Pentaclethra Macrophylla Benth Research Articles

Air-drying characteristics of fresh and pretreated (African Oil Bean) <I>Pentaclethra macrophylla benth.</i> cotyledons

Processing of African Oil Bean Cotyledons (AOBC), a valuable source of protein has been a bottleneck because of the associated drudgery. In addition, the shelf life of the processed bean is very short; the cotyledon turns green shortly during storage due to putrefaction. On the basis of the above, there is a need to produce shelf-stable cotyledons which could be rehydrated when needed. Three portions were separately soaked in each solution of sodium chloride (3 %), sodium meta-bisulfite (300 ppm), ascorbic acid (300 ppm) for 1h, and one portion were subjected to natural fermentation for three days, while the other was used as control. All the samples (single and double cotyledons) were oven-dried at 50, 60, 70, and 80o C to constant weight. The dehydration rate of AOBC decreased gradually until the water activity of the oil bean cotyledon reduced to less than one. Moisture diffusivity increased from 4.9061×10-10 – 2.091 × 10-9 m2/s, and varied with drying temperature, thickness, and pretreatments. Midilli and Kucuk model (R2 = 0.9702 - 0.9940) showed a better fit than other drying models. Effective moisture diffusivity is direct of the samples is reliant on air-drying temperature and can be described by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy of drying of the African Oil Bean cotyledon was in the range of 10.29 – 27.12 kJ/mol. Finally, the addition of preservatives proved to be highly effective on the drying rate and the other studied parameters as well as the shelf stability of the AOBC.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (PMBP)

Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (PMBP) popularly known as African oil bean pod is a known bio-waste carelessly littered around the eastern part of Nigeria, adding to pollution. The purpose of this research was to synthesize cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (CPMBP), characterise and assess the anti-microbial activity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was carried out on the synthesized cellulose at Central Laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka and was discovered to have a signal at 897.92 cm-1 in all spectra denoting the glycosidic linkages of the glucose ring in cellulose. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out on the synthesized cellulose at Nano Laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka and was found that pure cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals and Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (CPMBP), had typical peaks at 2θ values of 15o and 22.6o, thereby showing that CPMBP is a form of cellulose. In the XRD diffractogram, pure cellulose had sharpest peak at around 2θ＝22.6o while that of CPMBP was sharpest at around 2θ＝22.4o. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed at Central Laboratory kwara state and images of synthesized cellulose from PMBP powder at 1000x magnification was aimed at assessing the shape (morphology) and elemental composition of the synthesized cellulose of PMBP biomass. The existence of cellulose in PMBP biomass was confirmed by the overall FTIR, SEM and XRD spectrum, along with traces of lignin and hemicelluloses. The sensitivity test of the cellulose extract was carried out against 3 different test microorganisms (Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) at the concentration of 10 mg/ml of the agent. The rest result showed that Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans were sensitive to the agent at 10 mg/ml concentration whereas Aspergillus niger was resistant to the agent. This research has shown that two important disease-causing bacteria and fungi that affect the human population severely may be inhibited by the potential of the cellulose extract at 10 mg/ml concentrations and thus be useful in the Pharmaceutical industry.

Improved crop productivity and soil properties under varying planting densities of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. and Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. in Congo Basin

Soil fertility depletion is a major constraint to agricultural production in the Congo Basin and is aggravated by climate change. Therefore, agroforestry systems (AFS) are used to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Indeed, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Acacia auriculiformis are among the most agroforestry species used in this basin. However, smallholders are limited in their choice of agroforestry species and the spacing. Hence, this study comparatively evaluated the effects of P. macrophylla (native) and A. auriculiformis (exotic) legume tree species on soil macronutrients and food crops’ yield during four cropping seasons. To do this, a multifactor trial design was implemented in Lobilo catchment, Congo Basin, with two tree species, four tree planting densities (T1: 2500 trees × ha−1, T2: 625 trees × ha−1, T3: 278 trees × ha−1; and T0: crop monoculture), and three intercrops (cassava, maize, and peanut). The results revealed that both agroforestry species did not significantly differ regarding their impact on soil macronutrients. The total nitrogen and the pH in soil have increased with the cropping seasons. With regard to the food crops, cassava and maize yield were greater under P. macrophylla than under A. auriculiformis. However, the 2500 trees × ha−1 density negatively affected food crops’ yield and did not allow food crop production after the second cropping season. To maximize the positive effects of these AFS, it is essential to plant or co-plant these two agroforestry species at 625 trees × ha−1 density. Future research could investigate other native species and include water and light interactions.

Extraction, purification and characterization of Lipoxygenase from African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth.) seed

Lipoxygenase (linoleate:oxygen oxidoreductase, LOX) was extracted from African oil bean seed and purified in three purification steps using ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A50 column and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G 200. The optimum pH and temperature were investigated while the pH and temperature stability were also examined. The effect of metal ions on LOX was also investigated. The molecular weight and kinetic parameters were determined. The single protein band on SDS-PAGE suggested that the enzyme was homogenous. The molecular weight was found to be 77.54 kDa. A purification fold of 32.7 and 10.7% yield of the enzyme was achieved. The optimum temperature of the purified lipoxygenase was 40 °C and the enzyme was thermally stable at 40 °C and rapidly lost activity at 50 °C and above. The purified enzyme had an optimum pH of 6.0 and was stable at pH 5.0 and 6.0. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax of the purified lipoxygenase were 0.1 mM and 94.40 μmol/min, respectively. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ while Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+ significantly reduced the enzyme activity. Total inactivation of the lipoxygenase activity was observed at alkaline environment. This study confirmed lipoxygenase activity in African oil bean seed and showed properties that could be explored in improving its utilization in industrial food processing.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Profiling of Ethanol-Toluene Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod

The research reports the characterization and antimicrobial profiling of an ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The sample was powdered and extracted with a solvent system of ethanol-toluene (2:1). The extract was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, as well as a wet analysis investigation. The qualitative and quantitative analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids (0.307), phenols (0.4545), alkaloids (1.7165), tannins (6.118), saponins (5.700), and glycosides (0.2375). The FTIR revealed the presence of 1723cm-1, which was assigned to carbonyl groups, and the peaks within the range of 3416.10–3777.54cm-1 were attributed to hydroxyl groups. The GC-MS reveals the presence of 34 molecules in the chromatogram, which is consistent with the mass spectra. The ethanol-toluene extract contains 19 guaiacyl and its derivatives, as well as 15 syringyl and its derivatives. The molecule, propenylsyringol (cis)b has the highest yield based on the height of the peak. Other lignin-derived molecules with a good percentage of extraction were vanillin, syringaldehyde and synapylalcohol (cis). The antimicrobial analysis of the extract was tested on nine pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus bacilli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus fumigates). The result therefore reveals that the ethanol-toluene extract of PMBP was more effective on S. pyogenes (0.9mm), P. bacilli (0.5 mm), and Fusarium spp. (0.9mm) at the MIC of 6.25mg/mL. The standard antimicrobial agents, Focknazol (antifungal) and Ciprotab (antibacterial), have the highest zone inhibition at an MIC of 6.25mg/mL, when compared with the ethanol-toluene extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod can be used as a source of guaiacyl or syringyl derivatives and also clinically since it is sensitive to some pathogens.

Impact of Ultrasonication on African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Protein Extraction and Properties.

African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) is an underutilised edible oil seed that could represent a sustainable protein source. In this study, the impact of ultrasonication on the extraction efficiency and properties of protein from African oil bean (AOB) seeds was evaluated. The increase in the duration of extraction favoured the extraction of AOB proteins. This was observed by an increase in extraction yield from 24% to 42% (w/w) when the extraction time was increased from 15 min to 60 min. Desirable properties were observed in extracted AOB proteins; the amino acid profile of protein isolates revealed higher ratios of hydrophobic to hydrophilic amino acids compared to those of the defatted seeds, suggesting alterations in their functional properties. This was also supported by the higher proportion of hydrophobic amino acids and high surface hydrophobicity index value (3813) in AOB protein isolates. The foaming capacity of AOB proteins was above 200%, with an average foaming stability of 92%. The results indicate that AOB protein isolates can be considered promising food ingredients and could help stimulate the growth of the food industry in tropical Sub-Saharan regions where AOB seeds thrive.

Abundance of aeroallergens in Rujin Sambo Sokoto (north-west), Nigeria

Exposure to aeroallergens has been associated with exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases especially asthma. It is imperative to identify aeroallergens risk periods and triggers, for adaptation and immunotherapeutic approaches. Study on one-year abundance of aeroallergens was carried out in Rujin Sambo, Sokoto state, Nigeria, from August 2019 to July 2020. Aerosamples were collected using Tauber-like samplers modified to achieve a height of 1.52 m above ground level. Fungal spores were more quantitatively and qualitatively abundant than pollen. Aerosamples were infiltrated with dust in the months of November, March, April and May due to higher incidence of sandstorm, orchestrated by North-East trade wind, which could have refloated previously deposited aeroallergens. Incidence of sandstorm interposed the onset of dry and rainy seasons. The sand storm correlated negatively with humidity but positively with temperature and high influx of fern spores in November. Most fungal spores in the region were spores of Curvularia and Alternaria. Dominant pollen were dispersed from Poaceae, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae and Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. In order to over-smart seasonal allergies and elicitation of asthma symptoms in Rujin Sambo, precautionary measures should be taken at the onset of rainy/dry seasons (March, April, May/ November) and August (active-rainy period) and October.

Isolation, Physicochemical and BET Analysis of Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth (Oil Bean) Pod Biomass Wastes

Biomass systems are based on a wide range of feedstock, like food and agricultural waste. The quest for bio-adsorbents that are environmentally benign is the rationale for this study. Thus, the research is aimed at the isolation, physicochemical, and BET analysis of cellulose obtained from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod (PMBP) biomass waste. The powdered PMBP was dewaxed with toluene and ethanol (2:1) and, thereafter, treated with aqueous sodium hypochlorite (7.5% at 70oC) and sodium hydroxide (17.5%w/v at 80oC) to obtain isolated cellulose. Proximate, ultimate, and chemical composition analysis reveals the presence of cellulose (42.7%), hemicelluloses (7.8%), lignin (38.5%), silicon (40.72%), aluminium (17.10%) and elements. The FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis revealed some of the functional groups associated with isolated cellulose and raw PMBP. The presence of hemicelluloses and lignin in the isolated cellulose implies that the isolation process did not remove all the impurities. The BET analysis reveals a better specific surface area, pore volume, and average pore diameter or size of the isolated cellulose, and could serve as a better adsorbent than the raw. As a result of the increased surface area and high percentage of isolated cellulose in PMBP, it can be used as a sustainable energy source as well as for the environmental remediation of heavy metals.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE FROM Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth POD BIOMASS WASTES FOR POLYMER REINFORCEMENT COMPOSITE

The interest in natural reinforced polymer composite materials is rapidly growing both in industrial and basic research applications. This is based on its availability, renewability, low density, cheapness, biodegradability, and satisfactory mechanical properties. The research reports on the isolation and characterization of cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod (PMBP) biomass wastes for polymer reinforcement composites. Cellulose was successfully isolated from PMBP biomass via delignification and bleaching. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and deformation gravimetric analysis (DGA) were used to characterise the raw and isolated cellulose. The isolated cellulose has better thermal stability, crystallinity, and porosity than the raw cellulose. The removal of the matrix material (most hemicelluloses and almost all the lignin) led to an increase in the crystallinity and the maintenance of the thermal stability of the cellulose. The functional group elucidation showed that both raw and isolated contained cellulose, the morphology of the cellulose revealed some essential elements that are suitable for good polymer reinforcement composites. The obtained cellulose could serve as a reinforcing material in composite products or as a raw material for other applications.

The effect of starter cultures on the pH, bacterial population and volatile flavour compounds in ‘ugba’ during fermentation

Traditionally, ugba of acceptable quality made from African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) is characterized by its typical flavour and aroma. In this study, aroma profile and volatile flavour compounds released by spontaneously fermented ugba and five samples of ugba inoculated with starter cultures (A - Bacillus subtilis; B - B. safensis; C- Mixed culture of B. subtilis and B. safensis; D - Mixed culture of B. subtilis, B. safensis, B. clausii, B. licheniformis, and B. xylanilyticus; and E - B. cereus sensu lato) were monitored at 24 hour interval during 72 hours fermentation using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Commercially prepared ugba is the control. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) of the samples were determined using Standard Microbiological Methods; the pH involved the use of standard method. Increase in the THBC and pH of all the samples of fermenting ugba were within the range of 1.4 × 104 to 1.7 x 1012 CFU/ml and 5.89 to 8.24, respectively. A total of 31 compounds which comprise of 7 ketones, 7 alcohols, 5 organic acids, 4 aldehydes, 2 pyrazines, 1 ester, 1 furan, 1 sulfur and 3 other compounds were identified as aroma compounds in the fermenting samples of ugba. Flavour compounds categorized as ester, furan and sulfur compound were consistently detected in all the samples of ugba prepared in the laboratory. Ugba prepared using starter cultures including the spontaneously fermented sample compare favourably with commercially produced ugba with regards to volatile flavour compounds.

Fertility Levels of Soils under Selected Tree Vegetations for Efficient Agro-Forestry in Imo State, Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria, large areas of lands are dominated by tree crop vegetations for timber production and for fruits with land users not knowing the fertility status of soils in these vegetations. Continual evaluation of soil properties of these tree vegetations has become pertinent for agricultural sustainability. This study therefore was carried out to evaluate the fertility levels of soils under selected tree vegetations at National Horticultural Research Institute Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria. Five tree vegetations that were over 20 years of establishment were selected namely: oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth), African breadfruit (Treculia africana), mango (Mangnifera indica), Ogbonu (Irvingia gabonensis) and orange (citrus spp). In each of these tree vegetations, four soil samples were collected at uniform depths (0 – 20, 20 – 40 and 40 – 60 cm) at different locations using soil auger. The samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data collected were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. Results obtained showed that despite the ages of these vegetations, the soils were acidic, low in macronutrient and basic cation concentrations when compared to FAO standard. The highest exchangeable bases and organic matter (1.78%) was recorded on bread fruit vegetation. Therefore, there is need to increase the fertility status of these soils in these tree crop vegetations by adopting measures that will boost organic matter content of the soil irrespective of the duration of the vegetation and this will help in agro forestry and alley cropping.

Optimization of Bacteriocin Production by Lactobacillus fermentum Strain COE20 from Fermenting Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Using Response Surface Methodology

This study evaluated the effect of varied culture conditions (Temperature, pH, and Sodium Chloride concentration) on bacteriocin production by Lactobacillus fermentum strain COE20 isolated from fermenting African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Central Composite Design (CCD) was adopted with the interest of estimating the optimal conditions for its production using the response surface regression model, which estimated the linear, squared, and interactive relationship between the response variables. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the coefficient of determination in terms of predicted R2 was 0.8697 which was in close agreement with an adjusted R2 of 0.7393 and was accounted for by the predictors suggesting that the model was adequate. Optimal culture condition for bacteriocin production by L. fermentum strain COE20 was found at approximately 31°C, pH 5.9, 1.9% NaCl concentration at Y = 11.75mm. Y represents the response (zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 19095 using the agar well diffusion assay method.

Hepatoprotective effects of extracts, fractions and compounds from the stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

AimTo identify the bioactive hepatoprotective components of the ethanol extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark using in vitro and in vivo approaches. MethodsThe bioguided-fractionation of the ethanol extract was based on the substances’ capacity to prevent in vitro, the lipid peroxidation of hepatocytes’ membranes induced by hydrogen peroxide. For the in vivo hepatoprotective test, mice were treated orally with the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the ethanol extract at doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg/day for one week and subjected to d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GaIN/LPS)-induced hepatotoxicity. Blood samples were collected for alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), TNF-α and IL-1β assays. The liver was harvested for histological and biochemical (proteins, glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) analysis. ResultsThe ethanol extract and fractions induced concentration-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50: 3.21–48.90 μg/mL) greater than that of silymarin (IC50: 117.4 μg/mL). The purification of the sub-fractions of EtOAc fraction yielded: (7R)-7-hydroxyhexacosanoic acid (1), (7R)-1-(7-hydroxyhexacosanoyl) glycerol (2), bergenin (3), 11-O-galloylbergenin (4), 2-hydroxymethyl-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)phenol (5), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (6) and β-sitosterol (7)), among which 11-O-galloylbergenin (IC50:1.8 μg/mL) was the most effective. The EtOAc fraction significantly reduced the serum level of ALAT, ASAT and TNF-α in vivo. This EtOAc fraction increased the liver protein content and protected the liver against structural damages, but did not boost the endogenous antioxidant parameters. ConclusionThe stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla possesses hepatoprotective effects that may result from its capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation and could be attributed to its active components 3, 4 and 2.

Optimization of Culture Conditions for Enhanced Bacteriocin Production by <i>Lactococcus</i> <i>lactis</i> MT186647 Using Response Surface Methodology

Bacteriocins produced by various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have found enormous use in the food industries as biopreservatives. This study evaluated the effect of varied culture conditions (temperature, pH, and NaCl concentration) on bacteriocin production by Lactococcus lactis MT186647 isolated from fermenting African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) using response surface methodology. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was adopted with the interest of estimating the optimal conditions for its production using the response surface regression model, which evaluated the linear, squared, and interactive relationship between the response variables. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab statistical software version 14.13 showed an R2 = 0.869 variations in the response variable for culture conditions. It was accounted for by the predictors suggesting that the model was adequate. The optimal culture condition for bacteriocin production by L. lactis was estimated at 30.5C, pH 5.9, 1.94% NaCl concentration at Y = 12.31 mm where Y represents the response (zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 19095 using the agar well diffusion assay method. Validation of optimal values according to the regression model, produced an inhibition zone at Y = 13.33 ± 0.29 mm. There was a 19.33% increase in bacteriocin activity compared to an OFAT optimized medium from a previous study.

Allelopathic Effect of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. Leaf Extracts on Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize and Okra

Allelopathic Effect of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. Leaf Extracts on Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize and Okra

Modeling and optimisation of oil recovery and throughput capacity in mechanically expressing oil from African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) kernels.

The relationship existing between operating parameters like speed of operation, applied pressure, feed rate and dependent variables like oil recovery and throughput capacity was investigated while mechanically expressing oil from kernels of Pentaclethra macrophylla. A 3-factor, 5-levels central composite design of response surface methodology was used for modeling and optimization of the process. The speed was varied over 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 rpm using pulley arrangement, applied pressure was varied over 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 MPa by adjusting the wormshaft distance of the oil expeller and the feed rate was varied over 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 g/min by regulating the quantity of kernels fed into the expeller. Developed models were validated by comparing predicted values with experimental values. In optimizing the process, the oil recovery and throughput capacity were maximized while the independent variables were set at ranges. Optimum oil recovery of 73.2% and throughput capacity of 4.18 kg/h was obtained at 45 rpm speed of operation, 20 MPa applied pressure and 300 g/min feed rate. A quadratic polynomial model was developed for the oil recovery while a two-factorial-interaction model was developed for the throughput capacity. The results showed that speed of operation, applied pressure and feed rate had significant influence on the oil recovery and throughput capacity. The models developed were valid as they showed a good agreement between the variable due to low variations between calculated and predicted values.

Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seed

Medicinal plant research is a highly diversified topic of interest owing to applications of their phytoconstituents in drug discovery, human dietary intake, corrosion inhibition, material science research among others. The study revealed the phytochemical composition and proximate determination of Pentaclethra macrophylla benth (African oil bean) seed. The dried seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla benth were pulverized into fine powder and a portion of it was extracted with n-hexane. The result of the phytochemical screening of the extract from Pentaclethra macrophylla showed that the oil seeds contained terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and saponin while steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phlabotannins and anthraquinones were not detected. Proximate analysis indicated low moisture content (1.895 %), while other parameter determined include ash (2.033%), crude fibre (17.227%), acid value (8.182), iodine value (101.235), peroxide value (20.06), and free fatty acid (4.091). This extract is a candidate with potential for further study regarding unveiling of their mechanical properties for technological advances.

Salt Induced Variation on the Bioactive Components of Fermented Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seeds

Salt Induced Variation on the Bioactive Components of Fermented Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seeds

Antiplasmodial Activity shown by Secondary Metabolites Extracted from the Seeds of Pentaclethramacrophylla Benth

Oil extracts from the African oil bean seed (Pentaclethramacrophylla Benth.) was analyzed for its phytochemical and mineral content and proximate, physicochemical and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, saponins, quinones, terpenoids, phenols and coumarins in the oil sample. Mineral determination of the cotyledon showed the presence of iron (Fe) (with the highest concentration), Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Pb and Cd; while proximate analysis gave the following result: moisture (14.2%), ash content (1.5%), crude fibre (4.9%), crude proteins (12.8%), oil contents (4.9%), and carbohydrate (61.8%). GC-MS analysis of the partitioned petroleum ether and chloroform fractions of the oil revealed the presence of 9-Octadecenoic acid, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid and their methyl esters,cis-9-Hexadecenal among the many components of the oil extract. Physicochemical analysis of the oil indicateda saponification value (148.67 mg KOH/g), peroxide value(8.0 meq/g), iodine value (10.41 mg iodine/g) and free fatty acid (8.98 mg KOH/g). The need for the development of new drugs for malaria led to our study of the antiplasmodial activity of the oil from the seeds of Pentaclethramacrophylla. Toxicological studies were carried out to determine the LD50with chloroquinediphosphate as positive control and normal saline as negative control. Using the Peter’s 4 day suppressive test a parasite inhibition rate of 47.72% (25 mg/kg), 63.63% (50 mg/kg) and 61.36% (100 mg/kg) on day 4 after treatment was recorded. A 95.45% chemo-suppression was observed for animals treated with 10 mg/kg chloroquine. This resultis an indication that the extract had appreciable signs of chemosuppression.

Incidence of enteric pathogens in ugba, a traditional fermented food from African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla)

BackgroundThe lack of good production practices and probable post-fermentation contaminations contribute to bacterial pathogen load in ugba, a fermented food made from African oil been seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth). Some of these bacteria are not easily detected using standard culturing techniques. The study used molecular-based approaches involving PCR, cloning and sequencing as well as culture-based methods to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria within the microbiome of ugba. Six samples (OK1-OK6) were purchased from different local markets within Lagos and Abia States in Nigeria and used in the study.ResultsA total of 14 pathogenic bacteria were identified among the bacteria diversity found in ugba. Two pathogens (11%) were uniquely identified by cultural and biochemical characteristics, 12 pathogens (67%) were uniquely identified by culture-independent (PCR-clone-based) method and 4 pathogens (22%) were found in both methods. Enteric pathogens were common and Bacillus sp. was conspicuously absent. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus detected by cultural method in this study and elsewhere were not picked up by culture-independent method. This is the first report of the presence of Acinetobacter baumanii, Clostridium sartagofum, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Comamonas testosteronii, and Aeromonas sp. in ugba as identified by PCR-clone-based techniques. Though the genera Salmonella and Proteus have been associated with ugba in previous studies, the species-level identities were determined in this research by the culture-independent method used.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of using appropriate technologies and correct species identification strategies in studying microbiological quality and food safety issues in fermented foods in a developing country like Nigeria.