Prosopis Africana Research Articles

Prosopis africana extract inhibits critical enzymes associated with hypertension in vitro and in cyclosporine-induced hypertensive rats

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the antihypertensive properties of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana (PA) in vitro and in hypertensive rats. MethodsEthanol (ELPA) and differential solvent fractions [ethyl-acetate (EAPA), butanol (BLPA), and aqueous (ALPA)] were prepared using standard protocols. Hypertension was induced in female albino Wistar rats intraperitoneally using cyclosporine (25 mg/kg/day) while extracts were administered via oral route. Forty female rats were grouped into 5 (n = 8). Group 1 received 2 ml distilled water, Group 2: (cyclosporine + 2 ml distilled water); Group 3: cyclosporine + captopril (10 mg/kg/day); Group 4: cyclosporine + 1000 mg/kg ELPA and Group 5: cyclosporine + 1500 mg/kg ELPA. The blood pressure of anesthetized rats was measured using LabScribe coupled to a Lab-Trax-4/24T, and the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), arginase, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) were evaluated using standard methods. ResultsAll the fractions exerted significantly (p < 0.05) higher ACE inhibitory effect (ELPA = 64.36 ± 0.50%; EAPA = 86.31 ± 0.60%; BLPA= 85.28 ± 2.30 % ; ALPA= 82.27 ± 2.10 % ) than the reference, lisinopril (40.22±0.50 % ); while the butanol fraction (67.05±0.40 % ) showed higher PDE-5 inhibition than the reference, sildenafil (23.06±0.70 % ). Administration of cyclosporine caused notable (p < 0.05) elevation of systolic/diastolic blood (131.00 ± 1.22/93.25 ± 1.49 mmHg) pressure plus elevated heart rate when in comparison with the normotensive rats (106.25 ± 1.65/85.25 ± 1.18 mmHg). Treatment of hypertensive rats with ELPA significantly reduced elevated activities of ACE, PDE-5, AChE, and arginase to values that are not significantly (p < 0.05) different from those of the rats treated with the reference drug. ConclusionThis result could validate the use of P. africana as an antihypertensive agent in folklore.

Valorization and optimization of Prosopis africana pod and cowpea husk wastes for densified hybrid briquette production

Biomass is an eco-friendly alternative sustainable renewable energy source when agricultural wastes are effectively utilized. It has become critical to assess the suitability of biofuel briquettes as an energy source for cooking, electricity, and fuel for heating. Certainly, the integration of energy sources into energy policies is warranted, considering the huge potential to provide energy for rural communities and the peri-urban poor with alternative fuel. This research describes a technique to generate densified hybrid solid biofuels from biomass waste and valorize them. Prosopis africana pod (PAP) and cowpea husk (CPH) wastes were combined to create high-energy-density fuel briquettes. The experiment involves improving briquette manufacturing parameters using response surface methodology to better understand the impacts of particle sizes, composition, binder concentrations, and densification pressures on briquette performance. The optimal conditions were particle size 150 µm, 50% PAP, 10% binder concentration, and densification pressure 103.42 kN/m2. The optimum values for burning rate, ignition time, specific fuel consumption, and heating value were 0.35 g/min, 2.75 min, 0.186 g/L, and 22.98 MJ/kg, respectively. The findings show the potential for using PAP and CPH biomass waste to produce environmentally friendly energy sources. This increases the potential agro-waste feedstocks for bioenergy in developing countries, reducing energy insecurity while promoting waste management, renewable energy generation, and environmental sustainability.

Molecular screening of potential Bacillus species bacteriocin starter cultures isolated from Nigerian fermented condiments

Traditional fermented food condiments in Nigeria are majorly produced by using protein-rich leguminous seeds via spontaneous fermentation or back slopping. However, health risks such as the production of biogenic amines, presence of toxigenic genes and food borne pathogens remains major concerns of public health significance. Hence, the need for the production of safe condiments using non-pathogenic food-grade starter cultures. Isolation and characterization of organisms from spontaneously fermented condiments made from Parkia biglobosa, Ricinus communis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Prosopis africana was done using standard methods. Phenotypic and biochemical characterizations was down using established protocols while molecular identification was done using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results obtained showed that the microbial load (cfu/ml) recorded from the spontaneously fermented condiments ranged from: 2.1×107-5.2×1012, 15.2×107-4.4×1010, 4.4×1010-4.4×1012 and 6.4×107-1.6×1012 for P. biglobosa, R. communis, P. macrophylla and P. africana respectively. Identification of isolates revealed Bacillus. However, 22.8% of the Bacillus isolates harboured HblA and HblD genes while 40.9 % showed bands for the presence of HblC genes. In addition, the percentage occurrence of 18.1%, 27.2% and 50% was obtained for the presence of NheA, NheB and NheC genes respectively while none of the Bacillus isolates showed bands for the presence of Cytk and EM1 genes. More so, five Bacillus isolates were identified to be non-toxigenic, showing bands only for Bac, Osbo and Spas genes which are bacteriocin producing genes. Put together, the identified non-toxigenic food-grade Bacillus species recorded in this study can be recommended as potential bacteriocin starter cultures for the fermentation of microbiologically safe food products.

Introduction pages, Notulae Scientia Biologicae 16(3), 2024

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 3, Volume 16, 2024: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting research or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Exogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide as biotechnological tools for enhancing plant adaptation to cold; Optimization of the production of a new milk clotting enzyme by Aspergillus flavus thermophile on agro-industrial residues medium and characterization of the enzyme; Chemical composition and potential pharmacological applications of Centaurea acaulis L.; Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei; Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; Analysis of chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities of pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf extracts; In silico analysis of Cucumis pubescens Willd. fruit extract phytocompounds and its activity against anti-diabetic targets; In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of different bacterial isolates against Botrytis gray mold of tomato; Integrated characterization and in vitro biocontrol of Fusarium sp. using Trichoderma asperellum; Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under cadmium stress; Delineating drought-induced antioxidative traits as potential mechanisms for climate resilience in Argania spinosa.

Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei

Prosopis africana, a traditional medicinal plant for malaria treatment, requires further scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the antimalarial potential of Prosopis africana stem bark fractions in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and identify the responsible compounds. The aqueous extract underwent partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, followed by antimalarial evaluation. F5 was the most potent fraction based on its antimalarial potential. The study pooled 36 chromatographic separation sub-fractions into five using TLC analysis Rf values. In Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, fraction F5 at 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) was tested for antimalarial activity. Compound analysis of F5 utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupolar mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis employed Analysis of Variance and Duncan's multiple range tests (p &lt; 0.05). The methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts displayed suppression of P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6%, respectively. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts suppressed P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6% respectively. F5 showed significantly higher chemo-suppression (67.21%) than F1 (63.94%), F2 (6.99%), F3 (2.81%), and F4 (37.3%). At 12.5 mg/kg bw, F5 suppressed P. berghei by 91.09%, surpassing chloroquine (87.79%), and restored altered hematological indices and CD4+ counts. Compounds identified in F5 included caffeate, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, quinovic acid, quercetin, prosopinine, catechin, and apigeninin. In conclusion, the fraction F5 of P. africana stem bark exhibited higher antimalarial activity than chloroquine and the identified compound might likely contribute to its activity.

Role of Anonychium africanum (Plantae, Fabaceae) in Metal Oxido-Inflammatory Response: Protection Evidence in Gonad of Male Albino Rat.

Male fertility is strongly affected by the overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gonado-protective effects of natural compounds. Biochemical and morphological assays were performed on male albino rats divided into five groups: a control group (water only), a group orally exposed to a metal mixture of Pb-Cd-Hg-As alone and three groups co-administered the metal mixture and an aqueous extract of the Nigerian medicinal plant, Anonychium africanum (Prosopis africana, PA), at three different concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) for 60 days. The metal mixture induced a significant rise in testicular weight, metal bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while the semen analysis indicated a lower viability and a decrease in normal sperm count, and plasma reproductive hormones showed a significant variation. Parallel phytochemical investigations showed that PA has bioactive compounds like phlobatannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids, which are protective against oxidative injury in neural tissues. Indeed, the presence of PA co-administered with the metal mixture mitigated the toxic metals' impact, which was determined by observing the oxido-inflammatory response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, thus boosting male reproductive health.

Assessment of factors influencing fuelwood utilization in Makurdi metropolis, Benue state, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the factors influencing the utilization of fuelwood in Makurdi metropolis due to the paucity of information on the factors in the area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 125 people in 25 houses from five locations in the study area. Data for the study was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, interview, and personal observation. Field data was analyzed using descriptive, Likert scale rating and regression models. Results of analysis of field data show that seven tree species were utilized for fuelwood in the study area with Prosopis africana (34%) being the most preferred fuelwood spp utilized while Burkia africana (2.1%) was the least utilized fuelwood spp. The Multilinear regression model was selected as the best-fit model in explaining the factors influencing fuelwood utilization in the study area based on its high r2 value and low standard error estimated compared to the other three regression models. None of the socioeconomic variables investigated had a significant influence on fuelwood utilization (P &gt; 0.05). However, age, income, family size, unit price, and availability of the commodity positively influence fuelwood utilization in the study area. The socioeconomic factors were able to explain 67% of the variation in fuelwood utilization in Makurdi Metropolis. Fuelwood is highly utilized in the area. Therefore, the conservation of the preferred fuelwood tree species in community forests and agroforestry practices should be encouraged by the Government, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private individuals to enhance the sustainability of the resource.

African mesquite elicits neuroprotective activity against quaternary metal mixture -induced olfactory bulb-hippocampal oxido-inflammatory stress via nrf2-hmox-1pathway

African mesquite AM is widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent in sub-Sahara Africa especially Nigeria. Given its strong anti-inflammatory potency, this study has evaluated the neuroprotective properties of AM in the hippocampus HIP and olfactory bulb OB of rats exposed to Cd, As, Hg, and Pb. Twenty-five albino Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups in this experiment. Group 1, the control received only water. Group 2 received heavy metal mixture HMM (PbCl2 (20 mg/kg), CdCl2 (1.61 mg/kg), HgCl2 (0.40 mg/kg), and NaAsO3 (10 mg/kg), for 60 days. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with HMM along with AM at doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. AM decreased the Cd, As, Hg, and Pb levels in OB and HIP, restored the activities of antioxidants, Hmox-1, reduced the activities of AChE, NRF2 and NFkB and improved histopathology.

Characterization of Wood, Leaves, Barks, and pod wastes from Prosopis africana biomass for biofuel production

One of the approaches for increasing the contribution of biomass to the renewable energy mix is the valorization of biomass to bioenergy. Evaluating the potential of unconventional biomass sources could significantly accelerate the assessment for suitability as feedstock for bioenergy production as a sustainable solution. The study aimed to characterize the Prosopis africana biomass of wood, barks, leaves, and pods towards providing valuable data for scaling up and incorporating these materials into the bioenergy crop database. Characterizations of wood, leaves, barks, and pod wastes from Prosopis africana biomass were investigated based on the proximate, ultimate, and compositional analysis of pulverized samples of the PA biomass to determine their physical, thermal, and chemical properties towards assessing their potential for valorization to bioenergy. The lignocellulosic materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the pulverized sample wastes have porous structures with varying degrees of crystallinity (wood: 89.20 %, bark: 23.90 %, leaves: 32.48 %, pods: 23.08 %), suggesting different susceptibilities to conversion processes. Notably, the wood sample had the lowest moisture content (3.13 %), and the pod sample had the highest volatile matter content (75.83 %), indicating a high potential for biofuel production. The higher heating values (HHV) and lower heating values (LHV) of the samples ranged from 15.23 to 20.49 MJ/kg and 13.83 to 18.79 MJ/kg, respectively. These calorific values are competitive with established lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstocks, positioning PA biomass as promising candidates for solid biofuel applications.

Evaluation of Charcoal Usage and Its Influence on Deforestation in Makurdi Metropolis Benue State, Nigeria

Charcoal is the dark grey residue consisting of impure carbon obtained from vegetation substance and produced by pyrolysis, the heating of wood in the absence of oxygen. Charcoal is considered the major source of energy for the inhabitants of Makurdi metropolis. The study was conducted to assess the consumption of charcoal in Makurdi metropolis. Five council wards were selected purposively for data collection. The selected wards are noted for having large quantities of charcoal and consumers almost all year round. The wards selected are Agan, Fiidi, Wadata, Modern Market, and North Bank. From each council ward, 20 respondents were drawn using a random sampling technique. 100 respondents were selected and interviewed using a pre-tested checklist (questionnaire) to collect primary data. From the result, Prosopis africana was the highest used tree species for charcoal with 83.5% then Vitellaria paradoxa with 7.9%. Also, 88% of the respondents preferred charcoal for cooking in providing food for the family because of its affordability compared to other cooking energy sources. Therefore, it is inferred that charcoal has a positive impact on the lives of consumers since affordability is considered the main reason why the majority of households use charcoal. However, the continuous use of forest trees threatens the future of our forest estate and biodiversity leading to land degradation, endangering of species and enhancement of global warming. Therefore, Alternative energy sources should be encouraged for household fuel to ease the pressure on charcoal.

Enhancing impact of &lt;i&gt;Prosopis africana&lt;/i&gt; fraction on biochemical indices and oxidative balance in &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium berghei&lt;/i&gt;-infected mice

This study addresses the ongoing global health challenge of malaria by exploring the therapeutic potential of the Prosopis africana fraction in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Using 42 male mice divided into six groups, including a control group, infected groups without treatment, infected treated with 20 mg/kg bw chloroquine, and infected groups treated with different doses of Prosopis africana fraction at 6.25 mg/kg,12.5mg/kg and 25 mg/kg bw respectively. The mice were induced by NK-65 chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei and administered oral treatment for four days. After the treatment period, biochemical analysis of blood samples and tissues was conducted, focusing on liver and kidney function markers, as well as oxidative stress indicators. Mice infected with Plasmodium berghei exhibited significant alterations in biochemical indices and oxidative balance compared to the control group. However, treatment with Prosopis africana fraction mitigated these changes, restoring biochemical parameters and reestablishing oxidative balance. Notably, the dose at 12.5 mg/kg bw of Prosopis africana fraction demonstrated superior efficacy in reversing the alterations induced by malaria infection. These findings suggest that Prosopis africana fraction holds therapeutic potential in mitigating the biochemical disruptions and oxidative stress associated with malaria infection.

PROSOPIS AFRICANA EXTRACTS AS POTENTIAL NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO SYNTHETIC ANTIBIOTICS AND A KEY FOR SUSTAINABLE BROILER PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Survey of plant species used in the treatment of common ailments in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

To record the locals' knowledge of some of the medicinal plant species in the area, a survey of plant species used for the treatment of common ailments was carried out in Hawul Local Government Area Borno State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Numerous quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Shannon Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Importance Value (FIV), were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. The Jaccard Index (JI) was used to assess the degree of homogeneity between the current study and earlier research as well as within indigenous tribes. A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plants species, which were distributed under twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. The majority of species that have been identified are tree species, and the most common plant portion used to make ethnomedicines is leaf material. The Fabaceae were the predominate families among the species that had been documented (11 species) Accacia nilotica, Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Faidherbia albida, Sennia siamea, Prosopis Africana, Parkia baglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Senna occidentalist, Senna obtusifolia, while the least represented was (1 species) Apocynacea. For digestive system problems, the highest ICF score was 0.77. According to the data gathered from the questionnaires, pile, yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, stomach ache, and ulcer were the most prevalent diseases, in that order. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40), Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) while the least was (0.01) Guinea senegalensis. The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral while least cited was sit bath. Phytochemical profiles demonstrated that flavonoids, alkaloids phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical component in Khaya. senegalensis and Piliostigma. thonningii leaves. This further justifies the frequent application of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different forms of illnesses. It is stated that due to their physiologically active ingredients and accessibility, herbal medicine will continue to play a significant role in the community's health care delivery system.

Prosopis Africana Extracts As Potential Natural Alternatives To Synthetic Antibiotics And A Key For Sustainable Broiler Production: A Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene

Prosopis Africana Extracts as Potential Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Antibiotics and a Key for Sustainable Broiler Production: a Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Prosopis Africana Extracts as Potential Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Antibiotics and a Key for Sustainable Broiler Production: A Review

The chicken sector is more vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance, the buildup of toxic or dangerous residues in meat and eggs, and environmental contamination as a result of the widespread and careless use of antibiotics in most nations. Natural solutions, such as medicinal plants, are required to address these issues. These plants have been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. These chemicals endow plants with a multitude of medicinal qualities. One of the many alternatives to antibiotics is Prosopis africana extract, which includes stem bark, leaves, roots, and their essential oils. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties are among the many pharmacological activity of P. africana preparations. They are also an abundant supplier of vital minerals and amino acids that support enzyme function and provide defense against the effects of oxidative stress. Using extracts from Prosopis africana is the way forward for effective chicken production, environmental sustainability and food hygiene.

Prosopis africana exerts neuroprotective activity against quaternary metal mixture-induced memory impairment mediated by oxido-inflammatory response via Nrf2 pathway.

The beneficial effects of Prosopis africana (PA) on human health have been demonstrated; however, its protective effects against heavy metals (HM) are not yet understood. This study evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of PA in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. To accomplish this, we divided 35 albino Sprague Dawley rats into five groups. Group I did not receive either heavy metal mixture (HMM) or PA. Group II received a HMM of PbCl2 (20 mg/kg), CdCl2 (1.61 mg/kg), HgCl2 (0.40 mg/kg), and NaAsO3 (10 mg/kg) orally for a period of two months. Groups III, IV, and V received HMM along with PA at doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. PA caused decreased levels of HM accumulation in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and improved performance in the Barnes maze and rotarod tests. PA significantly reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. PA increased concentrations of SOD, CAT, GSH, and Hmox-1 and decreased the activities of AChE and Nrf2. In addition, levels of MDA and NO decreased in groups III, IV, and V, along with an increase in the number of live neurons. In conclusion, PA demonstrates a complex neuroprotective effect with the potential to alleviate various aspects of HM-induced neurotoxicity.

Antibacterial activity of five selected ethno-medicinal plants against extreme multi-drug resistance strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Emergence of multidrug resistance strains of different kinds of virulent pathogens to various antibiotics worldwide had become one of the most concerning public health issues in Nigeria. This research is aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity of five selected ethno-medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Ficus sycomorus, Vitex doniana, Jatropha curcas, Acacia nilotica and Prosopis africana leafs were extracted using chloroform, to get the crude extracts of the various plants material. Exactly 150 clinical and environmental samples each, was collected for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus each. The antibiogram profile and resistance level of the isolated strains was ascertained using the standard disc diffusion bioassay. Multi-drug resistance genes; BLA-TEM, BLA-SHV and CTX-M presence were evaluated and also served as another form of selection protocol for extremely resistant strains of the selected pathogenic bacterial species. In-vitro and in-vivo bioassay was done to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the plants extracts on the most resistant strains of the two pathogenic bacteria. Tannins, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, quinones, phytosterols and phlobatanins were found present in these plants extracts. Eleven Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four Staphylococcus aureus extreme multi-drug resistance strains were successfully isolated and identified. The in-vitro bioassay reveals that F. sycomorus and J. curcas extracts has the highest antimicrobial activity against the various multi-drug resistant strains, while A. nilotica extract also maintains some level of activity against the resistant strains. The in-vivo bioassay reconfirmed the antibacterial effects of the three most active plants mentioned above, against all the resistant bacteria. Decoction of the three most active plants extracts also proves effective on the resistant strains of both bacteria, than the individual extracts. F. sycomorus, J. curcas and A. nilotica plant extracts could provide an alternative active pharmaceutical agents against multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Ethno-Botanical Survey: Exploring Indigenous Remedies for African Animal Trypanosomosis in Nigeria

The Fulani pastoralist of Nigeria and other indigenous livestock farmers have used medicinal plants to treat various animal diseases for centuries, amongst which include the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). It is a severe debilitating parasitic disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by pathogenic Trypanosomes and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers in Africa. In this study, an ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the Tsetse-endemic areas of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States of Nigeria to identify medicinal plants used traditionally to treat AAT. During the study, eighty questionnaires were administered to the respondents who were predominantly Fulani pastoralists, and other indigenous livestock farmers. seventy-eight questioners were fully completed and retrieved. The study revealed that that most of the respondents have retained the tradition knowledge system of medicinal plants passed down to them for generations. The study revealed various herbal preparation methods employed by indigenous Nigerian livestock farmers, including decoctions, infusions, and incorporating plant material into feed. Fifteen medicinal plants species belonging to 13 families were identified to be used by Nigerian pastoralist for the treatment AAT. These included Khaya senegalensis (28.2%), Azadirachta indica (25.6%), Boswellia dalziellii (23%), Prosopis africana (23%), Anogeisus leocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides (21.8%), Adansonia digitata and Annona senegalensis (19.2%), Pilostigma thoningii (16.7%), Nauclea latifolia (15.0%). Balanites aegyptiaca (12.5%). Eucalyptus torelliana (11.5%), Tamarindus indica (10.3%), Ximenia americana (9%) and Guiera senegalensis 7.7%).&#x0D; Conclusions: The information obtained from this study and the medicinal plants identified can be harnessed for the development of plant-based medicaments for the treatment of AAT.

Response surface methodology optimisation enhancing lactic acid production from Prosopis africana pods by Rhizopus oryzae

Microbial fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass into lactic acid (LA) has received considerable attention because it ensures the valorisation of wastes and reduces dependence on fossil sources. First, the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Prosopis africana pods (PAP) were determined. Previous biologically-pretreated pods of Prosopis africana were then saccharified using dilute acid hydrolysis following a full factorial design. The factors optimized were acid type (HCl and H2SO4), acid concentration (1 %, 3 % and 5 %), solid loading ratio (5 %, 10 % and 20 %) and reaction time (15, 30 and 60 minutes). Several Rhizopus oryzae isolates were screened for LA production and the most prolific was molecularly identified. The factors affecting LA yield from PAP hydrolysate were screened using a half-factorial design. The significant factors were then optimised using Box-Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The proximate analysis showed high levels of protein, lipid, ash and carbohydrates. The phytochemical analysis of PAP revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. The hydrolysis conditions of 3 % HCl, 20 % solid loading and 15 minutes hydrolysis time yielded the highest reducing sugars of 42.5 g/L. The most promising isolate, identified as R. oryzae strain AK-22, produced 19.7 g/L after RSM optimization, a 38.1 % increase over yields from non-optimised conditions. These findings are on the biotechnological production of LA from the pods of Prosopis africana, an abundant yet under-utilised tree crop.