Raphia Hookeri Research Articles

FIRST REPORT OF POSTHARVEST DRY ROT OF RAPHIA HOOKERI FRUITS CAUSED BY XYLARIA FEEJEENSIS

Raphia hookeri palm is cultivated in Nigeria and other parts of the world for its economic products ranging from building and construction materials to local beverage. The plant is propagated only by seed. R. hookeri-induced dry rot of palm fruits, a storage and field disease, was found to be associated with Xylaria feejeensis, Penicillium dierckxii, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp. A total of 309 seeds were examined and 17.48, 23.95 and 27.18% were found to be affected by the disease after two, four weeks and three months of storage, respectively. When healthy fruits were inoculated separately with the various fungi according to Oruade-Dimaro (1989) only X. feejeensis produced disease symptoms (dryness and flaky nature of the entire fruit, affecting the testa and embryo). Symptoms began with the growth of a mycelial mat on the fruit scales which gradually penetrated the mesocarp, forming a weft of mycelium surrounding it. The Commonwealth Mycological Institute (UK) confirmed the identity of the fungus by processing a partial ITS DNA sample of the organism followed by sequencing (IMI No. 501772). Analysis of the sequence showed top matches at >99% identity to the ITS sequences reported from X. feejeensis (Hsieh et al., 2010). This is apparently the first time that X. feejeensis has been isolated from Raphia palm and the first report of dry rot of Raphia palm fruit caused by X. feejeensis.

Traditional Fermentation and Distillation of Raffia Palm Sap for the Production of Bioethanol in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The production of alcoholic beverages from the sap of raffia palm, Raphia hookeri, has continued for decades in West Africa, but the detailed processes had never been documented before. The objective of this study is to document the traditional process of ethanol production, with the aim of scaling up the process for the production of fuel ethanol. Ten smallholder ethanol production facilities were randomly selected, and triplicate samples of the process intermediates were collected and analysed, including fermented palm sap, first and second distillate, first and second stillage. Results show that the percentage of ethanol was significantly different (P<0.05) among the different intermediates. The highest ethanol presence was recorded in the second distillate (39-61.5%), followed by the first distillate (18.83-39%), then the first stillage (5.80-10.20%), the palm sap (10.50-15.30%) and finally the second stillage (3.40-5.80%).Yeast population, pH, sugar, specific gravity and electrical conductivity differed significantly among the various sites and intermediates. Wood (105-155kg) was used as fuel to boil 280-480L of fermented palm sap producing 20L of 39-61.5% ethanol. The smallholder processors are however challenged by the poor distillation apparatus and the lack of ethanol dehydration facilities. The study concludes by recommending the modification of the Nigerian Biofuel Policy (2007) to allow the use of hydrous ethanol in automobiles and low concentration ethanol for household cooking.

Total amino acid profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines

Total amino acid (AA) profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines were studied. Heating their fresh wines to 85°C, cooling and diluting to original volumes distilled off ethanol, but did not change their moisture and nitrogen contents. R. hookeri wine contained more (p<0.05) Phe, Val, Ala, Gly, Pro, Asp, Asn, His and Lys than E. guineensis wine which contained more (p<0.05) Met, Cys, Glu, Gln, Ser and Arg. Tyrosine, Leu, Ile and Thr contents did not vary (p>0.05). Glycine and Pro contents were low suggesting high globular protein concentrations. ∑basic AA/∑acidic AA ratios were >1 suggesting high basic protein contents. The E. guineensis and R. hookeri wines contained 58.25±0.56% and 56.79±0.4% essential AAs, respectively. Essential AA scores suggested Leu as their limiting AA. In conclusion, the wines can adequately meet daily nitrogen and essential AA needs when a 70kg adult drinks 1425.45ml.

Effect of Raphia hookeri Seed Extract on Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Lipid Profile of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Effect of Raphia hookeri Seed Extract on Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Lipid Profile of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Effect of Raphia hookeri Seed Extract on Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Lipid Profile of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: To examine the effect of Raphia hookeri (RH) seed extract on blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid profile of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the animals received the extract (1 g/kg) or glibenclamide (0.01 mg/kg) or vehicle and 30 min later they received oral glucose load (1 g/kg). Glucose was estimated at 30min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h. In hypoglycaemic study, the extract was administered at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (bwt) doses. In fasting blood glucose study (FBG), diabetic Wister rats, 5 per group, received graded doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of the extract or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 days. Blood was collected on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 for glucose estimation. Lipid profile was analyzed using modified enzymatic procedure.

Development of syrup and “malt-like” drink from &lt;i&gt;Raphia hookeri&lt;/i&gt; sap

Natural microflora fermentation causes changes in freshly tapped palm sap and therefore makes its storage, transport, and large scale use difficult. This study was aimed at developing stable and value added products, including syrup and non-alcoholic “malt-like” drink from the sap of palms. The sap of Raphia hookeri collected from “evening-to-morning”(1700 Hrs-0700 Hrs) and “morning-to-afternoon” (0700 Hrs-1600 Hrs), respectively, were used in the preparation of syrup. The respective syrups were in turn used in combination with varying proportions of water, sugar, and caramel for the formulation of six(6) palm “malt-like” drinks from which the best (from sensory evaluation) was carbonated and named Palm Malt. The prepared Palm Malt was compared to commercially popular malt drinks on the market. A nine point hedonic scale (1=like extremely – 9=dislike extremely) was used by a panel of 56 to evaluate the colour, taste, flavour and after-taste, as well as overall consumer acceptability of the product. Proximate and physicochemical analyses were also carried out on the sap, syrup and Palm Malt using standard procedures. Descriptive statistics (percentages, mean and standard deviation) were derived and data were also subjected to regression analysis to determine relations between parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine variations in properties. Results of the proximate analyses showed that the moisture and protein content of the sap samples ranged from 92.96-94.21% and 0.14-0.17% respectively, with an average ash content of 1.53%. That for the syrup ranged from 13.45-15.60% and 0.14-0.17%, respectively, with ash content of 1.70%. Potassium, the principal cation in body cells, was the most abundant mineral in the saps. Physicochemical results: pH and total sugars of the saps were found to be 3.94-4.05, and 6.53-7.57%, respectively; whereas that for the syrups was found to be 3.96-4.13 and 76.70-82.03% respectively. The pH, total soluble solids, total solids and titratable acidity of the developed Palm Malt were found to be 4.94, 14.50%, 15.86%, 0.55%, respectively. The developed Palm Malt was found to be equally acceptable to consumers, in comparison to commercially popular types of malt drinks (P>0.05). This shows that there is potential for economic utilization of palm sap. If exploited, this would contribute to increased income for farmers and industrialists in the regions of Ghana/Africa where palms grow. Keywords: Raphia hookeri , sap, syrup, malt-like drink

Polymerization inhibition activity of Raphia hookeri palm sap and its effect on osmotic fragility of sickle cell red blood cells

The influence of Raphia hookeri palm sap as an antipolymerization agent of sickle cell haemoglobin (HbSS) and its effect on the osmotic fragility of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) red blood cells (RBC’s), in vitro, were investigated. Phytochemicals detected in the palm sap included tannins, flavonoids, saponins, thiocyanates, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and catechins. The chemical constituents included 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), vitamin C, free amino acids and monosaccharides. The levels (in g/ 100 g protein) of four antipolymerization/ antisickling amino acids in the palm sap were phenylalanine (4.20±0.07), leucine (2.05±0.07), arginine (3.22±0.08) and valine (4.38±0.09). Minerals evaluated were in parts per million (ppm) in the palm sap included potassium ion (K+) (18.00), sodium ion (Na+) (26.00), magnesium (II) ion (Mg2+) (19.20), calcium (II) ion (Ca2+) (101.20), ion (II) ion (Fe2+) (26.00) and zinc (II) ion (Zn2+) (16.80). The palm sap inhibited the polymerization of HbSS and reduced the osmotic lyses of its erythrocytes, in vitro. The bioactive antipolymerization agents detected in it were 4-HBA, flavonoids, thiocyanates and amino acids like phenylalanine, leucine, arginine and valine. In conclusion, the study established the antipolymerization potential of R. hookeri sap, established that it reduced osmotic lyses of SCA RBC’s and identified the bioactive agents in the palm sap. Key words: Antipolymerization, fragility, Raphia hookeri sap, sickle cell.

Antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlidaemic effects of Raphia hookeri root extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats

The antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlidaemic effects of Raphia hookeri G.Mann & H.Wendl. (RH) root extract used for diabetic treatment were evaluated against alloxan diabetic rats.

The effects of ethanol extract of Raphia hookeri seed on exogenous testosterone and estradiol induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats

The effects of ethanol extract of Raphia hookeri seed on exogenous testosterone and estradiol induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats

Thermal properties of Calamus deërratus , Raphia hookeri and synthetic board in building design in Southwestern Nigeria

For a self-cooling building, alternative sources of roofing and ceiling materials in building design was investigated. The thermal property of Rattan palms (Calamus deerratus), Raffia palms (Raphia hookeri) and synthetic Nigerite asbestos sheets were determined using the Lees’ disc apparatus. Results showed that Rattan palms sheet had the lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 Wm-1 K-1) and a higher resistivity (r = 21.930 W-1mK) compared with Raffia palms sheet. While both palms showed lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 to 0.056 Wm-1K) and higher resistivity (r = 17.73 to 21.930 W-1mK) than asbestos sheet (k = 0.084 Wm-1K, r = 11.919 W-1mK). The results indicated that Rattan palms have a higher potential for heat resistivity than many other wood based heat-insulating materials and are recommended for ceiling in modern building design. Key words: Self-cooling building, insulators, heat, Lees’ disk, Rattan, Raffia.

Determination of the suitable planting date and plant density for different cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Fars

For a self-cooling building, alternative sources of roofing and ceiling materials in building design was investigated. The thermal property of Rattan palms (Calamus deerratus), Raffia palms (Raphia hookeri) and synthetic Nigerite asbestos sheets were determined using the Lees’ disc apparatus. Results showed that Rattan palms sheet had the lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 Wm-1 K-1) and a higher resistivity (r = 21.930 W-1mK) compared with Raffia palms sheet. While both palms showed lower thermal conductivity (k = 0.046 to 0.056 Wm-1K) and higher resistivity (r = 17.73 to 21.930 W-1mK) than asbestos sheet (k = 0.084 Wm-1K, r = 11.919 W-1mK). The results indicated that Rattan palms have a higher potential for heat resistivity than many other wood based heat-insulating materials and are recommended for ceiling in modern building design. Key words: Self-cooling building, insulators, heat, Lees’ disk, Rattan, Raffia.

Adsorption of Iron (III), Lead (II) and Cadmium (II) Ions by Unmodified Raphia Palm (Raphia hookeri) Fruit Endocarp

Adsorption of Iron (III), Lead (II) and Cadmium (II) Ions by Unmodified Raphia Palm (Raphia hookeri) Fruit Endocarp

Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in bacterial isolates from palm wine by extracts of &lt;i&gt;Vernonia amygdalina&lt;/i&gt;

Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity of bacterial isolates from palm wine by leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina was investigated. The cultures were exposed to extract concentrations of 0-2500 μg/ml in a nutrient broth-glucose-TTC medium. The responses of the bacterial strains varied with extract concentration. In all the isolates, dehydrogenase activities were progressively inhibited with increasing concentration of extract. The IC50 ranges from 83.27 ± 4.9 to 736.82 ± 13.6 μg/ml. Total inhibitory concentrations for E. coli, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus species were 1984.93 ± 16.5, 2102.82 ± 22.8 and 2476.79 ± 27.7 μg/ml respectively. The total inhibitory concentrations of the remaining isolates ( Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and Bacillus species) were beyond the extract concentrations used. The findings may be of clinical relevance and further substantiates the traditional use of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina to control microbial load and foaming in palm wine. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina , dehydrogenase activity, palm wine, Elaeis guineensis Raphia hookeri, Raphia vinetera.

The health implications of the dietary nutrients detected in the vegetable leaves intercropped with Raphia hookeri palms

Nigerian green vegetables were intercropped with Raphia hookeri palms. The leaves of the vegetables and Raphia palms were harvested. Proximate composition and mineral contents of the leaves were analyzed by standard methods. The proximate composition result (Mean) ranged between: 72.9 - 91.2 (%Moisture), 1.3 - 3.0(% Proteins), 0.3 - 3.0(% Lipid), 1.5 - 4.2 (%Crude fibre), 1.0 - 4.0 (%Ash) and 2.5 - 10.0 (%Carbohydrate). The mineral elements detected were in varied concentrations. The health implications of the nutrients detected in human physiology are discussed. On the overall, the nutrients detected were found to play significant roles in humans. Key words: Raphia hookeri, Nigerian green vegetables, proximate composition, mineral content.

Preliminary Studies On Use Of Raphia Palm (Raphia Hookeri) Pulp To Harvest Fish And Possible Effects On Fish Production In The Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

Four hundred and eighty (480), six week old hatchery bred Holland Clarias gariepinus post fingerlings were used to test the toxicity of the pulp from Raphia hookeri fruit on fish. The fingerlings were randomly distributed in tens into forty-eight (48) glass tanks measuring 24in x 12in x 12in. Length and weight of fingerlings in each tank were measured to the nearest centimetre and gram. The study was in two parts. In the first run of experiment, twenty-four (24) of the tanks were randomly arranged into eight (8) treatments of three replicates each and labelled 0A-C to 7A-C. Varying concentrations of ether extract (1ml/l to 7ml/l) of R. hookeri pulp was added to each of the treatment tanks according to their corresponding serial numbers. Treatment 0A-C which served as control, contained only distilled water. Tanks were observed for the lethal concentration and time taken for half the number of fingerlings in each treatment to die (LC 50). In the second run of experiment, the remaining twenty-four (24) tanks were similarly grouped into eight treatments of eight treatments of three replicates and labelled 0a-c to 7a-c respectively. Graded concentrations of untreated R. hookeri pulp solution (1g/l to 7g/l) were also added to the treatment tanks according to the corresponding serial number of the glass tanks. The fingerlings in each tank were monitored for eight hours, for mortality and time for half the sample fingerlings in each treatment to die (LC 50). Results of the study revealed that the ether extract from the pulp of R. hookeri fruit had no effect on the fingerlings whether small or big, or at high or low concentrations. The untreated pulp solution on the other hand, was highly toxic to the fingerlings even at concentrations as low as 1g/l of the solution. The study revealed that the smaller fishes were more susceptible to the effect of the toxin. This was shown in the bigger samples taking a longer time to die, compared to the smaller samples, when exposed to the same concentration of pulp solution from the R. hookeri fruit. The pH of the water was raised from pH 6.8 to between pH 11.9 and 12.9 by serially adding from 1 – 7 g/l of the pulp solution to the water. These values were beyond the alkaline death point hence the mortalities recorded. Mortality was observed to be higher and faster when fingerlings were exposed to higher concentrations of the pulp solution. The ether extract not causing any mortality during the period of study, may be due to the effect of heat, which may have denatured the toxin in the process of extraction. This study has shown that R. hookeri pulp is toxic to fish and can be used to harvest fish. When properly boiled before eating, the toxin becomes denatured and harmless when consumed. The method is however not recommend, because of its none selective action. It kills both adults and juveniles, thus affecting sustainable fish production. Keywords: Raphia hookeri, fish, pH, lethal concentration, mortality.

Zero additives preservation of Raphia palm wine

Palm wine obtained from Raphia palm (Raphia hookeri) in Ayingba, Kogi State, Nigeria, was pasteurized through zero addition of preservative and placed on the shelf for 6 months. After 6 months, another sample of palm wine obtained from the same area was fetched and comparative analysis was carried out on both wine samples to find out if there was significant difference in the quality of both samples. The following parameters were analysed: pH, total solids, total acidity, refractive index, alcoholic and sugar contents, ascorbic acid and microbiological analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in most of the parameters compared. However, there were significant differences in the alcoholic and sugar contents of the wine samples. This shows that pasteurisation of Raphia palm wine with zero additives is a good alternative to extending its shelf life instead of the use of chemical preservatives that are often not available in the country.Keywords: Palm wine, shelf life, fermentation, pasteurisation, zero additives.

The Inhibition of aluminium corrosion in hydrochloric acid solution by exudate gum from Raphia hookeri

The corrosion inhibition of aluminium in HCl solution in the presence of exudate gum from Raphia hookeri at temperature range of 30–60°C was studied using weight loss and thermometric techniques. The exudate gum acts as an inhibitor in the acid environment. The inhibition efficiency increases with increase in inhibitor concentration but decreases with an increase in temperature. The inhibitive effect of the Raphia hookeri exudate could be attributed to the presence of some phytochemical constituents in the exudate which is adsorbed on the surface of the aluminium metal. The exudate gum was found to obey Temkin adsorption isotherm and Kinetic–Thermodynamic Model of El-Awady et al. at all the concentrations and temperatures studied. Phenomenon of physical adsorption is proposed from the activation parameters obtained. Thermodynamic parameters reveal that the adsorption process is spontaneous.

Components Of The Stigmatic Exudate Of &lt;i&gt;Raphia hookeri&lt;/i&gt;, Mann And Wendl

Raphia hookeri, like all Raphia species, flowers once and dies. It is protogynous and the stigma secretes at anthesis a transluscent fluid (exudates) which hardens after three to four days. This fluid attracts insects and fruit set, though generally scanty on the species (0.1- 0.5%) is observed to be very poor in palms with heavy insect visitation during female flower anthesis. The stigmatic exudates were analyzed to determine its components with a view to understanding its role in pollination in the palm.The exudates oil was analyzed by the AOCS methods while the total sugar was determined by the methods of Whistler and Wolfrom. The fatty acid distribution was obtained on an APU model gas chromatography machine and the presence of phenolic compounds was determined by scanning alcoholic extracts of the exudates with and without sodium hydroxide.The fluid (exudates) was found to contain 0.28% oil, 0.8% sugar and four main fatty acids and traces of two others with intermediate chain lengths (10 – 18). The lipid components of the exudates ensures that the stigmatic surface is protected from desiccation to enable it trap pollen while the 0.8% sugar possibly serves as a source of energy for initial pollen germination on the stigma. Phenolic compounds present probably act as insect repellant and also inhibit spore germination to keep the exudates in good condition during the three to four days of female anthesis. Keywords : Raphia hookeri, stigmatic exudate, palmitic acid Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 83-88

Raphia hookeri gum as a potential eco-friendly inhibitor for mild steel in sulfuric acid

Exudate gum from Raphia hookeri (RH) was tested as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in H2SO4 using weight loss and hydrogen evolution techniques at 30–60 °C. Results obtained revealed that RH act as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in sulfuric acid medium. The corrosion rates in all concentrations studied increased with rise in temperature. The inhibition efficiency was observed to increase with increase in RH concentration but decreased with rise in temperature, which is suggestive of physical adsorption mechanism. The inhibitive action of RH is discussed in view of the adsorption of its phytochemical components onto steel surface, which protects the metal surface and thus do not permit the corrosion process to take place. The adsorption of the exudate gum onto the steel surface was found to follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The free energies for the adsorption process and the apparent activation energies, enthalpies and entropies of the dissolution process were determined. The fundamental thermodynamic functions were used to glean important information about the RH inhibitory behavior. The results were explained in terms of chemical thermodynamics.

Vitamins, phytochemicals and toxic elements in the pulp and seed of raphia palm fruit (Raphia hookeri)

Introduction . The raphia palm tree is found in abundance in the southern part of Nigeria, especially in the southeastern part. It is grown mainly for its production of palm wine. It also bears fruits (Raphia hookeri ) whose pulp is considered edible in some parts of the country and not edible in other parts. Materials and methods . Conventional methods of analysis were used to investigate the vitamin, phytochemical and toxic element composition of the pulp and seed of the fruit. Results . The investigation shows that the pulp has higher concentrations of vitamin E (1.04 mg·100 g–1 ), niacin (0.2 mg·100 g–1 ), alkaloid (5 g·kg–1 ), saponins (3.6 g·kg–1 ), flavonoids (4 g·kg–1 ) and phenols (4.1 g·kg–1 ) than the seed, but the seed has higher values of vitamin A (0.16 mg·100g–1 ), thiamine (0.07 mg·100 g–1 ), riboflavin (0.07 mg·100 g–1 ), nitrates (3.05 mg·100 g–1 ) and nitrites (0.29 mg·100 g–1 ), and of the toxic elements: lead (0.03 µg·g–1 ), mercury (0.04 µg·g–1 ), arsenic (0.23 µg·g–1 ) and cadmium (0.04 µg·g–1 ) than the pulp. Conclusion . The pulp and seed of R. hookeri are non-toxic and can serve as food as well as in medicine.