutrients are natural compounds in plant foods that interfare with the absorption of nutrients, thereby reducing there theirbioavailability. Hence, the need to curb their effect in order to prevent deficiencies of micronutrients becomes paramount. This study therefore aimed at determining the effect of fermentation on some minerals and antinutrients content of Telfaira occidentalis and Gnetum africanum leaves. The vegetables were fermented in the open using deionized water. T. occidentalis and G. africanum leaves were fermented for 24 and 48 hours respectively. Mineral and antinutrient contents were determined using standard methods. The results showed that Fe, Zn, Ca, Cu and Mg content were significantly (p 0.05) change in G. africanum. The antinutrient content of phytate and oxalate is significantly (p<0.05) higher in G. africanum and fermentation significantly (p<0.05) decreased these antinutrients in both vegetables. The study shows that fermentation significantly (p<0.05) increased the level of Zn, Ca and Cu, and significantly (p<0.05) decreased the phytate and oxalate content of both vegetables.