Scent Leaf Research Articles

Effect of Eupatorium odoratum and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) Leaf Extracts on Growth, Haematology and Cost Benefit of Broiler Chickens

Effect of Eupatorium odoratum and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) Leaf Extracts on Growth, Haematology and Cost Benefit of Broiler Chickens

Cognitive antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of bitter leaf (<em>Vernonia amygdalina</em>) and Scent leaf (<em>Ocimum gratissimum</em>)

<p>Oxidative stress manifests an imbalance in the production and the detoxification of free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative degradation of biomolecules like lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrate molecules, thereby compromising cell integrity and function and leading to health deterioration from a range of metabolic anomalies that cause diseases and ailments including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, stroke and cancer. Both bitter leaf (VA) and Scent leaf (OG) have been medicinally useful in the cure of diseases in different cultures.The addition of scent leaf as additive in preparation of delicacies in Nigeria has prompted this study to determine the cognitive activities of both plants to repair the damages caused by high fat diet present, by evaluating the antidyslipidemic activitiesas well as their antioxidant potentials. The results obtained revealed that both plants have antioxidant abilities when subjected to standard antioxidant evaluations although VA was significantly higher (p˂0.05) when compared with OG, however the cognitive effects showed that the antioxidant potentials of VA was depressed on the addition of OG. The results obtained from the modulation of lipid in albino rats challenged with hyperlipidemia showed that both VA and OG have a positive effect to lower LDL-C, TAG, TCHOL and increase HDL-C thus potentiating their antidyslipidemic ability and protective role against dyslipidemic disorders. Similarly, the cognitive effect showed reduction in the activities of VA while the activity of OG was boosted. The high phospholipid contents of the selected tissues upon treatments with the leaf extracts also showed that both VA and OG can have ameliorating effects on coronary heart disease, inflammation or cancer by enhancing membrane integrity. It is noteworthy that both VA and OG have good potential in the ability to reverse induced dyslipidemia and in spontaneous cellular lipid, while the addition causes a reduction in the activities of VA.</p>

Investigation of Bacteria Associated with the Spoilage of Zobo Drink Fortified with Scent Leaf and Ginger

Investigation of Bacteria Associated with the Spoilage of Zobo Drink Fortified with Scent Leaf and Ginger

Comparative Screening of Phytochemical Compounds in Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Extracts

Phytochemical screening of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina was revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroid, tannins, and caroternoid. The best solvent of extraction for both plants was the hot water followed by the cold water even though they were unable to liberate flavonoids from bitter leaf extracts. The washed bitter leaf extracts contained more alkaloids than the extracts made from the unwashed leaf though the differences were not significant (washed bitter leaf- 7.32% from hot water and 6.83% from cold water, unwashed bitter leaf- 6.12% from hot water and 5.32% from cold water). The ethanolic extracts of bitter leaf liberated the flavonoids while the hot water was also able to liberate it from the scent leaf. Carotenoids were liberated from the extracts of both plants though the quantities were not significantly different. The study showed that bitter leaf and scent leaf contain similar antimicrobial compounds but former contains more quantity.

Concentration of some heavy metals (Cd, Co, Fe Hg) in soil and edible vegetables in Ogoja urban area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The concentration of heavy metals (Cd,Co,Fe & Hg) in soil and some edible vegetables was determined during the rainy and dry seasons of the year, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) after the samples were digested. Forty samples of the eight edible vegetables and forty soil samples, where they were planted, were also collected at the root level of the vegetables. The eight most common edible vegetables considered were Telfairia occidentalis , Amaranthus spp, Corchorus olitorius , Ocimum grattissimum (scent leaf), Solanum melongena (yellow garden egg leaf), Talinum triangulare , Murraya koenigi and Vernonia amygdalina . The result of the analysis revealed that Co and Hg were stringed variables as they were not detected in the soil or vegetables in both seasons of the year. Cd ranged from 0.005-0.043 mgkg -1 in the soil and 0.005-0.042 mgkg -1 for rainy and dry season respectively while Fe ranged from (0.015-0.051) mgkg -1 and (0.019-0.050) mgkg -1 for rainy and dry season respectively. The mean concentration of Cd accumulated by the vegetable ranged from 0.005-0.010 mgkg -1 in both seasons, while that of Fe ranged from (0.013-0.034) mgkg -1 and (0.009-0.033) mgkg -1 for rainy and dry seasons respectively. From the data, it shows that Fe was more in the soil than Cd, and it was also accumulated by the vegetables more than Cd. The metal’s concentration in the vegetables is still low and within the permissible limits of FAO/WHO. The amount of metal accumulated is directly proportional to that in the soil. There is no significant difference between the results of the dry and rainy season. There is need to maintain this low level of heavy metals in the soil and vegetables through adequate awareness on the proper disposal of waste and environmental monitoring/evaluation by relevant agencies of the state. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Concentration, Soil, Edible Vegetables

Bioactivity of four plant materials against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky

Fine powders of orange peel (Citrus sinensis), scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), morinda leaf (Morinda lucida) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) were applied against 2-day-old maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais with a view to identifying non-chemical control agent(s) of the weevils. Growth rate, antioviposition effect, repelling efficacy and mortality due to each powder were determined. It took an average of 35.4 days for weevils to develop from egg to adult and none of the powders had adverse effect on growth rate. The powders repelled maize weevils significantly, being strongest in C. citratus. However, M. lucida did not achieve an effective antioviposition effect like the other three plants. Percent weevil mortality was higher in maize grains treated with C. citratus and M. lucida within the first one week of application but the effect remained stronger in the former beyond this period. The plant materials, especially C. citratus, showed potential for protecting maize grains against the storage pest.

The antioxidant and phenolic profiles of five green vegetables grown in Southern Nigeria.

Regular consumption of vegetables has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The phenolic and free radical scavenging properties of five green vegetables grown in southern Nigeria were determined. The phenolic and antioxidant profile of African spinach, bitter leaf, jute leaf, scent leaf and water leaf harvested in the month of August were assessed using standard protocols. The total phenolic content (GAE mg/100 g) of the fresh vegetables ranges from 738.70 ±7.90 in African spinach to 1464.63 ±7.60 in scent leaf. A higher flavonoid content (QE mg/100 g) was found in water leaf (512.07 ±1.47) and jute leaf (510.13 ±2.22) compared to the other vegetables examined; scent leaf (496.51 ±1.31), African spinach (457.40 ±1.50), bitter leaf (371.89 ±0.44). Scent leaf possesses the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC50 [μg/mL] of 74.64 ±7.73. The other vegetables show a lower EC50 [μg/mL]; jute leaf (125.86 ±11.34) > water leaf (132.43 ±9.43) > bitter leaf (156.02 ±5.43) > African spinach (213.44 ±9.29). The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50, μg/mL) of the vegetables in order of decreasing activity, was bitter leaf (50.38 ±7.17) > water leaf (103.41 ±6.27) > African spinach (110.54±8.15) > jute leaf (144.39 ±9.37) > scent leaf (217.51 ±6.90). The total antioxidant capacity (EC50, μg/mL) of the vegetables increases in the following order; African spinach (227.39 ±7.25) < bitter leaf (169.96±6.86) < water leaf (106.31 ±7.66) < scent leaf (65.47 ±14.43) < jute leaf (27.52 ±4.14). The green vegetables possess appreciable phenolic and antioxidant potentials, which underscore their regular consumption as part of healthy Nigerian diet. Principal component analysis (PCA) buttresses the correlations and variations of the aforementioned potential among vegetable species.

Ethnobotany and Collection of West African Okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels] Germplasm in Some Communities in Edo and Delta States, Southern Nigeria

West African Okra (WAO), [Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels, Malvaceae] is a garden cultivar intraditional agricultural system in West Africa, which is its center of diversity. In this study, WAO germplasmcollection missions were carried out in Koko, Agbor and Umunede communities in Delta state and Abudu,Ogan, Ologbo, Agenebode communities in Edo state. Through random sampling, informants were selected andadministered open and close ended questionnaire in order to assess local knowledge of WAO. Three scheduledvisits were carried out to each community. A total of 179 accessions of WAO were collected from the differentcommunities with 70 (ten from each community) accessions examined. Demographic distribution suggests78.6% and 21.4% female to male respondents respectively. Majority of these germplasm holders practiceChristianity (88.1%) with the largest age range group encountered been 51-60 (29.4%) while the least was 21-30 (9.1%). The prominent occupation of respondents was farming (45.2%) while dominant ethnic groups wereBenin (42.9%) and Ika (16.7%). The presences of some vegetables considered as competitive substitute wererecorded from the study area including Common Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), Pumpkin (Telfairiaoccidentalis), Pigweed (Amaranthus sp.), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), Bitter leaf (Vernoniaamygdalina), Water leaf (Talinum triangulare) and Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum). Food and non-food usewas recorded for WAO. Local names for the crop include Omonukpogbe, Onanukporu, Ukhia noka, Okuruokoki and Manukpogbe. Food use dominates non-food use for WAO in the study area regardless of theindustrial potentials of the wood and phytochemicals. The study has emphasized the roles of traditionalagriculture system and local knowledge in the management of crop germplasm.

Phytochemical Screening and Mineral Composition of the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf)

The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum having some ethno-medicinal applications were investigated. The phytochemicals screening of the leaves using Standard Methods and further analysis with HPLC revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phlobatanins, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The result revealed the presence of Na (0.311±0.049), Ca (0.138 ±0.111), Mg (1.712 ± 0.537), K (0.261± 0.077), Mn (0.457±0.107, Pb (0.005 ± 0.002), Zn (0.200 ±0.06), Cu (0.803±0.818), N (0.286± 0.052), and Fe (0.312 ± 0.067). Cd and Cr were not detected in the samples. This investigation suggested that Ocimum gratissimum leaves are rich in phytochemical constituents which contributed to its medicinal uses. The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum can be said to contain some components of medical value since the chemical components elaborated by it are active principles (alkaloid, steroids and glycosides). Ocimum gratissimum also contain most of the essentials elements indicating its nutritive values and less toxic as Cd and Cr were not detected in the leaf.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 161-165

A survey on parasitic contamination of leafy vegetables in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess the degree of parasitic contamination of vegetables sold in some selected markets in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria between January and June 2014. Vegetable samples which includes Amaranthus spp (green leaf), Telfara Occidentalis (pumpkin leaf), Talinium triangulare (waterleaf), Solanum melongena (Gardenegg leaf) nd Ocimum gratissum (scent leaf) were bought and examined for parasitic contamination using wet preparation and Formal-ether Concentration Technique. Results obtained showed that of the 150 vegetables sampled, 66 (44%) had different parasitic stages. Solanum melongera (garden egg leaf) recorded highest contamination rate of 18 (60%), while Ocimum gratissum (scent leaf) was the least contaminated with 3 (10%) respectively. Parasiites encountered were Ascaris lumbricoides , Entamoeba histolytica , Strongyloi desstercoralis Trichuris trichura , hookworm, Taenia spp and Giardia lamblia with Entamoeba histolytica the most prevalent 17 (13.6%) while Trichuris trichura had the least prevalent with 2 (3.0%) respectively. The results showed that vegetables could be a potential source of parasitic infection, therefore thorough washing of all vegetables prior to consumption is recommended. Keywords: vegetable, markets, Ihiala LGA, parasites, contamination

Medicinal plants effectiveness against helminths of cattle

Objective: A study was carried out to determine the antiheminthic properties of three medicinal plants namely Gongronema latifolium (Utazi), Piper guineense (Uziza) and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf) on cattle faeces obtained from two (2) abattoirs in Owerri Zone of Imo State, Nigeria.Methodology and Results: Representative faeces samples were treated with ethanolic extracts of the medicinal plants stored in concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and the system maintained at time schedules of 2h, 4h and 8h. Control tests were also set up consisting of no extracts. Results obtained show that all the helminthes were susceptible but differed on times taken to achieve maximum mortality (measured by distortion/paralysis of helminths). At 25% concentration, the highest and lowest mortality rates of 80% against Trophozoites of Giardlia lamblia was by P. guineese at the time of 4hr, and 50% (each of ova of Taenia saginata &amp; trophozoites of G. lamblia) by G. latifolium after optimum time of exposure respectively. There was however no significantdifference in the mortality rates observed at this concentration level of the different extracts (P &lt; 0.05 = 10.260). At 50% concentration, O.gratissimum recorded 100% mortality after optimum time of exposure against each of ova of Taenia saginata &amp; trophozoites of G. lamblia, while Faciola gigantic, Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosama spp received 70% mortality by both G. latifolium and O. gratissimum. There was a significantdifference in the mortality rates at this concentration level of the different extracts (P &lt; 0.05 = 11.444). Finally, at 75% concentration, P. guineese effected 100% mortality after the shortest time of exposure (4hr) on Ascaris, Faciola and Giardia. There was no significant difference in the mortality rates at 75% concentration of the different extracts (P &lt; 0.05 = 5.443). Similarly, results of the study carried out to determine the phytochemical properties of the medicinal plants revealed that out of the six properties tested for, only terpenoids was absent in O. gratissimum, but it contained other components. P. guineense and G. latifolium had all the six phytochemicals present.Conclusion and application of results: This method of helminthiasis control/eradication is cheap and easy to practice and could be adopted to replace conventional use of anti-helminthic drugs because of recentdevelopment of resistance of the helminthes to these drugs. The formulation of the plant extract regimen could be carried out without much technical know-how and the use of highly sophisticated equipments. Consequently, rural dwellers could access this nascent method of eradication of helminthiasis with little training/orientation.Key Words: Antihelminthic, Phytochemical, Gongronema latifolium, Piper guineense, Ocimum gratissimum, Cattle, Owerri.

Physicochemical Characterization and Enhancement of the Antioxidant Potential of &lt;em&gt;Ocimum gratissimum&lt;/em&gt; Enriched Pepper Soup Mix

Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) enriched pepper-soup mix continues to remain an indigenous soup delicacy consumed for its nutritional and health benefits. There is however paucity of scientific data underlying its significance which could be further explored to advantage. In this study, dry soup mix was prepared from scent leaf (15%), ginger (30%), black pepper (25%), African nutmeg (17.5%) and scent pepper (12.5%) and evaluated for proximate, anti-oxidative and sensory properties using standard methods. The mix was reformulated to include 10% modified cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour (thickener), 5% fresh and dried tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf following which it was re-characterized Concentration-dependent scavenging activity was observed for the entire samples with nitric oxide radical scavenging activity of scent leaf enriched soup (750��������g/mL) exhibiting the highest value 77% compared to 57.7% for soup containing cocoyam. Total phenol, flavonoid contents and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity differed in all the reformulated samples (p＜0.05). A significant increase (＞50%) in DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed as a result of tea leaf addition. The moisture, fat, crude fiber, ash, protein of the enhanced scent leaf enriched pepper-soup mix was 7.55, 28.4, 8.0, 6.2% and 11.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p＜0.05) in the sensory qualities (color, aroma, taste, consistency and overall acceptability) between scent leaf and enhanced tea leaf pepper soup mix. The antioxidant potential, nutrient content and sensory attributes of this enhanced pepper soup mix holds great promise in further combating oxidative stress as in some disease conditions and rapid ageing.

An overview of herbs, spices and plant extracts used as seasonings in food and meat processing

Man resorted to meat preservation as a means of keeping meat to be used at a later date. This he must do with appropriate, affordable and simple technologies to suit this need. This is particularly needful in developing nations as scarce food must not be allowed to waste, especially as the protein demand of the ever increasing population is rising. Salting and drying of meat dates back to antiquity, where the early man salted meat cuts on the exposed surfaces and hung them in the air to dry. Salt (a chief curing agent) in meat, and pepper form the basis of virtually all seasoning formulae. All other agents in seasoning (ingredients which improve the flavour of meat and foods) are supplementary to these as they form the integral part of various cuisines all over the world. Seasonings include Spices such as pepper, herbs such as the leaves of cloves and bay, vegetable bulbs such as garlic and onions, sweeteners such as sugar and monosodium glutamate, and plant extracts such as that of Ocimum grattisimum or ‘scent leaf’. Spices are the bark, roots, seeds, buds or berries of plants, most of which grow naturally only in tropical climates.They are mostly used in their dried form, rarely fresh and are available whole or ground. Spices vary greatly in composition but the aromatic and pungent principles that render them valuable reside in their volatile oils, resins, or oleoresins. Herbs on the other hand refer to the larger group of aromatic plants whose leaves, stems or flowers are used to add flavour to foods. Herbs and spices in addition possess potential health benefits by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Some of these seasonings include pepper, capsicum, turmeric, ginger, cloves, african nut meg, curry, the leaves of ocimum, cloves, thyme, onions and garlic. This paper seeks to give an overview of herbs and spices commonly used in tropical meat seasoning, their prospects and benefits to man’s health and well being.Key words: Seasoning, spices, herbs, salt, meat

English

Chemical constituents of plants are influenced by environmental factors and fluctuations just as many other polygenic traits. Four different green leafy vegetables commonly used in the diets of South Eastern Nigeria were analyzed with a view to determine the phytochemicals, proximate and anti-nutrient compositions of these ecotypes. The vegetables, of which three are spices, are scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum L.), fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), amaranth globe (Gongronema latifolium Benth.) and ashanti pepper (Piper guineense Schumach. and Thonn.) leaves. The preliminary phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of the phytochemicals from trace amounts to strongly present. The quantitative tests showed that O. gratissimum had significantly (P &le; 0.05) the highest tannin content of 1074.94&plusmn;0.009 mg/100 g. Significant variations were observed in all the other phytochemicals except in alkaloid and phenol content. Proximate and antinutrient compositions showed significant variation in the different vegetables. T. occidentalis had highest values in ash (13.51%), crude fibre (33.52%), protein (25.49%) and phytate (8.58 mg/100 g) contents. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that the four leafy vegetables are readily available sources of nutrients and prove the extensive use of these vegetables in ethnomedicine; and their potential in drug formulation.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Alkaloid, ethnomedicine, proximate, spice, vegetables.

Investigation of the Presence of Some Heavy Metals in Four Edible Vegetables, Bitter Leaf (&lt;em&gt;Vernonia amygdalina&lt;/em&gt;), Scent Leaf (&lt;em&gt;Ocimum gratissimum&lt;/em&gt;), Water Leaf (&lt;em&gt;Talinum triangulare&lt;/em&gt;) and Fluted Pumpkin (&lt;em&gt;Telfairia occidentalis&lt;/em&gt;) from a Cottage Farm in Port Harcourt

One of the sources of heavy metals contamination is atmospheric pollution from the use of fossil fuel, traffic density and dust. This research was carried out to investigate the presence of Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb were investigated in four of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the Southern part of Nigeria. These vegetables are fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Water leaf (Talinum triangulaire). The metal analysis results showed the concentrations (mg/kg) as follows; Cr (1.50-10.25), Mn (9.75-62.75), Ni (15.75-19.25), Co (1.75-3.00), Cu (7.75-11.00), Cd (1.25-1.50), Zn (79.75-186.95) and Pb (6.25-8.00). The concentrations of the metals are in the order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cr>Co>Cd. Water leaf has the highest concentration of the metals Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr and Cd. Fluted pumpkin has the second highest concentration of Mn and the highest for Cu. The leaves under study reveal high concentrations of these heavy metals which were found to be above the FAO and WHO acceptable limits. These high values can be attributed firstly to atmospheric pollution as the cottage farm is a few meters away from a major highway and most of these metals are constituents of fossil fuel and machinery. Ni, Cd and Pb are classified as carcinogens. This therefore implies that the consumption of these vegetables will eventually lead to serious health problems in the organs and circulatory systems.

Vegetable Farm Types and Hydromorphic Soil Properties in Ojo Area of Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Vegetable cultivation is practiced in cities around the world as urban agriculture aimed at meeting the food and vegetable demand of the urban population. However, like every other human activities it has the potential to cause damage to soil health leading to poor productivity and large environmental impacts. Previous studies on the impact of vegetable cultivation on soil nutrients status have focused on the difference in soil properties of vegetable farms and undisturbed lands. This study examined the impacts of vegetable cultivation under different vegetable farm types in Ojo area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to collect soil samples from the vegetable farms (which were categorized using the dominant vegetable crop grown in each farm). The collected soil samples were analyzed for soil properties (soil pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Organic Carbon, Sodium, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron etc.) using standard laboratory procedures. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics analysis. The mean and standard deviation was used to show the pattern of distribution as well as Pearson moment correlation to establish the type of association among the soil properties. The results obtained from this analysis revealed that the lettuce farm had the lowest soil pH value at 6.12 while the amaranthus and pumpkin leaf farms had the highest pH value (6.51), organic Carbon, total Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium were lowest in the pumpkin leaf farm (2.014 g/kg, 0.259 g/kg, 0.641 Mg/g and 0.14 Cmol/kg respectively) and highest in the amaranthus farm (6.426 g/kg, 0.649 g/kg, 3.147 Mg/g and 1.23 Cmol/kg respectively), Calcium was lowest in the pumpkin leaf farm (0.25 Cmol/kg) and highest in the spinach farm (1.95 Cmol/kg), Magnesium ranged from 0.31 Cmol/kg in the control to 3.32 Cmol/kg in the spinach farm, Sodium ranged from 0.19 Cmol/kg in the pumpkin leaf farm to 0.41 Cmol/kg in the green onion farm and micronutrients; Manganese, Iron, Copper and Zinc were lowest in the control (3.0 Mg/kg) and highest in the amaranthus farm (137.5 Mg/kg), lowest in the pumpkin leaf (57.2 Mg/kg) and highest in the spinach farm (226.1 Mg/kg), ranged from 2.37 Mg/kg in the control to 4.45 Mg/kg in the spinach farm and ranged from 0.13 Mg/kg in the pumpkin leaf farm to 1.25 Mg/kg in the control respectively. The soil physical and chemical and micronutrient properties as investigated had positive and significant relationship with each other (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) under all the vegetable farms studied. However, sand of the spinach farm had negative association with silt, clay, saturated hydraulic conductivity and bulk density with (r = -0.607, r = -0.641, r = -0.574 and r = -0.624, P < 0.05) respectively. Magnesium and organic Carbon of the control also had negative association (r = -0.034, P < 0.05). The Amaranthus and Scent leaf farms had the highest concentrations in majority of the soil properties while the pumpkin leaf farm had the lowest concentrations of the soil properties. Therefore, the pumpkin leaf vegetable extracts more soil nutrients from the soil than the other vegetable crops. There is need for adequate soil management, more organic matter application and Nitrogen and Potassium should be added in their fertilization programmes in all the vegetable farms especially the pumpkin leaf farm.

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Nigerian Leafy Vegetables

Proximate analysis and mineral composition of some Nigerian leafy vegetables: bitter leaf (&lt;em&gt;Veronia amygdalina&lt;/em&gt; L), India spinach (&lt;em&gt;Basella alba&lt;/em&gt; L), bush buck (&lt;em&gt;Gongronema latifolium&lt;/em&gt;), scent leaf (&lt;em&gt;Ocimium grastissimum&lt;/em&gt;), Smooth amaranth (&lt;em&gt;Amaranthus hybridus&lt;/em&gt;)&lt;em&gt;, &lt;/em&gt;Roselle plant (&lt;em&gt;Hibiscus sabdariffa&lt;/em&gt;) and fluted pumpkin (&lt;em&gt;Telfaria occidentali&lt;/em&gt;) were carried out using standard analytical procedures. The moisture content of the samples ranged between 10.0-12.08 %, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, ash contents and carbohydrate ranged between: 46.56 and 66.60, 4.02 and 12.08, 3.51 and 14.02, 5.02 and 15.55, 1.16 and 15.79 % dry matter (DM). Mineral element analysis showed that the leafy vegetables contained high levels of calcium (63.36-110.16), magnesium (27.51-288.65), sodium (15.01-88.00) and potassium (16.85-168.96) and low levels of copper (nd-3.14), nickel (2.32-18.16) and manganese (2.54-10.06) mg/100g respectively. The study showed that the leafy vegetables examined contained high levels of crude protein with low fat content and crude fibres.

Mineral element contents of some local spices in Nigeria

Five Nigerian local spices: Chilli pepper (CP), Green pepper (GP), African black pepper (ABP) leaves, scent leaf (SL) and utazi (UZ) were subjected to moisture, ash and mineral elements analyses. The moisture contents were determined by oven drying at 105 C. The ash contents were determined by incinerating at 550 C. Calcium, magnesium and iron were determined by titrimetry, phosphorus by colorimetry while sodium and potassium were determined by flame photometry. Results showed the moisture contents to be 59.1, 62.0, 69.4, and 65.5% respectively for CP, GP, ABP, SL and UZ while the ash contents were respectively 11.30, 7.80, 7.44, 6.88 and 9.46%. On the results of the mineral elements analysis CP had the highest in potassium (18.25mg/100g) whileGPhad the least (13.00mg/100g). The highest sodium came from GP (6.50) while the least came from CP (4.50). CP had the highest content (6.85) while ABP had the least (4.60). The highest content came from GP (5.11) while the least came from CP (1.75). As for had the highest content (1.23) while ABP had the least (0.15). Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference in the pattern of mineral element contents of the 5 spices while significant difference (p

Effects of cultivar and agrobotanical storage treatment on organolepetic quality of yam (&lt;i&gt;Dioscorea rotundata&lt;/i&gt;)

There is current interest in the search and use of agrobotanicals in preference to conventional chemicals in agriculture as plant protectants hence the need to investigate the potential effects of some of the agrobotanicals on yam food after storage. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess the effects of yam cultivar and agrobotanical extracts on the organoleptic quality and acceptability of two yam based food forms: boiled yam and pounded yam. Tubers of four yam cultivars (Nwaopoko,Danacha, Ezakwukpolo and Pepa) were treated with aqueous leaf extracts of Neem (Azadiracta indica), Scent leaf (Occimum gratissimum), pod extracts of ‘Uda’ (Xylopia aethiopica), root extracts of Ginger (Zingibger officinale) and a synthetic phytohomorne (Gibberellic acid) and stored for six months. Thereafter, two food forms (boiled yam and pounded yam) were prepared from the stored yam tubers and a nine-member panel of judges enlisted to perform sensory quality assessment on them. The attributes scored with respect to boiled yam were colour, taste, texture, mealiness and general acceptability while pounded yam was assessed for its aroma, texture, colour and general acceptability. No significant differences were found among the sensory attributes due to the agrobotanical treatments rather, differences were due to yam cultivars. The results obtained and confirmed by the scatter plots and multiple linear regression showed that texture and taste contributed much to the general acceptability of boiled yam while aroma and consistency were the major qualities of pounded yam. Consistency of pounded yam was best with Nwaopoko and Danacha cultivars but significantly less so with other cultivars with or without agrobotanical treatment. The agrobotanical treatments did not affect the culinary quality of the stored yam tubers as no evidence of such treatment was noticed in the prepared yam foods. This result suggests that the constituent active ingredients imparted on the tubers during storage by the plant extracts were either water-soluble and heat labile or that their shelf lives were less than six months of the storage period and therefore had no effects on the quality attributes of food yams.

Effect of aqueous extract of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced liver damage in albino Wister rats.

The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated in rat models of liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Treatment of separate groups of rats with 2.5 ml/kg body weight of 5, 10 and 15% aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum for 3 weeks after establishment of CCl4 induced liver damage, resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) less hepatotoxicity than with CCl4 alone, as measured by serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. For serum alanine aminotransferase, activity decreased from 68.95 ± 21.38 U/l to 35.77 ± 1.48 U/L, while for aspartate aminotransferase, activity level decreased from 165.65 ± 17.75 to 110.10 ± 3.05 U/l and for alkaline phosphatase, activity level decreased from 364.65 ± 37.75 to 212.74 ± 15.27 U/l. The reduction though not statistically significant (p < 0.05) was dose dependent. Histopathological findings also suggest that treatment with aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum after establishment of CCl4-induced liver damage significantly reduced and even reversed the liver damage in the rats. The results of the study indicate that O. gratissimum might be an effective plant hepatoprotector in the diet of patients with hepatopathies. Key words: Aqueous extract, Ocimum gratissimum, hepatoprotector, hepatotoxicity, carbon tetrachloride.