Scent Leaf Research Articles

Antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) extracts on selected bacteria isolates

Antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) extracts on selected bacteria isolates

Growth Performance, Gut Histology and Anti-Coccidial Effect of Aqueous Blends of Scent Leaf, Ginger and Garlic in Broiler Chicken

Growth Performance, Gut Histology and Anti-Coccidial Effect of Aqueous Blends of Scent Leaf, Ginger and Garlic in Broiler Chicken

Effects of Nano Encapsulated Phytogenes on the Histology and Protein Signature of African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The effects of Nano encapsulated phytogenes on the histology of the liver, intestine, histometry and protein signature of African catfish Clarias gariepinus post fingerlings exposed to pathogenic stressor was assessed in this study. Three hundred fish with the average weight of 26.00 ±0.05g were fed with Nano encapsulated diets for 56 days. The phytogenes used were 0.5g of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu leaf), Zingiber officinale (Ginger leaf), Moringa oleifer (Moringa leaf) and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf) /100g. After 56 days of feeding trial the fish were challenged with a bacteria strain Pseudomonas fluorescence for 14 days. The liver, intestine and muscle of the challenged fish were assessed for histopathological and SDS PAGE analyses. Histological analyses of the liver and intestine revealed less histopathological alterations in the treatments fed with Nano encapsulated diets to those fed with control positive diets. SDS PAGE analyses of the protein also revealed disintegration in the number of bands and molecular weight concentration to those fed in control positive diets. There were no significant difference (P>0.05) in the liver of the treatments fed with Nano encapsulated diets to those fed with control positive diets. Significant difference (P<.0.05) were observed in the intestine, histometry of fish fed with Nano encapsulated diets to those fed with control positive diets. There were also significant difference (P<0.05) in the protein signature of the treatments fed with Nano encapsulated diets to those fed with control positive diets. This study showed that phyto-additives diets is a potential treatments against bacterial infection in the farming of aquatic organism Clarias gariepinus.

Biofortification of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum L.) with selenium enhances antiinflammatory cytokines and humoral response in Wistar rats

BackgroundDietary selenium (Se) has been shown to influence immunity in both humans and rats. It exerts its health effects via incorporation into selenoproteins involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. It is also involved in the synthesis and activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This study sought to investigate the effect of Se biofortified scent leaves (Ocimum gratissimum L.) on selected immunomodulatory and inflammatory markers in wistar rats. MethodologyScent leaf plant was cultivated on Se fortified (0–0.1 %) soil. Upon maturity, the leaves were harvested and the Se and phenolic contents, as well as in vitro antioxidant properties were determined. Subsequently, dietary inclusions of the Se biofortified scent leaves were fed to rats. The experimental rats consist of control group fed basal diet, rats fed 2.5 % and 5.0 % dietary inclusions of unfortified scent leaves and rats fed 2.5 % and 5.0 % dietary inclusions of 0.05 % Se-fortified scent leaves. This was carried out for 30 days, after which selected immunomodulatory and inflammatory markers, as well as glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) were quantified in the serum. ResultsThe vegetables bioaccumulated Se in the leaves up to 0.93 ± 0.05 mg/100 g d.w. The Se biofortified scent leaves exhibited significantly higher in vitro antioxidant properties, total phenol and flavonoid contents quantitatively and qualitatively. In experimental rats, it was observed that the 0.05 % Se biofortified scent leaves based-diets significantly increased the levels of the anti- inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Furthermore, there were significant increase in serum Immunoglobulins G and M in rats fed dietary inclusions of the Se biofortified leaves. ConclusionThe study suggests that Se biofortification at optimum level of 0.05 % increased phenolic content in scent leaf and improved rat´s anti-inflammatory and antibodies, hence making the vegetables candidate functional food with potential anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties.

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITIES OF LIQUIDS FROM SOME CONSUMABLE ITEMS

This study was done to obtain the Specific Heat Capacities (SHC) of some liquids from some intake items (they are consumed widely in Niger Delta, Nigeria). These items are vegetables (Afang leaf, Pumpkin leaf, Bitter leaf, Scent leaf, Water leaf), fruits (Orange, Cucumber, Pineapple, Watermelon, Lime) and juice (Ribena, Chivita Exotic, Chivita Happy Hour, Chivita Active and Five Alive). Calorimeter was used and Method of mixtures was adopted for this finding. Measured parameters were obtained in the laboratory. Microsoft Excel was used for other analyses and computation of results.

Geo-helminths on leafy vegetables sold in Ogidi market, Idemili north local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria

Consumption of contaminated vegetables is a way through which people get infected with parasites. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Geo-helminth parasites that contaminate leafy vegetables sold in Ogidi market, Anambra state. The markets investigated were Oye Ogidi, Ekenweje and Nkwo Ogidi and vegetables were procured directly from the rural farmers who brought the vegetables to the markets which were examined in the laboratory for the presence of parasites using sedimentation method. Chi square was used to test for relationships at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). Geo-helminth parasites observed were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Hookworm and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis with an overall prevalence of 56%. There was statistical significance on the parasites and vegetables sold in the three markets (X2= 0.00; P<0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence rate of 25.6%, while Hookworm had the least prevalence rate of 7.6%. The vegetable that had the highest contamination rate was Scent leaf (16.6%), while Uziza had the least contamination rate (5.3%) but there was no significance relationship in the prevalence of parasites and vegetables (X2=0.57; P>0.05). Ekenweje market had the highest contamination rate (7.1%), while Oye Ogidi had the least contamination rate (4.9%) but there was no significant relationship between the parasites and the markets (X2=0.98; P>0.05). These findings may have important implications for global food safety and emphasize the importance of leafy vegetables in public health through transmission of Geo-helminth parasites to humans in Nigeria. Individuals and local health authorities should improve the sanitary conditions in the areas where the vegetables are cultivated and consumed. Therefore, proper treatment of wastewater used in the irrigation of vegetables, and improvement of sanitary facilities in our markets and among vegetable vendors are recommended.

Rekindling Tradition in a Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of the Use of Traditional Herbal Mixtures Among High-Risk Groups During the Early Outbreak of COVID-19 in the South-South Region of Nigeria

On 27 February 2020, Nigeria reported its COVID-19 index case from Italy. The first 30 days saw the recording of 81 cases. In the first 60 days, this number rose to 1 337 for people over 50 and with serious underlying medical illnesses that were made worse by the COVID-19 infection. In this study, we investigated the use of traditional herbal mixtures by older people and people with chronic medical conditions in the prevention, management and control of COVID-19 in the South-South region of Nigeria, with Bayelsa State as a case study. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we sampled and interviewed 21 participants, with interviews taking place at the health centres and the homes of older persons. The data were analysed thematically using content analysis with the aid of an Atlas.ti. The findings indicate that the majority of the participants used at least one traditional herbal mixture to prevent COVID-19 infection, and that the fear of contracting COVID-19 was the major factor for its use during the pandemic. The most commonly used herbal mixtures during the COVID-19 pandemic were a combination of “dogoyaro”, lime fruit and leaves, lemon, ginger, garlic, mango leaves and bark, pawpaw leaf and seed, soursop leaf, bitter leaf, scent leaf, lemongrass and moringa leaf. We concluded that older persons and people with underlying health conditions in particular relied on traditional herbal mixtures in the management and prevention of COVID-19 during the early outbreak of the pandemic in Nigeria.

Biocontrol Potential of Ocimum Gratissimum on Some Fungal Isolates from Arachias Hypogea

Isolation of fungi was carried out from groundnut (arachais hypogae) seeds, and two fungi was isolated, Aspergillus spp and Rhizopus stolonifer. Proximate analysis of Ocimum gratissimum was carried out with moisture content of 9.32 , ash content of 10.90, nitrogen content of 3.78 and protein content of 22.03. Aqueous and Ethanolic extract of scent leaf ( Ocimum Gratissimum) was obtained and tested on the fungi isolates and Rhizopus stolonifer associated with groundnut was inhibited by aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of Ocimum Gratissimum while both aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of the plant did not show any activity against Aspergillus Niger associated with groundnut.

Haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken fed ginger, turmeric and scent leaf blend

There has been a paradigm shift in the poultry industry on the use of antibiotics in animal feed to improve performance which compromise consumer's health. There are several researches on turmeric, ginger and scent leaf, however, the synergetic potential of these spices has not been documented. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Ginger, Turmeric and Scent leaf (GTS) blend on haematological and serum biochemistry indices of broiler chicks. One hundred and twenty day old broiler chicks of Cobb 500 were randomly assigned to four (4) treatment groups replicated thrice with ten (10) chicks per replicate in a complete randomised design which lasted for 8 weeks. Ginger, turmeric and scent leaf were blend singly then mixed in equal ratio (1:1:1) and incorporated into broiler chick's diet as T1 (0g/kg control 1), T2 (0.25g/kg, T3 (0.5g/kg) and T4 (1g/kg). Blood samples were collected from three chicks per treatment through wing vein and evaluated for haematological and serum biochemistry indices. The results of this study showed that GTS blend had significantly influence on the haematological parameters except MCH and MCHC. Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell counts and haematocrit increased with increasing GST 6 blend in the diets, T4 had the highest red blood cell counts of 2.92 õ10 /L and lowest in T2 6 (1.92 õ10 /L). A significant effects were reported in serum biochemistry of chicken fed GTS blend with T3 having the highest AST(10), ALT (3.7), ALB (4.6), ALP (108) and Urea (17.5). Supplementation of GTS blend improved the blood profile of broiler birds with 0.25g/kg better profile. Therefore, GTS blend supplementation at 0.25g/kg is recommended for better health status in broiler chicken. Il y a eu un changement de paradigme dans l'industrie avicole concernant l'utilisation d'antibiotiques dans l'alimentation animale pour améliorer les performances, ce qui compromet la santé des consommateurs. Il existe plusieurs recherches sur le curcuma, le gingembre et la feuille parfumée, cependant, le potentiel synergique de ces épices n'a pas été documenté. Cette étude a été réalisée pour évaluer l'effet du mélange de gingembre, de curcuma et de feuilles parfumées (GTS) sur les indices hématologiques et biochimiques sériques des poussins de chair. Cent vingt poussins de chair âgés de Cobb 500 ont été répartis au hasard dans quatre (4) groupes de traitement répétés trois fois avec dix (10) poussins par répétition dans un plan randomisé complet qui a duré 8 semaines. Le gingembre, le curcuma et les feuilles parfumées ont été mélangés individuellement, puis mélangés dans des proportions égales (1:1:1) et incorporés dans l'alimentation des poussins de chair sous forme de T1 (0 g/kg, témoin 1), T2 (0,25 g/kg, T3 (0,5 g/kg). ) et T4 (1 g/kg). Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur trois poussins par traitement dans la veine de l'aile et évalués pour les indices hématologiques et biochimiques sériques. Les résultats de cetteétude ont montré que le mélange GTS avait une influence significative sur les paramètres hématologiques, à l'exception du MCH et du MCHC. L'hématocrite (PCV), le nombre de globules rouges et l'hématocrite ont augmenté avec l'augmentation du mélange de GST dans les régimes, T4 avait le nombre de globules rouges le plus élevé de 2,92 õ106/L et le plus bas en T2 (1,92 õ106/L). ont été rapportés dans la biochimie sérique de poulets nourris avec le mélange GTS, le T3 ayant les taux d'AST (10), d'ALT (3,7), d'ALB (4,6), d'ALP (108) et d'urée (17,5) les plus élevés. La supplémentation en mélange GTS a amélioré le profil sanguin des poulets de chair. oiseaux avec un meilleur profil de 0,25 g/kg. Par conséquent, une supplémentation en mélange GTS à 0,25 g/kg est recommandée pour un meilleur état de santé des poulets de chair.

Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens to Varying Dietary Levels of Scent Leaf (Ocimium Gratissimum) Meal

A total of ninety six (96) four- weeks old broiler chickens were used in an experiment designed to determine the physiological response of broiler chickens to varying dietary levels of scent leaf (ocimium gratissimum) meal. The chickens were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 0 %, 0.45 %, 0.75 % and 1.05 % inclusion levels of scent leaf meal designated as Treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Each treatment had three replicates with eight birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Physiological parameters studied were rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate. Results showed that rectal temperature of the chickens ranged from 41.09°C to 41.94°C; respiration rate and pulse rate ranged from 66.91 breaths/min. to 72.41 breaths per/min. and 219.54 beats/min. to 225.00 beats/min. respectively. Results of analysis of variance showed significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) on respiration rate and pulse rate. Rectal temperature was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). It was concluded that scent leaf meal may be included in finisher broilers’ diet at 0.75 % for optimum physiological performance.

Antiviral efficacies of neem (Azadirachta indica J.) and scent (Ocimum sanctum L.) leaf meals against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease in broiler chickens

The effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) and scent (Ocimum santum) leaf meals fed singly or in combination on the growth response, haemato-biochemical parameters and their antiviral potencies in broiler chickens were investigated. Two hundred 1-day old Ross 308 unsexed broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments, consisting of 5 replicates with 8 birds each. Treatments 1 and 2 were basal diets with no leaf meals, treatments 3, 4 and 5 had the basal diets plus 3% neem leaf meal (NLM), 3% scent leaf meal (SLM) and the blend of 2% NLM + 2% SLM, respectively. Birds in treatments 2-5 were unvaccinated against Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease while birds in treatment 1 were vaccinated. On days 21 and 42, blood samples were randomly collected from 2 birds per replicate for haemato-biochemical assay, haemagglutination inhibition and agar gel precipitation tests. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p<0.05. At the starter phase, an improved feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) was recorded in birds fed the blend at the starter (1.83) and finisher (1.92) phases and the overall performance (1.88) compared to other treatment groups. The least platelet counts (11.08 ×104/µL) were recorded in birds placed on the blend of 2% neem leaf meal + 2% scent leaf meal while the 3% scent leaf meal group recorded the lowest lymphocyte counts (53.60%). At the finisher phase, lymphocyte counts of birds that received the blend of 2% neem leaf meal + 2% scent leaf meal (63.00%) were higher than the other treatments. In conclusion, birds fed diets supplemented with 3% neem and 3% scent leaf meals singly had haemagglutination inhibition titre values and conferred immunity above the protective threshold against Newcastle disease and produced antibodies against Infectious bursal disease. Birds fed the blend of 2% neem + 2% scent leaf meal diets had improved overall performance.

Prevalence and Determinants of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in a Tertiary Institution in South East Nigeria

Background: There is limited data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Nigeria. This study aims to examine the prevalence, types, and determinants of CAM use among T2DM patients in Southeast Nigeria.
 Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 250 diabetic patients who attended the DM clinic in a tertiary institution in South East Nigeria. Each participant completed a questionnaire which had sections on demography, diabetes-related information, and CAM use details. Data collated was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for windows.
 Results: The prevalence of CAM use in this study was 34%. After adjustment; the logistic regression results showed that CAM use was significantly associated with age, and place of residence. The most commonly used type of CAM by participants were bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (56.5%), followed by bitter cola (Garcinia kola) (47%), scent leaf (African basil) (40%), moringer (20%), utazi (Gongronema latifolium) 17.7%), and aloe vera (7.1%) before the rest. The majority of CAM users were referred to use CAM by friends (68.2%), family members (25.9%), or media (14.1%). Most subjects (75.5%) used CAM concurrently with orthodox medications and only 32.9%% knew the constituents of the CAM they were using. However, gender, marital status, occupation, educational level, income, and DM duration did not significantly associate with CAM use in this study.
 Key words. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Diabetes Mellitus
 Conclusions: The prevalence of CAM use was high among diabetics. Further studies to isolate and purify the constituents responsible for the anti-glycemic activity of each compound may be needed in the future.

Use of Common Herbs to Control Microbial Aerosols in Toilet Rooms

Four distinct plant species were used in an investigation into the capacity of plant active volatile essence to eradicate microorganisms in the atmosphere (bioaerosols) in restrooms: Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion), Zingiber officinalis (ginger), and Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf). The study was conducted in the student restrooms for microbiology at Rivers State University Nkpolu Oroworukwu in Port Harcourt. Sedimentation method of aerosol sampling was used to collect the air samples. Artificial culture media were exposed to air at different times, including nutrient agar for total heterotrophic bacteria, Mac Conkey agar for enteric bacteria, sadour and dextrose agar for aerobic fungi, thiosulfate citrate bile salt sucrose agar for vibrio, Cystine lactose electrolyte deficient agar for urinary pathogens, and mannitol salt agar for staphylococcus.
 Samples was taken from the toilet without any mashed plant and served as a control. The THB isolates identified were Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Lactobacillus sp, Enterococcus sp, Corynobacterium sp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia. While the fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, pennicillum sp, Rhizopus sp, Saccharomyces sp, Mucor Sp, Candida sp, Asperillus flavus, Fusarium sp. It can be deduced that these medicinal herbs has the ability in reducing microbial aerosol using ginger, onion, scent leaf, garlic also by combination of the herbs which are Onion & garlic, Onion & garlic, Onion & ginger, Garlic & scent leaf, Garlic & ginger, Scent leaf & ginger, Onion, garlic & scent leaf, Onion, garlic & ginger, Garlic, Scent leaf & ginger, Onion, garlic, scent leaf & ginger. Specifically the microbial aerosols in this investigation including bacteria and fungi were Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus species, Lactobacillus species, Enterococcus species, Corynobacterium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia. Aspergillus niger, pennicillum species, Rhizopus species, Saccharomyces species, Mucors species, Candida species, Asperillus flavus, Fusarium species. This work proved that microbial load can be reduced using natural means (plant extract).

Quantifying Bioaccumulation Factors of Food Cultivars in the Vicinity of Coal Mining: A Study in Ngwo, Akwuke, and Udi Communities, Enugu State, Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination resulting from coal mining activities poses a substantial threat to both environmental stability and human health. This study delves into the bioaccumulation factors of various food cultivars within the coal mining regions of Ngwo, Akwuke, and Udi Communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, nickel, manganese, and chromium, have been recognized as significant contaminants responsible for various detrimental health effects. The presence of these metals in the environment, particularly in soil, water, and subsequently in food crops, leads to indirect human exposure through the food chain, thereby triggering several health risks. This research focuses on assessing the levels of heavy metal bioaccumulation in food cultivars and their potential implications for human health. Samples of leafy vegetables and tubers were collected from different locations within the communities and processed following recommended methods. The digestion process involved the use of concentrated acids and subsequent analysis through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to quantify the concentration of heavy metals. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were determined by establishing the ratio of metal concentrations in the plants to those in water. Results indicated significant variations in bioaccumulation factors among different cultivars and study sites. For instance, the bioaccumulation of manganese and chromium in pumpkin from Akwuke was notably higher compared to Udi and Ngwo, while lead and cadmium levels were significantly higher in Udi. Similar trends were observed in scent leaf and cassava samples, suggesting differential metal accumulation based on cultivar type and geographical location. The findings underscore the concerning levels of heavy metal bioaccumulation, especially high cadmium accumulation in certain food cultivars, posing potential health hazards to communities reliant on these crops. This study emphasizes the critical need for effective environmental management strategies and water treatment practices in these regions to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure through food consumption. Keywords: Heavy metals, Bioaccumulation factors, Food cultivars, Coal mining, Environmental health, Nigeria.

Potentials of Scent Leaves (O. gratissimum) as Feed Additive on Performance, Selected Blood Biochemicals and Helminthiasis in Weaner Pigs

Purpose: A study was conducted to examine the potentials of scent leaves (SL) (O. gratissimum) meal as a feed additive on performance, blood biochemicals and antihelmintic in weaner pigs.
 Methodology: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted using 30 mixed breed of large-white and duroc weaner pigs, allocated to three treatments with ten pigs each, replicated five times with two pigs per replicate. Formulated diet (1) is a Positive Control (PC) – supplemented with Kepro-dewomer, diet 2 a Negative Control (NC) – without Kepro-dewomer and Scent Leaves (SL), while Diet 3 was supplemented with Scent Leaves (SL) at 1.0%. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA with SAS software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.
 Findings: Results indicated that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among treatments in final body weight gain (FBWG). Highest daily weight gain (HDWG) (0.51kg) and highest daily feed intake (HDFI) (0.46kg) were recorded in pigs fed diet 3. Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the experimental groups 1 and 3: (37.01) (26.7), (12.72) (39.11) (25.5) (12.88) respectively. Meanwhile, diets 1 and 3 were significantly (p<0.05) improved serum biochemicals parameters (Aspartate amino transferase – AST). (Alanine aminotransferase – ALT) and (Alkaline phosphate – ALP) compared with diet 2. Kepro dewomer and scent leaves dietary supplementation had a significant reduction on oocysts shedded per gram of feaces in diet 1 (30.42, 31.03, 32.96) and diet 3 (36.78, 35.89, 31.11) compared with diet 2 (61.3, 63.41, 68.01) respectively
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The idea of alternative medication theory to synthetic drug in livestock feeds was conceived and developed; towards solving the problem of resistance of microbial pathogens to synthetic antibiotic as a result of its continuous usage. Findings, therefore, showed that the strategic supplementation of scent leaves meal as an alternative deworner to synthetic deworner that poses health risks to consumers could be avoided. Also, the need to adapt a collection and processing strategy at many locations wherever the scent leaf plant is produced and are poorly utilized or being wasted.

The Efficacy of Three Botanical Leaf Powders (Ocimum gratissimum, Azadirachta indica, and Carica papaya) in the Control of Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae)

Rice is an economically important crop and the most important staple food for the world’s population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of three botanical leaf powders, scent leaf, neem and paw-paw in the control of rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae on stored rice grain. The leaf powders were mixed with the rice grain at the quantities of 3g, 6g, 9g and 12g per 20g of rice. In the control, no treatment was used. The plant leaves were dried under room temperature and ground into fine powders. The experimental design adopted for the experiment was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated four times for each experiment. Ten (10) adult S. oryzae unsexed were introduced into each vial including the control and were subsequently covered with muslin cloth held tightly in place by a rubber band to avoid their escaping. The experiments were monitored for 96 hours. The results showed that all the plant leaf powders were good grain protectants. Scent leaf recorded its highest percentage mortality of 40% in 6g, 9g, and 12g after 48 hours, whereas neem had its highest percentage mortality of 40% in 6g and 12g at 48 hours, while paw-paw recorded its highest mortality of 40% in 9g and 12g at 48 hours. No mortality was recorded in the control experiment. These botanical leaves powders especially scent leaf should be incorporated into grain protection practice of resource poor farmers and small scale rice dealers.

Optimization of lemon grass-scent leaf-sorghum stem sheath infusion using mixture experiment

Optimization of lemon grass-scent leaf-sorghum stem sheath infusion using a mixture experiment was determined in this study. Lemon grass and scent leaf were washed and steamed for five minutes while the sorghum stem sheath was washed and the three components were dried in the dehydrator at 50 °C for 18 hrs. The components were milled separately and the blends were mixed according to Design Expert software. The mixture was packaged in an infusion bag and immersed in boiled water for 10 min. The infusion was subjected to physicochemical, antioxidant, and antinutrients analyses. It was discovered that an increase in lemon grass-scent leaf-sorghum stem sheath caused an increase in the carotenoid, total dissolved solids, viscosity, specific gravity, turbidity, phenolic compound, infusion rate, tannin, oxalate, alkaloid contents while the increase in the components decreased the flavonoid and DPPH contents of the infusion. However, the Design Expert Software optimized the process based on the constraints given, and the optimum conditions for the independent variables were generated with values of 8.03%, 76.98% and 14.99% for sorghum stem sheath, lemon grass and scent leaf respectively.

ANTI-SCHISTOSOMA EFFICACY OF Occimum gratissimum (SCENT LEAF) AND Andrographis paniculata (KING OF BITTERS) AGAINST Schistosoma haematobium CERCARIA

Anti-schistosomal effect of crude aqueous extract of Occimum gratissimum (scent leaf) and Andrographis paniculata (king of bitters) on Schistosoma haematobium were cercaricidally evaluated over a period of 2 hours (h). The mortality of the cercaria was dose and time dependent. At 100 milligram per milliliter (mg−mL), O. gratissimum and A paniculata exhibited 100% mortality. Statistically, extract concentrations (F = 53.55; P= 0.004) and plant species (F = 10.13; P = 0.049) had significant (p < 0.05) effect on cercaria mortality. Pearson correlation coefficient (R) analysis showed that the results of cumulative mean cercariae mortalities and exposure time were strongly correlated for both plants. Probit analysis, lethal concentration (LC50) of O. gratissimum and A. paniculata against S. haematobium cercaria was 41.50 and 44.10 mg−mL respectively. The median lethal time (LT50) values for O. gratissimum and A. paniculata extract concentrations at 120 minutes treatment implicated 100.0 mg−mL to be the most toxic concentration which generated an LT50 value of 50.47 and 55.0 minutes respectively. While the least effective concentration of A. paniculata was 25.0 mg−mL requiring 115.03 minutes to cause 50% mortality of cercariae. From the study, it can be deduced that O. gratissimum and A. paniculata elicited varying degree of anti-schistosomal properties at all concentrations against S. haematobium. S. haematobium cercariae were more susceptible to toxic effects of O. gratissimum leaf extracts than A. paniculata. Cultivation of these plants along river banks will help in controlling cercariae and possibly miracidia in endemic areas by way of leave shedding since these plants are hydrophilic, biodegradable, readily available and less laborious to cultivate.

Proximate Analysis, Vitamins, and Mineral Compositions of Zingiber officinale, Ocimmum gratissimum and their Herbal Blend

The nutritional composition of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale roots and their mixture were evaluated by investigating their proximate composition, vitamin, and mineral composition following standard biochemical methods. Proximate analysis of the herbal blend revealed the percentage moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, and ash, as 15.84%, 13.62%, 0.36%, 1.84%, 2.92%, respectively surpassing the content from individual extracts. However, the carbohydrate content and total energy ranked in descending order of magnitude; aqueous extract of ginger (76.30%; 350.78 kCal) &gt; scent leaf (70.03%; 345.29 kCal) &gt; ginger -scent leaf blend (65.41%; 332.66 kCal). The vitamin and mineral content in the herbal mixture investigated showed higher concentrations of Vitamins (A, BI, B2, B3, C, E) and minerals followed the same pattern. Nevertheless, aqueous extract of ginger showed a higher content of calcium. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the nutritional composition of these popular culinary ingredients and highlight their potential health benefits.

Adsorption behavior of scent leaf extract as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in natural sea water

Adsorption behavior of scent leaf extract as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in natural sea water