Production and Quality Evaluation of Functional Burgers From Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal and African Breadfruit

Depression affects approximately 5% of the global population and ranks as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. This study aimed at investigating the potential antidepressant effects of an ethanol seed extract of Monodora myristica (ESEMM) in Swiss mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Thirty adult Swiss mice of both sexes were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5 per group). Group I (normal control) was not exposed to stress, while Groups II–VI underwent CUMS. Group II received no treatment, serving as the negative control. Groups III, IV, and V were treated orally with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ESEMM, respectively, for five consecutive days. Group VI received 15 mg/kg of imipramine as a standard antidepressant. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated through immobility time in the forced swim test and anhedonia using the sucrose preference test. ESEMM treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced immobility time and improved sucrose preference compared to the stressed untreated group. These findings suggest that Monodora myristica seed extract possesses antidepressant-like properties and may offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of depression.

Comparative effect of selected bioactive compounds from Monodora myristica spice on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related proteins: An in-silico study

This study investigated the haematological and testicular antioxidant effects of G. brevis (GB) and M. myristica (MM) in male Wistar rats with finasteride-induced reproductive toxicity. Finasteride administration (negative control) significantly reduced packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and platelet count compared to the normal control (p < 0.05), consistent with androgen-deprivation–induced suppression of erythropoiesis and myelosuppression. Co-administration of GB or MM, individually or in combination, restored these parameters to near-normal levels, suggesting protective or stimulatory effects on hematopoiesis. White blood cell indices and red cell morphological parameters (MCV, MCH, MCHC) were unaffected, indicating that alterations in Hb and PCV were primarily due to changes in erythrocyte number rather than morphology. In the testes, finasteride significantly decreased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, with concomitant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Treatment with GB or MM improved CAT, SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, while reducing MDA levels. The combined GB+MM treatment produced the most pronounced improvements, restoring antioxidant enzyme activities and lowering lipid peroxidation to levels comparable with the positive control. The synergistic effect is likely mediated through phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids) that scavenge reactive oxygen species and upregulate endogenous antioxidant pathways. Overall, GB and MM exhibit hematopoietic and antioxidative protective potential against finasteride-induced reproductive toxicity, supporting their possible therapeutic application in oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorders.

Dematiaceous fungal infections are the major threat facing farmers in Nigeria, as they are challenged with deformation of keratinized parts, destruction of soft tissues, economic losses and loss of interest in Agriculture. The available antifungal agents with minimal therapeutic measure are faced with strain resistance, adulteration, toxicity and also expensive. Hence this study focused on the quality of essential oils extracted from the fruits of Monodora myristica (MM) and rhizomes of Curcuma longa (CI) and its in vitro activity against dematiaceous fungi. The soil samples were randomly collected and screened for the presence of dematiaceous fungi using appropriate microbiological and molecular techniques. Gravimetric and instrumentational techniques were employed in extraction and characterization of essential oils extracted from the plant materials. Agar-welled diffusion was employed in determining the activities of the essential oils against the fungi. Cladosporium sphaerospermum strain S11 (CSS1Q1), Curvularia lunata strain E31 (C1E31), Phomopsis azadirchtae strain T5 (PAT5) and Cladophialophora bantiana strain IL4059 (CBIL4059) were isolated from the soil samples. The essential oils (EO) contained pinene, terpinene, genaniol, cedrenes, cedrol, sapogenin, kaemferol, acetonitrile, and lunamarin. The physicochemical properties of EO extracted from MM and CI showed that the oils had edible and industrial potential. The in vitro activities of EO showed pronounced activities against the dematiaceous fungi, and EO from MM significantly (p<0.05) exhibited greater activity against the isolates than that from CL, and this was seen most against PAT5. The activities of EO extracted from CL were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the activities of Ketoconazole but that from MM were non significantly (p>0.05) higher than that of Ketoconazole. The study has shown that EO extracted from MM and CL conform to the stipulated standard, and were effective against CSS1Q1, CIE31, CBIL4059, and PAT5, of which EO from MM was more effective, mostly against PAT5.

This study investigated the microbial quality of African nutmeg powder irradiated with a high energy electron beam and Gamma rays. African nutmeg samples were purchased from a local market in Accra, Ghana, cleaned, milled, packaged, and irradiated separately using a high energy electron beam (with energy electrons of 9 MeV) and a 60Co gamma source (dose rate of 2 kGy/h) at doses of 2, 4, 6 and 8 kGy. Un-irradiated African nutmeg powder served as a control. The microbial quality of the treated samples was determined using the ISO, 4832:2006 colony count technique. The presumptive microorganisms were identified using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). High energy electron beam and gamma rays significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the microbial loads of the African nutmeg powder with increasing irradiation dose. Microorganisms isolated and identified were Cytobacillus kochii, Cronobacter spp, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Acinetobacter pittii, and Aspergillus flavus. The results from this study suggest that gamma and high energy electron beam irradiators are equally effective and hence a high energy electron beam can be a good alternative to gamma irradiation for decontaminating African nutmeg powder with an effective dose of 6 kGy at which microorganisms were not detected.

Sexual arousal and fertility are subsets of Male reproductive health which play a significant role in the overall health of males. Food consumed is a source of nutrition crucial to overall health and well-being. This review explores the potential contribution of some African spices to sexual arousal and fertility in males. A search of scientific literature and referred Journals available in electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and SciFinder was undertaken. The keywords were aphrodisiac, male fertility and African spices. Spices discussed include Monodora myristica, Allium sativa, Xylopia aethiopica, Tetraplura teteraptera, Piper guinenesis, Zingiber officinale, Aframomum meleguata, and Rhaphiostylis beninensis. Data obtained revealed that the aforementioned African spices are used in ethnomedicine as aphrodisiacs or male fertility enhancers. Some of them possess both properties. Available scientific evidence supported the use of these spices in ethnomedicine. Chemical compounds belonging to different classes of secondary plant metabolites were documented as possibly responsible for the observed activities. This review serves as a useful compilation of information on African spices as potential agents of sexual arousal and fertility in males.

The global consumption of spices has seen a significant rise due to their diverse benefits, including flavoring, preservation and medicinal properties. Ghana, with its rich biodiversity, stands to capitalize on this growing trend by enhancing the production, processing and utilization of its indigenous spices. Spices play a critical role in both culinary and medicinal practices worldwide, serving as a base for many foods and herbal formulations. They provide vital nutrients essential for human growth and maintenance, helping to address nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, spices are known for their preservative qualities, ability to mask the raw taste in foods like meat, and their appetite-stimulating effects. One such indigenous spice from Ghana is African nutmeg (Monodora myristica), a spice with several uses and health benefits. While significant research has been conducted on other spices such as ginger and chili peppers, there is a lack of detailed knowledge regarding African nutmeg in Ghana. This study sought to explore the marketing and consumption patterns of African nutmeg, shedding light on its utilization within the country. To gather data, a survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 100 marketers and consumers through random sampling. The responses were then coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with the results subjected to descriptive statistics. Of the respondents, 96% were female traders from the Northern region of Ghana, where African nutmeg is widely traded. The spice is available throughout the year and enjoys strong demand from consumers. Despite its popularity, concerns about contamination and adulteration hinder marketers from purchasing or selling African nutmeg in its powdered form. This presents a challenge to the spice’s full utilization in the market. Given these findings, it is crucial to conduct further research into the best production, treatment, and processing methods for African nutmeg. Such research could help improve the quality of powdered African nutmeg while preserving its nutritional composition and ensuring that it remains safe for consumption. By addressing these issues, Ghana could strengthen its position in the global spice market, increase the economic potential of African nutmeg, and contribute to the overall growth of its spice industry. Key words: African nutmeg, Consumers, Perception, Marketing, Processing and Utilization

Medicinal plants are used as interventions and alternatives in many countries including Africa. The phytochemicals produced by plants possess potential antimicrobial activities against pathogens through various mechanisms of action. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical and antimicrobial constituents of rhizomes of Siphonochilus aethiopicus (African ginger) and seeds of Monodora myristica (African nutmeg). The rhizomes of S. aethiopicus and seeds of M. myristica were separately and thoroughly washed, peeled, sliced, room-dried and ground. The crude extracts of the plants were obtained using aqueous and methanol as solvents according to standard procedures while the phytochemical constituents were also evaluated using standard methods. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined using the agar-well diffusion method. The bacterial species investigated were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiellla pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, while the fungal species were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus glaucus, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. The plant extracts contained alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoid, tannin, phytate, terpenoids and cyanogenic glycoside in varying qualities and quantities. The extracts of the plants exerted antimicrobial effects against the test organisms. There was a significant difference between the antibacterial activities at 12.5 and 25 mg mL-1 concentrations (p = 0.022). The study revealed that the phytochemical components and antimicrobial properties of M. myristica extracts exhibit comparatively greater potency than those of S. aethiopicus, though the variances were not found to be statistically significant. The extracts of these plants could be purified, formulated and standardized for the production broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

The oil stabilizing property of Monodora myristica extract was evaluated to ascertain its potential in inhibiting palm fruit oil emulsion. Monodora myristica was extracted with absolute methanol. Crude palm fruit emulsion was also prepared according to standard procedures. Oxidation of palm fruit emulsion in the presence or absence of 0.5 % Monodora myristica extract was carried out. Vitamin E served as reference antioxidant. The phytochemical analysis of Monodora myristica extract showed 2.49± 0.77mg GAE/g extract of phenol and 0.95 ± 0.34 mg QE/g extract of flavonoid. The high-performance liquid chromatography of flavonoid revealed many flavonoids, flavan-3-ol, catechin, gallocatechin and kaempferol. The peroxide value of Monodora myristica at 0 days and 7th day was 9.42± 0.17 meq O2 /kg oil and 13.50 ± 1.0 meq O2 /kg oil. In the oxidation experiment the value of thiobarbitanic acid expressed as malondialdehyde was higher at 0 day and 7th day which was 27.4 ± 1.71mg MDA/kg and 38.16 ±1.92 mg MDA/kg respectively. Conjugated diene and triene values increases in oxidation group but decreases in the Monodora myristica and vitamin E stabilizing groups as depicted. The GC analysis of fatty acid profile also revealed both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion the extract of Monodora myristica can be used in stabilizing oil during processing

Potentialities of Monodora myristica active components as functional ingredients in food formulation

Monodora Myristica Seed Extract Mitigates Lead Acetate Induced Hepatic and Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats

Petroleum ether extract of the seed endosperms of Monodora myristica was subjected to GC/MS analysis and twelve compounds were identified. The compounds were classified as fatty acids (38.897 %), terpenes and terpenoids (29.133 %), salicyclohydrazine (19.626 %), carboxylic acid (8.124 %) flavonoid (2.352 %), benzoic acid ester (1.166 %), and phenolic compound (0.700 %). The extract showed significant antioxidant activities of 72.51 and 96.22 % at minimum and maximum concentrations of 25 and 400 ?g/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activity results obtained are comparable to that of vitamin C used as a standard antioxidant agent. The extract also showed antibacterial potency against five strains of bacteria organisms which included Escherichia coli (gram-negative), Klebsiella pneumoniae (gram-negative), Shigella flexneri (gram-negative), Streptococcus pneumonia (gram-positive) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram-positive). The highest inhibition was shown against S. flexneri while the lowest inhibition was against S. pneumoniae. Gentamicin was used as a standard antibacterial agent and the results showed the extract to be far more efficacious than gentamicin against the bacteria organisms tested. The extract of the seeds of M. myristica could be used as antioxidant and antibacterial agent for the treatment of diseases caused by these pathogens as well as diseases mediated by free radicals. Molecular docking simulation showed that all the test compounds gave negative binding affinities which indicated that they were successfully docked to the receptors. The compounds' in-silicoADME and drug-likeness predictions demonstrated good pharmacokinetic characteristics, including high blood-brain barrier absorption, oral bioavailability, and water solubility. The results of this study make these compounds much more relevant as viable lead prospects for treating bacteria that are resistant to several drugs. This could aid medicinal chemists and other pharmaceutical specialists in developing and synthesising even more effective drug candidates.

Aim: This research utilizes the ethanolic extract from seeds of Monodora myristica and its biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in male Wistar rats. Methods: Biosynthesis of crystalline, quasi-spherical shape 5.0 ± 0.25 nm SeNPs was achieved using M. myristica seed extract as a reducing agent, followed by surface plasmon resonance measurement by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) for confirmation of nanoparticle biosynthesis. Male Wistar rats were induced with diabetes using a 3-weeks high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Experimental groups included normal control group, untreated diabetic controls and those treated with either metformin (a standard drug), ethanolic extract or biosynthesized SeNPs of M. myristica seed extract. Biochemical analyses assessed renal function via serum creatinine and urea levels. Histological evaluations of kidney tissues were performed to assess structural changes. Results: Treatment with M. myristica seed extract and its biosynthesized SeNPs significantly improved renal function, evidenced by reduced serum creatinine and urea levels. Histopathological studies showed preserved renal architecture and reduced inflammatory damage, particularly in the combination therapy group, indicating a synergistic effect. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of M. myristica and its biosynthesized SeNPs in mitigating DN through nephroprotective mechanisms. These findings advocate for the exploration of nanotechnology combined with bioactive plant compounds as effective strategies for managing DN.

Background: This study envisaged the development of functional beverages from the extracts of tropical spices using pineapple juice as a carrier and determination of the functional properties and the shelf life studies of the developed beverages. A functional beverage can be defined as “any non-alcoholic drink that provides additional health benefits due to the inclusion of any bioactive component from a plant, animal, marine or microorganism source. Crude extracts (essential oils) were extracted using a microwave assisted extraction from dried Ginger, T. tetraptera and M. myristica and subsequently evaluated. Quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were determined in the crude extracts. Methods: Crude extracts were extracted using a microwave assisted extraction from dried Ginger, T. tetraptera and M. myristica and subsequently stored for further processing. Standard protocols were adopted for the processing of different extracts as well as in the beverage formulations. The physicochemical properties and the shelf life studies of the formulated beverage samples were determined using standard analytical procedures. Result: The physicochemical properties revealed that the TTA values ranged from 1.92 to 3.28 and were recorded by the control and AGM, respectively. The pH values ranged from 3.66 to 4.83 and were recorded by the control and sample AGM. The viscosity values also ranged from 69.45 to 90.41 and values were ascribed to the control and sample AGT. The control had the lowest TSS value while ATY gave the highest mean score of 4.60 for the TSS; the total sugars (brix) is highest for the control (7.17°B) and least for sample ATM with a mean score of 2.94°B. The shelf life studies of the formulated beverages revealed that the product containing no preservatives (citric acid), can stay on a shelf at room temperature for about four weeks and more than eight weeks in refrigeration condition.

Extraction of polyphenolic compounds from African nutmeg (Monodora myristica (Gaertn.)) peels using natural acidic deep eutectic solvents coupled to ultrasound-assisted extraction (NADESs-UAE) followed many factors at a time (MFAT) screening with response surface optimization was investigated. Fourteen different NADESs based on citric acid as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) were designed and tested. Sucrose, fructose, xylitol, glycerol, glycine, and glucose were used as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The responses studied are total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) based on cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The UAE procedure was optimized with the most efficient NADES. Quadratic models produced satisfactory fitting of the experimental data regarding TPC (R2 = 0.9999, p < 0.0001), TFC (R2 = 0.9991, p < 0.0001), and AA- CUPRAC (R2 = 0.9988, p < 0.0001) and FRAP (R2 = 1.000, P < 0001). Ultrasound temperature 30°c, extraction time 5 min, solvent volume 25 ml, and solvent concentration 90% (v/v) were considered optimal conditions for the extraction models resulting in TPC 1290.9 ± 5.6 mg/g GAE db, TFC 2398.7 ± 23 µg/g QE db, CUPRAC 38.46 ± 0.4.4 µmol/g TE db, and FRAP 26.15 ± 0.11µmol/g TE db, respectively.

Protein, an amphoteric macromolecule has proven to play important role in enhancing nutritive standard and product quality. Recently, research attention is been focused on the protein fraction implicit in underexploited biomass to address the increasing demand for this agro-based resource with exceptional attributes. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to prepare and assess the surface and functional properties of protein blends compounded from Moringa oleifera and Monodora myristica seeds using appropriate standard techniques. The protein blends showed thixotropic behavior at elevated concentration and presented 1MOI:1MMI blend with the highest values of 9.75%, 22.47%, 32.11%, 60.21% and 72.09% for polar, basic, acidic, hydrophilic and non-essential amino acid distributions respectively. In contrast, 1MOI:2MMI and 2MOI:1MMI blends showed higher essential, aliphatic, aromatic, hydrophobic and non-polar amino acid distributions albeit lower in the former. The surface tension for the protein blends is in inverse proportion with concentration, consistent with their refractive indices (1.42-1.51), ηsp (1.95-5.92 cP), ηint (128.14-257.81 cP) and EȠ (5.51-14.40 KJmol-1). The protein blends exhibited foaming and solubility properties which were dependent on pH, whereas their swelling characters were influenced by temperature. The 1MOI:1MMI and 2MOI:1MMI polypeptide blends showed better emulsifying properties and surface hydrophobicity respectively. Based on the surface and functional characteristics of these biopolymer blends, they could find application as suitable hydrocolloids for food, pharmaceutical and allied industrial products.

Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Rhyzopertha dominica, Tenebrio molitor, Trogoderma granarium, Acarus siro, and Alphitobius diaperinus represent significant arthropod stored-product pests worldwide. To combat these noxious arthropods, the current study examines the pesticidal effect of essential oils (EOs) derived from four aromatic plants, i.e., Illicium verum Hook. F., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal, and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. Considering the challenge of pesticide resistance, the current study focuses on assessing the efficacy of these EOs as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic insecticides. Two EO concentrations (500 and 1000 µL/kg wheat) were applied to different life stages of these pests in the bioassays. Mortality rates were monitored over several days under controlled environmental conditions. The findings demonstrated that C. reticulata and I. verum EOs had elevated insecticidal effects, especially against larval stages, resulting in 100% mortality in several species. On the contrary, M. myristica and X. aethiopica EOs showed less overall efficacy despite their potency against some pests. Both I. verum and C. reticulata EOs outperformed the positive control, pirimiphos-methyl, in several assays. The results of the current study highlight the potential of several EOs as effective alternatives in reducing synthetic pesticide use for integrated pest control management.

The essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum, Monodora myristica, and Xylopia aethiopica have been used widely in Africa for medicinal purposes. This work is aimed at finding out the combined medicinal efficacy of the three essential oils. The crude EOs were extracted by the hydrodistillation method. The chemical components were determined by GC-MS analysis. The phytochemicals, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were determined by standard analytical methods. The GC-MS analysis indicated eugenol (75.08%) as the major component in the EO of S. aromaticum, isocaryophyllene (29.36%) in the EO of M. myristica, isospathulenol (8.67%) in the EO of X. aethiopica, and eugenol (34.25%) in the blend of the EOs. The phytochemicals in all the EOs and the blend were at varying values. a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition showed that the EO blend with an IC50 value of 1250.69 µg/mL and 1080.56 µg/mL, respectively, had the highest inhibition compared with other EOs. S. aromaticum had the highest activity against the anti-inflammatory indicators. The least inhibitory activity for DPPH was recorded with M. myristica EO. S. aromaticum recorded the highest inhibitory efficacy against ABTS and nitric oxide assays, respectively. The blend recorded the highest inhibitory activity against lipid peroxidation, with an IC50 value of 827.22 µg/mL. The findings demonstrated that the crude EOs and the blend exhibited medicinal activities. However, the EO blend had higher potency.

This study investigates the bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility, and potential natural treatment for diabetic wound infections at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon. Over 2 months (June to July 2024), 75 diabetic patients with wounds were analyzed, revealing a 73.08% infection rate. The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (54.38%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (40.35%), and Escherichia coli (29.82%), with significant antibiotic resistance observed. Imipenem (82.65% sensitivity) and gentamicin (72.88% sensitivity) were the most effective antibiotics, while amoxicillin–clavulanic acid showed the highest resistance rate (46.94%). This study also evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy of Fontitrygon margarita liver oil, particularly when extracted with spices such as Monodora myristica and Zingiber officinale. The oil demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against multiresistant bacterial isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 16 to 128 mg/mL. Incorporating spices during extraction enhanced the oil's antibacterial activity, showing synergistic effects in 58.33% of cases. The oil also exhibited strong antioxidant properties, with improvements noted in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays when spices were added, highlighting the highest efficacy with M. myristica and Z. officinale extracts. These findings suggest that F. margarita liver oil, especially when combined with spices, could serve as a valuable natural alternative for managing diabetic wound infections, addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress. Further research and clinical trials are recommended to validate these results and explore their practical applications.