Plukenetia Conophora Research Articles

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and the Physicochemical Properties of Modified Plukenetia Conophora and Thevetia Peruviana Seed Oils for Lubricant Purposes

Recently, there have been diversion of attention from lubricant from fossil sources to biolubricants due to its effect on the environment and human life. Vegetable oils have found usefulness in the production of biolubricant but have some drawbacks. In other to mitigate this problems, Plukenetia conophora (PKCO) and Thevetia peruviana (TVTO) seed oils were chemically modified via epoxidation, hydroxylation, and acetylation. Epoxidation was done using glacial acetic acid (0.05mol of acid: 1 mol C=C; Amberlite IR – 120H ion exchange resin; 1.5mol H2O2: 1 mol C=C) at 65oC for both PKCO and TVTO. The hydroxylation reactions were done at room temperature (97% formic acid; 30% H2O2) for 12hr. Acetylation from epoxidation was also carried out. Reactions were monitored by FTIR spectroscopy, and the physicochemical and lubricant properties investigated. The bands at 925-820cm-1 confirms the presence of epoxy group in EPPKCO and EPTVTO. The band at 3450–3430cm-1 indicate the hydroxyl group in both PKCO-OH and TVTO-OH. It also confirms hydroxyl acetal formation. EPPKCO has proven to be the best candidate for biolubricant formulation based on the physicochemical and lubricant properties, whereas the peroxide value must be improved using appropriate additives.

Effects of seed size and nursery media on the germination and seedling growth of Plukenetia conophora

Research on the effects of seed size, soil-based and soilless media to determine the best condition for increased seedling production of African walnut was carried out at the green house of Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Seed size was categorized into 10.23 to 10.31g (for large seeds) and below 10.23g (for small seeds). Soil-based nursery medium was sawdust mixed with topsoil volume by volume (v/v) 1:1, while soilless was sawdust alone. The experiment was a 2×3 factorial in a complete randomized design with 6 replications. Data were collected on number of days to emergence, plant height at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), and number of leaves at 4, 8, and 12 WAP. Data collected were tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated with Fishers least significant difference at 5% level of probability. Result showed that large seeds planted on soil-based media performed best in all the assessed traits. The inference is that high quality seedlings of African walnut can be produced by planting large seeds in soil-based media.

Carcass quality of broiler chicken fed varying dietary walnut (Plukenetia conophora MULL. ARG) and melon (Citrullus colocynthus (L.) SCHRAD. seed meal

Carcass quality of broiler chicken fed varying dietary walnut (Plukenetia conophora MULL. ARG) and melon (Citrullus colocynthus (L.) SCHRAD. seed meal

Chemical characterization, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Plukenetia conophora seed oil in experimental rodent models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe seed of the African walnut, Plukenetia conophora Mull.-Arg is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The seed oil is widely used in massages to relieve pain, as nerve tonic and to enhance sexual performance. ObjectiveThe study aimed at investigating the chemical profile, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of P. conophora oil (PCO). MethodsSeed oil of P. conophora was characterized using Gas-Liquid Chromatographic method (GC-MS) and oral acute toxicity evaluated at 2000 mg/kg. Antinociceptive effects were evaluated in hot plate, acetic acid and formalin-induced paw licking tests. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in egg albumin and carrageenan-, formalin and complete Freund adjuvant (CFA)-induced paw oedema models. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the fluid exudates were also evaluated in carrageenan air pouch model. ResultsPCO exhibited high content of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). No toxicity was observed at 2000 mg/kg of PCO. PCO (50–200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant anti-nociceptive activity in pain models. PCO exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against oedema formation by phlogistic agents. The increased inflammatory oedema and oxidative stress in CFA-treated rats were also attenuated by PCO. The PCO (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α (59.3% and 85.2%) and IL-6 (27.5% and 72.5%) in carrageenan-induced air pouch model. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that ALA-rich seed oil of Plukenetia conophora demonstrated anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, lending supportive evidences for its use in painful inflammatory conditions.

Influence of dietary Plukenetia conophora seed on growth performance, hepatic antioxidant status, blood chemistry, fillet quality, fatty acid, and oxidative stability of Clarias gariepinus

This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation of Plukenetia conophora seed (PCS) on growth performance, blood chemistry, hepatic antioxidant status, fillet fatty acids, and physicochemical properties of Clarias gariepinus. Two hundred and seventy post-juvenile Clarias gariepinus (14.2 ± 1.4 g, BW) were randomly assigned to either T1, a control diet without PCS; T2, diet containing 2.5% PCS; or T3, diet containing 5% PCS, and were fed the different diets for 70 d. Each treatment consisted of six replicates with 15 fish per replicate. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and survival rate of C. gariepinus. Body weight gain and specific growth rate increased (P < 0.05) as the level of PCS increased in diet. The T3 C. gariepinus had lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with the control C. gariepinus. Leucocytes, serum LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol were higher (P < 0.05) in the control C. gariepinus compared with the T2 and T3 C. gariepinus. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase increased (P < 0.05) with increase in PCS levels in diet. Hepatic glutathione S-transferase was higher (P < 0.05) in the control C. gariepinus compared with the supplemented C. gariepinus. The percentage of C18:3n-3, C22:5n3 and C22:6n-3 was higher (P < 0.05) while that of C18:2n-6 and C20:4n-6 was lower (P < 0.05) in the fillet of C. gariepinus fed on 2.5% and 5% PCS compared with the control C. gariepinus. Dietary PCS had no effect on fillet pH, chemical composition, carbonyl concentration, water holding capacity, color coordinates, and TBARS values in C. gariepinus. These results evince that dietary inclusion of PCS enhanced fillet n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and growth performance without instigating fillet oxidative spoilage in C. gariepinus.

Dietary Plukenetia conophora seed alters muscle cholesterol, antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acids in growing rabbits

The influence of dietary inclusion of Plukenetia conophora seed (PCS) on growth, carcass, muscle antioxidant enzymes, fatty acids, meat quality, and sensory attributes of Longissimus thoracis et lumburum muscle in rabbits was examined. Seventy-two, 28 d old male New Zealand rabbits (750 ± 20 g) were randomly allotted to diets containing either no PCS (PCS-0), 2.5% PCS (PCS-2.5) or 5% PCS (PCS-5) for eight weeks, and euthanized. PCS-5 rabbits had higher (P < 0.05) body and carcass weights than the PCS-0 rabbits. Dietary PCS improved feed efficiency in rabbits. Muscle antioxidant enzymes activities and total phenols were higher while muscle cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in supplemented meat than the PCS-0 meat. The concentration of C22:6n-3, C20:5n-3 and C18:3n-3 was higher (P < 0.05) in the supplemented meat than the PCS-0 meat. Sensory attributes, carbonyl, and TBARS values and physicochemical properties of meat did not differ among diets. Supplementation of PCS-5 enhances muscle n-3 fatty acids without impairing the sensory properties, and oxidative stability of rabbit meat.

Plukenetia conophora seed oil ameliorates streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in rats

Purpose Plukenetia conophora (African walnut) is an edible seed, widely cultivated for its ethnomedicinal and nutritional purposes. Consumption of African walnuts has been linked with blood sugar lowering effect. Objective The effects of P. conophora seed oil treatment on hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress were investigated in plasma, liver and kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Plukenetia conophora seed oil (PCO) was obtained by extraction of pulverized dried seed in n-hexane. Diabetes was induced by STZ injection (65 mg/kg, i.p). Rats were assigned into non-diabetic control (NC) and diabetic control (DC; treated with vehicle), PCO (200 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was taken from overnight fasted animals on day 7 and 14, respectively. Plasma, liver and kidney samples were obtained on day 14 for the determination of oxidative stress parameters malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results PCO treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced STZ-induced hyperglycaemia by lowering the elevated FBS. PCO significantly reduced MDA level and attenuated STZ-induced depletion of GSH, catalase and SOD in the diabetic rats’ plasma, liver and kidneys. Conclusions These results suggest that consumption of Plukenetia conophora seed might offer protection against diabetes-induced hepatic and renal damage.

Amelioration of cadmium chloride testicular toxicity by Plukenetia conophora aqueous leaves extract in Wistar rats

Amelioration of cadmium chloride testicular toxicity by Plukenetia conophora aqueous leaves extract in Wistar rats

Preliminary study on species variability and evolutionary status of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora)

Abstract An analysis of the biochemical composition of African walnut seeds collected from two different geographical areas, Nigeria and Cameroon, was used to conduct the primary assessment of varietal differences and evolutionary status of Plukenetia conophora. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five replications. Significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) was not observed with the proximate properties of the seeds of the two lines except for carbohydrate. However, higher values in protein (28.32%), crude fat (5.67%), ash (4.33%), and moisture (38.44%) content were obtained for the line from Nigeria, while the line from Cameroon had higher values for carbohydrate (20.87%) and crude fibre (9.32%). With regard to mineral composition, significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was observed in some mineral elements such as manganese, sodium, and chromium. Anti-nutritional composition such as proximate properties did not show any significant difference between the two lines. However, the line from Nigeria had higher values of phytate (6.27%) and oxalate (0.11%), while a higher content of tannin (0.36%) and saponin (0.27%) was obtained for the line from Cameroon. Evidently, the result obtained was not substantial to establish varietal differences between the two lines; nevertheless, it showed some level of evolutionary changes in the crop over the years.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Kigelia pinnata and Plukenetia conophora Leaves on Cytokine Expression, Immunoglobulins, Blood Chemistry, Caecal Microbiota and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of Kigelia pinnata (KPL) and Plukenetia conophora (PCL) leaves in comparison with oxytetracycline (OXY) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on growth performance, selected blood biochemical parameters, caecal microbiota, splenic interleukins (IL), serum immunoglobulins (Ig), carcass traits, meat quality, and oxidative stability in broiler chickens. One day old Arbor Acres chicks (n=420) were randomly assigned to either basal diet only (BD); basal diet + 0.5 g/kg oxytetracycline + 0.12 g/kg BHA (OXYBHA); basal diet + 1 g/kg KPL (KPL-1); basal diet + 2 g/kg KPL (KPL-2); basal diet + 1 g/kg PCL (PCL-1); or basal diet + 2 g/kg PCL (PCL-2) for 42 d. Each dietary treatment had seven replicates with 10 chicks per replicate. Supplemented birds gained (P < 0.05) more weight and had a better feed conversion ratio compared with the BD birds. Hematological indices, IL-1β, and IL-6 did not differ among the treatments. BD birds had lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and IL-10, and higher (P < 0.05) IgG, IgM, Salmonella spp., and E. coli counts than the supplemented birds. The KPL-2 birds had the least (P < 0.05) E. coli and Salmonella spp. counts and IgM among the supplemented birds. Lactobacillus spp. count was lower (P < 0.05) in OXYBHA birds compared with KPL and PCL birds. Carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents in the Sartorius muscle, and drip loss and carbonyl content in the Pectoralis muscle of the BD birds were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the supplemented birds. These results illustrate that the 2 g/kg KPL and 2 g/kg PCL could be used as an antioxidant and an antimicrobial in the diets of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of Proximate, Sugar and Fatty Acids Compositions of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophora Mull. Arg.) Root Bark

ABSTRACT African walnut (P. conophora Mull. Arg.) root is used traditionally as antitussive and expectorant. The decoction and infusion of the root is often taking without any standard measurement, hence the need to investigate the proximate, sugar compositions and fatty acids content of its root bark with a view to establish its industrial and pharmacological importance. Proximate, sugar, and fatty acids were determined using standard methods as described by Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The proximate analysis showed that the root bark contained high amount of moisture (71.70 ± 0.01)%, followed by crude fiber (18.80 ± 0.01)% while protein and ash contents were (3.42 ± 0.01)%, and (2.84 ± 0.02)%, respectively, and crude fat was (1.34 ± 0.01)%. Sugar analysis revealed that the root contained sucrose (4.37 ± 0.02) %, glucose (3.28 ± 0.02) % and maltose (0.86 ± 0.02)%. The fatty acids analysis showed that the root bark contained saturated, mono unsaturated and poly unsaturated fatty acids. The prominent saturated fatty acid was stearic acid with the value of 4.10% while oleic acid (33.88%) was the highest for mono unsaturated fatty acid. Linolenic acid with the values of 35.57% was the prominent among the polyunsaturated fatty acids. The study has revealed the presence of some essential nutrients in the root bark of African walnut in moderate proportion which suggest the potential utilization of this plant part as nutrient, addictive, or supplement in drug and cosmetics formulation.

The inhibitive action of Plukenetia conophora plant extract on the corrosion of Al–Zn–Cu alloy in different acidic media

AbstractPlukenetia conophora (Nigerian Walnut) leaf extract was studied as a corrosion inhibitor on Al–Zn–Cu alloy in acidic (HCl and H2SO4) media using gravimetric, gasometric and electropotential techniques. The study showed that the inhibition efficiency (IE) increased as the concentration of the leaf extract increased and reached the peak (94.8%) at 0.8 g/L in 1 M HCl. In the two acidic media, P. conophora leaf extract exhibited good corrosion inhibition properties on the Al–Zn–Cu alloy samples due to adhesion of the extracts on the samples' surfaces. The adsorption process of the extract on the alloy sample surfaces was found to be spontaneous and perfectly obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model. Thus, P. conophora leaf extract is recommended for utilisation as a potential replacement for toxic inorganic inhibitors and for application in paint and coating industries.

Nutritional diversity in accessions of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora L.) sourced from southwestern Nigeria as influenced by collection center and processing

Nut collection expeditions of Plukenetia conophora L. were made to 10 locations in southwestern Nigeria. Seeds extracted were cooked or not and were assayed for phytochemical and mineral contents. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Omuwo-Oke accession had highest phenol and tannin whereas Ijan had highest phytate; alkaloids and glycosides were higher in Ara accession than others. Accession obtained from Aramoko gave highest iron concentration while the lowest was in Ogotun accession. The concentrations of K, Mg and Na were higher in Ogotun accession while the lowest was found in Alafe, Agbado and Aba-Oyo, respectively. Alafe accession had highest concentration of phosphorus but lower concentration was obtained in Ogotun. Zinc was highest in collection from Aramoko while Abgado accession had the lowest. Phenol, phytate, alkaloids and glycosides were higher in boiled nuts than fresh nuts but tannin was higher in fresh nuts. K, Mg, Zn and Na were higher in fresh nuts than boiled nuts. Higher concentration of Fe and P were recorded in boiled nuts. Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that cooked nuts from Agbado, Alafe, and Aramoko had higher values for glycosides. Alkaloid was more pronounced in fresh nut from Ara. Fresh nuts from Aba-Oyo and Agbado gave higher values for phytate. Tannin was highest in fresh nuts from Omuo-Oke and boiled nuts from Igbara-Odo while phenol was higher in boiled nut from Omuo-Oke. Biplot analysis for minerals revealed higher concentration of Zn, NFE, Na and P in boiled nuts from Aramoko, Omuo- Oke, Igbara-Odo, Ogotun and Ijan. Mg was highest in fresh nuts from Ara and Igbara-Odo. Tannin and alkaloids had negative significant relationship (r = –0.581*) but the relationship between glycosides and alkaloids was positive and significant (r = 0.520*). Zn had significant relationships with Mg and P (r = 0.590* and –0.551*, respectively). Similarly, Na had positive relationships with K and Mg (r = 0.599** and 0.491*, respectively). Mg and K had an r-value of 0.502*. Inter-correlative responses between the phytochemicals and minerals revealed that only glycosides had significant relationships with K, Mg and Zn (which were negative) as well as with P (which was positive). Data obtained suggested sufficient genetic diversity in nuts of Plukenetia sourced from southwestern Nigeria, indicating posibility for selection. Besides, cooking had signifcant (in some cases, positive) effect on the phytochemicals and minerals assayed.&#x0D; Key words: African walnut, accessions, phytochemical, minerals, processing

The conformational change of Plukenetia conophora oil derivatives and their acidic resistance, intra-fragment interactions, stability in different solvent media.

The synthesis of derivatives of bio-based lubricants from vegetable oil as an alternative to petroleum oil is significant due to the oil crisis, global warming, higher demand and serious environmental threat. In this study, the molecular properties of three derivatives of oil derived from Plukenetia conophora seeds, namely Plukenetia conophora oil (PK), rpoxidised Plukenetia conophora oil (EP) and poly(hydroxybutanethiol-ether) derivative of Plukenetia conophora oil (BP), were examined in acidic media and crystal form. The derivative BP has the highest resistance to acidic attack as evident from their poor interaction with acidic H3O+ from both HCl and HNO3. BP also has the best tendency of forming a crystal as evident from the lowest atomic diffusion in crystal model (L12). However, the result of the molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis shows that BP has more electron-deficient surface compare to EP derivatives. The derivative BP is also found to have the lowest potential energy and higher root means square deviation (RMSD) of its atoms. Density clustering analysis further confirms that BP did not retain its most stable conformation for a longer period of simulation compared to PK and EP. The most visited conformation from the hierarchical and density clustering also corresponds to the minimum potential energy on the potential energy surface.Graphical abstract.

Effect of Ellagic Acid Extracted from Walnut (Plukenetia Conophora) used in the Treatment of Antioxidant Imbalance in Female Infertility

Effect of Ellagic Acid Extracted from Walnut (Plukenetia Conophora) used in the Treatment of Antioxidant Imbalance in Female Infertility

Effects of the walnut Plukenetia conophora shell in the diet on the growth performance and genotoxicity of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Aquaculture industry is facing challenges of the high cost of fish feed, and therefore it is very crucial to explore the alternative raw materials for feed formulation at the lowest cost. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Plukenetia conophora shells on the growth, haematological and biochemical parameters, and its genotoxicity on African catfish Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Five experimental diets were formulated having three replicates at 0% (0WS), 25% (25WS), 50% (50WS), 75% (75WS) and 100% (100WS) inclusion of walnut shell respectively. The fishes were fed on experimental diet two time a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the fish in tank 25WS had the best weight gain with the mean of 33.5±5.8 g and the least was recorded in tank 100WS. The specific growth rate was highest in-tank 75WS with the mean value of 0.46±0.05 g was recorded. The highest feed intake was found in fish fed with 25% inclusion of P. conophora. The fish fed with P. conophorashowed increased values of haemoglobin, (12.05±1.63g/dL), Red blood cell, (2.785±0.28µL) and White blood cell, (11.25±4.59µL) compared with control diet values of fish fed of Red blood cell, (1.81±1.54µL) and White blood cell, (5.15±6.57µL). There was a reduction in the haematological value of the fish fed with control feed having Haemoglobin, (10.75±8.13g/dL). The genotoxicity test that was carried out showed that the highest counts of micronucleus were in tank 75WS. The Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) shows a significant difference (p0.05) in the growth performance of the fish. It is concluded that inclusion of 50% P. conophora shells in the feed of C. gariepinus gave no negative impact on the health status and growth performance of the fish. Keywords: Toxicity test, Growth indices, Plukenetia conophora, Clarias gariepinus

Chemical compositions of the essential oils of Plukenetia conophora leaves

Plukenetia conophora fresh leaves were obtained from a farm in the Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The plant is a climber which normally found support in kola nut or cocoa tree. Standard method was used for the extraction of the oil. The oil was analyzed using gas chromatographic and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric methods. Fifteen compounds were identified in the leaves. The most abundant compounds in the oil were oleic (9-octadecenoic) acid (29.8%) and palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid (14.36%), while the less abundant compounds are 6-tridecenoic acid (9.05%) and 9-octadecenoic acid,1,2,3-propanetryl ester (6.24%). The characteristic of this oil is the presence of long chain fatty acids. This study seeks to evaluate the chemical constituents of the oils of P. conophora leaves and how to harmonize them in pharmaceutical and industrial uses. Key words: Plukenetia conophora, leaves, oil, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric methods (GC-MS).

Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Nutritional Constituents of Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum OR Plukenetia conophora) Seeds

Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Nutritional Constituents of Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum OR Plukenetia conophora) Seeds

Effect of Processing on Microbial Load, Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Composition of Plukenetia conophora (Africa Walnut)

Effect of Processing on Microbial Load, Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Composition of Plukenetia conophora (Africa Walnut)

Protective effects of methanol extract of Plukenetia conophora seeds and 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats treated with cadmium chloride.

ObjectivesMale infertility caused by exposure to heavy metals is a current global issue. Exposure to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) negatively affects the male reproductive system. Many infertile people, especially in developing countries, resort to folkloric treatment. Plukenetia conophora is used in Nigerian folk medicine to promote fertility. This study investigated the effects of Plukenetia conophora (PC) and 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl (DDMP) on Wistar rats with cadmium chloride-induced testicular damage.MethodsForty-two male Wistar rats (150-190g) were divided into seven groups (n=6) and treated daily for 54 days as follows: Controls (normal saline); CdCl2 (2mg/kg single IP dose); CdCl2 + 200 mg/kg vitamin E; CdCl2 + 100 or 200 mg/kg PC; and CdCl2 + 25 or 50 mg/kg DDMP. The rats were sacrificed 55 days after the start of the study; Samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical parameters malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, antioxidant enzymes, and proton pumps were measured by spectrophotometry. Reproductive hormones were measured using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA and differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05.ResultsSignificant increases in sperm count, motility, and viability were observed in the groups given CdCl2+Vitamin E, CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP as compared with the CdCl2 group. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the groups treated with CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP decreased significantly when compared with the group given CdCl2. Significant increases were observed in antioxidant enzymes, proton pump, and testosterone in the groups treated with CdCl2+PC or CdCl2+DDMP, respectively.ConclusionPlukenetia conophora alleviated male reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium chloride in Wistar rats. 4H-Pyran-4-One 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-Methyl present in Plukenetia conophora may be responsible for the ameliorative effects.