Scent Leaf Research Articles

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIOLOGICAL CONSTITUENTS OF SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES SOLD IN RURAL MARKETS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Vegetables are a ubiquitous part of everyday meals in Nigeria and have been widely recognized as an essential source of nutrients and dietary fiber for proper health development and wellbeing. The demand for vegetables has increased considerably in recent years. However, research has linked vegetable intake with various pathogenic bacteria that are of public health concern. The purpose of the current study was to isolate and identify the bacterial composition of bitter leaf, fluted pumpkin, and scent leaf commonly sold at various markets in Anambra State. These bacteria were examined with the standard microbiological methods. The serial dilution technique was applied. The result revealed that the samples collected from different sellers containedvarious microbial loads. Bitter leaf contained a higher load of bacteria, while the pumpkin leaf contained a moderate load of bacteria. The lowest plate count was recorded for the scent leaf. The bacteria isolated from the samples were Bacillus, Pseudomonas species, Erwinia spp, and Streptococcus. Thus, it is concluded that the vegetables sold in the rural markets contain a massive number of bacteria above the world health organization recommendation. Indeed, there should be proper washing of vegetables with clean water and disinfecting the bacteria with sodium chloride to safeguard the health of the final consumer.

Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Ocimum Gratissimum (Scent Leaf)

Environmentally friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has been achieved using aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (scent leaf). The reduction of Cu2+ was followed by the change of color from green to dark brown color and formation of precipitate. The reaction was monitored by visual observation and characterization of copper nanoparticles using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometery. UV-Visible spectra of the aqueous solution containing copper nanoparticles showed a peak at 240 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of copper oxide nanoparticles. FTIR spectra also confirmed the formation of the copper oxide NPs by the appearance of bands corresponding to Cu-O stretching frequency, and the presence of phytochemicals present in Ocimum gratissimum adsorbed on the surface of the copper oxide nanoparticles presents these nanoparticles as promising biological agents. This green synthesis method replaces the use of toxic chemicals with Ocimum gratissimum extract which play the roles of reducing, stabilizing and capping agents during the synthesis.

Proximate compositions, amino acid profiles, and sensory evaluation of ‘okpa’ prepared and enriched with three leafy green vegetables

Background: Under-nutrition is a global health problem that affects all age groups especially the vulnerable ones particularly young children.
 Objectives: The study examined proximate compositions, amino acid profiles and sensory qualities of ‘Okpa’ prepared and enriched with fluted pumpkin, bitter leaf and scent leaf.
 Materials and methods: The ‘Okpa’ was prepared by thoroughly mixing the flour with palm oil, uziza, pepper, salt, water and the three vegetables. Three samples labelled A (Okpa + scent leaf), B (Okpa +fluted pumpkin and C (Okpa +bitter leaf) were prepared. Proximate and amino acid analysis were done following standard procedures and twenty panelists evaluated their sensory qualities.
 Results: This indicated that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in samples crude protein contents and values ranged from 12.38% (A)-15.10% (C). (Okpa + Bitter leaf) had highest ash content of 7.91% while (Okpa + Scent leaf) had the least (4.44%). Carbohydrate content of samples ranged from 47.73% (C)-56.12% (A). Total dietary fiber content of (Okpa + Scent leaf) was the highest (8.62%). Amino acid profiles, (Okpa + Bitter leaf) was significantly higher in leucine, lysine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, histidine and threonine with values of 9.48, 5.21, 4.11, 4.81, 1.26, 4.41, 2.95 and 3.11g/100g, respectively. Sensory qualities of samples showed that (Okpa + Scent leaf) was accepted more than the others because it scored highest in colour, texture, taste and flavor while (Okpa + Bitter leaf) was the least accepted.
 Conclusion: Addition of bitter leaf to Okpa improved nutrient content and could be used instead of the usual scent leaf and sometimes fluted pumpkin often used.

Pharmacognostic evaluation and coagulant analysis of the ethanol extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Ocimum gratissimum belongs to the group of plants known as spices. The plant is an erect small plumb with many branches usually not more than 1m high. It is of the familylabiatae, genus Ocimum and species gratissimum. It is commonly known as scent leaf. This project is focused on the pharmacognostic and coagulant activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum. The ethanol leaf extract of the plant was obtained using cold maceration with ethanol and then filtered and concentrated using rotary evaporator. The extract was used for coagulant evaluations, pharmacognostic evaluation and chromatographic (thin layer chromatography) analysis. The LD50 was determined in rats using Lorkes method. Microscopic result shows the presence of a covering or uniseratetrichomes, sclerenchyma none pitted with lumen and diacytic stomata. The numerical data obtained were 8.75%, 12% and 8.45% for moisture content, alcohol extractive value and total cash value. The LD50 shows that there was no death recoded because of the holistic use of the plants. The result of the coagulation research are as follow: Group 1 clotting time 1: 69 min and bleeding time 2: 62min, group 2 clotting time 1: 39 min and bleeding time 4: 79min, group 3 clotting time 1: 37 min and bleeding time 1: 99min, group 4 clotting time 1: 81mins and bleeding time is 2: 28mins, group 5 clotting time is 1: 47mins and bleeding time is 2: 49mins) This shows that the ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimumon rats exhibited coagulant property. The phytochemical analysis of this plant reveals that it contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides and resins. It can therefore be concluded that the ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum possesses coagulant activity. This study can be of great importance to the development of new coagulant drugs. Citation: Osualaet al.(2021) Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Coagulant screening of Ethanol Extract of the Leaves ofOcimumgratissimumL. (Lamiaceae) Journal

Insecticidal Activity of Five Plant Species on Cowpea Weevil [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)

A study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal activity of five locally available plants, namely: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass), Lantana camara (Lantana), Occimum gratissimum (Scent leaf) and Tagetes erecta (African marigold) on cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) using the repellency, adult mortality, anti-oviposition and growth inhibition tests. Results revealed that all test materials exhibited repellency against cowpea weevils. Powdered leaves of neem and scent leaf were noted to be slightly more repellent than the others. Cowpea grains treated with powdered leaves of T. erecta exhibited the lowest mortality of the cowpea weevils. Again, A. indica and O. gratissimum treatment were most effective in anti-oviposition and growth inhibitory action, as well as adult mortality of the weevils. Some of the examined treated cowpea grains (except those treated with A. indica and O. gratissimum), had larval tunnels. The total development period of the cowpea weevils that emerged from such treated and the untreated seeds was the same (37days). Botanicals are known to have varying degrees of insect inhibition, and in this case O. gratissimum and A. indica were the most effective.

Evaluating Water bitter leaf (Struchium sparganophora) and Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) extracts as sources of nutraceuticals against manganese-induced toxicity in fruit fly model

Tropical vegetables remain one of the major sources of functional foods and nutraceuticals, while their constituent phytochemicals, especially alkaloids, have been reported to exhibit neuroprotective properties. Here, the protective effect of alkaloid extracts from Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Water bitter leaf (Struchium sparganophora) on manganese (Mn)- induced toxicity in wild type fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model was investigated. Flies were exposed to 30 mM of Mn, the alkaloid extracts (20 and 200 µg/g) and co-treatment of Mn plus extracts, respectively. The survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies were assessed 7 days post-treatment, after which the flies were homogenized and assayed for activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase, superoxide dismutase SOD), as well as total thiol, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neural L-DOPA levels. Results showed that the extract significantly reversed Mn-induced reduction in the survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies. Furthermore, both extracts counteracted the Mn-induced elevation in AChE and MAO activities, as well as reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, with a concomitant mitigation of Mn-induced elevated ROS and neural L-DOPA level. The HPLC characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of N-propylamine, Vernomine and Piperidine as predominant in Water bitter leaf extract, while 2, 6-dimethylpyrazine and sesbanimide were found in scent leaf extract. Therefore, the alkaloid extract of these leaves may thus be sources of useful nutraceuticals for the management of pathological conditions associated with manganese toxicity.

Effect of Herbal Blend and L-arginine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Caecal Microflora of Growing Guinea Fowls

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of diet containing herbal blend (HB) of turmeric (Curcuma longa), scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), and moringa leaf (Morinda lucida) supplemented with or without L-arginine (L-Arg) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and caecal microflora of guinea fowls. Three hundred and sixty 28-day-old male guinea fowls were randomly allotted in a completely randomized design to six treatment groups of sixty birds; each treatment group consisted of six replicates of ten birds each. Dietary treatments were laid out in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of the basal diet (control), diet containing enrofloxacin (1 g/kg), HB (1 g/kg diet), and each supplemented with or without L-Arg at 1 g/kg. Notwithstanding dietary supplementation with L-Arg, guinea fowls fed the diets with HB, and their counterparts fed the diets with antibiotics had similar weight gain during the growing period. Dietary L-Arg supplementation with HB increased (p<0.05) feed intake. Feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) was improved in guinea fowls fed the diets with HB and their counterparts fed with antibiotic supplemented or not with L-Arg. L-Arg supplementation of the diet with HB resulted in the longest (p<0.05) duodenal villi height and the shortest (p<0.05) duodenal apical width in young turkeys. The caeca content of growing guinea fowls fed the diet with HB supplemented with L-Arg had the least (p<0.05) Clostridium count and the highest (p<0.05) Lactobaccillus count. In conclusion, guinea fowls fed the diet with HB supplemented or not with L-Arg had similar growth performance with those fed with an antibiotic. L-Arg supplementation of the diet with HB resulted in increased caecal Lactobacillus counts of growing birds.

Heavy Metals Contamination and Human Health Risk Asssessment Via Consumption of Medicinal Plants from Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State of Nigeria

Aims: Man-made activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions, gas flaring and agricultural activities tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the surrounding. Heavy metals have the tendency to accumulate in plant roots, which may result to heavy metal contamination.
 Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel and Zinc (Zn) in Pawpaw fruits, seeds, leaf and Scent leaf from Amosoma community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk melted to the consumers of the vegetables and fruits.
 Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetables and fruit samples comprising of Pawpaw and Scent leaves were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS).
 Results: The result of the present study reviewed that Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from 1.090 ± 0.01 - 5.990 ± 0.06; 0.213 ± 0.03 - 1.317 ± 0.02; 2.810 ± 0.04 - 4.767 ± 0.09; and 0.793 ± 0.01 -5.303 ± 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni in some of the analyzed pawpaw and scent leaf samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentrations of Zn were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the oral reference dose (RfDo) however; Ni and Zn fall within the oral RfDo. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn were less than 1. The Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cd and Ni exceeded the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA, meanwhile, the carcinogenic risk of Pb was within the permissible predicted lifetime risks as recommended by USEPA.
 Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the fruits and leaves from pawpaw and scent leaf may be contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Ni and the exposed population may be at risk of developing cancer due to carcinogenic ingestion of Cd and Ni over time.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Soil around Amasoma Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: Anthropogenic activities such as crude oil exploration and exploitation has led to the suspicion of heavy metals contamination in the study area. This study investigated the concentration of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in the soil extracted from the area where Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) are grown in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019
 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis.
 Results: the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), and Zinc (Zn), in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil. From the sample data analysis, the average lead (Pb) contents in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 1.283 mg/kg and 1.44 mg/kg respectively. The average Cadmium (Cd) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 0.256 mg/kg and 0.256 mg/kg respectively. The average Nickel (Ni) compositions in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 4.71 mg/kg and 5.09 mg/kg respectively. While the Average Zinc (Zn) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil is 2.280 mg/kg and 2.160 mg/kg respectively. The soil analyzed for heavy metals were below the threshold target values recommended by the WHO.
 Conclusion: The Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils analyzed for heavy metals were below the permissible limit recommended by WHO for soil safety. The result from the present study revealed that there may not be soil contamination as a result of the selected heavy metals, however, It is recommended that caution should be taken in regulating the anthropogenic activities that may tend to elevate the level of heavy metals in the surrounding to prevent contamination of soil over time which could be detrimental to the health of the populace.

Determination of Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Nickel and Cadmium) in Medicinal Plants (Scent Leaf and Pawpaw) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the level of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in selected medicinal plants - Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) that are traditionally used in alternative medicine in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019
 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis.
 Results: The result showed that the concentration of Lead in the pawpaw fruit with 5.99mg/kg and pawpaw seed with 3.72mg/kg, were above the WHO permissible limit. While the concentration of Cadmium in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf with 1.32mg/kg, 0.96mg/kg, 0.21mg/kg, and 0.59mg/kg, were all above the permissible limits. Again, Zinc in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were 2.52mg/kg, 2.53mg/kg, 5.30mg/kg, and 0.79mg/kg respectively, and these are also above the permissible limit. While that of the concentration of Nickel in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were observed to be within permissible limit.
 Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that caution should be taken when such plants are to be used as alternative to conventional medicine as excess of it could pose the risk of bioaccumulation and possible health effects in humans.

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Pesticide Residues in Widely Consumed Nigerian Food Crops Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Gas Chromatography (GC).

More still needs to be learned regards the relative contamination of heavy metals and pesticide residues, particularly those found in widely consumed Nigerian food crops like cereals, vegetables, and tubers. In this current study, the heavy metals and pesticide residues detectable in widely consumed Nigerian food crops were respectively quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and gas chromatography (GC). Specifically, the widely consumed Nigerian food crops included cereals (rice, millet, and maize), legume (soybean), tubers (yam and cassava), as well as leaf (fluted pumpkin, Amaranthus leaf, waterleaf, and scent leaf) and fruit vegetables (okro, cucumber, carrot, and watermelon). Results showed that the detected heavy metals included arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), whereas the pesticide residues included Aldrin, Carbofuran, g-chlordane, Chlorpyrifos, DichloroBiphenyl, Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Dichlorvos, Endosulfan, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Isopropylamine, Lindane, t-nonachlor, and Profenofos. Across the studied food crops, the concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides were varied, with different trends as they largely fell below the established maximum permissible limits, and with some exceptions. Our findings suggest there could be a somewhat gradual decline in the concentration of the heavy metals and pesticide residues of these studied food crops when compared to previously published reports specific to Nigeria. To help substantiate this observation and supplement existing information, further investigations are required into the concentration of these heavy metals and pesticide residues specific to these studied food crops at other parts of the country.

An evaluation of phytochemical and biopesticidal composition of scent leaf

Phytochemicals are therapeutic while biopesticides are naturally occurring forms pesticides which are eco-friendly. The phytochemicals as well biopesticidal contents of scent leaf were investigated. The result indicated that glycosides and alkaloids not detectable, phenols and terpenoids least present, flavonoids and saponins moderately present while steroids and tannins were high in abundance.The result as investigated showed that scent leaf extract contains various secondary metabolites in the following concentrations, saponins (0.130 ± 0.361 mg/g), tannins (0.133 ± 0.365 mg/g), flavonoid (0.033 ± 182 mg/g) steroid (0.005 ± 0.071 mg/g), terpenoid (0.071 ± 0.266 mg/g) as well as oxalic acid which is the biopesticidal content. Owing to the phytochemicals and biopesticide in this leaf, scent leaf could be used both therapeutically and as a biopesticide.

An evaluation of phytochemical and biopesticidal composition of scent leaf

An evaluation of phytochemical and biopesticidal composition of scent leaf

Dietary Inclusion of Scent Leaf Meal (Ocimum Gratissimum) Affects Immune Genes Expression in Chicken Spleen at 28 and 56 Days

This study was conducted to examine the effects of scent leaf meal (Ocimum gratissimum) on expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of two chicken strains. A total of 150birds (75 of each strain) were randomly allotted into five dietary treatments at fifteen birds per treatment. Birds were fed diet containing varying levels of Ocimum gratissimum leaf meal. Treatment one (T1) had 0% OG, while treatment two (T2), treatment three (T3), treatment four (T4) and treatment five (T5) had 0.5% OG, 1.00% OG, 1.5% OG and 2% OG respectively. Feed and water was provided adlibitum throughout the feeding trial. Three birds were slaughtered from each treatment at day 28 and day 56, spleen samples were collected and stored using RNALater in a -20oc freezer prior to RNA extraction. Real-time qPCR was performed in 40cycles using the PowerUp SYBR Green reagent and analyzed with the 2-∆∆Ct method. Gene expression data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance. Strain effect was significantly different (P<0.05) at both time points. All the genes studied significantly differed (P<0.05) in their expression patterns at 28 and 56days of age. Increased inclusion rate of the test ingredients significantly (P<0.05) reduced IL1β and NF-KB1, while increasing IL10 and NF-KB2. Ocimim gratissimum leaf meal shows promise in the regulation of inflammation in chickens and can be used to efficiently replace antibiotics in broiler production.

Parasitological Assessment of Green Leafy Vegetables Sold at Masaka and Karu Markets in Nasarawa State of Nigeria

This research studied the Parasitological Assessment of Green leafy vegetables sold at Masaka market Karu. The vegetables were purchased from masaka market three times a week and washed for two minutes in 250ml of normal saline and spun in a centrifuge at 3000rpm for 5 minutes, smears made on glass slides were prepared from the deposits post centrifugation, sample slides was stained with lugol’s iodine and viewed in x10 and x40 objectives. Five parasites including Hookworm, Taenia spp, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entameoba histolytica and Trichuris trichura. Hookworm had the highest frequency and Ascaris lumbricoides with the lowest. A total of 10 types of vegetables were, these were, Fluted pumpkin leaf, lettuce, spinach, scent leaf, false cubeb leaf, sorrel leaf, cabbage, curry leaf, Waterleaf and Garden egg leaf. False cubeb leaf had the highest contamination while scent leaf had the lowest. A total of 200 vegetables washed were used, 129 were contaminated while 71 were not. Total prevalence of parasites present in this study was gotten to be was 64.5% with hookworm as the highest (34.5%). Data analysis was carried out by Chi square test the value was gotten to be 50.000 with df of 25. The P value was gotten to be 0.02 which is less than 0.05 which proves the alternate hypothesis to be accepted and alternate to be accepted. This shows that there was parasitic contamination present in these vegetables sold at Masaka market, Karu.

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis Markets, Rivers State, Nigeria

Parasitic contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. was investigated. Oil mill and Creek Road were the two major markets in Port Harcourt metropolis area selected for this study. A total of 216 samples of different types of fruits and vegetables were randomly sampled for parasitological examination using normal saline and zinc sulphate floatation techniques. The results showed that out of the 216 samples of vegetables and fruits examined, 87 (40.3%) were infected. The results were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The parasites identified included Entamoeba coli; Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Fasciola spp. Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent parasite (83.15%) while Ascaris lumbricodes (1.12%), Ancyclostoma spp (1.12%) and Fasciola spp (1.12%) had least prevalence. There was statistical no difference (P>0.05) in prevalence of parasites genus in the two markets. Tomatoes had the highest contamination rate of (10.6%) followed by waterleaf, bitter leaf, green leaf, pumpkin leaf, pear, orange, and scent leaf with the prevalence rate of 9.3%, 8.8%, 4.6%, 3.2%, 1.9%, 1.4% and 0.5% respectively. Produce contaminated with intestinal parasites poses a serious health challenge to the consumers if they are not properly washed before consumption. Personal hygiene and proper washing of fresh fruit and vegetable before consumption will reduce the prevalence of food-borne parasitic infections.

Proximate and Mineral Evaluation of Dried Composites of selected Leafy Vegetables

This study aimed at determining the chemical qualities of six selected green leafy vegetables (pumpkin, moringa, chaya, A. spinach, scent leaf and cocoyam). Proximate result showed that the composite sample was significantly higher in all parameters except for carbohydrate where it was significantly least. Mineral analysis result ranged between 8.24-1315.8; 243.7-536.3; 23.61-35.92; 1.21-29.91 for Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn respectively. The quantity recorded for the composite sample is adequate enough to furnish for the daily requirement.

Mixed infection of a potyvirus and cucumber mosaic virus on Ocimum gratissimumin Okoyong and Boje, Cross River State, Nigeria

Viruses have been known to cause considerable yield losses in <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> (L.), a leafy vegetable commonly known as African basil but locally referred to as “scent leaf’. The crop is cherished for its essential oil, medicinal and agricultural benefits. Virus-like symptoms on leaves causing mosaic, yellowing, leaf malformation and stunting on <i>O. gratissimum</i> (L.) were observed in several farms during the 2018/19 crop season in two locations of Boje and Okoyong in Cross river state. Serological and molecular methods were used to detect viruses infecting the crop at the two locations. Preliminary studies showed the virus could be transmitted mechanically, affirming it was a viral infection. Symptomatic leaf samples from both locations tested positive in antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) to antibodies of genus-specific <i>Cucumber mosaic virus</i> (CMV) and <i>Potyvirus. </i>Primers specific to the coat protein of CMV and the cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein of potyvirus were used for detection of the viruses in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Obtained sequences were compared to corresponding sequences in the GenBank using the BLASTn program, and the ocimum isolates showed nucleotide sequence similarities of between 89.20 -97.98 <i>%</i> to ocimum potyvirus (MT396942) from Calabar in both locations and two of the collected samples from Okoyong showed a sequence similarity of 100 % with Ocimum CMV isolate from India MN481937. This is the first evidence of potyvirus infection in both locations and mixed infection of CMV and potyvirus on <i>O. gratissimum</i> in Nigeria.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME SELECTED VEGETABLES LEAVES SOLD IN MARKETS

Vegetables are an essential dietary source of nutrients and fiber for the health and wellbeing of human beings. The demand for vegetables has increased substantially in recent years. However, research has linked vegetable consumption with various pathogenic bacteria that are of public health concern. The present study was designed to isolate and identify the bacteriological composition of fluted pumpkin, bitter leaf, and scent leaf commonly sold at various markets in Kogi State. These bacteria were studied using standard microbiological methods. The serial dilution method was employed. The result shows that the three samples of vegetables collected from different vendors contain the microbial load. Bitter leaf has the higher bacteria load, followed by pumpkin leaf with a moderate bacteria load, while scent leaf has the lowest plate count. The bacteria isolated are pseudomonas species, Bacillus, Erwinia spp, streptococcus. The sample contains an unacceptable number of bacteria recommended by the world health organization. Therefore, to safeguard the health of the final consumer, there should be proper washing of vegetables with clean water and disinfect the bacteria with sodium chloride(salt).

Seasonal Appraisal of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Amaranthus, Gruty-stalked Jatropha, Scent Leaf, Bitter Leaf and Water Leaf in Some Poultry Farms within the State of Osun, Southwest Nigeria

Poultry wastes contain metals which have permissible limits in crops for safe consumption by man and animals. Seasonal contents of heavy metals in soil and edible portions of five broadly eaten vegetables in Nigeria [Amaranthus (Amaranthus viridis), Gruty-stalked jatropha (jatropha podagrica), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Water leaf (Talinum triangulare)] were evaluated in poultry farms within the state of Osun, Nigeria. Heavy metals contents in the digested samples were determined with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Quality assurance techniques included blank determination, recovery analysis and calibration of standards. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data interpretations. Analytical results of poultry farm soils revealed that dry and wet seasons values for Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were within the acceptable range, but As values for dry and wet seasons (323.10 and 351.41 µg/g respectively) were higher than acceptable values of a typical agricultural soil. Highest contents of As (42.042 µg/g), Cd (0.550 µg/g) and Pb (0.618 µg/g) were recorded for Amaranthus viridis; the highest Cu level (0.998 µg/g) was present in Ocimum gratissimum; Fe had its highest content (148.031 µg/g) in Vernonia amygdalina; while Talinum triangulare had the highest Zn level (62.073 µg/g). Levels of heavy metals in vegetables were higher in the dry season than the wet season but this variation was not statistically different at p < 0.05. Similarly, the levels of As and Fe were above the safe values in plants in both seasons, while Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were below the safe value. Enrichment factor values implied that the poultry farm soils were significantly enriched with Cu, Pb and Zn, but heavily enriched with As, Cd and Fe as a result of anthropogenic inputs. Specifically, the soils were heavily contaminated with the duo of very toxic elements, As and Cd.