Guineense Fruit Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Dialium guineense Fruit (Fabaceae), Côte d'Ivoire

This study is devoted to the phytochemical analysis of Dialium guineense fruit, which is particularly popular in urban areas in Côte d'Ivoire. Despite its high consumption, there is still little information about its potential. To assess and identify the levels of various secondary metabolites, hydromethanolic extracts of the pulp, kernel, and shell of D. guineense fruit were analyzed via qualitative and quantitative methods (colorimetric and TLC tests) : total phenols (40.201 ± 1.8 ; 509.023 ± 14.5 and 194.368 ± 2.2 µg EAG/g dry extract), flavonoids (58.958 ± 6.1 ; 216.771 ± 21.7 and 238.385 ± 6.2 µg EC /g dry extract), condensed tannins (264.167 ± 13.9 ; 411.667 ± 25.8 and 282.500 ± 5.2 µg EC/ mg dry extract) and hydrolysable tannins (0.44 ± 0.03 %; 0.21 ± 0.02 % and 0.30 ± 0.03 %). Furthermore, the analysis of antioxidant potential (DPPH and FRAP) showed satisfactory activity overall, with special attention given to the kernel and shell. These results indicate that the fruit of D. guineense could be viewed as a potential source of antioxidant compounds that can help prevent or fight various pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

Phytochemical constituents, vitamin composition and in vitro antioxidant potential of Dialium guineense fruit pulp

Medicinal herbs have been extensively utilized in the remediation of various health conditions. Dialium guineense fruit pulp, also well known as Velvet Tamarind is widely consumed in West Africa for its dietary and medicinal properties. The study aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, vitamin content and the in vitro antioxidant effect of Dialium guineense fruit pulp (DGFP). The phytochemical constituents, vitamins (C, E, B1-12) composition, and in vitro antioxidant activity were examined utilizing standardized analytical methods. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the fruit pulp of Dialium guineense was also carried out; the result indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations. The vitamin composition revealed that vitamin C was higher than other vitamins in the fruit pulp. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and nitric oxide scavenging assay showed high radical scavenging activity while the FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay revealed significant reducing power. This indicates that Dialium guineense fruit pulp has potential health benefits.

Antioxidant potential and phytochemical constituents of a synergy-based combined extract of Spondias mombin L.,Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach. & Thonn.) C.D.Adams and Piper guineense Thonn

Recent advancements in scientific understanding of free radicals have stimulated progress in medicine. Antioxidants are known to neutralize free radicals by giving up electrons. The current research was carried out to explore the antioxidant capabilities and phytochemical composition of a synergy-based combined extracts of Spondias mombin,Spilanthes filicaulis, and Piper guineense, with the goal to determine the optimal ratio for the most effective antioxidant activity, suitable for herbal product development. Combined extracts H1 and H2 were obtained through aqueous maceration of S.mombin leaves, S.filicaulis plants, and P.guineense fruits. Antioxidant activity of combined extract was evaluated in 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing power (FRAP) assay. Evaluations included total phenolic and flavonoid content determination. Furthermore, the phytochemical constituents were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The combined extract H1 exhibited better free radical scavenging ability in DPPH (IC50=72.87±0.63μg/mL) than H2 (IC50=150.2±1.08μg/mL). The FRAP assay results revealed its highest reducing power (12.385±0.002 AAE/mg/g) compared to H2 (11.657±0.002 AAE/mg/g). Additionally, H1 had higher of both total phenolic and flavonoid content. GC-MS profiling revealed 28compounds within H1 and 17 compounds within H2. This study demonstrated that the combined extract H1 has significant antioxidant potential, with consistently positive results across all conducted assays. It contains a variety of phytochemical constituents, mainly phenolic and flavonoids that could be explored in pharmaceutical industries to develop antioxidant agents.

Renal Protective Effects of Dialium guineense Fruit Pulp on Serum Creatinine and Urea Levels in Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcers in Albino Rats

Ethanol-induced peptic impacts various systems, such as renal function, with serum creatinine and urea as indicators of kidney dysfunction. Despite its known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Dialium guineense has not been explored for its potential to protect renal function against ulcerated conditions. This study evaluated its impact on renal function in albino rats with ethanol-induced peptic ulcers. Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=5): normal control, ulcer control, a reference group treated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and groups treated with Dialium guineense extract at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. Additionally, five Dialium guineense fractions were administered at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg Ulcer was induced using ethanol (5 ml/kg), followed by a 21-day treatment with Dialium guineense extract and omeprazole as the standard drug. Serum creatinine and urea levels were assayed biochemically. Ethanol significantly raised the serum creatinine and urea levels in the ulcer control group compared to the normal control (p < 0.05). Dialium guineense treatment led to a dose-dependent reduction, most notably at 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The reduction in renal markers with Dialium guineense was comparable to omeprazole. Findings suggest that Dialium guineense fruit pulp may mitigate ethanol-induced renal dysfunction, indicating its potential renoprotective properties and highlighting a foundation for further research into its therapeutic uses for renal dysfunction associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

Accumulation of Trace Metals in Fruits from Mango and Syzygium guineense Growing in Residential Households from a Contaminated District of Lubumbashi (DR Congo): Is Fruit Consumption at Risk?

Copper smelting has been a source of soil contamination with trace metals in Penga Penga (Lubumbashi). The residents are exposed to trace metal ingestion, and planting trees is challenging in such soil conditions. Nevertheless, planting trees in former household dumps or using various types of amendments has allowed the provisioning of fruits in a few residences. From the perspective of scaling up the process, a survey has been conducted with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the planting processes on the trace metal content in fruits and leaves of Mangifera indica L. and Syzygium guineense (Willd) DC. Samples were collected from residential households in Penga Penga and Kalebuka (a non-polluted suburb). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the safe weekly consumption (SWC) were calculated for each species. The results showed higher values of total and soluble concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the rhizosphere of the two species in Penga Penga. Metal concentrations were higher in the fruits and leaves from Penga Penga, with 47% of samples above the FAO and WHO thresholds (vs. 18.5% in Kalebuka). The BCF values were below 1, demonstrating the effectiveness of the process in reducing the translocation of metals to leaves and fruits. Recommendations from the SWC limit Pb consumption to 9 kg for mango flesh and Cd consumption to 6.6 kg for S. guineense fruits in Penga Penga (vs. 78 kg and 68 kg in Kalebuka). Finally, the results of this study provide interesting lessons for the scaling up and technical itinerary of planting trees in Penga Penga.

Synthesis and characterization of treated and untreated Dialium guineense fruit shells as biosolid waste adsorbent: adsorption studies of methylene blue

Synthesis and characterization of treated and untreated Dialium guineense fruit shells as biosolid waste adsorbent: adsorption studies of methylene blue

Method optimization for the determinations of selected phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of wild Ethiopian Syzygium guineense fruit and seed under different drying conditions

This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters using response surface methodology (RSM) for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA), antioxidant activities/the half maximal effective concentration (EC50), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of Ethiopian wild Syzygium guineense fruit and seed processed under different drying conditions. The optimizations of the UAE methods for the determination of AA, antioxidant activities (EC50 values), TPC, and TFC were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). The extraction time of 15 min, the temperature of 35 °C, extraction solvent composition (methanol:water) of 75 to 25%, and solid-to-solvent ratios of 1:15 w/v were the optimum independent parameters. The experimental and the predicted data of TPC, EC50, and AA were in good agreement with the overall error below 0.01%. It also indicated a hypothesized distribution of predicted data fitted with experimental data. The average TPC, EC50, and AA content in S. guineense fruits and the seed varied from 581.25 ± 37.13 to 1917.40 ± 26.15 mg GAE/100 g, 4.02 ± 0.42 to 155.73 ± 5.11 mg/100 g, and 1.96 ± 0.02 to 0.94 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively. This study indicated that this underutilized wild fruit and its seeds can be an alternative source of AA and antioxidant compounds.

Antidiarrheal Activity of Dialium guineense Willd Fruit Pulp in Wistar Rats.

Objective This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of Dialium guineense Willd fruit pulp powder on diarrhea induced by castor oil in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods Three different tests were carried out. A preventive test by administration of a single dose of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg before the induction of diarrhea by castor oil. Another preventive test after repeated administration of Dialium guineense at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 8 days, before the induction of diarrhea, was done. The third test was a curative test with a single dose of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg after the induction of diarrhea by castor oil. Results D. guineense fruit pulp at 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg administered before the induction of diarrhea, has significantly delayed diarrhea; reduced the frequency of defecation, reduced the amount of diarrheal stools, and also reduced the purging index, with a degree of inhibition comparable to that of loperamide. But the water content of the stools of the group treated with D. guineense does not change significantly compared to the controls. D. guineense has reduced significantly from 500 mg/kg the diarrhea induced by castor oil after 8 days of treatment. It appears that the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, which were not effective with the single-dose preventive test, significantly delayed diarrhea; reduces the frequency of diarrheal stools and also reduces the purging index. D. guineense administered, after the induction of diarrhea, by castor oil has significantly reduced the diarrhea from 250 mg/kg. Conclusion The fruit pulp of D. guineense has showed antidiarrheal activities in Wistar rats by reducing the frequency of defecation, the amount of diarrheal fecal matter emitted as well as the water content. It also delayed the onset of diarrhea and significantly reduced the purging index like loperamide.

Cytotoxic Activity jof Dialium Guineense Wild (Fabaceae) Fruit and Stem Bark Methanol Extracts and Fractions

Background: Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrollable multiplication and spread of abnormal forms of the body’s own cells. Due to the challenges of orthodox drugs other treatment options are being investigated. Dialium guineense has found ethnomedicinal application in the management of various ailments including cancer.
 Objectives: To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of D. guineense fruit and stem bark extracts using preliminary and confirmatory methods.
 Material and method: Preliminary screening was carried out on the extracts using bench-top assay methods for cytotoxicity involving the use of tadpoles of Raniceps ranninus (20-200 µg/mL) and growth inhibition with radicle of Sorghum bicolor seeds (1-30 mg/mL). The extracts were further tested on a breast cancer cell line (AU 565) at 50 μg/mL using 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Solvent partitioning of the stem bark extract was carried out using chloroform and the resulting fractions subjected to biological testing.
 Results: The stem bark extract showed 100 % mortality at 40 µg/mL in the tadpole lethality assay while the fruit showed no mortality. The aqueous fraction of the stem bark extract was also more active than the chloroform fraction with an LC50 of 32.4 μg/mL. A concentration dependent effect was observed in the growth inhibitory test using S. bicolor with 67.92 and 49.06 % reductions obtained for the stem bark and fruit extracts respectively. The chloroform fraction produced the highest anticancer effect with 46.55 % inhibition against AU 565 cell line.
 Conclusion: D. guineense stem bark has cytotoxic potential and is a good candidate for further in vivo anticancer studies.

Piper guineense: A potent ethnobotanical preservative against Dermestes maculatus in smoke-dried African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Piper guineense fruits were purchased, sun-dried (30±2oC) for 10 days and ground into fine powder. Fifteen (15) pieces of Clarias gariepinus (300 ± 5.0 g) were procured and smoke-dried in the laboratory using a charcoal-powered smoking kiln at 65oC for 10 hours. Each smoke-dried fish sample was placed in a plastic container with perforated lids covered with muslin cloth and Piper guineense fruit meal was sprinkled at varying quantities (0.0 g, 2.5 g, 5.0 g, 7.5 g and 10.0 g). Ten (10) adults of Dermestes maculatus bred from highly infested smoke-dried fish samples were introduced into each container and covered air-tight for seven (7) days. Mortality of D. maculatus was significantly different (p = .05) in all treatments and increased with an increase in the quantity of P. guineense and number of days. Mortality ranged between 73.33 and 100 % in treated groups while none was recorded in the control. Chemical compositions in treatments showed an increase in crude protein, lipids and lower moisture content at higher inclusion levels. This study showed that P. guineense can prolong the shelf-life of smoke-dried C. gariepinus against D. maculatus while retaining its nutritional composition.
 Key words: Dermestes maculatus, Piper guineense, smoke-dried, Clarias gariepinus

Ethnopharmacological Survey and Physiological Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Plants Used for Treatment of Toothache and Mouth Odour in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

The use of herbs for improvement of oral hygiene is increasing in many communities in Nigeria despite the usage of other dental care products. On the basis of this the present study was conducted to assess indigenous plants used to manage dental condition and mouth odour and to evaluate nutritional, phytochemicals and antinutrient content of the plants. A survey was conducted to document plants used for treatment of toothache and mouth odour in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. Using random sampling technique, a total of one hundred structured questionnaire was administered to Traditional Health Practitioners in three major markets of the study area. Nutritional, phytochemical and anti-nutrient contents of most used plants were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). A total of twenty-three (23) plants belonging to sixteen families were enumerated out of which Capsicum frutescens, Piper guineense fruits and Zanthoxylum zanthoxloides roots were the most exploited for management of the conditions. Crude fibre (8.86 %), fat (1.12%) and ash contents (4.73%) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Z. zanthoxloides roots while moisture (25.75 %) was significantly higher (p <0.05) in C. frutescens fruits. Calcium (192.10 mg/100g), phosphorus (108.50 mg/100g), sodium (51.33 mg/100g), iron (4.85 mg/100g), Zinc (3.94 mg/100g), manganese (1.15 mg/100g) and copper (2.12 mg/100g) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Z. zanthoxloides roots compared C. frutescens and P. guineense fruits. Vitamin A (600.00 µ/100g), vitamin B (0.07.00 mg/100g), vitamin C (94.54 mg/100g) and vitamin E (720.00) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in C. frutescens than Z. zanthoxloides and P. guineense. Results also showed that tannin (6.40 %), oxalate (30.00%), phytate (0.40%) and trypsin inhibitor (20.00 %) were significantly higher in frutescens than Z. zanthoxloides roots. Similar significant (p<0.05) increase were observed in the quantity of flavonoid (3.25%), saponnis (1.30%), phenol (0.60%) and anthocyaninns (0.23%) in Z. zanthoxloides compared with C. frutescens and P. guineense.

Alkaloid-Rich Crude Extracts, Fractions and Piperamide Alkaloids of Piper guineense Possess Promising Antibacterial Effects.

Piper guineense is a food and medicinal plant commonly used to treat infectious diseases in West-African traditional medicine. In a bid to identify new antibacterial compounds due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, twelve extracts of P. guineense fruits and leaves, obtained by sequential extraction, as well as the piperine and piperlongumine commercial compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. HPLC-DAD and UHPLC/Q-TOF MS analysis were conducted to characterize and identify the compounds present in the extracts with promising antibacterial activity. The extracts, with the exception of the hot water decoctions and macerations, contained piperamide alkaloids as their main constituents. Piperine, dihydropiperine, piperylin, dihydropiperylin or piperlonguminine, dihydropiperlonguminine, wisanine, dihydrowisanine and derivatives of piperine and piperidine were identified in a hexane extract of the leaf. In addition, some new piperamide alkaloids were identified, such as a piperine and a piperidine alkaloid derivative and two unknown piperamide alkaloids. To the best of our knowledge, there are no piperamides reported in the literature with similar UVλ absorption maxima and masses. A piperamide alkaloid-rich hexane leaf extract recorded the lowest MIC of 19 µg/mL against Sarcina sp. and gave promising growth inhibitory effects against S. aureus and E. aerogenes as well, inhibiting the growth of both bacteria with a MIC of 78 µg/mL. Moreover, this is the first report of the antibacterial activity of P. guineense extracts against Sarcina sp. and E. aerogenes. Marked growth inhibition was also obtained for chloroform extracts of the leaves and fruits against P. aeruginosa with a MIC value of 78 µg/mL. Piperine and piperlongumine were active against E. aerogenes, S. aureus, E. coli, S. enterica, P. mirabilis and B. cereus with MIC values ranging from 39–1250 µg/mL. Notably, the water extracts, which were almost devoid of piperamide alkaloids, were not active against the bacterial strains. Our results demonstrate that P. guineense contains antibacterial alkaloids that could be relevant for the discovery of new natural antibiotics.

An ethnobotanical survey and antifungal activity of Piper guineense used for the treatment of fungal infections in West-African traditional medicine

Ethnobotanical relevancePiper guineense occurs commonly in West Africa where it is used for fungal infections instead of the costly and not always accessible conventional antifungals. Fungal, yeast-based diseases are common in West-Africa especially among those living with HIV/AIDS, and thus this study was performed in Imo state, South-Eastern Nigeria, where P. guineense is predominantly used for the treatment of fungal diseases, such as skin rashes, oral thrush and vaginosis. Aim of studyThe scarce number of previous studies on the documentation of the traditional uses of P. guineense extracts for the treatment of fungal infections in Nigeria prompted this survey. The investigation focused on how traditional healers recognize and diagnose fungal infections, how P. guineense is collected, on the various parts used for the treatments, methods of preparations, administrations and treatments. In addition, an in vitro antifungal screening of P. guineense fruit and leaf extracts of various polarities, and piperine and piperlongumine, representing the main constituents in these extracts, were performed. MethodsA house to house ethnobotanical survey was conducted using questionnaires. Twenty traditional medical practitioners (TMP) and herb sellers from ten villages were interviewed. Four human pathogenic strains of yeast and Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast-like basidiomycete causing meningitis in immunocompromised individuals, were used for the antifungal screening. ResultsThe traditional medical practitioners (TMP) and herb sellers explained that the leaves and fruits are the most commonly used plant parts for the treatments. The oral intake of the extracts in locally produced bamboo alcohol (Kai-kai) is the most common method of administration. In accordance with these recorded traditional uses, we found that extracts of P. guineense were growth inhibitory against the fungal strains with MIC values ranging from 39 to 2500 µg/mL. The lowest MIC value of 39 µg/mL was recorded for a methanol fruit extract against Candida albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. In addition, ethanol and hexane fruit extracts were effective against the growth of C. albicans and C. glabrata, respectively, with a MIC of 78 µg/mL. Piperlongumine and piperine were active against C. albicans with MIC values of 39 and 78 µg/mL respectively. ConclusionP. guineense fruit and leaf extracts, as well as their piperamide alkaloid constituents piperine and piperlongumine, have interesting antifungal properties and could have potential as new antifungal scaffolds. Our results warrant further in-depth investigations to isolate and characterize piperamide alkaloids and other compounds responsible for the antifungal activity in the extracts.

Effect of Methanolic Fruit Extract of Piper guineense on Serum Biochemical Parameters and Histomorphology of the Liver and Kidney of Male Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Piper guineense fruit is known for its nutritive and medicinal values. This study evaluated the biochemical effect of the methanol fruit extract of P. guineense on male albino rats. A total of thirty-eight (38) adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were used for the study. Eighteen of the male rats were used for the acute toxicity study, while twenty (20) male rats were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats each, for the sub-acute toxicity study. Groups B, C and D were the treatment groups, while group A was the control group and received only distilled water (10 mg/ml). Groups B, C and D received 10 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight of the fruit extract respectively. Administration of the 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of methanol fruit extract of P. guineense led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum ALT and AP on day 7 of the experiment. Throughout the experimental period, 200 mg/kg of the extract caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum total proteins and globulin. Group D rats had significantly (P < 0.05) lower serum total cholesterol on day 28 of the experiment. The 100 mg/kg of the extract caused a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine on day 21 of the experiment. Oral administration of methanol fruit extract of P. guineense caused mild hepatocellular injury, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypocholesterolemia, and mild renal toxicity.

CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VELVET TAMARIND FRUIT (DIALIUM GUINEENSE)

Information on chemical properties of fruits is crucial in processing it into different foods. Mechanical properties of fruits determine their susceptibility to mechanical damages that occur during harvest, transportation, and storage; and which eventually lead to a pronounced reduction in commercial value. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and mechanical properties of unshelled (black), shelled (yellow) and kernel of Dialium guineense fruit. The chemical properties investigated include some proximate and mineral elements. The m echanical properties were bio-yield force, rupture force, deformation at rupture point, deformation ratio at rupture point, compressive strength and total strain energy. The fruit pulp was found to be composed of protein (9.4%), carbohydrate (75%), crude fat (5.2%), crude fibre (4.6%), and ash content (2.4%) at 19% moisture content (wb). The mineral composition of the pulp were sodium (3.2 g/kg), magnesium (2.9 g/kg), phosphorus (0.5 g/kg), calcium (0.5 g/kg), iron (0.1 g/kg), and vitamin C (0.3 g/kg) at a pH of 3.9. L ess force is required to crack the fruit across the length, followed by across the thickness and then across the width. Velvet tamarind ( Dialium guineense ) fruit pulp is a promising source of food and essential minerals due to its nutritional values , hence facilitating its postharvest processing is inevitable . http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.30

CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VELVET TAMARIND FRUIT (DIALIUM GUINEENSE)

Information on chemical properties of fruits is crucial in processing it into different foods. Mechanical properties of fruits determine their susceptibility to mechanical damages that occur during harvest, transportation, and storage; and which eventually lead to a pronounced reduction in commercial value. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and mechanical properties of unshelled (black), shelled (yellow) and kernel of Dialium guineense fruit. The chemical properties investigated include some proximate and mineral elements. The mechanical properties were bio-yield force, rupture force, deformation at rupture point, deformation ratio at rupture point, compressive strength and total strain energy. The fruit pulp was found to be composed of protein (9.4%), carbohydrate (75%), crude fat (5.2%), crude fibre (4.6%), and ash content (2.4%) at 19% moisture content (wb). The mineral composition of the pulp were sodium (3.2 g/kg), magnesium (2.9 g/kg), phosphorus (0.5 g/kg), calcium (0.5 g/kg), iron (0.1 g/kg), and vitamin C (0.3 g/kg) at a pH of 3.9. Less force is required to crack the fruit across the length, followed by across the thickness and then across the width. Velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) fruit pulp is a promising source of food and essential minerals due to its nutritional values, hence facilitating its postharvest processing is inevitable. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.30

Antifeedant Effects of the Black Pepper (Piper guineense: Schum and Thonn) Oil Against Sitophilus zeamais Herbst and Tribolium castaneum Motsch in African Breadfruit Seeds During Storage

This work evaluated the antifeedant effect of Piper guineense (Schum. and Thonn) Oil against the insect pests, Sitophilus zeamais (Mostch) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in Treculia africana (Decne) seeds. P guineense fruits (200 g) were extracted with 500 ml n-hexane for the spice oil which was dosed at 0,0.25,0.5,0.75 and 1.0% concentrations against 10 adults of either insect during the toxicity study. The piper guineense oil coursed dose-dependent morality of both test insects. Tribolium castaneum was more resistant than Sitophilus zeamais against the spice oil but mortality of both insects increased with exposure time to the oil. In columns’ 70 % filled with Treculia africana seeds, l ml oil concentration after 7 days of exposure caused 50 % kill of T. castaneum and 97 % kill of S. zeamais. Also the l ml spice oil concentration in 1.51 air chamber and exposure time of 48 h caused 72 % kill of T. castaneum and 75 % kill of S. Zeamais in fumigation tests. Thus,piper guineense oil could be used to protect Treculia africana seeds against these pests.

A Review of Immunological Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Methanolic Extract of <i>Piper</i> <i>guineense</i> against Newcastle Disease in Exoerimentally Infected Broiler Chickens

Forty-eight day old broiler chickens kept in eight equal groups were given Piper guineense extract at dose levels of 50 and 100 mg /Kg of body weight administered in their drinking water for eight weeks. The birds were partitioned into five groups whereby the first group, the control group contained 8 birds that were vaccinated against Newcastle disease but were not given Piper guineense extract. The 2nd group contained birds that were vaccinated and given Piper guineense extract at the dosage level of 100 mg/Kg, while the 3rd group were also vaccinated and given 50 mg/Kg Piper guineense extract. Birds in the 4th group were not vaccinated but were given plant extract at the dosage level of 100 mg/Kg. The 5th group were given Piper guineense extract at the dosage level of 50 mg/Kg body weight but weren’t vaccinated. The birds were observed daily for general performance. Both the control group and the treatment groups remained healthy. The feed intake of experimental birds were not significantly different from the control. This shows that the Piper guineense extract does not affect the feed consumption of the experimental birds when compared to the control group. On the fifth week, the birds were challenged with velogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus. After two weeks of the challenge, the birds that survived were bled to determine the level of antibody response by the chickens against Newcastle disease using ?-haemagglutination inhibition test (an immunological reaction). Haematological parameters of the experimental chickens were also determined in order to know the health status of the birds. The antibody titre level of the experimental chickens treated with 100 mg/Kg of Piper guineense extract (log 26) had the highest mean value titre (log 26). Therefore, 100 mg/Kg of Piper guineense fruits is recommended to prevent Newcastle disease outbreak. The haematological parameters of experimental birds were not significantly different from the control groups. Therefore, the plant extract at both 50 mg/Kg and 100 mg/Kg body weight were not toxic to the experimental broiler chickens.

Nutrient composition and nutritional potential of wild fruit Dialium guineense

Characterization of the nutrient composition of Dialium guineense (D. guineense) fruit was investigated. Fruit was sampled from the sub-Guinean forests of Senegal and analyzed for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and essential micronutrients. HPLC analysis indicated high glucose and fructose content (90.8% of total soluble sugars). Total quantities of proteins (5.3%), lipids (3.1%) and essential vitamins (ascorbic acid, β-carotene and tocopherols in traces) were found to be relatively low by comparison. Nevertheless, fruits of D. guineense appeared to be potential sources for select micronutrients including copper, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and essential amino acids. Specifically, compared to common fruits consumed in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, D. guineense appears to be a potential source of iron (4.8–8.4mg/100g), magnesium (0.1g/100g), and copper (0.7mg/100g) and would contribute toward meeting the recommended daily allowances of these micronutrients for use to combat malnutrition. Zinc content (0.5–1.6mg/100g) was comparatively lower. The high concentration of some mineral micronutrients thus suggests that D. guineense fruits may potentially be used as a food source or fortifying ingredient for locally processed foods to reduce deficiencies in selected, commonly deficient nutrients for at-risk populations.

English

  Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense fruits were assayed against fourteen (14) microorganisms commonly associated with food poisoning and/or food spoilage. The microorganisms were Bacillus subtilis IAM1069, Bacillus cereus IFO 13494,Staphylococcus aureus FDA 209p, Escherichia coli NRIC 1023, Salmonella typhimurium IFO12529, Lactobacillus plantarum IAM 1041, Pediococcus acidilactici-M, Leuconostoc mesenteroides-M, Lactobacillus casei TISTR390, Saccharomyces cerevisiae OC-2, Hansenula anomala IFO 0140 (p), Pichia memb.IFO 0128,Penicillium funiclosum NBRC 6345 and Candida species. All the plant extracts exhibited selective antimicrobial activities on the test organisms. X. aethiopica extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity on the organisms with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 ppm on Bacillus species and S. aureus. S. cerevisiae (MIC = 300 ppm), P. funiclosum NBRC 6345 and L. mesenteroides (MIC = 500 ppm) were also susceptible to X. aethiopica fruit extract but the MIC values for the other tested microorganisms were higher than 1000 ppm. This was followed by A. melegueta fruit extract with MIC of 100 ppm for B. cereus and S. aureus. Although P. guineense fruit extract inhibited the growth of B. cereus and S. aureus (MIC = 300 ppm); and B. subtilis (MIC = 1000), the MIC for the other microorganisms were higher than 5000 ppm. On the whole, all the plant extracts exhibited the least antimicrobial activities onLactobacilli and fungi species. X. aethiopica fruit extract was used to preserve fresh orange juice. The ability of 100 and 1000 ppm extract to preserve the orange juice was significantly greater (p<0.05) than 50 ppm. The microbial concentration in orange juice containing 100 ppm of X. aethiopica extract was 4 cfu/mL after 28 days of storage at room temperature.   Key words: Food spoilage, food poisoning, microorganisms, spices, ethanolic extract, natural preservatives, orange juice.